Oh, look, another Pokémon article! I know what you're thinking: "Seth, you must be running out of Pokémon games to talk about!"
Well, you're actually right, I have one, maybe two more after this.
Nonetheless, I'm here to tell you all about a game that is considered to be in the "holy trinity" of "Pokémon" games. "Pokémon Platinum" was released for the Nintendo DS back in 2011, and since then it has sold around 8 million copies. It is the third game in the Fourth Generation, following "Diamond and Pearl". It takes place in the Sinnoh Region, where you as the player are tasked with not only completing the Pokédex but also defeating all 8 gym leaders and becoming the Champion. It sounds boring and formulaic, but "Platinum" offers one of the best Pokémon experiences for a variety of reasons.
The region is quite good, but the best part about Sinnoh is just how non-linear it is. These days, you have video games that want you to go in a straight line to proceed, and that gets so boring after a while. In the Sinnoh region, you have to backtrack a lot, leading to new areas that were previously inaccessible and also more plot. This is good game design, as it keeps the player on their toes.
Secondly, the Pokédex is amazing. Back in my "X" and "Y" review, I harped on the game for not having enough new Pokémon, but I didn't mention that "X" and "Y" have such a huge Pokédex that it's hard to find the new Pokémon at all. "Platinum" doesn't have this problem because the Pokédex is a tight, succinct 210 Pokémon, meaning that it's a fair number that is spread evenly throughout the game. It keeps the player invested because there's always something new around the corner.
Next, the difficulty is just perfect. I said in my reviews of "X" and "Y" and "Sun" and "Moon" that Pokémon games as a whole are getting too easy, and that isn't to say it's because I'm older. It's because of NPCs that give you free stuff and the Exp. Share giving level ups to all your party members. "Platinum" doesn't have this. The best part is that grinding is almost unnecessary because the game is so streamlined and perfected. You will most likely be at the right level for every major battle you do. The NPCs are also not completely stupid, but instead use actual strategy in battle, particularly late game. The champion is also regarded as one of the best in the franchise: Cynthia. Her Garchomp still sends shivers down my spine, but it is still one of the best-made, well-balanced battles in Pokémon history.
Every Pokémon Fans' worst nightmare...
Thirdly, let's talk about the post-game. I've harped on Pokémon before for lacking content after the main story, but "Platinum" does it all better. Are you seeing a theme here? Anyway, after completing the main story, you can go to an island off the coast of the Sinnoh region where you can battle and find many new and unseen Pokémon, as well as once again put a stop to Team Galactic's evil schemes. There's an area where you can fight all of the gym leaders again, as well as many trainers that you have teamed up with in the past to solve problems together. In the resort area, you can actually have your own villa, where famous trainers will come and visit you. You have your own private soil to plant berries, and there are areas to the west and north to catch new Pokémon and train.
Finally, there's an actual battle facility in the Sinnoh Region: The Battle Frontier! You can take battling to the next level by competing in five separate facilities to earn battle points, which can be spent on TMs, items, and much more! It's quite time-consuming, and if you love the game that much, you can challenge the Elite Four and Cynthia again, where they all have stronger Pokémon.
Despite the praise, "Platinum" has some hitches in the game. There aren't a lot of good fire-type Pokémon, so if you like fire-types, you'll be disappointed. Next, the Great Marsh area is very annoying to traverse due to mud that sucks your character down every step. Luckily the area is optional and you don't have to go there. Finally, the game has the issue of "not knowing where to go next", and you may have to get a guide occasionally.
Despite these shortcomings, "Pokémon Platinum" is an amazing entry in Pokémon and absolutely worth playing. Stay tuned for more Pokémon reviews in the future:
Pros:
+ Pokédex that is just the right size
+ Very balanced level curve with little need to grind
+ Well-balanced but still challenging NPCs
+ Non-linear region makes for great storytelling and gameplay
+ Lots of post-game content
Cons:
- Great Marsh is annoying to get through
- Battle Frontier content mostly appeals to dedicated fans
Final Rating: 9/10
