This article was originally written before BDSP released and has been updated to be more retrospective post launch, so please disregard any hopes for the future that I didn’t edit post crushing disappointment of its launch.
When Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl were announced, the big question that fans were asking is whether it’ll be faithful to the original games or include new elements like the remakes of the past such as 2009’s Heart Gold and Soul Silver. Ordinarily, Pokémon remakes stick close to the original while containing elements of the current generation but it was unclear whether this will happen this time due to the stark contrast of art style and the titles being outsourced and not worked on directly by Game Freak. Here’s a list of features I thought would make these remakes the definitive way to play these classic games!
Platinum Elements
Diamond and Pearl have already received a lot of improvements with their third and definitive title Platinum, and those should have been considered for the remake. Rather than discarded to the past like a Pokémon released from the box. The first one being the expanded Pokédex, 60 Pokémon were added to the main game’s story and thankfully, these were not locked behind the post-game again. Platinum also introduced some post-game elements that expanded the Sinnoh region further and allowed the player to explore and uncover more mysteries, from the Interpol operative Looker and the Charon subplot, these were great additions that made revisiting Platinum more desirable than the original duo.
Giratina has been established as an integral part of the SInnoh lore for 12 years now, going back on this and having him appear as a secret encounter at the end of a cave just doesn’t cut it for the God of Antimatter. I’d have loved to have seen a Delta Episode-inspired subplot that brings the player to the Distortion World to encounter this legendary Pokémon again. Well, at least they remembered to include his ‘Origin Forme’. Lastly for the Platinum enhancements, they added the improved gym leader and Elite Four fights, but the poor long-missed Battle Frontier is still missing.
GB Sounds
For better or for worse, a lot has changed in the 15 years since Diamond and Pearl first hit the shelves and there have been a lot of features introduced that would improve the core experience if implemented into the remake. Starting with Heart Gold and Soul Silver, the most definitive remake to date, GB Sounds is an item that allows you to dynamically switch between the old school original soundtrack and the new score. Thankfully, this was implemented using a similar item called ‘DS Sounds’ so we can relive the good old days with our ears.
New Pokémon and Alternative Forms
There have been a lot of new games since Diamond and Pearl hit shelves in 2007. As a result, there are nearly double the roster of catch-able monsters now. It would have made a world of difference to include some of these newer Pokémon that could call Sinnoh their home too. Especially considering the game is in dire need of certain types (I’m looking at you Fire Type). There have also been regional variants of existing monsters that have been introduced which would’ve been cool to see included. Battling Tourist trainers from Alola like Sun and Moon had for Kantonian forms would keep battling interesting and see the return of fan favourites like Alolan Meowth and Galarian Zigzagoon.
Arguably the most in-demand forms for the game though was the Mega Evolutions. These powerful forms give weaker Pokémon more potential and stronger ones new options, and with many of the capable ones appearing in Sinnoh. It would have been an addition that would make old and new fans very excited to battle again in these games. Just thinking about battling Cynthia with a Mega Garchomp gives me shivers.
Mystery Gift Events
It’s undeniable that the fourth generation had some stellar events, from Oak’s letter leading to Shaymin, to the secret key unlocking Rotom’s potential. But, there’s no reason at all that these should’ve been re-released slowly through the mystery gift function the second time around. Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire introduced us to the Delta Episode that allowed us to fight and capture Deoxys without the need to download an event. And, the Virtual Console version of Crystal gave us the GS ball too so these events should definitely be optional post-game side quests rather than limited-time events like in the past. I am grateful we saw the Azure Flute implemented in the game, especially since its not time restricted thanks to Legends.
Secret Bases and the Underground
Back when Diamond and Pearl released, the ability to go to the underground and play with other trainers and steal flags from each other’s secret bases was novel and exciting. However, in the modern world, especially in the past year, meeting up with other players in person is not as widespread as it used to be. The implementation of online underground sessions with friends and expanding the secret bases so they can be more personalised and varied made the underground a much more exciting place to spend time. I already wasted a lot of time down there digging and customising my base, so an extra layer of customisation akin to Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire would’ve been greatly appreciated.
Quality of Life improvements
Say what you want about Sword and Shield and the whole ‘Dexit’ and ‘tree’ debacle but it is the most approachable, streamlined and easy to pick up and play experience Game Freak has ever created. Ignoring all the competitive improvements, having all your items easily organised and sortable as well as the ease with which you can trade and battle wherever you happen to be are great additions. The Y-Comm does need work but it gets the job done for interacting with friends and raiding with no hassle. The most controversial addition is the new experience share, as a working adult who doesn’t want to spend hours killing the same 5 monsters over and over again. Not being forced to grind much and just play casually through the game at my own pace is a godsend but maybe they should’ve brought back the toggle to appease those upset by the change please Game Freak?
These are just some of the additions that could be made to the already solid Diamond and Pearl games, but even more additions could be made that would make these games truly stand out, even if they are unlikely. I made an article last year that outlined my dreams for the ultimate Pokemon game using legacy features if you’d like some more Pokemon reading! What features would you like to see added to Diamond and Pearl and what are your hopes for the remakes? I’d love to know!
Video game completionist and 3D platformer connoisseur, Riley is a fan of the whimsical frenzy of bright and colourful characters that blessed us in the late 90's. Their favourite game's are Spyro, Persona 5 and Super Mario Sunshine.
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