Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl are remakes from the original Pokémon Diamond and Pearl… but what are the main differences?
Soon, we’ll all be able to play one of the best Pokémon games ever created. Pokémon Diamond & Pearl were two games that us Millennials grew up with and were old enough to really remember it. That’s why nostalgia hits us hard, and we can’t wait to play the remakes Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl.
Though ahead of its release, we do wonder… what are the biggest differences of the remake vs. the original of Pokémon Diamond & Pearl?
Catch Legendary Pokémon in Ramanas Park
While the original Diamond & Pearl only had very limited legendary Pokémon to catch, Pokémon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl will offer a handful more that you can catch in a new area called Ramanas Park. These Pokémon will be available depending on which version of the game you buy:
Pokémon Brilliant Diamond Legendary Pokémon:
- Entei
- Raikou
- Suicune
- Ho-oh
- Dialga
Pokémon Shining Pearl Legendary Pokémon:
- Articuno
- Zapdos
- Moltres
- Lugia
- Palkia
Pokémon like Mewtwo and Rayquaza are available in both games, and others like Jirachi and Mew are restricted to whether or not you owned previous games and can transfer them over.
Enhanced Graphics
Maybe this one didn’t need to be mentioned, but I will mention it nonetheless because Pokémon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl looks so freaking good that it really is a worthy remake. Take notes, Arceus, this is the kind of hype that we expected to have from you in regard to graphics.
In addition to the graphics, we will also get new animations from attacks in fights. This doesn’t just make sense, but is necessary given the brush-up on animations. Still, it’ll be nice to see cool new 3D moves of our favorite Pokémon.
Roaming Pokémon
You will notice Pokémon roaming around in Pokémon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl, a feature that is most likely adopted from previous games like Sword & Shield. It makes finding and catching Pokémon easier, while you can now also avoid a fight if you want to.
Pokémon Following You Around
This has been a feature that is beloved by many. Whether in Pokémon Go, Pokémon Sword & Shield or other parts of the franchise, the buddy system is one we can't wait for in the remake.
Having your Pokémon trail behind you while you explore the world just adds a sense of realism to the game that was missing from the original. Especially because Diamond & Pearl is one of the best generations ever and everyone wants these Pokémon to be the buddy behind them (Piplup main right here, woop woop).
Customization
I’m a sucker for customization of any kind. It just makes the game feel more personal and helps give it that touch of “you”. In Pokémon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl, players will be able to customize their Pokéballs with stickers and – more interestingly, imo – customize themselves. Forget the basic outfit that you wore in Diamond & Pearl and wear something completely new in Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl!
Once the game is finally released, we will probably notice a couple more interesting changes, but these are the ones that we’re most excited about pre-release.