| Ars Technica |
Andrew Cunningham |
Recommended |
11-17-2021 |
No doubt these will sell well regardless of what I say, but if you're not already dying to play these, I would save the $60 for Pokémon Legends: Arceus, due out in January. |
Read review |
| Atomix |
Sebastian Quiroz |
70 / 100 |
11-25-2021 |
Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl are remakes that stick a lot to the original works, which turns out to be their worst mistake. |
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| Attack of the Fanboy |
Thomas Cunliffe |
3 / 5 stars |
11-26-2021 |
Overall, Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl are perfectly decent Pokémon games, but feel like a significant step back when compared to newer titles and the quality of previous Pokémon remakes. It relies too heavily on the Pokémon formula always providing a decent game, but doesn't bring much else to the table. |
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| But Why Tho? |
Kyle Foley |
8 / 10 |
11-22-2021 |
Overall, Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl are incredibly faithful remakes of Diamond and Pearl, warts and all. There are some nice new additions that enhance the experience, and the visual style is unique and quite good-looking. It’s hard not to recommend these to any Pokémon fan or newcomer to the franchise. There might be a few negatives, but none of them take much away from the overall excellent experience. |
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| Cerealkillerz |
Manuel Barthes |
7.7 / 10 |
11-23-2021 |
Pokémon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl are a prime example when you play it safe. You stay true to the original game and implement some innovations from previous generations. However, these are not always in favor of the gaming experience, as there is no trace of a challenge. Although the fights look good, the Chibi Art Style around it seems visually unimaginative and no longer contemporary. |
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| CGMagazine |
Preston Dozsa |
7 / 10 |
11-20-2021 |
Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl show that not all remakes are worth playing if you have the originals on hand. |
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| Checkpoint Gaming |
Edie W-K |
8 / 10 |
11-18-2021 |
Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Pokémon Shining Pearl are faithful recreations of the classic DS titles, updated with plenty of small, ease-of-life changes. While some fans might feel alienated by the features that have been added to make the game easier, the changes are a net positive that make the game a smoother experience all-round. The upgraded Underground is more involved and offers more things to do, and the remade music tracks sound beautiful. Although a lot more could have been done to make these remakes truly special, what’s here will make Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl a worthwhile experience for returning fans and new ones alike. |
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| Chicas Gamers |
Raúl Pinto |
Recommended |
11-24-2021 |
Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl are perfect remakes in terms of fidelity. They have a good job on that respects all the original aspects and improves a few topic such as the soundtrack or the new excavation system. On the contrary, excessive fidelity can also harm, stuff in certain sections is what happens to those games |
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| COGconnected |
James Paley |
72 / 100 |
11-17-2021 |
Brilliant Pearl feels well-crafted yet confused, like they pursued several disparate visions at once. If you can see past these strange decisions, you’ll find a set of pretty respectable Pokemon games. |
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| Cubed3 |
Rudy Lavaux |
7 / 10 |
01-06-2022 |
These remakes are totally serviceable and a very good time for any Pokémon fan out there. There is however a nagging sense that more perhaps could have been done, especially for fully priced releases. The Pokémon franchise is big, the company behind these games makes millions off of these and yet there is a feeling time and time again that we're not getting the full AAA experience that such selling numbers should warrant, and this is seen very plainly in how technically dated these games look, even if artistically speaking they are still super cute. We are pleased with these remakes for sure, they're jolly good fun... but we're not impressed and this has to change in the future for the franchise! |
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| Daily Mirror |
Eugene Sowah |
4 / 5 stars |
11-18-2021 |
These titles will definitely please old fans who will adore the updated visuals, the Hideaway and tweaks to gameplay, that all make for an improved experience. |
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| DASHGAMER.com |
Dan Rizzo |
8 / 10 |
11-18-2021 |
Now modernising the pair, its realised that any further development to these classics are not necessary, rather keeping its foundation intact and relying on updating its performance and visuals. This is a prime example of how to remaster and old school title, without going overboard. Essentials for old school fans, and a great starter for entry level fans. |
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| Destructoid |
Chris Carter |
Not Recommended |
11-19-2021 |
It’s a weird spot to be in, because Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl are being released just a few scant months from Pokemon Legends: which promises a lot more originality. As I make my way through Sinnoh again we’ll see how it stacks up in the full review, but for now, this is looking somewhat non-essential. |
Read review |
| Digital Spy |
Ali Griffiths |
3 / 5 stars |
12-15-2021 |
Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl struggle on both these counts, meaning they can only really be recommended to die-hard fans of the originals. Luckily for any newer fans of the series, there are plenty of other, much better, Pokémon games to dig into. |
Read review |
| Digital Trends |
Giovanni Colantonio |
3.5 / 5 stars |
11-17-2021 |
Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl play it safe, faithfully remaking two classic DS games -- at times to a fault. |
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| Digitally Downloaded |
Matt Sainsbury |
4 / 5 stars |
11-18-2021 |
These gripes aside – and I realise that I’ve griped a lot in this review – Pokémon Pearl remains an excellent game, and the remake is of a very high quality. I’ve been able to reunite with Piplup, relive a very fondly-remembered adventure, and while there have been some tweaks that I’ve been less than amused by, on balance the developers have retained the qualities that made that game such a fondly remembered one. |
Read review |
| Easy Allies |
Ben Moore |
3.25 / 5 stars |
12-24-2021 |
The main story of Pokémon Brilliant Diamond has very little to care about, but once you get through, there's a remarkable post-game to dig into. |
Read review |
| Echo Boomer |
Diogo dos Santos |
Recommended |
11-29-2021 |
15 years later the remake of Diamond e Pearl are good entries for a new generation of players, but it lacks important features to most dedicated players of the franchise. |
Read review |
| Eurogamer |
Chris Tapsell |
Not Recommended |
11-19-2021 |
The original Pok'mon Diamond and Pearl were strange, uneven games. The remakes file them down to something still enjoyable, but textureless. |
Read review |
| Everyeye.it |
Francesco Cilurzo |
7.6 / 10 |
11-19-2021 |
Pokémon Shining Diamond and Shining Pearl are one-of-a-kind remakes, which in the morbid attachment to the past find all their strengths and weaknesses. |
Read review |
| Game Informer |
John Carson |
8.5 / 10 |
11-17-2021 |
Catching, training, and trading Pokémon remains a blast, and Sinnoh is a great region to explore |
Read review |
| Game Revolution |
Jason Faulkner |
3.5 / 5 stars |
11-29-2021 |
Nintendo, Game Freak, and The Pokemon Company have made some odd decisions with pricing their products lately. Unfortunately, for many fans, these remakes were a bad omen that these trends will continue. The series has been criticized as being stagnate, and even going backward with things like Dexit. New and casual players likely won’t notice or care that the quality of the games has gone down with the last couple of releases. However, longtime fans are feeling increasingly disappointed, and Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl have done nothing to assuage that. |
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| GameMAG |
Unknown |
6 / 10 |
12-03-2021 |
With Pokémon Brilliant Diamond & Pokémon Shining Pearl the fourth generation of pocket monsters received the most boring and uninspired remake in the history of Pokémon franchise. And this is a big shame given the cult status of Sinnoh region. |
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| GamePro |
Linda Sprenger |
86 / 100 |
11-17-2021 |
Loving remake of an RPG classic with a timelessly motivating gameplay, but which lacks significant innovations. |
Read review |
| Gamersky |
奕剑者柴王 |
7.2 / 10 |
11-22-2021 |
Represents the absence of many years of meaningful evolution. |
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| GameSkinny |
Josh Broadwell |
8 / 10 |
11-30-2021 |
Despite some rough edges, Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl are the best of modern and classic Pokemon. |
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| GameSpew |
Richard Seagrave |
8 / 10 |
11-26-2021 |
Whether you’re a Pokémon fan who fondly remembers the original or a newcomer looking for a way in to the series, Pokémon Brilliant Diamond is easy to recommend. It may seem a little bit costly for a remake that stays fairly close to the source material aside from a snazzy new look, but there’s still a lot of game here. Even better, it’s enjoyable no matter your age, gender or skill level. Once you’ve started playing Pokémon Brilliant Diamond you really will feel the urge to catch ’em all. And the improvements here mean it’s never been as easy or enjoyable. |
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| GameSpot |
Steve Watts |
7 / 10 |
11-17-2021 |
Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl are comfortably nostalgic, with just enough modern tweaks to smooth over the rough edges. |
Read review |
| GameXplain |
GameXplain |
Recommended |
11-17-2021 |
Video Review |
Read review |
| GamingBolt |
Pramath |
8 / 10 |
11-24-2021 |
By eschewing the increasingly controversial design sensibilities that modern Pokemon games have imbibed, and sticking close to the design and spirit of a beloved, 15 year old game, Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl deliver the most fulfilling and satisfying outing this series has had in a very long time. |
Read review |
| GamingTrend |
Amy Kay Purcell, Abdul Ahmad |
80 / 100 |
11-29-2021 |
Pokemon Shining Pearl and Brilliant Diamond, despite ignoring some of the original's issues, is a great remake that runs remarkably well and sports excellent visuals. |
Read review |
| God is a Geek |
Adam Cook |
9 / 10 |
11-17-2021 |
Pokemon Brilliant Diamond is like a warm hug, offering nothing but smiles and enjoyment throughout. Long term fans will find the quality of life changes make it even easier, but nonetheless, it's an otherwise faithful remake and a joy from start to finish. |
Read review |
| GRYOnline.pl |
Mikołaj Łaszkiewicz |
7.5 / 10 |
11-29-2021 |
Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl are no revolutions, nor do they alter the idea behind the originals. They, however, have managed to give me lots of fun. Maybe it’s the sentiment, or, maybe, this old-school DS gameplay is just better for me? I recommend Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl to all newcomers wanting to start their adventure in this vast world. |
Read review |
| Hardcore Gamer |
Kirstin Swalley |
4.5 / 5 stars |
11-24-2021 |
It's been a long time since players have gotten to revisit Sinnoh, and all things considered this may be the definitive way to enjoy it. |
Read review |
| Hobby Consolas |
Álvaro Alonso |
77 / 100 |
11-19-2021 |
Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shiny Pearl are two pretty good remakes that will especially please those who did not know the originals. On the contrary, veterans may miss more news and, in particular, the changes introduced by Pokémon Platinum. |
Read review |
| IGN |
Rebekah Valentine |
8 / 10 |
11-19-2021 |
Like the themes of its story, Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl are solid and enduring – leaning on the past, with all of its triumphs and tripwires. |
Read review |
| IGN Italy |
Alessandra Borgonovo |
7 / 10 |
11-17-2021 |
A controversial remake, which does not entirely manage to shake off the engorgements of the past. |
Read review |
| Impulsegamer |
Chris O'Connor |
4.3 / 5 stars |
12-08-2021 |
Pokemon fun for younger and older fans. A remake that gives the old game a fresh feel for veterans and a great way to jump into the world for younger fans. |
Read review |
| INDIANTVCZ |
Patrik Strnad |
8 / 10 |
12-07-2021 |
Pokémon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl brings back the simpler times of the series and reminds us of how significant this installment was. It has been executed well with minor bugs, but lacks any challenge as it adapts many choices newer installments made. |
Read review |
| KeenGamer |
Emanuel Ortiz |
6.8 / 10 |
11-23-2021 |
Although highly requested and competently made, Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl prove the franchise is in serious need of a new vision. This faithful remake fails to interest or excite for a majority of the 40-hour campaign. |
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| LevelUp |
Pedro Pérez Cesari |
7 / 10 |
12-04-2021 |
In the end, Pokémon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl are remakes which are bound to pass without impact. They do a fine job at bringing the fourth generation of Pokémon into a new era, but fall short when it comes to being the definitive version of Sinnoh. It's fine that it's a faithful recreation, but I wish ILCA had gone the extra mile by daring to add things we saw in Platinum. After all, it's not a good thing that a remake leave us yearning for things that a 2009 game did. |
Read review |
| Luis Alamilla |
Luis Alamilla |
7.5 / 10 |
11-30-2021 |
Video Review |
Read review |
| M3 |
Raphael Cano Felix |
8 / 10 |
12-08-2021 |
The remake of Pokémon Diamond and Pearl gives us the perfect mix of old and new. A light-hearted story with dark tendencies spiced with all the improving elements from later games in the series. The variety is huge and at its best even addictive. However, we can't shake off that the character design itself feels a little out of place. |
Read review |
| Merlin'in Kazanı |
Samet Basri Taşlı |
80 / 100 |
12-09-2021 |
Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl have been visually enhanced and managed to be a faithful remake in terms of gameplay. Ideal to introduce new players to old style Pokémon games. |
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| Metro GameCentral |
GameCentral |
6 / 10 |
11-17-2021 |
A cheap-looking and unambitious remake of a generic Pokémon entry that seemed bereft of new ideas in 2006, let alone now. |
Read review |
| MonsterVine |
Unknown |
4 / 5 stars |
11-30-2021 |
Pokémon Shining Pearl may not be the perfect remake, but it does a pretty good job of bringing the Sinnoh region to a new generation. The variety of content and postgame experience go a long way in making this feel like a fully-fleshed out game, even with the missing content. Whether you’re new to Sinnoh or a returning Trainer, I’d say you shouldn’t hesitate to check out Shining Pearl. |
Read review |
| Niche Gamer |
Ryan Pearson |
7.5 / 10 |
11-27-2021 |
Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl is an improvement on the DS originals, even if Platinum still has the edge overall. There are some promising signs that developers other than Game Freak, even when under what could be a similar budget, can address some of the concerns fans have. The “chillax” JRPG series is still doing its thing, but there’s a little more challenge on cart if you want it. |
Read review |
| Nintendo Enthusiast |
Jaimie Ditchfield |
8 / 10 |
11-26-2021 |
In short, Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl are faithful remakes of one the franchise's best generations, despite some shortcomings. Your enjoyment of the game will heavily depend on your nostalgia or overall love of the franchise, so don't go in expecting a perfect remake. However, my time with these remakes was a fun one, and I'm excited to continue to explore the Grand Underground in search of a shiny Pokémon. |
Read review |
| Nintendo Life |
Jordan Middler |
6 / 10 |
11-17-2021 |
While some of the slower elements of the original games have been fixed, and The Grand Underground makes up for the comparatively weak Pokédex, Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl's new art style and a few other stumbles make this pair of games a somewhat disappointing retread of Generation 4. They're also very clearly in the shadow of Pokemon Legends: Arceus, the upcoming open-world-like Pokemon game that has fans hoping it can take the series in exciting new directions beyond 20-year-old mechanics. If the remit of these remakes was to remain faithful to the original Gen 4 pair, we wish they'd also stuck to the pixel-art aesthetic. Aside from The Grand Underground – and the connectivity with the current games in the series – there's very little reason to play Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl over your original DS copies. |
Read review |
| Nintendo Wire |
Ricky Berg |
8 / 10 |
11-29-2021 |
Really, that’s the question at the core of Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl’s identity. I wouldn’t go so far as to call it a necessary game, as it doesn’t change things up in a meaningful way. With Legends on the horizon, it might be tempting to skip it all together. What it is is a very familiar and self contained game. With all the interconnectedness of Pokémon GO, Sword and Shield, and Pokémon Home; it’s nice to have something that feels removed and “complete” on its own. That might take a little cognitive adjustment on what “complete” means when it comes to Pokémon, but for me personally I never felt like BDSP was missing anything essential. |
Read review |
| NintendoWorldReport |
Jordan Rudek |
8.5 / 10 |
11-17-2021 |
I'm certainly not in a hurry to leave it any time soon; that's for sure. However, with Pokémon Legends on the horizon, this one-two punch of Pokémon titles could be a winning way to close out one year and welcome in another, with a blast from the past followed by something we haven't really seen before. That's a Jigglepuff double-slap I can get behind. |
Read review |
| Oyungezer Online |
Oguz Erdogan |
7.5 / 10 |
11-21-2021 |
It's a great alternative to relive Sinnoh. It is possible to spend hours searching for rare Pokemon in the underground sections. But even as a new Pokemon game, it seems more logical to wait for Pokemon Legends: Arceus for a more old-fashioned, more eccentric experience. |
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| Paste Magazine |
Charlie Wacholz |
7.8 / 10 |
12-01-2021 |
The only real downside to these remakes is that anything that used the touch screen in the originals feels like an afterthought here. They're still the same amazing, if a little formulaic, Pokémon games they were back in the day. And we may not be the same people we were back then, but we can at least remember how it felt when we first visited Sinnoh as we make our return today. |
Read review |
| PCMag |
Will Greenwald |
3.5 / 5 stars |
12-07-2021 |
Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl remake the original Diamond and Pearl for the Nintendo Switch. They're still lengthy, fun Pokemon adventures, but not much has been added, and even the remade graphics are showing their age. |
Read review |
| Polygon |
Ryan Gilliam |
Recommended |
11-17-2021 |
I’ve spent years — the better part of a decade, since the Ruby and Sapphire remakes on 3DS — going through the motions with new Pokémon games, trying desperately to fight through superfluous features and recapture the magic of my childhood. But the Diamond and Pearl remakes’ simple, derivative, and basic formulas helped refocus my love for a franchise almost as old as I am. |
Read review |
| Press Start |
Harry Kalogirou |
8.5 / 10 |
11-18-2021 |
While it feels like Game Freak have been trying to find their footing with Pokémon over the last few years, Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl are a confident showing by ILCA that proves the series is far from dead. The classic formula is unchanged here, and still holds up, which will no doubt please long-time fans and newcomers alike. Smart new additions that feel like natural additions to the base game, coupled with a visual overhaul that captures the feel of the originals make for an experience that's as nostalgic and comforting, as it is fresh and reinvigorating for the franchise. |
Read review |
| Rapid Reviews UK |
Chloe Osborn |
4.5 / 5 stars |
12-08-2021 |
With the original Pokémon Diamond and Pearl releasing in Japan in 2006, the 10th anniversary of the series, the journey to the Sinnoh region is back! Well over a decade later, Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl have been released as remakes on the trusty Nintendo Switch. This news was much to the excitement and nostalgia of longtime fans, the Sinnoh region a fond favourite of many. |
Read review |
| RPGamer |
Sam Wachter |
2.5 / 5 stars |
01-18-2022 |
None of the balancing issues are fixed, the backtracking is still as much of a slog as ever, and the roster of Pokémon is far from impressive. |
Read review |
| Screen Rant |
William Cennamo |
5 / 5 stars |
11-18-2021 |
For anyone new or returning to the Pokémon series, Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl is a perfect starting point that bridges the gap between classic and modern Pokémon games. The quality-of-life additions make the game more accessible without making it feel bloated, the art style is simplistic and cute, and the gameplay mechanics will keep players moving through the adventure with ease. For veterans of the series, these versions are an easy recommendation and an excellent recreation of a fan favorite. With only a few exclusive Pokémon between Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl, either one is an excellent choice for any player. |
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| SECTOR.sk |
Michal Korec |
7.5 / 10 |
12-02-2021 |
These remakes of DS-era classics offer another round of Pok'mon catching, but its gameplays feels a bit burned out. |
Read review |
| Shacknews |
Donovan Erskine |
7 / 10 |
11-17-2021 |
There are some much-needed quality of life improvements, and the games are well polished and run really smoothly on the Switch. It’s hard to see newer fans finding much to appreciate here, but those that have fond memories of the original Diamond and Pearl will have a lot to love about Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl. |
Read review |
| SpazioGames |
Francesco Corica |
7.8 / 10 |
11-23-2021 |
Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl are not the best games of the series nor the bravest, but they strongly respect the original games and the ones who played them, and they do everything they can to show that. |
Read review |
| Stevivor |
Ben Salter |
Recommended |
11-18-2021 |
I am enjoying my time back in the Sinnoh region, and especially as the game that got me back into Pokémon 14 years ago, it feels familiar. I have had less than a week to become reacquainted with Pokémon Diamond, and am still some time away from catching ‘em all, so check back in a few days for our final verdict on Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl. |
Read review |
| TechRaptor |
Andrew Stretch |
8.5 / 10 |
11-22-2021 |
Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl are faithful recreations of the 2008 DS title. While leaving most content untouched the Quality of Life upgrades and enhanced features make this the best way to experience Sinnoh. |
Read review |
| Telegraph |
Jack Rear |
3 / 5 stars |
11-19-2021 |
The new remakes of Pokémon's 2007 classics are faithful to a fault, but left us wondering why the creators have seen fit to remake them |
Read review |
| The Games Machine |
Danilo Dellafrana |
8.8 / 10 |
11-17-2021 |
From a certain point of view, Pokémon Brilliant Diamond is a remake that doesn't like to take too many risks, improving on the original experience without making any major changes. Yet this is also its greatest strength, especially for those who never played the original chapters on DS. The result is an authentic recreation of a historical title, polished and cleaned up from outdated game design elements. |
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| The Outerhaven Productions |
Scott Adams |
4 / 5 stars |
12-06-2021 |
Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl are exactly what you think of what a remake to a Pokémon game. Story unchanged, newer assets and more quality of life upgrades that make it fit in the modern era of gaming. It is still very much Pokémon. |
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| TheSixthAxis |
Jason Coles |
9 / 10 |
11-17-2021 |
I've had an absolute blast with Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, and I know there's plenty more for me to see thanks to their sheer size. With changes that lean mostly toward quality of life improvements, this is a firm reminder that Pokémon games can be extraordinary and one of the most enjoyable remakes I've played in a long time. |
Read review |
| Thumbsticks |
Daniel New |
4 / 5 stars |
12-07-2021 |
Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl straddle the line between old and new by giving two beloved heirlooms a polish that avoids tarnishing treasured memories. These are buoyant, accessible RPGs for fans and newcomers alike. |
Read review |
| Twinfinite |
Rebecca Stone |
3.5 / 5 stars |
11-26-2021 |
Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl have their flaws and are not particularly ambitious remakes, but they’re somehow still fun. I don’t regret the 25 hours I spent with the main story of Brilliant Diamond, and there is enough post-game content to keep me interested for a while longer. |
Read review |
| Unboxholics |
Στράτος Χατζηνικολάου |
Recommended |
11-23-2021 |
Diamond and Pearl are among my favorite Pokémon games and I definitely recommend them to those who want to return to the Sinnoh Region, which shines once again and is without a doubt one of the best setting the series has seen. |
Read review |
| VGC |
Chris Scullion |
4 / 5 stars |
11-17-2021 |
The original DS Diamond and Pearl were great back in the day, and 15 years later this new coat of paint makes them just as entertaining. The improvements may not be as drastic as some may have hoped, but what's here is a solid Pokémon adventure regardless. |
Read review |
| VGChartz |
Paul Broussard |
2.5 / 10 |
11-30-2021 |
As far as what a remake/remaster should accomplish, it's hard to view Brilliant Diamond as anything short of an absolute failure. |
Read review |
| Video Chums |
Alex Legard |
7.8 / 10 |
11-18-2021 |
If you're a Pokemon fan and haven't played the original Diamond, Pearl, or Platinum then you're missing out. The Sinnoh region is an absolute joy to explore and it's super-fun trying to catch as many Pokémon as you can. |
Read review |
| VideoGamer |
Josh Wise |
7 / 10 |
11-26-2021 |
There remains about Pokémon Brilliant Diamond the glint of something far gone, and there is something warmly reassuring about the place. |
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| WayTooManyGames |
Aaron Price |
7 / 10 |
01-21-2022 |
Pokémon Shining Pearl was a nice way to revisit the Sinnoh region, and would be a great introduction to anyone new to the Pokémon series. For any returning players, the lack of what could be considered a “Legacy Mode,” letting players turn off the full party XP share, can take away from the “challenge” of the game. All around it was plenty enjoyable and definitely made more for fans who want to continue their adventure post-game and hunt shiny Pokémon. |
Read review |
| WellPlayed |
Jordan Garcia |
8 / 10 |
11-18-2021 |
Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl take me back to a simpler time in Pokémon where Mega Evolutions, Z-Moves, and Dynamaxing didn’t exist. It’s a wonderful reminder of how far Pokémon has come and it feels like a love letter to arguably the most formative generation of Pokémon. |
Read review |
| ZTGD |
Anthony Mann |
9 / 10 |
02-17-2022 |
There’s plenty of little life improvements but to me, and I realize this is extremely biased, is where PokéMon peaked and to remake PokéMon Diamond and Pearl this well is quite something. I think it’s hard to find complaints with Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl outside of simply not liking the formula of PokéMon. There’s so much to discover and do that it comes very close to feeling like living in the world of PokéMon and I suppose that’s all I ever wanted. Let me compete with friends on whose PokéMon is the cutest, see who is the toughest, and then let us hang out in the dingy underground digging up fancy gems together. Maybe when we’re done I’ll save the world from some evil group and catch some legendary PokéMon too. It brings me back not just to my teens, but to the feeling I had when I borrowed my friend’s copy of PokéMon Red and for a game to continue this long and still hook me after all this time is more praise than I can necessarily articulate. |
Read review |
