On April 22, 2007 the two new Pokemon games for DS launch. Pokemon Diamond and Pokemon Pearl have already seen great success in Japan, will they duplicate that success in America? Considering the games sold about 5 million copies in the first three months I expect these two games to be very popular. With Pokemon games one always ends up more popular than the other, which will it be this time?- Highlights
- 100 new Pokemon
- Wi-Fi play for up to 8 players
- Bring your GBA Pokemon forward
- Talk to your opponents while battling
Let's break each item down a little bit here
100 new Pokemon
Not only can you use the existing 380 Pokemon from the GBA games but, 100 new Pokemon have been added to the game! Some of these Pokemon are entirely new while others are new evolved and un-evolved forms of existing Pokemon.
Wi-Fi play for up to 8 players
Using a local Wi-Fi connection up to 8 trainers can connect and play with each other. Previous titles have maxed out at four trainers connected at once.
Import your GBA Pokemon
One of the biggest gripes people had with the move from Game Boy Color to Game Boy Advance was the lack of being able to bring your Pokemon with you. With Pokemon Diamond and Pokemon Pearl you can! After completing a certain objectives in the game you will be allowed to transfer Pokemon from your GBA games to Pokemon Diamond and Pokemon Pearl.
Talk to your opponents while battling
This is clearly the biggest news of the day. Using VOIP style technology and the built-in DS microphone (and a friend code) you will be able to talk to your opponents, no matter where in the world they are, while connected. Using the Nintendo DS headset (sold separately) will make it even easier.
For the parents out there worried about who their kids are talking to understand that the players must know each others friend codes to enable the VOIP communication.
Now check out some screen shots from the upcoming games!
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