There are many video game series that have been able to connect with audiences on unprecedented levels, but it’s extremely rare to achieve the level of popularity and influence that’s been reached by Pokémon. The Pokémon franchise continues to grow in exciting ways that prove that it’s certainly not going anywhere and there have never been more games that explore different corners of the changing Pokémon universe.
Each new generation of the mainline Pokémon series brings with it some important revisions to the formula, but there’s a special amount of reverence for what’s accomplished in Generation IV’s Pokémon Diamond and Pearl. Generation IV brings forward a number of important features that make it easy to argue why Generation IV is Pokémon’s peak.
10 There Are New Evolutions To Old Pokémon
Each Pokémon game gives the player so much to keep busy and it’s incredibly easy to invest hundreds of hours into the titles. Some of the new features and contributions between generations of the series can feel more substantial than others and it can be difficult to continually deliver at the same level when there are nearly 1000 Pokémon in the Pokédex.
Generation IV is no slouch in this department with 107 new Pokémon present in Sinnoh. However, there are also new evolutions for old Pokémon, which helped establish that no Pokémon’s evolutionary line is “finished.”
9 Online Trading & Battles Become Possible
A necessary component to the first three generations of Pokémon was trading and battling with another real person and not just the trainers that are present in the game. This process was accomplished through the Game Boy’s Link Cables, but Generation IV of Pokémon arrived on the Nintendo DS, which brought with it the advent of online Wi-Fi capabilities.
Pokémon’s world opened up in unprecedented ways thanks to the Global Trading System and the ability to battle against people from all over the world. It’s a crucial step forward that the series hasn’t abandoned.
8 Physical & Special Moves Get Split
There’s a very sophisticated battle system present in the Pokémon series that’s largely remained the same, but there have been steady changes that have helped modernize the gameplay in significant ways. One of the biggest changes in this field happened in Generation IV, when a Pokémon’s attacks were finally split between being either physical or special.
This re-designation of moves suddenly turned some weak maneuvers into crucial attacks and many Pokémon needed to be re-evaluated. It’s an approach that just makes sense and provides more nuance to the attack system.
7 A Wide Range Of New Moves Are Introduced
It’s always appreciated when many new Pokémon enter the mix, or when the newest region is full of rewarding and challenging areas to explore. However, another important way in which the series improves is by the variety of moves that different Pokémon can learn and perform.
An impressive arsenal of attacks are available across the first three generations, but Generation IV brings forward 113 new moves, which is quite the update. Many of these attacks have become staples of the series. Generation IV also allows players to add a second ability to their Pokémon, which is another big deal.
6 There’s An Improved Battle Frontier
There are so many features present in each Pokémon game that it’s only natural that some ideas get removed across generations and not every function remains permanent. Pokémon Emerald has a very popular post-Pokémon League mission known as the Battle Frontier. Pokémon trainers engage in an increasing number of battles and acquire Battle Points along the way.
Generation IV brings back and upgrades the Battle Frontier in some significant ways, which is such a perk. It only makes the absence of Battle Frontier in current titles more unfortunate.
5 New & Powerful Poké Balls Are Introduced
The many items that are available in the world of Pokémon are important in their own right as well, especially when it comes to the specific devices that are used to capture Pokémon. The first three generations offer a variety of Poké Balls that individuals can use in their catching efforts, but Generation IV introduces some vital innovations in the field of Poké Balls.
Generation IV standardizes both the Quick Ball and the Dusk Ball, which are excellent Ultra Ball replacements and likely to experience a higher success rate in Pokémon captures.
4 The Layouts For The Sinnoh Region
The Pokémon series makes sure that each of its many regions feels unique and carries its own charm, which is often helped by the fact that they’re usually inspired by real geographical locations. Generation IV’s Sinnoh environment feels like such a step up from Generation III’s Hoenn area, largely because it’s the first time the Pokémon series receives a drastic graphical upgrade.
Generation IV’s Sinnoh region beautifully mixes 3D and 2D aesthetics to craft its world, which makes Pokémon’s world feel bigger than ever before.
3 Players Can Run Inside Of Buildings
There are massive changes present in Generation IV of Pokémon that are impossible to ignore, but there are also more benign details that don’t get the same amount of attention, but are still very important.
Certain quality of life features can seem so basic that it can be hard to remember a time when they weren’t the norm. For instance, it’s not until Generation IV of Pokémon that players are able to run through environments when they’re indoors. This may not seem like a big deal, but it’s a major advancement when it comes to exploration and random encounters.
2 Quality Of Life Improvements Due To Touchscreen Innovations
The advancements achieved through the Nintendo DS handheld were a bit of a double-edged sword. There’s a bit of a compulsion to force touchscreen and stylus controls where they’re not needed, which can compromise otherwise satisfying video games.
Pokémon Diamond and Pearl on the Nintendo DS were no exceptions, only Generation IV finds the right balance for these extra features. Generation IV uses the DS’ touchscreen to incorporate a Pokétch digital watch, calculator, notepad, and a number of entertaining minigames, too. None of these elements come across as forced and they ultimately allow the player more control and information.
1 The Introduction Of Team Galactic
It’s become tradition in Pokémon that each region faces perpetual peril and attacks courtesy of some evil organization. Generation I establishes this trend with Team Rocket, but the formula slightly evolves when Generation IV brings in Team Galactic.
Team Galactic largely have the same aim as Team Rocket, but they’re a breath of fresh air and they come across as genuinely intimidating. They actually accomplish some damaging terrorist attacks, like their bombing of the lake. Team Galactic comes across as formidable foes and not just some annoying obstacles.
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