Pokemon Brilliant Diamond

 Switch
User Score
5.2

Mixed or average reviews- based on 917 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 322 out of 917
  2. Mixed: 214 out of 917
  3. Negative: 381 out of 917
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  1. ThomasinGC
    Nov 20, 2021
    10
    ILCA le hizo justicia a mi Generación favorita. Adoro los modelos Chibis ya que originalmente el Overworld de Pokémon fue así y los gráficos luminosos son bastantes bonitos.
  2. Kannesun
    Nov 20, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Sopa es sopa Porque sopa no es más una sola si una sola es sopa, que será sopa?… Expand
  3. alexoboe
    Nov 20, 2021
    8
    Coming from sword and shield, even if it’s not the remake that we dreamt of, it’s by far, as it is conservative, the best Pokémon game on Switch
  4. SherrindFord
    Nov 21, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Llegué con una antorcha para quemarle la casa a IlCA estudios pero no. Este juego es entretenido, viciante. Sin darte cuenta tienes 20 horas jugando. Para ser un remake me gustó mucho, lo recomiendo.… Expand
  5. whatsthemeow
    Nov 20, 2021
    9
    Good game, I haven't played the original diamond and pearl but I'm finding this one fun.
  6. ShiroAlter
    Nov 20, 2021
    8
    Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and it’s sister version Shiny Pearl are a return to form for Pokémon and with a fairly new team (ILCA inc.) at the helm of these remakes it’s a nice revisit to Sinnoh! While lacking in the drastic changes as other remakes in the series these games are faithful recreations to the letter, sometimes going abit too far. With the large and anticipated Pokémon Legends:Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and it’s sister version Shiny Pearl are a return to form for Pokémon and with a fairly new team (ILCA inc.) at the helm of these remakes it’s a nice revisit to Sinnoh! While lacking in the drastic changes as other remakes in the series these games are faithful recreations to the letter, sometimes going abit too far. With the large and anticipated Pokémon Legends: Arceus looming in the not so distant future these games are a great way for new players to the series to experience the great adventures that were the original Diamond and Pearl, but also a great starting place as well!… Expand
  7. dfq
    Nov 21, 2021
    9
    I‘m having a blast with this game. It might be mostly nostalgia, but that‘s what I wanted (I believe that‘s what people generally want from a remake). They managed to make it feel almost exactly how I remember the games from my childhood. Graphics-wise it may not look as “advanced“ as Pokémon Sword/Shield but if you don‘t mind the chibi-look, which I actually really like, it looks reallyI‘m having a blast with this game. It might be mostly nostalgia, but that‘s what I wanted (I believe that‘s what people generally want from a remake). They managed to make it feel almost exactly how I remember the games from my childhood. Graphics-wise it may not look as “advanced“ as Pokémon Sword/Shield but if you don‘t mind the chibi-look, which I actually really like, it looks really good. The male player character looks a little bit strange, but that doesn‘t deserve a 0/10 rating in my opinion.

    Referring to other user reviews, why ruin a perfectly fun old game by completely changing it? If you don‘t like playing exactly the same game with updated graphics and a few quality-of-life improvements (that are still true to the originals), then you shouldn‘t buy it. I mean, what do these people expect? That‘s what a remake is, right?

    This isn‘t a „lazy remake“. I’ve seen mostly superficial criticism in these user reviews which don‘t justify a 0/10 rating. Also, the games being too easy is always a subjective matter. It has some small issues, sure, but which game doesn‘t?

    I honestly found Pokémon Sword/Shield to be really bland and disappointing when they had released and found myself having more fun on my Nintendo DS playing my original copy of Pokémon Platinum. Now that I can replay the fourth Pokémon generation on the large screen in Full HD with some annoying things from the Nintendo DS versions of Pokémon Diamond and Pearl removed and some enhancements added, I‘m having a lot of fun again. In my opinion they delivered precisely what a fan of the old games would have wanted. They even added the Underground which is amazing! You can have so much fun playing these games either alone or with your friends.

    I absolutely recommend buying and trying out these remakes!    … Expand
  8. MrHtheModder
    Nov 21, 2021
    10
    im quite enjoying BDSP its HD annd 3D diamond and Pearl with added online features and it also adds great quality of life features like EXP share and the map saying where to go which is super handy because i hated getting lost in the originals because it did not tell me where HMs are or where to go and speaking of HMs they also fixed that too they made it so HMs are no longer tied to yourim quite enjoying BDSP its HD annd 3D diamond and Pearl with added online features and it also adds great quality of life features like EXP share and the map saying where to go which is super handy because i hated getting lost in the originals because it did not tell me where HMs are or where to go and speaking of HMs they also fixed that too they made it so HMs are no longer tied to your Pokemon i also quite like the new shiny sparkles they are super pretty so overall 10/10 its amazing… Expand
  9. NotaGamer7
    Nov 21, 2021
    8
    I wonder why so many people who love originals hate on the remaster. If it's basically the same content then the only thing you may not like would be it's graphical representation. Judging it makes no sense as the art style is a flavor. Based on one's perception it can not be junged objectively. What can be judged objectively is the quality of content (in game object oriented content)I wonder why so many people who love originals hate on the remaster. If it's basically the same content then the only thing you may not like would be it's graphical representation. Judging it makes no sense as the art style is a flavor. Based on one's perception it can not be junged objectively. What can be judged objectively is the quality of content (in game object oriented content) which in my opinion is stunning in this game.
    The fact that people don't understand the difference between remake and a remaster is one thing. What drains me is that serious majority of people struggle with judging a thing they don't like as good (and vice versa). Music in this game stands in its own class. Graphical art style gives this game new identity. Quality of life improvements are present for games good. I don't see what is it that mekes this game worse than its predecessor. Judging it as a game: 7,8/10 in my opinion    … Expand
  10. Donkristo
    Nov 21, 2021
    9
    Отличная игра. Чиби графика совершенно к месту. В бою отличные анимации и визуал. Отличная возможность поиграть в 4 поколение, если до этого не играли.
    Минус бал за отсутствие локализации.
  11. Potato_Dumpling
    Nov 21, 2021
    8
    They could have done more and done it in a more refined art style but the music is just perfect and overall a nice remaster although not a real remake.
  12. KarimTheTraitor
    Nov 21, 2021
    10
    The triumphant return of my favorite generation, with changes consistent with current generations and new mechanics that make the game more relaxing or enjoyable.
  13. DistantKingDumb
    Nov 21, 2021
    10
    Good game, I generally love all the animations and remade models, and I think it lives up to the original game in every aspect.
  14. Criticerty
    Nov 21, 2021
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The game overworld is gorgeous and Chibi art style is much better than the first trailer. The game is so much more easier to play and have so many better features than the original games. The only reason I am rating this 8/10 is because the definitively better version Pokémon Platinum has so many of its features removed that it makes the game content feel so much more smaller than it actually is.… Expand
  15. ewertoncoutinho
    Nov 21, 2021
    10
    The game is a faithful remake of the original game with small features, but with great elegance in its game play. The game is still fun, although some choices made by Game Freak have infuriated fans of the franchise, the game has preserved its features like its beautiful soundtrack and a nice update on the Grand Underground.
  16. Zanah
    Nov 21, 2021
    10
    If you haven’t played ds version. This is your best choice. (Unless you particularly like the watch function)
  17. Swampert_Tube
    Nov 21, 2021
    10
    Great remake. It retains the original glitches from the games, replaces Pal park with a park to catch legendaries, nice chibi style, keeps Cynthia hard, and etc. On my 2nd playthrough right now and I **** love the game.
  18. Soldier_Owl
    Nov 21, 2021
    8
    I like this LEGO Duplo game.
  19. Alvalos
    Nov 21, 2021
    8
    Are they perfect? No
    Are they fun? Yes
    Does it include platinum content? No Are the graphics bad? No Would you replay them again? In a heartbeat BDSP is, without a shadow of a doubt, a trip down nostalgia lane, a re-imagining of the original journeys throughout the Sinnoh Region from their initial outings in Diamond & Pearl. Story If the goal was to achieve faithful remakes of those    Are they perfect? No
    Are they fun? Yes
    Does it include platinum content? No
    Are the graphics bad? No
    Would you replay them again? In a heartbeat

    BDSP is, without a shadow of a doubt, a trip down nostalgia lane, a re-imagining of the original journeys throughout the Sinnoh Region from their initial outings in Diamond & Pearl. Story If the goal was to achieve faithful remakes of those games, then ILCA have fully succeeded in their mission. It’s just as leisurely paced as the original Diamond & Pearl, encouraging the player to take their time and take in their surroundings. The story of DP is quite grand but it wasn’t fully realised and developed until Platinum. Lots to do & explore whilst not feeling too linear with a maze-like map. In this instance however, after playing through the game, I personally feel as though the fleshed out story beats from Platinum are missing here.

    Graphics
    They’re clean, charming & capture the essence of what classic top-down Pokémon used to be. Cutesy & child-like. Sword & Shiled in comparison can look a little muddy around the edges. There were a few janky animations from time-to-time but nothing that didn’t just make me smile and giggle. They clearly take inspiration from the Links Awakening remake, and on reflection, it was probably the better route to go down than trying to re-create these games in Sw/Sh graphics. Don’t be fooled by the initial reveal trailer, the improvements in lighting, shading & character models has come on leaps & bounds since we first saw it at the beginning of the year. Everything Else
    -The roster of Pokémon is as it was in Gen 4, it actually makes for a decent challenge trying to shape a team with the Pokémon you have at your disposal. We won’t get all the Pokémon in Legebds Arceus, we didn’t get them all in Sw/Sh, why should this be any different?
    -The grand underground is a place where you could spend hours hunting through the walls or capturing Pokémon, otherwise unobtainable in the overworld for your adventure. ILCA, you did a cracking job of the underground and making it useful & accessible for everyone. -Contests have been re-defined & streamlined but IMO I would say this was for the worst. Contests in the original had substance & felt like a journey in of themselves. The new version of contests are a rhythm game - great if you’re short of time, but I didn’t feel as though I had something to work towards. Poffin making can be tedious at times! - The EXP share was a necessary edition although it should have been a toggleable option. I had it on for my whole journey and blacked out a couple of times! It negates the grind, but ideally should’ve been optional. I very much enjoyed my time with BDSP, ILCA have managed to rekindle that inner child and bring back memories of playing my original copy of Diamond back in 2007. Newcomers of the series will have a shock as BDSP is the genuine article when it comes to what Classic Pokémon is all about. A little bit tough, a grand adventure & a lot of fun. Highly recommend first time Pokémon players pick up this one rather than any of the more recent entries. ILCA catered this game to the fans of Diamond & Pearl, a love letter to what Pokémon used to be, trying not to get hung up on the more recent additions & changes in the newer games. I hope TPC continue to outsource some of their projects.    … Expand
  20. Chaosblazer321
    Nov 20, 2021
    10
    I feel that these are welcome additions to the remake category, though they are not without flaws, I definitely feel that compared to the original Diamond and Pearl entries these are superior.

    They are much faster than the originals especially when it comes to surfing and trudging through the northern snow routes, which even in platinum was still a slow process to deal with. Gym Leaders    I feel that these are welcome additions to the remake category, though they are not without flaws, I definitely feel that compared to the original Diamond and Pearl entries these are superior.

    They are much faster than the originals especially when it comes to surfing and trudging through the northern snow routes, which even in platinum was still a slow process to deal with. Gym Leaders are just as challenging, in the cases of some of them even more so, and the E4 and Cynthia are even more extreme, and the grand underground exploration is so great, being able to find pokemon that are not in the original sinnoh dex and being able to use them, between that and the upgraded digging style, you could stay down there for hours and even better you can save down there so you are not forced to leave.

    there are some aspects I do wish they had kept from platinum, such as platinum's story, and the distortion world, but removing them are not deal breakers, also despite the EXP share being on constantly, it has not made the game any easier for me, I can understand the fustration of those who wish that they could turn it off, but I feel the game is challenging even with it on.

    Overall I find these games solid for games that were outsourced and I feel like the only true way to judge them is to try them yourself, perhaps by renting or borrowing them from a friend before you make the decision yourself as in the end you are the only one who can decide if a game is bad or not, and I personally feel these are good installments even if they aren't perfect.    … Expand
  21. DramaticBox
    Nov 21, 2021
    10
    This blows Sword and Shield out of the water in terms of effort and completeness. I'm having an enjoyable experience the likes of which I haven't gotten out of a mainline Pokemon game in quite awhile! Highly recommend for Pokemon fans seeking a return to form.
  22. CasualG1
    Nov 20, 2021
    9
    An enjoyable return to form for Pokemon and a great way to revisit Sinnoh .
  23. Maplemiles
    Nov 20, 2021
    8
    I'm having fun with this game and this doesn't deserved to be reviewed bomb
  24. Shaddyslim
    Nov 21, 2021
    8
    At least a good remaster, better than that stupid GTA theology anyway.....
  25. B3jn
    Nov 21, 2021
    10
    Best Pokemon game in years, a true return to form. Don't listen to other reviews, Pokemon fans always cry and are never satisfied with anything. This is a great game and well worth $60.
  26. SupItsMarcus
    Nov 21, 2021
    9
    At this point i am ignoring all the negative reviews. I think this game is a fantastic remake of the original games and miles better than the disappointment that was sword and shield.
  27. Fabiosimba
    Nov 20, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Questo gioco e di una bellezza inimmaginabile e ti permetterà di rivivere le vecchie emozioni… Expand
  28. Lilpain1997
    Nov 21, 2021
    8
    To those review bombing... Stop you look stupid as this is very clearly not a 0 or even less than a 6 if you like Pokémon in anyway shape or form. To put it short its DP but with added content and QOL improvements. I see a lot of dumb comments here saying its a broken game or FPS is terrible or that the graphics are bad... None of which are true at all. I have 15 hours in Diamond rn andTo those review bombing... Stop you look stupid as this is very clearly not a 0 or even less than a 6 if you like Pokémon in anyway shape or form. To put it short its DP but with added content and QOL improvements. I see a lot of dumb comments here saying its a broken game or FPS is terrible or that the graphics are bad... None of which are true at all. I have 15 hours in Diamond rn and have spotted 1 FPS drop when I played unpatched. If you enjoy Pokémon just buy it as you will enjoy it… Expand
  29. neddymack
    Nov 21, 2021
    8
    This is exactly what I want from a remake of a Pokémon game. Does it reinvent the series? No, as it shouldn’t have to. The graphics are fine as they are a modernized version of the DS original akin to the Link’s Awakening remake. The gameplay loop is the same as every other mainline Pokémon game and is solid per usual. It brings back that sense of exploration missing from the base SwordThis is exactly what I want from a remake of a Pokémon game. Does it reinvent the series? No, as it shouldn’t have to. The graphics are fine as they are a modernized version of the DS original akin to the Link’s Awakening remake. The gameplay loop is the same as every other mainline Pokémon game and is solid per usual. It brings back that sense of exploration missing from the base Sword and Shield game which I desperately missed. It’s a perfect time sink while waiting for Arceus, the game that should be striving to further the series in terms of reinvention. This game doesn’t deserve the low score many are giving it, it’s at least a 7–8 in my book. Even if nostalgia colored glasses, which are a powerful tool, influence my decision.… Expand
  30. Kratosine
    Nov 21, 2021
    10
    Un par de remakes mucho mejores que lo que fueron en su dia Let's Go Pikachu y Eevee.
    Aunque hubiera preferido mil veces un Sinnoh recreado bajo el estilo de Galar, este estilo chibi adorable y muy pequeño, en remembranza de los sprites originales, sinceramente no me molesta.
    Si bien el juego es mas fácil, no es restrictivo ni te obliga a pasar por el aro, puedes jugarlo de múltiples    Un par de remakes mucho mejores que lo que fueron en su dia Let's Go Pikachu y Eevee.
    Aunque hubiera preferido mil veces un Sinnoh recreado bajo el estilo de Galar, este estilo chibi adorable y muy pequeño, en remembranza de los sprites originales, sinceramente no me molesta.
    Si bien el juego es mas fácil, no es restrictivo ni te obliga a pasar por el aro, puedes jugarlo de múltiples maneras en busca de mayor dificultad.
    La música, los modelos y el enviroment esta muy bien rediseñado, y al jugarlo y al ser tan fiel en todo lo que se propone, produce una gran sensación de nostalgia.    … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

2
#2 Most Discussed Switch Game of 2021

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
73

Mixed or average reviews - based on 89 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 38 out of 89
  2. Mixed: 51 out of 89
  3. Negative: 0 out of 89
  1. Nintendo Insider
    Sep 9, 2022
    70
    Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl are faithful remakes of the 2006 Nintendo DS games. They probably lean too much on the safe side, not achieving an awful lot to improve on the originals other than a few quality-of-life improvements. The improved Underground sections are a welcome addition, but the missing features from Pokémon Platinum are a big let-down. All in all, though, the Sinnoh region offers just as brilliant of an adventure as it was 15 years ago and the formula that worked back then (and then some) is still as addictive to this day. If you are a fan of classic Pokémon titles, this is a no-brainer.
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  2. Nintendo Force Magazine
    Mar 7, 2022
    65
    I honestly think ILCA's decision to play it safe was the biggest thing that hurt Brilliant Diamond. Maybe if it had included a few more of the story beats and improvements that were introduced in Platinum, I'd be giving it a higher grade. [Issue #57 – January/February 2022, p. 66]
  3. LEVEL (Czech Republic)
    Feb 18, 2022
    60
    Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl is a decent remaster transferring the fourth generation from Nintendo DS to Switch. The authors handled well the absence of the second screen, but in the case of game mechanics they could go a bit further.
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