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Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl General Discussion

How come when someone says that BDSP are the worst games, worse than Platinum etc, no-one bats an eyelid, yet when someone praises BDSP and calls them the best games we've had in a while, they get rounded on with comments like "you haven't played the game yet", "that's a subjective opinion" etc? I can't help feeling like there are double standards in this thread.

It's because the people saying they're "best games" aren't really doing much to explain their opinions. If you really want your opinion not to be questioned, you have to provide detail on why you feel that way about the game, otherwise other people are going to think "Wait, you're not seeing the game the way I see the game?" and come out of the woodwork to debate it. Just stating what your opinion is is kind of hollow. Anyone can state that they like a game for any number of reasons, so just stating a verdict of "I like/don't like this" isn't very convincing. Supplementing your opinions with supporting evidence goes a lot further towards creating a stance on the games that other people can understand and sympathize with. Now that's not to say you're not allowed to have your opinion, but a weakly supported opinion tends to invite more criticism.

And what's especially not being done by the "best games" side of the debate is they're not comparing to other games and explaining what these games are doing better than others. Because if you're trying to claim a game is the best game, it's not enough to just say "I like X, Y, and Z" because "X, Y, and Z" could also be in another game, you have to explain "I like X, Y, and Z in this game better than A, B, and C in other games". This was the crux of my counterargument to @Boss1708, he did list a lot of features the games improved on, but in each of the individual points he mentioned I could basically say "But... other games did this too". So that's not really strong support in favor of these games being good games. From a logical standpoint, if you're going to identify a game as "best game" you need to be able to identify a quality that this game does that all other games do not. And that includes everything, the original DP, Platinum, other remakes, even other totally unrelated Pokemon games like new generations and third versions of different regions.

The problem is that what we know about this game and what we can see with our eyes definitely seems to support these games being not so great. Instead of having several qualities that make this better games than all other games, I'm seeing a lot more qualities that make this game worse than all other games (things like a refusal to update the graphical style to SwSh's style, a lack of new features, a lack of new Pokemon, etc.). So that makes the "these are good games" side a much tougher argument, and therefore it's a much less popular opinion. And unfortunately being a minority opinion means you'll have more critics, so it's an uphill battle.
 
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Okay, I've been looking into the reviews of these games via Youtube. The reviews shown are pretty positive, with the lowest score so far being 7/10 while the highest I've seen is 9/10. I consider that a good sign. The reviews also noted that, unlike past games in recent years, these games don't hold your hand apart from the mandatory catching tutorial, which is good as you're not being bogged down by countless tutorials (such as Gen 7). The games pretty much thrust you into them like the original DP, so that should mitigate some of the complaints about hand-holding. They did note that the difficulty is slightly wonky, being somewhat skewered in the player's favor, but at the same time they mentioned that the game's natural level curve does mitigate the issue to a degree, especially in later battles and post-game, which is another good sign. They do mention that the "harder" battles (main game, anyway) are in the Grand Underground due to how it's scaled to your progress, but overall the difficulty curve seems to be pretty stable compared to how broken it could be in games like SWSH (especially since there seems to be a lack of EXP Candy in these games, which pretty much broke SWSH into itty-bitty pieces). The reviews also note that the QoL changes do smooth out the rougher edges that were in the original Gen 4 games, making them more user-friendly despite not holding your hand much. So, overall, these games look to be pretty solid, as the reviews have been pretty positive. They're not the greatest games in the history of Pokemon, but it appears they do what they're suppose to do and are able to stand on their own as part of the franchise.
 
Okay, I've been looking into the reviews of these games via Youtube. The reviews shown are pretty positive, with the lowest score so far being 7/10 while the highest I've seen is 9/10. I consider that a good sign. The reviews also noted that, unlike past games in recent years, these games don't hold your hand apart from the mandatory catching tutorial, which is good as you're not being bogged down by countless tutorials (such as Gen 7). The games pretty much thrust you into them like the original DP, so that should mitigate some of the complaints about hand-holding. They did note that the difficulty is slightly wonky, being somewhat skewered in the player's favor, but at the same time they mentioned that the game's natural level curve does mitigate the issue to a degree, especially in later battles and post-game, which is another good sign. They do mention that the "harder" battles (main game, anyway) are in the Grand Underground due to how it's scaled to your progress, but overall the difficulty curve seems to be pretty stable compared to how broken it could be in games like SWSH (especially since there seems to be a lack of EXP Candy in these games, which pretty much broke SWSH into itty-bitty pieces). The reviews also note that the QoL changes do smooth out the rougher edges that were in the original Gen 4 games, making them more user-friendly despite not holding your hand much. So, overall, these games look to be pretty solid, as the reviews have been pretty positive. They're not the greatest games in the history of Pokemon, but it appears they do what they're suppose to do and are able to stand on their own as part of the franchise.
I've stayed away from reviews and stuff like that because I wanted to avoid unnecessary spoilers. After what I've just read I'm really happy - or like one of my favorite memes would describe it: Skeletor is pleased ^^
 
Okay, I've been looking into the reviews of these games via Youtube. The reviews shown are pretty positive, with the lowest score so far being 7/10 while the highest I've seen is 9/10. I consider that a good sign. The reviews also noted that, unlike past games in recent years, these games don't hold your hand apart from the mandatory catching tutorial, which is good as you're not being bogged down by countless tutorials (such as Gen 7). The games pretty much thrust you into them like the original DP, so that should mitigate some of the complaints about hand-holding. They did note that the difficulty is slightly wonky, being somewhat skewered in the player's favor, but at the same time they mentioned that the game's natural level curve does mitigate the issue to a degree, especially in later battles and post-game, which is another good sign. They do mention that the "harder" battles (main game, anyway) are in the Grand Underground due to how it's scaled to your progress, but overall the difficulty curve seems to be pretty stable compared to how broken it could be in games like SWSH (especially since there seems to be a lack of EXP Candy in these games, which pretty much broke SWSH into itty-bitty pieces). The reviews also note that the QoL changes do smooth out the rougher edges that were in the original Gen 4 games, making them more user-friendly despite not holding your hand much. So, overall, these games look to be pretty solid, as the reviews have been pretty positive. They're not the greatest games in the history of Pokemon, but it appears they do what they're suppose to do and are able to stand on their own as part of the franchise.

NintendoLife gave the games a 6/10 actually. They nicked it for the artstyle, lack of Platinum content, and lack of overworld encounters outside the Hideaways (which is kind of a weird complaint since overworld encounters as they are in LGPE and SwSh wouldn't quite fit the chibi style, but that would've been a great improvement). I definitely think the lack of larger improvements (beyond QoL features) is a good reason not to give a positive verdict on the games so I'm annoyed that the reviewers are endlessly praising the games yet again (although I do have to praise NintendoLife for finally having the guts to criticize a Pokemon game finally), but base DP is still a better game than most IMO, so it's not that egregious.
 
NintendoLife gave the games a 6/10 actually. They nicked it for the artstyle, lack of Platinum content, and lack of overworld encounters outside the Hideaways (which is kind of a weird complaint since overworld encounters as they are in LGPE and SwSh wouldn't quite fit the chibi style, but that would've been a great improvement). I definitely think the lack of larger improvements (beyond QoL features) is a good reason not to give a positive verdict on the games so I'm annoyed that the reviewers are endlessly praising the games yet again, but base DP is still a better game than most IMO, so it's not that egregious.

I was actually just about to watch NintendoLife's review when you quoted me, as I had missed that review at first. The reviewers I saw did acknowledge the complaints you mentioned, like lack of Platinum content and the chibi models, so it wasn't total praise. But they generally do feel the games are good overall. They acknowledged that the games aren't perfect nor are they up to the same level compared to past remakes, but the reviews are still positive enough to warrant them as pretty solid games.
 
I was actually just about to watch NintendoLife's review when you quoted me, as I had missed that review at first. The reviewers I saw did acknowledge the complaints you mentioned, like lack of Platinum content and the chibi models, so it wasn't total praise. But they generally do feel the games are good overall. They acknowledged that the games aren't perfect nor are they up to the same level compared to past remakes, but the reviews are still positive enough to warrant them as pretty solid games.

Eh, interpretation of review scores tend to vary, but generally review scored tend to be assigned on a school grading scale (9 or 10 is an A, 8 is a B, 7 is a C, 6 is a D, 5 or less is an F). Usually 6 or 7 is considered a mixed review, not a positive review. And the tone of the review does seem to imply that there were some good points, but sorely lacking so I don't think they actually did find it good overall (throughout the review they say things like "this feature is disappointing", "Platinum did this feature better", etc., you don't say things like that if you find the game good), that sounds more like they thought it was okay. If you want your games to have good reviews, you generally want them to be getting 8's, 9's, and 10's (although again, it varies, I've seen some people say they think an 8 is just okay, but overall I've seen many people say they think 8's are good).
 
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...and lack of overworld encounters outside the Hideaways (which is kind of a weird complaint since overworld encounters as they are in LGPE and SwSh wouldn't quite fit the chibi style, but that would've been a great improvement).

One of the things that saddens me in this remake is precisely the lack of wild overworld Pokemons. Well, I know this is a recent feature in Pokémon Games, but it's a feature that definitely made the games better for me.

It's a delight in Sword and Shield to explore and re-explore areas in search of finding new items and capturing new Pokémon. Seriously, Sword and Shield was the first Pokémon game that I felt inspired about completing Pokedéx, and given the franchise's proposal, I believe that says a lot.

Having Overworld Pokémon is even more than avoiding unnecessary battles, it's about surprising the player, bringing more personality and life to the environment, and even to the Pokémon.

And Sinnoh was one of the regions richest in exploration, with non-linear routes routes and many unique landmarks, although navigation was hampered by the excessive need for multiple HMs. Well, they kind of sorted that out in the remakes, but I think they could do more in favor of exploration.
 
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Eh, interpretation of review scores tend to vary, but generally review scored tend to be assigned on a school grading scale (9 or 10 is an A, 8 is a B, 7 is a C, 6 is a D, 5 or less is an F). Usually 6 or 7 is considered a mixed review, not a positive review. And the tone of the review does seem to imply that there were some good points, but sorely lacking so I don't think they actually did find it good overall, that sounds more like they thought it was okay. If you want your games to have good reviews, you generally want them to be getting 8's, 9's, and 10's (although again, it varies, I've seen some people say they think an 8 is just okay, but overall I've seen many people say they think 8's are good).

Meh, I'm willing to trust a 7 or higher review on a game over something like a movie critic's review on certain movies. Some people I know elsewhere feel that a 7 is a "B" when it comes to game reviews, something that I agree with. The fact that these games have scored mostly 7-9 is still a good sign if you ask me. While I do accept NintendoLife's review, as they do have some good points, the fact that most reviews have been generally positive overall does inspire confidence. At least they won't be as polarizing as SWSH was, where the reviewers and player base where pretty much on opposite sides of the spectrum.
 
It's because the people saying they're "best games" aren't really doing much to explain their opinions.

I get what you mean, but at the same time, I think people should be able to enjoy the things they enjoy without having to explain themselves. There's nothing wrong with asking someone to elaborate out of genuine curiosity, but sometimes people simply shut down other people's enthusiasm, and don't show any interest in hearing more about why they think the way they do. This isn't something that's unique to this forum or even to the Pokemon fandom, I see it in other fandoms too.

In answer to your earlier question about why I think BDSP are on par with HGSS content-wise... the two games share a lot of the same features, for example:
  • Pokemon following you
  • Updates to features from the original games
  • A new area that improves the selection of available Pokemon (Safari Zone/Pokemon Hideaways)
  • Quests to find Legendary Pokemon that weren't available in the originals
HGSS has a few features that BDSP lacks, like the Battle Frontier. But BDSP also has features that HGSS lacks, like trainer customisation and an alternative to HMs (the positive impact of the latter on player enjoyment can't be underestimated). So on the whole, I think they're about even. (I never much liked the Battle Frontier so this part is perhaps a little subjective, I'll admit.)

And if most of BDSP's improvements are simply the standard for Pokemon games nowadays, then I think that just goes to show that Game Freak are putting more effort into their games than some fans will care to admit.
 
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Meh, I'm willing to trust a 7 or higher review on a game over something like a movie critic's review on certain movies. Some people I know elsewhere feel that a 7 is a "B" when it comes to game reviews, something that I agree with. The fact that these games have scored mostly 7-9 is still a good sign if you ask me. While I do accept NintendoLife's review, as they do have some good points, the fact that most reviews have been generally positive overall does inspire confidence. At least they won't be as polarizing as SWSH was, where the reviewers and player base where pretty much on opposite sides of the spectrum.

You can't really say that it won't be polarizing without knowing the fans' opinions. And considering that there's been fans that have been critical... yeah I'm inclined to think it actually will be.

I get what you mean, but at the same time, I think people should be able to enjoy the things they enjoy without having to explain themselves. There's nothing wrong with asking someone to elaborate out of genuine curiosity, but sometimes people simply shut down other people's enthusiasm, and don't show any interest in hearing more about why they think the way they do. This isn't something that's unique to this forum or even to the Pokemon fandom, I see it in other fandoms too.

Shutting down people's opinions and not showing interest in your opinions is a completely different matter (that's something to bring up with the mods), but other than that people have a right to express constructive criticisms of your opinions as much as you have a right to express your opinions. You shouldn't let that affect your enjoyment, but if it does just ignore them.


  • A new area that improves the selection of available Pokemon (Safari Zone/Pokemon Hideaways)

I don't think you can really compare HGSS' efforts to improve Pokemon selection to BDSP's. The problem with BDSP is that Platinum already had Platinum Dex Pokemon in the main game and all three had an increased selection of Pokemon in the post game. That's nothing new to BDSP. The HGSS Safari Zone added some Pokemon to the main game that were previously only post game in GSC and combined with improvements to other special encounter methods (expanded Swarm lists, Hoenn/Sinnoh sound, post game Headbutt trees either in Kanto or only accessible via Rock Climb, post game Bug Catching Contest expansions), added a large number of 3rd and 4th gen Pokemon that never existed in GSC period. Hideaways and Ramanas Park didn't quite expand BDSP's Pokemon selection to the same degree of having new, previously post game Pokemon in the main game and having completely new Pokemon that didn't exist in the originals.

And if most of BDSP's improvements are simply the standard for Pokemon games nowadays, then I think that just goes to show that Game Freak are putting more effort into their games than some fans will care to admit.

This is not necessarily true, as it depends on how much effort it takes to implement each feature. It's hard to say, but I don't think features like following Pokemon and customization really took a lot of effort to implement, whereas I think features like the Battle Frontier and Pokeathlon took much more effort. I'm not at all convinced that the games are taking more effort (or if they are, the effort is shifting towards the 3D/HD graphics and away from the content).
 
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Meh, I'm willing to trust a 7 or higher review on a game over something like a movie critic's review on certain movies. Some people I know elsewhere feel that a 7 is a "B" when it comes to game reviews, something that I agree with. The fact that these games have scored mostly 7-9 is still a good sign if you ask me. While I do accept NintendoLife's review, as they do have some good points, the fact that most reviews have been generally positive overall does inspire confidence. At least they won't be as polarizing as SWSH was, where the reviewers and player base where pretty much on opposite sides of the spectrum.
That bit reminds me of IGN's review of Swords and Shield, where the comments were practically either outraged or laughing at them calling it a good game. Granted, IGN doesn't have the best track record in reviewing Pokémon games, but still.
 
Alright so, I will try to go more in-depth about why I personally consider BDSP to be a really good game, and the best game we've had during the 3D era of Pokemon (from XY onwards).

Firstly, I must start by saying that, for me, the Japan-based regions (Kanto, Johto, Hoenn and Sinnoh) are, by default, superior to the non-Japan-based regions. I think Sinnoh in particular is one of the best designed and most exploration-heavy regions, and so this fact alone, already gives BDSP an advantage over recent Pokemon games that are set in more linear and less explorable regions.

Secondly, I am very happy with the developers' decision to go back to the chibi-like overworld and the classic top-down camera angle. I feel like the games that are more realistic in scale and human proportions (SM, USUM, SwSh, Legends) just don't feel as eye-pleasing and charming to me. So that is another point where BDSP wins for me.

Third, the game's content, which is probably the most important thing for me. I really like what BDSP is offering content-wise, and I will go briefly over the features I am excited for:
  • The most important thing for me is the Battle Tower, which, in BDSP, allows us to battle all of the game's special characters: the Gym Leaders, E4, Cynthia, Palmer, the Villain Admins, and the Stat Trainers. This is literally my favorite feature.
  • Gym Leaders, E4, Cynthia, our rivals, etc are also rematchable outside of the Battle Tower, with their Platinum teams, but improved with competitive setups, very high levels and improved AI, in what is probably the best rematches in the history of the franchise.
  • The Underground is just so much more exciting now. Pokemon Hideaways are a brilliant idea.
  • Secret Bases don't have decorations and Capture the Flag anymore (sadly), but they now have Pokemon Statues, which I think is a fair trade, since they allow me to design my very own Dragon Chamber, filled exclusively with my favourite Dragon Pokemon Statues.
  • Contests have been simplified, but in this case I think that's a good thing, because the original DPPt Super Contests were really confusing, and not very enjoyable, to be honest.
  • Ramanas Park looks exciting, and it actually engages the player in finding the correspondent Slates, in order to challenge each Legendary, which I think is quite cool. I'm especially happy about the Distortion World being there too (even if just a single room).
  • Following Pokemon is something that I didn't see coming and I'm really happy about it.
  • Trainer Customization is another thing that I didn't expect, and I'm really delighted about it. Bonus points for the Platinum outfits being available.
  • Minigames: I am excited about Poffin Making, finding items in the Underground walls, Diglett chasing minigame, Amity Square playing with your Pokemon, etc.

So, these are the main reason why I'm excited for BDSP. Now I want to address some of the things that may be perceived as flaws of BDSP and explain why I am not bothered by them.
  • Chibi Graphics: I actually prefer them, like I said earlier.
  • Change to Secret Bases and Super Contests: already explained above.
  • Lack of a Battle Frontier: I think the Emerald Battle Frontier was the real deal. I really missed it in ORAS. But the Platinum Battle Frontier found in Platinum was boring imo, so I will not miss it in BDSP at all.
  • Platinum enhancements to the plot (including Looker and Charon). I have never cared about the plot of a Pokemon game, so to me this point is irrelevant. Furthermore, I don't think Charon adds much to the plot anyway, and I actually dislike Looker as a character, so his absence is a bonus for me.
  • Platinum Villa: I wouldn't have minded having this feature in BDSP, but I'm kinda indifferent to it. It didn't add much to Platinum imo.

The only real criticism I have of BDSP, is that the game doesn't do anything new with Dialga and Palkia. I think they should've gotten new forms, like the Weather Trio in ORAS. Timeless Dialga and Spaceless Palkia, maybe? I think this would have been really cool, and it would've also made the box art more exciting.

In conclusion, I think BDSP is a great game, and a great remake. The few negatives that personally affect me are far out-weighted by the positives. So naturally, I like the game a lot.
 
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I don't think you can really compare HGSS' efforts to improve Pokemon selection to BDSP's. The problem with BDSP is that Platinum already had Platinum Dex Pokemon in the main game and all three had an increased selection of Pokemon in the post game. That's nothing new to BDSP. The HGSS Safari Zone added some Pokemon to the main game that were previously only post game in GSC and combined with improvements to other special encounter methods (expanded Swarm lists, Hoenn/Sinnoh sound, post game Headbutt trees either in Kanto or only accessible via Rock Climb, post game Bug Catching Contest expansions), added a large number of 3rd and 4th gen Pokemon that never existed in GSC period. Hideaways and Ramanas Park didn't quite expand BDSP's Pokemon selection to the same degree of having new, previously post game Pokemon in the main game and having completely new Pokemon that didn't exist in the originals.

BDSP has a much larger selection of available Pokemon, though. I'm pretty sure that between the two versions it'll be possible to catch all 493 Pokemon of Gen IV, whereas in HGSS quite a few of them had to be traded from DPPt.

This is not necessarily true, as it depends on how much effort it takes to implement each feature. It's hard to say, but I don't think features like following Pokemon and customization really took a lot of effort to implement, whereas I think features like the Battle Frontier and Pokeathlon took much more effort. I'm not at all convinced that the games are taking more effort (or if they are, the effort is shifting towards the 3D/HD graphics and away from the content).

The amount of effort put into something doesn't necessarily determine the quality of the final product. You could work really hard on something that turns out terrible, or, in a rare stroke of genius, effortlessly create a masterpiece. Remakes always require less effort anyway, because most of the work was already done when the original game was made.

I think perhaps it's true that more effort was put into HGSS, simply because there were more things that needed improving. For example, there wasn't really much of a story in GSC, so they added the new scenes with the Kimono Girls to bring the game up to modern Pokemon standards. They included the Kanto dungeons which were originally left out due to limited space on the cartridge, and added a minigame (the Pokethlon) because Johto originally lacked one.

DPPt, on the other hand, were pretty much perfect apart from the slow animations, HMs, limited Pokemon selection (in DP), and the fact that the Underground was (in my opinion) a bit boring. So remaking these games required less effort. That doesn't necessarily mean that the end result will be less good.

I suppose what it really boils down to is what do you value more: innovation, or overall quality. A lot of people would have preferred a remake with more significant changes (like the brilliant ORAS) so that exploring the same region again feels more worthwhile, and I can understand that. But for me personally, I'm happy as long as the game is of a good quality overall, even if most of that quality owes itself to the groundwork laid by the original version of the game.

I'm really looking forward to playing what is essentially classic Pokemon on the Switch; the first entry of the 3D era not to rely on flashy new forms or battle gimmicks.
 
I totally stand by what I said earlier: IF everything that has been leaked sofar is true, BDSP will be the best Pokemon game we've had since the 3D era started in 2013. I think BDSP is definitely better than XY, ORAS, SM, USUM, LGPE and SwSh.
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA :ROFLMAO::ROFLMAO::ROFLMAO::ROFLMAO::ROFLMAO::ROFLMAO::ROFLMAO::ROFLMAO::ROFLMAO:

Are you related to ILCA?
 
Now I want to address some of the things that may be perceived as flaws of BDSM and explain why I am not bothered by them.
Can you please correct that? That's kinda inappropriate and less people will take your post seriously if you leave that in.

EDIT: Thank you! (y)
 
I, too, think that BDSP could turn out to be one of the best games of the 3D era. SwSh and ORAS are my favourite games of all time and it would take a lot to top them. But I think there's a good chance that I'll end up liking BDSP more than XY, SM, USUM and LGPE.
 
Yes, my uncle works there.
(n)

"Chibi Graphics: I actually prefer them, like I said earlier."

Do you really think that these Chibi Models are an improvement over what we got in SwSh and Let's Go? What's the mental gymnastics behind this?

Compare this
Pokemon-Lets-Go-Rider-Onix-clipping.png


to this (I didn't find a single image showing the dwarf onix on the underground)
Pokemon-BDSP-Follow.jpg


Sources:
. KoopaTV Live Reacts: Nintendo Treehouse Live | E3 2018: Pokémon, Let's Go Pikachu + Eevee
. Pokemon Brilliant Diamond/Shining Pearl Following Pokemon, Pokemon Contests, And Capsule Decoration Features Detailed - NintendoSoup
 
Can you please correct that? That's kinda inappropriate and less people will take your post seriously if you leave that in.

EDIT: Thank you! (y)
XD This is the second time I've seen it happen and it's becoming my favorite thing about BDSP, haha.


(n)



Do you really think that these Chibi Models are an improvement over what we got in SwSh and Let's Go? What's the mental gymnastics behind this?

Hey. He said he prefers them. That's a preference, not mental gymnastics. People like what they like.
 
(n)



Do you really think that these Chibi Models are an improvement over what we got in SwSh and Let's Go? What's the mental gymnastics behind this?

Mental Gymnastics? Can't you just accept an opinion different from yours? Wtf is wrong with you?

I actually love LGPE graphics the most, but I definitely prefer BDSP graphics over SwSh /Legends/SM/USUM graphics.

If this bothers you, that's not my problem.
 
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