Pokemon Platinum is the third game in the 4th Generation series, standing beside Pokemon Diamond and Pearl. Though the game takes place in Sinnoh and follows roughly the same direction as the first two games, Platinum brings a lot of new characters, twists, and other fun changes to the table.

There are a lot of new features to Pokemon Platinum. I'll be continuing to cover it, though will try and put the most emphasis on recording videos so you can see all of the new changes for yoursef. Data is being gathered and will be posted as I process it or obtain it.

The list of changes is pretty large, but here's an idea of some of the changes for right now until I get a more defined list together:

Look and Appearance

• The opening splash screen has been revamped and changed, now starring Giratina and showing some more various animations.
• Giratina shows on the bottom screen of the title screen instead of Dialga or Palkia.
• Lucas and Dawn (the main characters) are now wearing different clothes more appropriate for colder weather.
• The look of battles has changed a bit. The HP bars and status windows have been entirely redone and look very dark in comparison.
• Pokemon now have animations from the back, so you'll be able to see your Pokemon do an animation even when you're sending it out rather than just when you see one sent out against you.
• All of the sprites and animations have been redone and updated! Platinum now has new battle sprites for each of the Pokemon.
• Sinnoh is now a lot colder looking, as evident by snow in Twinleaf Town.
• When you enter a fight against a Gym Leader, you'll be greeted with a much cooler splash screen that shows a portrait shot of the Gym Leader. Also, each Gym Leader is animated when they come into the battle against you. Other characters, such as your Rival, are animated as well.
• Some Gyms have been remodeled and have new puzzles to them.
• Certain towns have undergone a graphical update.

Game Mechanics

• The Sinnoh Dex has expanded to 210 instead of the 150 it was in Diamond and Pearl, adding Pokemon like the Magmortar line, Eevee and all of its evolutions, and others like Scyther and Tropius.
• Giratina receives a new Origin Forme, which looks a bit different from the Another Forme (D/P version) Giratina. It is only in this Forme while in the new Reverse World, unless you use the new Platinum Orb.
• Shaymin has a new form as well, the Sky Forme, which mixes around its stats and gives it the opportunity to learn new moves. You can use the special Gracidea Flower on it to change between forms under certain conditions.
• Most Gym Leaders have received an update to their team, introducing either new Pokemon, different levels, or both.
• Fantina is now in her Gym when you first reach Hearthome City, making her the 3rd Gym Leader instead of the 5th. Her team's levels has also been updated accordingly.
• Maylene is the 4th Gym Leader and Crasher Wake is now the 5th. You get to use Surf after beating Crasher Wake rather than Fantina.
• Move Tutors return to the game, offering dozens of new moves that you can teach your Pokemon.

Story and Characters

• There's a new gumshoe detective character that shows up every now and then, tracking Team Galactic. His codename is "Looker."
• You run into Cyrus more frequently than before, running into him for the first time in Lake Verity instead of Mt. Coronet.
• There's a new Galactic Commander, who goes by the name of Charon. You first see him in the Valley Windworks.
• You run into characters at different points in the game than you would have in Diamond and Pearl.

There are plenty of other great changes in Platinum. It's a lot larger of a change than Crystal was to Gold and Silver and than Emerald was to Ruby and Sapphire. There's plenty new to the game that will satisfy you into thinking it's not just more of the same.

Get ready for Pokemon Platinum, coming out on March 22nd in the USA!