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Why Fans Keep Buying Pokémon Remakes
A trip down memory lane
By Joshua Hawkins Joshua Hawkins Freelance Technology Reporter Full Sail University Josh Hawkins is a freelance writer for Lifewire who loves writing about the latest tech and gadgets that help make people’s lives easier. As an avid gamer and VR enthusiast, he also enjoys diving deep into the technology that helps bring those kinds of experiences to life. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on March 2, 2021 01:48PM EST Fact checked by Rich Scherr Fact checked by Rich Scherr University of Maryland Baltimore County Rich Scherr is a seasoned technology and financial journalist who spent nearly two decades as the editor of Potomac and Bay Area Tech Wire. lifewire's fact checking process Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Gaming Mobile Phones Internet & Security Computers & Tablets Smart Life Home Theater & Entertainment Software & Apps Social Media Streaming Gaming Key Takeaways
Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl are set to arrive in 2021, and will return to what many consider is one of the best generations of the series.Unlike Pokémon Legends: Arceus, Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl will be remakes of two older Pokémon games.A chance to re-experience the games from their childhood is what leads a lot of Pokémon fans to purchase remakes of past titles. Nintendo Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl might feel out of place with Pokémon Legends: Arceus coming in 2022, but plenty of fans are just as excited to re-explore the past games in the series as the new. Where Pokémon Legends: Arceus promises a big, open world for players to explore, Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl offer a welcome escape to the Pokémon that many of us grew up playing. The introduction of Pokémon's fourth generation was an exciting time, and the opportunity to re-explore it is just as enticing as the promises that future Pokémon games offer. "Diamond and Pearl were the first Pokémon games that I played entirely through, and with friends," Talyah Regusters, a fan of the series, told Lifewire via email. "Not only is the nostalgia super real, but I'm excited to see some of the things that made this my favorite Pokémon game be integrated into the new technology of the Nintendo Switch." Revisiting Innovation
Many of us grew up playing Pokémon. I know I did; Diamond, Pearl, Black, White—they were all a big part of my childhood. And while I’ve enjoyed later titles in the series like Sword and Shield, nothing ever has struck the same chord as those older entries. With Diamond and Pearl, that chord is especially resounding, as these two entries in the series helped introduce a ton of new features. "One of the most fun times I had with the original was playing Capture the Flag with my friends," Regusters told us. Unlike past Pokémon games, Diamond and Pearl had Wi-Fi connection via Nintendo Wi-Fi, allowing you to connect with your friends and chat, trade Pokémon, and even battle. Like Regusters, being able to play Pokémon with friends was a huge part of my experience, and part of why I’ve always held those original titles in such a high regard. Sure, online connectivity has become a staple of the series at this point, but back then it was new. It was innovative. It felt like an entirely new world had opened up for Pokémon fans, and many enjoy being able to revisit those times. Childhood Re-Imagined
Remakes are bound to happen in the gaming industry, especially when it comes to critically and commercially acclaimed titles. The Pokémon series has seen more than its fair share, but the reason they continue to succeed, and why so many fans buy into them, is nostalgia. Games like Pokémon Diamond and Pearl provide a connection to your childhood, a simpler time in life. These games might not have all the advancements of their successors, but it’s that simplicity that makes them all the more appealing. Many praise Pokémon Diamond and Pearl because of how much they expanded the Pokédex, an archive of all the Pokémon currently available. They also include one of the series’ most notable regions, the Sinnoh region. Diamond and Pearl were the first Pokémon games that I played entirely through, and with friends. There’s also the fact that not every Pokémon fan had a chance to explore these defining moments in the series’ history. With remakes, that becomes possible, and also allows Game Freak to spruce up the experience with a fresh coat of paint. For many newer fans, the idea of playing a more pixelated version—or even the possibility of getting your hands on a system that can run them—sounds unappealing. While it might seem silly for fans to continue to support the refreshing and remaking of Pokémon games, the love for the series is strong. With over 25 years of history behind the series, being able to reconnect with your childhood can be a strong motivator. Personally, I love the simplicity of the older Pokémon games, the time before I had to worry about Gigantamax Pokémon, introduced in Pokémon Sword and Shield. Sure, Pokémon Legends: Arceus looks ready to push the series towards a more open world experience, something that many—including myself—have wanted. On the other hand, revisiting the classic days of Pokémon with improved visuals is just as exciting, and I hope that Game Freak never stops remaking older Pokémon games. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire Finding the Fun in 'Pokemon Shining Pearl' Assassin's Creed: Valhalla Review: An Epic Viking Adventure Across the Medieval World Pokemon Sword/Shield Review: A Culmination of Complacency The 10 Best Nintendo Switch Kids' Games, Tested by Lifewire Let’s Go, Pikachu! Review: A Reinvented Classic Link’s Awakening Review: A Refreshing Throwback in the Zelda Franchise The Best Romantic Movies on Netflix Right Now (September 2022) Immortals Fenyx Rising Review: A Greek Hero In An Open World The 9 Best Games for PS5, Tested by Lifewire The 10 Best Games on GamePass in 2022 The 10 Best PlayStation 4 Games to Buy in 2022 Top 6 Super Mario Bros Games for the PC 10 Simple Tips to Get Started in Pokemon What Is Final Fantasy? The 19 Best RPGs for the iPad The 8 Best Free PC Game Websites of 2022 Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies