Well this is the first 3D Pokemon game to make onto the handheld consoles, the battles aren't 3D, but the in-battle graphics are greatly improved over its GBA counterpart.

The Pokemon series has always been extremely popular, ever since it started with the almost black and white games on the original Game Boy. Ever since then, it has made its way onto every Nintendo console, the N64, GBC, GBA, DS, GameCube and the Wii. There is no doubt to how much success it has enjoyed.

Pokemon Pearl the new generation of Pokemon games, it still follows exactly the same playing style as the oold Red, Blue and Yellow games, but now the buildings have been replaced with 3d models instead of 2d sprites.

There are tonnes of new Pokemon, as well as all the old Pokemon, making a total of more than 500 Pokemon, it now really is a challenge to catch em all.

This is yet another game which uses the DS' Wi-Fi feature. It allows you to trade Pokemon, as well as play up to 4 player battles, there is also an underground feature, more ideally suited to several players. While underground you can create bases and furnish them, as well as cover the entrance to prevent other players from finding your base. I believe the aim of the underground mode is similar to capture the flag.

As with most if not all of the previous Pokemon games, the aim is to defeat a 'team' of evil NPC's that are planning some disasterous event. In Pokemon Pearl you face against Team Galactic, as usual you will beat them on various occasions, and eventually face off against the leader of the team, and then against Palkia the legendary Pokemon.

The game features a very large soundtrack, a total of 149, most being over 1 minute each.

The handheld Pokemon games have usually had links with the Console versions, and the the same is true in this case. You can wirelessly upload your Pokemon to your Wii and use them in Pokemon Battle Revolution or My Pokemon Ranch. Also inserting a Pokemon GBA cartridge into your DS will allow you to upload 6 Pokemon from the catridge to your DS.

Overall, although this game fits into the RPG genre, like other Pokemon games, its definitely more of an adventure game. Although this one is obviously better than previous games, more multiplayer options, more Pokemon, better graphics, i still prefer the GBC version of the games. Pokemon Gold, Silver and Crystal.