Pokemon Shining Pearl

 Switch
User Score
5.5

Mixed or average reviews- based on 430 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 177 out of 430
  2. Mixed: 88 out of 430
  3. Negative: 165 out of 430
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  1. TreasureOrTrash
    Sep 8, 2023
    0
    Trash!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  2. DeadSmack
    May 17, 2023
    2
    So, if you have played the originals, this is the same. It's not a remake, it's just a visual update. And to my taste, the chibi style is horrible. I wonder if 5-10 yrs old Pokemon fans are really the main audience for the franchise. Can't recommend it, you better get the originals and play them.
  3. OcellCanari
    May 15, 2023
    1
    Pokemon Shining Pearl falls short of capturing the magic of the original game, and it pales in comparison to its predecessor. Despite the nostalgia factor, this remake fails to deliver a satisfying experience. The visuals lack the charm and depth of the original, feeling uninspired and lacking in artistic creativity. The gameplay remains largely unchanged, with no significant improvementsPokemon Shining Pearl falls short of capturing the magic of the original game, and it pales in comparison to its predecessor. Despite the nostalgia factor, this remake fails to deliver a satisfying experience. The visuals lack the charm and depth of the original, feeling uninspired and lacking in artistic creativity. The gameplay remains largely unchanged, with no significant improvements or innovations. It feels like a missed opportunity to enhance the game for modern audiences. The lackluster soundtrack and repetitive sound effects only contribute to the overall disappointment. While the original Pokemon Pearl was a groundbreaking title, Shining Pearl feels like a lazy attempt to cash in on nostalgia without adding anything substantial. Die-hard fans may find some enjoyment in revisiting the Sinnoh region, but it's hard to shake the feeling that the original game was far superior in every aspect. Pokemon Shining Pearl ultimately fails to capture the essence and excitement of its predecessor, leaving fans longing for the original's greatness.… Expand
  4. AlexBlasio
    May 12, 2023
    0
    terrible, mediocre game, unfinished with unjustified changes, it suffers to play this game!
  5. cHughes
    Dec 7, 2022
    1
    Pokémon fans may have thought the series could not steep any lower following the release of the Let’s Go titles, however somehow GameFreak manages to top the lows of even those childish Kanto remakes. What’s worse, these were remakes of many fans’ favourite generation of Pokémon games, and favourite overall region, Sinnoh. The games took ‘faithful remake’ way too seriously, with absolutelyPokémon fans may have thought the series could not steep any lower following the release of the Let’s Go titles, however somehow GameFreak manages to top the lows of even those childish Kanto remakes. What’s worse, these were remakes of many fans’ favourite generation of Pokémon games, and favourite overall region, Sinnoh. The games took ‘faithful remake’ way too seriously, with absolutely no change to the original Diamond and a pearl formula. The games became boring after a few hours of play and could be categorised as the original games with a ‘lick of paint,. The one positive of these games is the ability to shiny hunt the mythic Pokémon, even that is being generous however. The games are utterly disappointing and upsetting as a Pokémon fan. Lazy, lazy instalments.… Expand
  6. asdfgrand
    Nov 26, 2022
    0
    The most terrible remake game project humanity ever encounter with horrible, glitch-filled launch. GameFreak should have no love on their creation anymore, so neglecting they outsourced the game development to ILCA, the horde of assistant programmers who have zero experience of development from scratch. Pokemon is dead.
  7. AlexMakesToast
    Nov 20, 2022
    4
    Shining Pearl = 4/10
    ......................................................
  8. neko555
    Nov 20, 2022
    2
    It already made little sense to remake this game, but doing it the way they did should be a crime. It is not a remake, it contributes little or nothing, the only thing they have done is adapt it for children of 3-5 years.
    I don't understand the effort of this franchise to infantilize its games more and more, especially considering the age of its average player. But worst of all, it's how    It already made little sense to remake this game, but doing it the way they did should be a crime. It is not a remake, it contributes little or nothing, the only thing they have done is adapt it for children of 3-5 years.
    I don't understand the effort of this franchise to infantilize its games more and more, especially considering the age of its average player. But worst of all, it's how absurdly easy it is, something already imposed in all pokemon games. Simply press A without stopping to beat the game. Is it so difficult to put an option to deactivate sharing experience? I think that the ideal would be to distribute experience as in the original gold and silver, but they seem determined to ignore the fans.
    I have always used scene, but I have bought original games that I like like all pokemon, but for several generations I have not bought one, they do not deserve my money.    … Expand
  9. CaptainCharisma
    Aug 5, 2022
    2
    Embarrasing lazy effort from gamefreak, nothing to see here. Just play Legends Arceus.
  10. DolphinReviews
    Jul 20, 2022
    0
    When Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shinning Pearl was announced during a Pokémon Presents, I thought I was dreaming. The gameplay and animation looked so laughably bad I could not believe a billion dollar company would make this. Let alone sell it for $60! The lowest point of the Pokémon franchise by far. It looks as if a 5 year old was tasked with character design. Reviews have comparedWhen Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shinning Pearl was announced during a Pokémon Presents, I thought I was dreaming. The gameplay and animation looked so laughably bad I could not believe a billion dollar company would make this. Let alone sell it for $60! The lowest point of the Pokémon franchise by far. It looks as if a 5 year old was tasked with character design. Reviews have compared the graphics to a mobile game which is incorrect. Mobile games have far better graphics!… Expand
  11. Lucaro
    Jul 9, 2022
    3
    What a sh*tshow.
    Pokemon Platinum was one of the first games I have ever played and is one of my favorite games of all time. With all the remakes that came out for the other Pokemon games, I knew that a remake to Platinum must come at some point. I have waited so long and then I got this: A game with ugly chibis, Pokemon Go graphics, the flaws of Diamond and Pearl that were already fixed    What a sh*tshow.
    Pokemon Platinum was one of the first games I have ever played and is one of my favorite games of all time. With all the remakes that came out for the other Pokemon games, I knew that a remake to Platinum must come at some point. I have waited so long and then I got this: A game with ugly chibis, Pokemon Go graphics, the flaws of Diamond and Pearl that were already fixed in Platinum and this friendship bullsh*t.
    Pokemon was always a cash cow but back then they actually gave a sh't. This was the last newly released Pokemon game I've played and I am very disappointed.    … Expand
  12. Kenoct
    Jun 8, 2022
    0
    How to destroy our childhood with an ugly and lazy remake. The original one is way better.
  13. TheLinkgirl
    May 26, 2022
    2
    I've loved the Pokemon series my whole life, so this review comes from the heart: Pokemon BDSP are dreadfully low effort remakes. Most of the enjoyment in this game comes from the fact you're playing a Pokemon game. Beyond that, almost everything is just not as good as the original DP.
  14. Darkred401
    Mar 27, 2022
    2
    If you want a diamond and pearl remake just get platinum

    Bdsp changes so little that it would be smarter to port the original. The game has nice lighting and water effects but the overall art style is ugly and loses the appeal of the original pixel art. The music is the one positive with great mixing though certain themes feel off or lose the original appeal. Ultimately it feels like    If you want a diamond and pearl remake just get platinum

    Bdsp changes so little that it would be smarter to port the original. The game has nice lighting and water effects but the overall art style is ugly and loses the appeal of the original pixel art. The music is the one positive with great mixing though certain themes feel off or lose the original appeal.

    Ultimately it feels like a rushed cash grab to have an annual release    … Expand
  15. HeraticParadox
    Mar 13, 2022
    2
    This remake tries to be a faithful adaptation of the original, but they somehow managed to make it worse with the few quality of life additions they chose to include. The worst offender is the always on XP share. It took what was one of of the closest Pokémon games to being a traditional RPG experience and turned it into a mindless slog through the antiquated design of the games unchangedThis remake tries to be a faithful adaptation of the original, but they somehow managed to make it worse with the few quality of life additions they chose to include. The worst offender is the always on XP share. It took what was one of of the closest Pokémon games to being a traditional RPG experience and turned it into a mindless slog through the antiquated design of the games unchanged original map. The change to the HM system was nice. I no longer needed to keep a Bidoof with me at all times in the overworld, but, for some reason, they decided to revert back to TMs breaking. The graphics, while trying to be a chibi reproduction of the original, somehow managed to be worse. The pixel art of the original, while probably a bit behind the times for the DS, was still elegant. I really thought the graphics of the Let’s Go games was going to be Nintendo’s low point for the series, but they proved me wrong. Even the movement feels bad. How they took a grid based top down game and made the movement feel bad is mind blowing to me. The controls feel imprecise and I was constantly colliding with environmental objects. The whole game just feels cheap, and yet it costs more than the original did. It just feels like they cut every corner possible to get the game out quickly. A good old fashioned cash grab. Thankfully the game was at least mostly bug free, but that’s really the only praise I can give it. I regret buying this game, but not nearly as much as I regret the 24hrs I spent beating it.… Expand
  16. AngryShark92
    Feb 8, 2022
    0
    ***Apparently there has just been a massive invasion of bots on Metacritic that are out trying to protect the review scores of certain titles, and thus these ratings and this site in general are now completely compromised. The only reviews that get removed are the negative ones, but the 10/10 bots stay up. Sort it out Metacritic. Look at the profiles of the 10/10s if you don't believe me.***Apparently there has just been a massive invasion of bots on Metacritic that are out trying to protect the review scores of certain titles, and thus these ratings and this site in general are now completely compromised. The only reviews that get removed are the negative ones, but the 10/10 bots stay up. Sort it out Metacritic. Look at the profiles of the 10/10s if you don't believe me.

    No other way to say it, this was a lazy attempt at a remake, not as good as Omega Ruby/Alpha Sapphire, and nowhere near as good as Heart Gold/Soul Silver. There really isn't much here for those that played or own the originals.

    I have 3 huge issues with these games. First, this mandatory EXP share is making the game way too easy, it was a big flaw in Let's Go, as well as Sword & Shield, and to include it in a game that did not have it in its original version is a terrible decision. Second, God. Where is Arceus? As of right now, there is no way to get him in these versions, only a transfer from Poke Home if you had him in a previous game. Third, this weird blur effect that exists, which I have seen mostly in Tunnels and Forests, looks awful and seems really unnecessary because it only exists in certain spots and the rest of the area looks crisp and focused so I am not quite sure what purpose this effect has, unless its a bug.

    On top of those 3, I have found the game to be slower and more unresponsive in some areas, particularly in battles and conversations, and there are some backgrounds within battles that look "questionable", to say the least. Also, where is all of the content from Platinum? Just remake the 3rd iteration of each game if you are going to be this lazy, I miss the distortion world.

    Other than those issues, I think most of the aesthetics are great, the music is still great, the animations and models within battles (not a fan of the chibis outside of battle) are well done, and the nostalgia factor still exists, barely. Its a definite lazy effort, and I would only recommend it to newer players who never played the original Gen IV games.

    + Player models & animations are solid
    + Pokemon models are good
    + Aesthetics of cities/towns & surrounding environment
    + Soundtrack has not been ruined
    + Underground content has been expanded for the better

    - EXP share is a fatal flaw that makes these newer games way too easy, GET RID OF IT
    - Unnecessary blur effect
    - Arceus is nowhere to be found
    - Some texture issues
    - Responsiveness and hangup issues
    - Platinum content missing
    - A lot of unobtainable Pokemon
    - Forgot to add positive modern changes (TM use), but managed to include negatives (EXP share)
    - Endgame content is lacklustre to say the least
    - Subtle changes from the originals like blocking Wayward cave with strength, and making Eterna's gym different
    - Incorrect Poké showing up when using HM move
    - Dowsing machine is terribly implemented for a non touch screen console

    Overall, it just feels like they got "just enough" done and thus I feel like a 5/10 is a justified rating. Gamefreak is obviously turning its attention to games that provide more revenue, and like many other franchises recently, it feels like its all becoming stale because of the lack of quality and effort being put into them. Unfortunate.    … Expand
  17. llamaboy
    Feb 3, 2022
    2
    This game is hilariously bad. They do not include the additions from platinum( which already greatly diminishes the quality of the game) there are slight new additions that add basically nothing to the game itself, and the graphics are sub-par at best (aside from the water which looks pretty good) if you want to play these games, just play Pokémon platinum.
  18. Federx
    Jan 30, 2022
    2
    avoid like the plague. they somehow managed to make sinnoh even worse, which is quite the achievement
  19. Ryu003
    Jan 18, 2022
    0
    Questo è il peggior gioco pokémon. Non si può definire remaik visto i precedenti giochi.
  20. Kidwild
    Jan 15, 2022
    2
    For a so called "remake". It feels like a RE-BREAK to me! One-step forward. Only to go two steps backwards...pathetic. More like Broken Diamond, and Shattered Pearl.

    This Game had potential. But it was squandered, like the last game. Sword, and shield. The game is TOO EASY. (I get it. The newcomers need handholding. But the other folks, would like a challenge DANG IT!) Being faithful    For a so called "remake". It feels like a RE-BREAK to me! One-step forward. Only to go two steps backwards...pathetic. More like Broken Diamond, and Shattered Pearl.

    This Game had potential. But it was squandered, like the last game. Sword, and shield. The game is TOO EASY. (I get it. The newcomers need handholding. But the other folks, would like a challenge DANG IT!)

    Being faithful to the OG game. Is not the best of ideas. Especially, if it is going to be a Complete copycat of the DP game. Like c mon... If you are going to perform a remake. Then it needs to be a REMAKE! With new stuff to boot. Not little bit of new stuff. But a TON! Final Fantasy 7 remake managed to remake a lot of their old game. into something much, more bad ass!

    THIS!? LOL it's the same game, with a new coat of paint. If you're going for a remaster. Then at the least. make it, With a more quality improvement. to be an overall. Quite a lot better, than the OG game. Or just simply better.

    Now this game isn't all bad. There are some new stuff. underground. That is one of the few SAVING GRACES for this sorry excuse of a game. other saving graces as well. At least this game...BEATS Sword and shield. That is for sure.

    Not worth the 60$. Not even worth 40$! Only buy this game, If you lack the OG copy of DP. And try to get it for 20$ or less...Else avoid it. (At least this game, managed to be better than the GTA definite edition trilogy. And the Battlefield 2042. AKA COD copy. with worse everything.)

    Game-Freak and the other company. and T.P.C needs to Care less on profits. and care more on quality...More staffing members, More time. (not infinite time. So a needed deadline. but not a Crunch time, deadline...And listen to GOOD fan feedback and good suggestions. (Money is needed yes. But compassion is needed too. to keep the fans loyal. And the Reputation staying in the good/golden side. The reputation is right now...being gravely Tarnished.)

    As of now. This franchise is turning into a EA's version of a game. All milked to death for easy money... (even fan made games, did better than this.)    … Expand
  21. Otts
    Jan 15, 2022
    0
    Shameless budget cash grab. A rushed project cutting as many corners as possible. Maximum profit, no passion.
  22. Flamo91
    Jan 13, 2022
    0
    ilca proves not to live up to the title. ending game done very badly.
    scripted tower fight impossible to complete except by luck.
    bad.
    ILCA retired
  23. Rikoyasha
    Jan 4, 2022
    4
    Long story short just play Platinum

    a "faithful" remake no one asked for Pros - Underground rooms - updated moves Cons - removed quality of life Platinum changes(consist of too many things to list) - no online multi battle - killed underground base decoration and traps for player interaction - bland team galactic - less emersion like less detailed and bland places fixed in    Long story short just play Platinum

    a "faithful" remake no one asked for
    Pros
    - Underground rooms
    - updated moves
    Cons
    - removed quality of life Platinum changes(consist of too many things to list)
    - no online multi battle
    - killed underground base decoration and traps for player interaction
    - bland team galactic
    - less emersion like less detailed and bland places fixed in platinum
    and many more problems    … Expand
  24. Poochingus
    Jan 3, 2022
    2
    This was so much of a let down. This is the first time a pokemon main series remake has removed content and features instead of adding them. I don't know why they made this game if they were going to somehow make it worse. What was the point of this game? Multiplayer in this game is about on par with the technology from the gameboy days. Yes, it hasn't been this stripped down since goldThis was so much of a let down. This is the first time a pokemon main series remake has removed content and features instead of adding them. I don't know why they made this game if they were going to somehow make it worse. What was the point of this game? Multiplayer in this game is about on par with the technology from the gameboy days. Yes, it hasn't been this stripped down since gold and silver version. No more global trade. No more multiplayer union rooms either. Underground multiplayer was also gelded. A sad sad sad game. Everyone bashes the art direction, but to be honest, that is the least of my concerns. It is terrible gameplay that really ruins it. There are tons of bugs and glitches. Exp share has no toggle anymore either, which was the worst change added in the previous games and completely ruins the balance of this old game. They included no post game content, where omega ruby/alpha sapphire added amazing post game story and it was fun! These games added nothing, and removed more too. Platinum content simply consisted of just letting you catch giratina and get his origin form. Also they did not include the more fleshed out story for team galactic. Controls are also pretty weak. The originals had great menu layouts and touch controls, they removed the ability to touch menu items for some reason and the menu in combat is pretty weak too. In good form they did not have a fun or engaging post game challenge area. I'm really sick of the battle tower for the 5th or 6th game in a row now, its just the same old thing and it is more luck based than about trying to fight skillfully this time around more than ever. Gameplay is sluggish, despite speeding up movement and hp bars, it doesn't matter when you can't do what every good rpg has been doing for a decade now by having the ability to speed up the combat encounters, and I wish I could turn off the "friendship" emotes, just more wasted time. The little things add up to just annoy you to death and mash the A-button. Loading is also so slow that I thought I bricked the console when I first opened the game. Its amazing how these ugly looking very simple looking games make the console struggle this much.

    I have had more fun with indie games for less than half the price of these cheap imitations of the DS games.    … Expand
  25. thebrutaltruth
    Dec 25, 2021
    0
    One of the worst games I have ever seen. Complete cash-grab with no improvements whatsoever and they even avoided remaking the superior Platinum version to sell two "different" but not really different versions to grab even more cash. The graphics are even worse than the originals.
  26. Edea-Tsuki
    Dec 22, 2021
    0
    The game lacks of all type of content from Pokémon Platinum, which is the "Pokémon Diamond and Pearl +" of gen 4 of Pokémon. This choise is simple lazy and unanderstandable for every fan of Pokémon: why made a remake that don't have things that permits Sinnoh to raise and be liked back as then? Well, the answers is obvious. It's just a product to sold because in the cover is writtenThe game lacks of all type of content from Pokémon Platinum, which is the "Pokémon Diamond and Pearl +" of gen 4 of Pokémon. This choise is simple lazy and unanderstandable for every fan of Pokémon: why made a remake that don't have things that permits Sinnoh to raise and be liked back as then? Well, the answers is obvious. It's just a product to sold because in the cover is written "Pokémon". Nothing else.
    Yes, they added something like the undergrounds upgrade, you can think that all people that tell "hey this game is awesome buy it now it's Pokémon!" are right, but it's what we fan asked? It's what we deserve? No. Absolutely no. Nobody asked for this things, we just wanted a damn, exactly the same, Pokémon Platinum with better graphic. Nothing else. Pokémon Diamond and Pearl suck. They have lot of problems, and only Platinum fixed them. So I really don't understand why Junichi Masuda (because hey, do you really think that ILCA have the fault to this? This things that happens to Pokémon X and Y? Remember that Masuda is the boss in all this projects? So yeah please stop to accuse people that for live and earn money have to follow orders), why Game Freak, why The Pokémon Company and why not? Why Nintendo do this every time with Pokémon? This really hurts. They neither need to make any efforts. They only have to do what we asked from years. So why?
    Onestly I don't want to hear nothing about Pokémon. This brand disgust me, it's like an unrequited love that know your feelings and smash them just to get something from you. Please stop buying Pokémon games like this and concentrate on some "more and gentle lovers"    … Expand
  27. adrienqua
    Dec 19, 2021
    0
    A SHAME. A lazy remake, it runs at 720p 30fps.
    Nothing new, the game doesn't looks good, clearly too colorful, 3d models are soulless.
    Play the original games, they are way better.
  28. HenGamer
    Dec 19, 2021
    0
    most disappointing remake
    no megas dexs sucks lazy remake gamefreak no care about series anymore
  29. Sweet_paco
    Dec 11, 2021
    0
    horrible game, copy-paste of original pearl...........................................
  30. Frank1992
    Dec 7, 2021
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This is the rubbish game. I won’t spend any to buy this game. GF only want to make money and no heart to remake the game. If you compare heart gold/omega these remake game. This one is really disappointed.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

11
#11 Most Discussed Switch Game of 2021

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
73

Mixed or average reviews - based on 88 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 37 out of 88
  2. Mixed: 51 out of 88
  3. Negative: 0 out of 88
  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.
    Read full review
  2. Nintendo Force Magazine
    Mar 7, 2022
    60
    If you're a Switch owner looking to play a Pokémon game, this pair should be your third choice after the Let's Go games and Sword & Shield. [Issue #57 – January/February 2022, p. 67]
  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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