

Where before each move would use a particular stat based on its type alignment (so, fire type moves would use Special Attack while Rock moves would go on Attack), now each move is classed as either Physical or Special and uses the appropriate stat. The battle system has been reworked in the most significant change to the basics of battling since the Special stat was broken down into individual attack and defence values after the first games turned out to be a bit broken. Obviously, the addition of over a hundred new creatures - many of which are baby versions or evolutions of older Pokémon, such as a pre-evolution of Mantine and new forms for single-stage monsters like Lickitung and Aipom - make up much of the excitement that surrounds the coming of these new adventures.īut it runs a hell of a lot deeper than just a few new arrivals. But every day that passes without this game makes us a little bit sadder.Ī lot has changed in the world of Pokémon since we last visited in Emerald.

Or whenever the hell Nintendo decides to let us have the games in English. Diamond and Pearl are undoubtedly the most anticipated portable titles of 2007 and we've spent the last few months ploughing through the Japanese versions to give you the low- down on just what to expect come Easter. So with the installed base of the DS flying up faster than Sony would like, we look to next year with just one word on our collective minds - Pokémon. With most shops already stocking little but air where their Nintendo hardware should be, the Japanese firm is silencing critics with its impressive sell- through, with both the shiny new Wii and the loveable DS Lite being about as easy to track down as hen's teeth this Christmas.
