For over a decade, Pokémon fans have been yearning for fourth-generation remakes, and to the surprise of many, the franchise answered their pleas. After much anticipation, Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl were released, promising to grant seasoned players a nostalgic yet modernized experience. While many fans adore the updated versions of Pokémon Diamond and Pearl, others believe the experience is incomparable without Platinum - the revered third game of the fourth generation.
Pokémon Diamond and Pearl bear notable distinctions, yet none as substantial as those seen in Platinum. Everything within the game is noticeably different, from the available Pokémon to the story itself. These alterations are so significant that Pokémon Platinum is nearly unrecognizable from other fourth-generation games. However, as history reveals, third installments in a generation are left untouched - regardless of how beloved or distinguishable. Even so, there are substantial reasons why Pokémon Platinum should get a remake.
5 It Enriches The Story
Pokémon Diamond and Pearl follow the adventures of a Pokémon trainer, seeking to become the Champion of Sinnoh. The aspiring Pokémon Master's journey leads them to Team Galactic - a morally misguided group seeking to destroy and recreate the universe. To fulfill their quest, Team Galactic must harness the godly powers of the Legendary Pokémon Dialga and Palkia. Only the trainer can thwart their schemes, ending the inadvertent calamity and chaos they have inspired.
Pokémon Diamond and Pearl boast one of the best storylines in the franchise, which Pokémon Platinum sought to improve. It retained pertinent plot points of the original fourth-generation games while introducing numerous new elements. Such additions aimed to enrich Pokémon Diamond and Pearl's plot, thus, providing fans a more riveting experience. These changes made Pokémon Platinum - and the fourth generation at large - among the best in the franchise. This reason alone is enough to warrant it a remake.
4 It Introduces The Distortion World
Pokémon Platinum introduces players to an alternate dimension known as the Distortion World. This plane of existence is home to the Legendary Pokémon Giratina - a member of the Creation Trio. While the exact purpose of the Distortion World is unknown, theories suggest that it balances the universe. Thus, explaining the plane of existence's stark differences from the natural world. The importance of the Distortion World in the Pokémon universe - chiefly the fourth generation - is unparalleled.
The understandable absence of the Distortion World - except for the Distortion Room - in Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl is wholeheartedly disappointing. This unsettling alternate dimension allows for unique plot points and a supernatural experience unlike any other. Thus, the Distortion World's exclusion feels like a missed opportunity - one that left many fans in dismay. Only a Pokémon Platinum remake could reintroduce players to the abnormal plane of existence.
3 It Debuts Officer Looker
The fourth-generation Pokémon games introduced many iconic characters like Cynthia, Cyrus, and Professor Rowan. However, only a select few maintained prominence beyond the fourth-generation games. One such character is Looker, an International Police Officer who specializes in investigating nefarious organizations. Since his appearance in Pokémon Platinum, Looker has remained a prominent figure in many Pokémon games, protecting the world from numerous dangers.
Looker's exclusion from Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl is unusual - considering his involvement with nefarious organizations and supernatural happenings. There is no mention of the International Police Officer anywhere, leaving many dissatisfied. In Pokémon Platinum, Looker worked alongside players to thwart Team Galactic's machinations and bring them to justice - now they must work alone. A Pokémon Platinum remake would debut Looker once more, thus, bolstering their experience.
2 It Completes The Creation Trio
The fourth-generation features the most awe-inspiring and monumental Legendary Pokémon in the franchise. However, none are as impressive as the Creation Trio - Dialga, Palkia, and Giratina. These three Legendary Pokémon are the progenitors of the entire Pokémon universe. They control the aspects of time (Dialga), space (Palkia), and antimatter (Giratina) - the dimensions required to create and sustain the world. To fulfill their uncompromising mission, Team Galactic requires the efforts of each Legendary Pokémon.
Thus, Giratina's absence for much of Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl is unexpected. Rather than playing a critical role in the story, Giratina is a reward of sorts to those who acquire the National Dex. Thus, leaving Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl's plot somewhat incomplete. Players will be unable to resolve the narrative and find solace in the game's ending. To complete the Creation Trio and heighten the story, a Pokémon Platinum remake is a must.
1 It Is The Best Of Both Worlds
Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl bear notable distinctions - chiefly the predominant Legendary Pokémon. Therefore, distinguishing each game from one another and providing a truly unique experience. A playthrough of Pokémon Brilliant Diamond is nothing quite like one of Shining Pearl. This separation grants players a choice but limits the overall experience, unfortunately. Instead, the game provides only one side of the overarching narrative and world.
Pokémon Platinum, however, implements elements from both Diamond and Pearl. Everything from their stories to the box Legendaries themselves. Doing so makes the game well-rounded, providing players with a complete and compelling experience - the best of both worlds. The inclusion of aspects from both games is what garnered Pokémon Platinum its popularity. So, a remake could achieve this unification of games, granting fans the all-inclusive experience presented before.