Name: Pokémon Pearl/Diamond
Genre: RPG
System: Nintendo DS

Pokémon is the biggest RPG force to ever hit videogames. Bigger than Dragon Quest, bigger than Final Fantasy, and yes, bigger than Quest 64...

The reason is simple: they are really easy games. They simplify the overcomplicated genre to more focused games. They use the same time hardened techniques that every other RPG does like obtaining items, creating a party, and earning experience, then applies them to what equates to digitized cock fighting.

For the first time in the handhelds lifetime a real, full blown Pokémon game has been released on the Nintendo DS. Pokémon Diamond and Pokémon Pearl exhibit what Nintendo has to offer as the series evolves from its humble Gameboy roots.

They did a damn good job of it, too.

The two versions are nearly identical just like the other releases of the game. The differences are a number of unique Pokémon and some items that can only be found in each version of the game. However, due to increased connectivity due to the LAN and online modes of the game these differences are mostly cosmetic.

The games graphics are also upgraded; but not to the third dimension. Pokémon fans will feel at home with a top down view and two dimensional combat. Sure, they could have put it all in 3D and made the battles look like the N64 Pokémon Coliseum games, but the series has never been about visuals and all it would have done is drained the battery life.

As mentioned before, this is the first Pokémon to go online. You can trade your Pokémon with trainers all around the world using the Global Trade Station and battle them in the Battle tower.

The game is long, just like the others, and its shelf life is even longer due to the online options. Pearl and Diamond bring hundreds of new Pokémon to the scene so you will be busy completing your Pokédex. Overall, if you were ever a fan of Pokémon or simply want to see what all the fuss is, don’t bother renting this game – there is just too much to do. Be a man (or woman), ignore the “Pokémon Sucks!” chants, and go buy this game.