Pokemon Pearl Version

 DS
User Score
8.2

Generally favorable reviews- based on 464 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 338 out of 464
  2. Mixed: 89 out of 464
  3. Negative: 37 out of 464
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  1. TeraVex
    Nov 6, 2013
    5
    Meh.
    That's all that comes to mind when I play this game.
    Honestly, it feels like generation 3.5 then generation 4. The battles are sluggish, uninteresting. The same can go for the entire game really, the game's pace is way too slow for me. The only thing I can complement this game for, It's the online play, the new pokes, and the music. Dat music. But other than that, nothing else.    Meh.
    That's all that comes to mind when I play this game.
    Honestly, it feels like generation 3.5 then generation 4.
    The battles are sluggish, uninteresting. The same can go for the entire game really, the game's pace is way too slow for me. The only thing I can complement this game for, It's the online play, the new pokes, and the music.
    Dat music.
    But other than that, nothing else. The game's painstaking slow pace is the reason I can't play this without getting extremely bored.    … Expand
  2. julianozuca
    Feb 27, 2012
    7
    Pokemon--the series--evolves. But old little problems remain unsolved.

    The Good: Wi-Fi! Night and day! Poke Radar! X-Scissor, U-Turn, Bug Buzz! Poffins! Underground! Slathering honey! Shellos! Munchlax! The Bad: Lazy touch screen... 2D-GBA-like monsters... Poketch... Dressing, dancing... "Saving a lot of data..." The much awaited 4th generation of Pokemon games has arrived. And    Pokemon--the series--evolves. But old little problems remain unsolved.

    The Good: Wi-Fi! Night and day! Poke Radar! X-Scissor, U-Turn, Bug Buzz! Poffins! Underground! Slathering honey! Shellos! Munchlax!

    The Bad: Lazy touch screen... 2D-GBA-like monsters... Poketch... Dressing, dancing... "Saving a lot of data..."

    The much awaited 4th generation of Pokemon games has arrived. And everything fans expected is here, like trading Pokemon and battling through Wi-Fi connection with real people all around the world, seeing day turn into night and so on with a real-time clock working just like in the GBC, around 100 brand new monsters (including new babies), new ways for the Pokemon to evolve (some of them unpredictable), and all that stuff we already know (you may like it or not). But little problems still make the game experience a little tiring.

    As always you start the game in a small town receiving your first pokemon from a professor and your adventure goes on as you become a trainer. You must search for new Pokemon species intending to fulfill the Pokedex and also capturing and raising them through battling other trainers to challenge the Gym Leaders and the Elite Four. This storyline is still the same since the 1st generation of the series ten years ago (and it really has no need for a change); but things evolve, and some little problems were left aside because the developers fear major changes--or just because they are lazy.

    What is better in this new generation? Wi-Fi is awesome, but it was almost an obligation; day turning into night is great (and beautiful), but Game Freak is just apologizing for not including this in the 3rd generation games; splitting all kind of moves in special type or physical type is an important change, and it's a good improvement in battling strategies; good new moves--especially the bug-type ones since bugs always needed stronger moves; Poke Radar (for Pokemon searching) is cool; digging and seeking other trainers in the Underground is funny; slathering honey in the barks to attract wild Pokemon is great; making Poffins using the touch-screen is a fair step ahead PKBlocks; new interesting berries effects; and East Sea/West Sea Shellos rocks. Almost there?

    There are little things that were supposed to make the game better, but... They just don't work that fine. The graphics in the towns are great, beautiful 3D buildings, etc. but what about the monsters? Why they look just a little better than in the GBA? The Poketch is a good idea, but most of the apps are useless or buggy. When you're battling other trainer you can just touch the move you want your Pokemon to use; but when you need to know the power or accuracy of a move during the battle you need to enter the Pokemon screen, and then select the "moves" page. Come on, they have an entire screen to display that info! (At least they should put a little "info" button beside the "move" button just like Nintendo did in Brain Age's training menu.) And why managing items is still annoying when you have a touch screen? I would like to exchange items between my Pokemon by just dragging the item here and there, but I need to select "Pokemon", "item", "take", then select other "Pokemon", "item", "give", and search for the item I want to give (it will be in the last position in the list since it was the last item that entered the bag... and I must roll all the scrollbar over until I can get there). Shouldn't it be more simple?

    And some other... tiring things. Crossing Mt. Coronet through cave and blizzard is unnecessarily unforgiving... Contests are much less technical than it used to be... Dressing? Dancing? I bet girls like it. Not me. :P "Saving a lot of data..."? Are they kidding me??? And why they need to ask "There is already a save file. It is OK to overwrite it?" all the time? There is just one save slot! And (last one) it should bring more options to accelerate the battles, just like in the Advance Wars series, for instance. I don't like to play a game for about 150 hours and see that 50 hours were spent slowly reading "The sandstorm rages.", "Roselia is bufetted by the sandstorm!", mumble, mumble. (My suggestion: a system with arrows poping up and down quickly for poison, hail, leech seed, swift swim, etc. At least as an animation option.)

    Kinda sad for me to say I think it was my last new Pokemon game. The series needs a serious update regarding pace before it starts to feel hopelessly dated.    … Expand
  3. SrPepe
    Oct 30, 2017
    8
    Un gran juego y una gran generación. La cuarta generación es la más difícil de todas, tenes que subir mucho de nivel para poder pelear contra líderes y el Alto mando.
  4. jim109109
    Jul 27, 2012
    7
    It's the same game over and over again, since Pokemon Red. Yes, it's one of the most fantastic games ever, especially as a child. But repeating the same game over and over should be deemed immoral in a sense, especially because children are actually gullible enough to keep buying it. It's a great game and you can't go wrong with it, but please buy Pokemon Red and get the same, original andIt's the same game over and over again, since Pokemon Red. Yes, it's one of the most fantastic games ever, especially as a child. But repeating the same game over and over should be deemed immoral in a sense, especially because children are actually gullible enough to keep buying it. It's a great game and you can't go wrong with it, but please buy Pokemon Red and get the same, original and better experience.… Expand
  5. MadnessisRising
    Mar 5, 2019
    7
    Compared to the other editions this game was a bit blunt. Walking around and fighting felt a bit slow. The map and also the soundtrack was kinda "uninspired". The Pokemon and trainer-designs weren't great either. It's still a solid game.
  6. TaliesinC
    May 10, 2009
    10
    Absolutely the best Pokemon game that I have ever played. Even better than Emerald. NEw Textures and graphics look new, great and refreshing while the battle animations have been tweaked. Battle Frontier was slightly disappointing offering only the tower.
  7. FranciscoM
    Nov 23, 2018
    7
    A bit slower than it should be and despite having probably the best lore when it comes to the region and the legendary pokemon until that point, I feel the story could've been much better. Platinum is a better option if you want to visit Sinnoh.
  8. grandpajoe6191
    Nov 16, 2011
    5
    Whoa, whoa!! What's the difference of selling the same game with different titles? You disappointed me, nintendo...
  9. linlu
    Aug 20, 2009
    0
    An awful game with zero story.
  10. reshiram
    Sep 9, 2011
    10
    A Super Game With An Intense plot. You See, in this game, you are a trainer who goes on a journey over a region. there is a new villain group called team galactic who want to wake up either dialga or palkia with the use of uxie mesprit and azelf. So go on this great journey and find yourself in it.
  11. Zilcell
    May 25, 2012
    9
    Pokemon has continued to dominate handheld gaming since its debut and this is no exception.
  12. SpiderPlayer
    May 23, 2015
    8
    Sensational, fun game with a story until good, but the main point goes to the fun, but I felt a certain imbalance in the wild Pokemon level, he found it very weak, but the game in general is good.
  13. kiank
    Jan 7, 2018
    10
    Pokemon Pearl version is my favorite pokemon game hands down and the only pokemon game where I had more than 200 hours. The game was entertaining both during the main journey and afterwards. I spent hours in the mines digging and setting different traps. I loved making poffins with my sister and then doing contests. It very multiplayer friendly and just so fun in general! That beingPokemon Pearl version is my favorite pokemon game hands down and the only pokemon game where I had more than 200 hours. The game was entertaining both during the main journey and afterwards. I spent hours in the mines digging and setting different traps. I loved making poffins with my sister and then doing contests. It very multiplayer friendly and just so fun in general! That being said, I would give it a 10.0!… Expand
  14. Oreun
    Apr 15, 2021
    9
    Very good game with very good music. It has some things missing that were later fixed in Pokemon Platinum. You should still go ahead and play it, its enjoyable and I swear you'll have a good time.

    Muy buen juego con una excelente banda sonora. Tiene un par de cositas faltantes que luego se arreglan en Pokémon Platino. Aun así deberías jugarlo, es muy divertido y te prometo que pasaras    Very good game with very good music. It has some things missing that were later fixed in Pokemon Platinum. You should still go ahead and play it, its enjoyable and I swear you'll have a good time.

    Muy buen juego con una excelente banda sonora. Tiene un par de cositas faltantes que luego se arreglan en Pokémon Platino. Aun así deberías jugarlo, es muy divertido y te prometo que pasaras un buen rato    … Expand
  15. omniface
    Mar 8, 2021
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. same as pokemon diamond but in a good way

    pros
    good underground
    good gym leaders
    best legendary duo
    good expansion on the plot

    cons
    battle frontier    … Expand
  16. DivineStorm
    Jul 10, 2008
    9
    A very good game it has 493 pokemon in it and new starters and badges and stuff. There is a new group of criminals called team galactic in the game and try to make a new world depending on what version you're playing they either awake palkia or dialga with the use of uxie,mesprit and azelf. There are new legendary pokemon in the game and there is much you can do after you finished A very good game it has 493 pokemon in it and new starters and badges and stuff. There is a new group of criminals called team galactic in the game and try to make a new world depending on what version you're playing they either awake palkia or dialga with the use of uxie,mesprit and azelf. There are new legendary pokemon in the game and there is much you can do after you finished the game. You can also migrate pokemon from gba cartridges into the game by simply going to pal park after you completed the game that is.… Expand
  17. JakeK.
    Jun 24, 2007
    10
    It's much nicer than the other pokemon games. Most of all the graphics. the new pokemon are awesome and i don't know if they can make a better pokemon game.
  18. JR
    Mar 8, 2009
    10
    Since picking it up in Japan this past summer, I've already put about 175 hours of pretty solid gameplay into this cartridge. After you finish the main in-game element with the gym leaders, your rival, Team Galaxy, and the Elite Four, there's still a ton more to do, and the online competitive play is addicting, difficult, and extremely rewarding. Nothing feels more awesome than Since picking it up in Japan this past summer, I've already put about 175 hours of pretty solid gameplay into this cartridge. After you finish the main in-game element with the gym leaders, your rival, Team Galaxy, and the Elite Four, there's still a ton more to do, and the online competitive play is addicting, difficult, and extremely rewarding. Nothing feels more awesome than tearing up an opponent with a team of carefully picked, bred, and trained Pokemon exactly as you planned. This was the first Pokemon game I'd picked up since Gold and Silver back on the Game Boy Color, and it feels just as amazingly fresh and innovative to me as Blue version did back on my old Game Boy back years ago.… Expand
  19. SolomonR.
    Oct 4, 2007
    10
    This game is the furthest one yet with every pokemon that you can try and get. i have this game and it really was a new experience cause i like pokemon. i even watched the video's in japanese, (Didn't care if i didn't understand the language) i perferably chose pearl over diamond and it was a good choice the music and moves are really great and separating physical from This game is the furthest one yet with every pokemon that you can try and get. i have this game and it really was a new experience cause i like pokemon. i even watched the video's in japanese, (Didn't care if i didn't understand the language) i perferably chose pearl over diamond and it was a good choice the music and moves are really great and separating physical from special attacks for all types was a smart idea, using nintendo wi-fi was a special bounus indeed especially if it can all cover the Globe(worldwide) i'll be waitng for PBR so i can use this game even further.… Expand
  20. MattW.
    Apr 25, 2007
    9
    This game may be like the others, but some of the new features are awesome. This game is one of the Pokemon greats.
  21. TorA.
    Sep 22, 2007
    10
    It was a very good game cool sounds and cool movements and cool looks it"s not a wast of money.
  22. [anonymous]
    Oct 3, 2009
    9
    Being a loyal fan of Pokemon, I have very much enjoyed playing this. The mini-game additions are entertaining, but sometimes I feel they should just cool it with the amount of Pokemon in existence. I shall always remain a true fan to the original Red and Blue.
  23. MarioA.
    Feb 26, 2007
    10
    Great game, battles, contest, poke'tech are all fun. Its the same pokemon style, but using the DS and touch control makes the flow seem new.
  24. [Anonymous]
    Mar 29, 2007
    10
    What can anyone say? If you hate pocket monsters, then this gets a 1. But if you are a fan, then it gets 10. It's definitely an improvement over the previous games, with extra connectivity, more monsters, and a longer gameplay time.
  25. BobR.
    Apr 23, 2007
    9
    I have diamond and pearl and have only played diamond but if pearl is basically the same than this is one hell of a game.
  26. DaleH
    May 5, 2007
    10
    Ok so i love the pokemon games.I didnt even have a ds till pokemon pearl came out.I bought the ds and pearl the first day it came out and its way awsome.The new gameplay modes excell it past all other pokemon games. Its deffinatly a smart buy.You might need to invest in the book tho u might need it.
  27. MarcoD.L.C.
    Jun 6, 2007
    10
    Just a perfect game. Good gameplay, too much hours of game, and so many pkmns. Outstanding.
  28. KyleM.
    May 28, 2007
    9
    I haven't played a Pokemon game since I got Blue for Christmas many many years ago: now I'm in college and was given Pearl as a gift. This game is awesome. The touch screen functionality is superb and injects a great deal of ease into the UI. I have logged 40 hours thus far and have very few gripes with the gameplay. The only thing I have to complain about is a sidequest: the I haven't played a Pokemon game since I got Blue for Christmas many many years ago: now I'm in college and was given Pearl as a gift. This game is awesome. The touch screen functionality is superb and injects a great deal of ease into the UI. I have logged 40 hours thus far and have very few gripes with the gameplay. The only thing I have to complain about is a sidequest: the Pokemon Contests. These comprise perhaps the most retarded feature ever to appear in a video game, ever. Unless you're six years old and like dressing up your Pichu.… Expand
  29. AlexG
    Jan 14, 2008
    10
    Absolutely brilliant game. Extremely addictive as always, trying to get all four hundred something pokemon is one hell of a task and thankfully its actually possible this time since the game has pretty much all of them in one cart and the rest can be traded for on Wi-Fi
  30. ManoelQ
    Jun 11, 2008
    8
    It's a great game. The Fourth Generation comes with two great games, but those also show that the series is becoming obsolete. The goal is always the same: start as a rookie, win Gym Badges, find some bad guys, defeat those bad guys, go to the League, win the League and then what?... Train your Pokémon until Lv. 100? Nobody has pacience to train at least one without stopping It's a great game. The Fourth Generation comes with two great games, but those also show that the series is becoming obsolete. The goal is always the same: start as a rookie, win Gym Badges, find some bad guys, defeat those bad guys, go to the League, win the League and then what?... Train your Pokémon until Lv. 100? Nobody has pacience to train at least one without stopping from a day from a week, or even months... The Pokémon Company needs new ideas for the series, or create new series...… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

3
#3 Best DS Game of 2007
3
#3 Most Discussed DS Game of 2007
29
#29 Most Shared DS Game of 2007

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
85

Generally favorable reviews - based on 39 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 39 out of 39
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 39
  3. Negative: 0 out of 39
  1. Games Master UK
    89
    Familiar collecting and battling, but immaculately designdd and with online play. [June 2007, p.62]
  2. Nintendo Gamer
    81
    With Wi-Fi battles and Global Trade, D/P is essential. [Sept 2007, p.81]
  3. Gaming Target
    90
    There’s a lot to do in Pokemon Diamond and Pokemon Pearl, which looks as good as a top-down Pokemon game is going to get for some time. It also benefits more than any other sequel in the series from a predecessor due to online capabilities. [JPN Import]
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