Pokèmon Gen IV Review

Pokèmon Pearl, Diamond and platinum, was pokèmon’s first journey into the ds world. We would actually hang out with this system for a little while. This was a good start to the world of duel screens and it is a very strong title for the series in general. We would eventually see the relaunch of Gold and silver with the ds as well, but this is Pearl, Diamond and Platniums Review.

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I remember when this game first launched i was away at college at the time, i remember getting up real early in the morning while my room mate and the rest of the dorm was still asleep, driving to the local Game Stop on a cold day for the launch, picking up my pearl and driving back getting my same parking spot back. (Ahh the love of sleeping college students) I had my Ds for a little while at this point, and this was my first main stream title for pokèmon i picked up since i got the system. This was probably the last gen i picked up a walk though the day of launch for. i remember studying the three starters carefully before going with turtwig. I never regretted that choice and look forward to reuniting with it one day.

Ok There is that now for the likes and dislikes of this gen. Lets start with the negative this time.

Dislikes.

-The Villain team, Really forgettable…in  fact the only thing i remember them doing all game was blowing up the lake and the magikarps flapping around. That’s all that i remember happening, i had to wiki the story line.

-The story. In general pokèmon has the same formula and the stories are never that strong, this is one of the weaker story lines, to date.

-The Contests…why are they still here?

-to many event pokèmon. Ok this is really starting to bother me the number of event Pokèmon that are just not accessable to me because i am either in another country, or not located near were the current event is going on. Yes i know its now easier with the wifi but really is it. The first couple of generations there was only one event pokèmon, Mew, Celebi, and Deoxies. this gen there were four, Darkri, Phoine, Arceus, and Shaymin. This is to much and honestly a bit of a put off to me. The only one out of this group i got was phonie and its baby maniphy. I have heard tales about the others but it just pisses me off because i don’t have access to them.

-Defog: Why? another useless HM move that thankfully it only lasted one generation:

-Roaming legendaries. Now its no secret by now i don’t like chasing legendaries around, Ruby and Sapphire only had the one, gold and Silver had three, but they are confined to land only and only stay on the johto side. This stinking game had four, and only one is worth my time.

-Another Regi

Likes:

-Pokèmon: this is one of the strongest entries to the game in quite some time, a good mix of old and new and even some new evolutions to old favorites. Even the Starters had a solid set of new comers to the game.

-Use of the Duel Screen. To me this is the best use of the duel screen, i now know its all about being connected to other players world wide but honestly i likes having my map on the other screen, or where that stupid roaming legendary is on the other screen, it made chasing them around a little more bearable and something i wish they would bring back.

-Pal Park, I loved pal park, and in my opinion my favorite way to bring pokèmon from my advanced cartridges into my current games. it was pretty simple and kind of fun too. Pokèmon that had given me such a hard time in the past (I am looking at you Regis) quickly and quietly got back into the ball. Yes it meant that i could no longer return to my advance games, but the other way to look at is i am evacuating them from a battery operated cartage and moving them to a safe game.

-Return of Day night, evening morning…Ect. Thats right the time of day has returned and is better then before. To me this is most significant because it showed players Game Freak actually listens to its fans.

-Physical and Special Attacks, This finally made an impact espeically on those pesky tank pokèmon, having a physcial move some times really help.

-Opening game play, i actually really like that you do off on your own then you have to pick up a pokèmon quick, it gives the illusion of a quick intro at the very least.

-Pokèmon calls: with this generation and better sound available on the ds, the calls got a lot better on the new pokèmon…as did the music.

Now for the pokèmon, i am going to do things slightly different this round, I am going to add another top 7 of favorite new evolutions, just favorites because these post are generally large enough. because there are so many in each category i am increasing it to 7 this round.

top 7 favorite new Evolutions:

7:https://i0.wp.com/cdn.bulbagarden.net/upload/thumb/f/f5/470Leafeon.png/250px-470Leafeon.pnghttps://i0.wp.com/cdn.bulbagarden.net/upload/thumb/2/23/471Glaceon.png/250px-471Glaceon.png Leafeon and Glaceon: Another Two Eeveelutions, and another two adorable new comers to my team eevee. The one that really impressed is Leafon but Glaceon is a beaut and knows it.

6:https://i0.wp.com/cdn.bulbagarden.net/upload/thumb/b/b2/446Munchlax.png/250px-446Munchlax.pngMunchlax: This preevolution to one of my favorite tanks Snorlax. this Cute little guy will eat your out of house and home but will also be a nice tank for you when it grows up as well.

5: https://i0.wp.com/cdn.bulbagarden.net/upload/thumb/2/27/440Happiny.png/250px-440Happiny.pngHappiny: i have always felt that the Chansey Family was a little under appreciated in the past, but with each new gen, 2 and now 4 it gained a new evolution and i feel a new way to appreciate this special wall.

4: https://i0.wp.com/cdn.bulbagarden.net/upload/thumb/5/58/475Gallade.png/250px-475Gallade.pngGallade: Talk about under appreciated, Its counter evolution Garnivor got a mega, this guy did not, where is the love for him. While i have personally never used this guy, he is on the list to take a test run with me soon, i hope he is as impressive as he looks.

3:https://i0.wp.com/cdn.bulbagarden.net/upload/thumb/e/e6/469Yanmega.png/250px-469Yanmega.png Yanmega: I have gone one and on about my love for dragonflys and this pokèmon so i won’t say anything more.

2: https://i0.wp.com/cdn.bulbagarden.net/upload/thumb/b/bc/458Mantyke.png/250px-458Mantyke.pngMantyke: another One whose parent I adore and just blasted its way to level 100 and though Y. Cute and useful.

1https://i0.wp.com/cdn.bulbagarden.net/upload/thumb/8/87/468Togekiss.png/250px-468Togekiss.pngTogekiss: Togepi was on tv a lot in the beginning, and like many players we were a little upset on just how plain useless it turned out to be. Then in Gen IV the gave us Togekiss, a very very useful pokèmon to have on your team, with an impressive move pool and the stats to back it up this is one appoligy note i will gladly accept.

My Top 7 Least favorite Pokèmon of gen IV

7: https://i0.wp.com/cdn.bulbagarden.net/upload/thumb/4/45/456Finneon.png/250px-456Finneon.pngFinneon There is nothing really wrong with this guy really there isn’t. It is on the list for the simple reason that i forgot it existed. that doesn’t bode well when i forget about something.

6: https://i0.wp.com/cdn.bulbagarden.net/upload/thumb/1/18/423Gastrodon.png/250px-423Gastrodon.pngGastrodon: This water Ground snail, usually i like snails but i never warmed up to these two, sorry guys.

5: https://i0.wp.com/cdn.bulbagarden.net/upload/thumb/c/c9/412Burmy-Plant.png/250px-412Burmy-Plant.pngBurmy: Why just why do i need this, why does it need five different forms.

4:https://i0.wp.com/cdn.bulbagarden.net/upload/thumb/f/f4/417Pachirisu.png/250px-417Pachirisu.pngPachirisu: Another useless cute electric type. Look Game Freak i understand why your doing it, but just stop your not helping your cause.

3:https://i0.wp.com/cdn.bulbagarden.net/upload/thumb/b/bf/441Chatot.png/250px-441Chatot.png Chatot: There seems to be in every generation this useless novelty Pokèmon. The ds has a mic on it, this guy tried to take advantage of it. It didn’t really work out for it, and this one ended up in the box.

2:https://i0.wp.com/cdn.bulbagarden.net/upload/thumb/6/63/Lake_guardians_anime.png/220px-Lake_guardians_anime.png Mespite Uxie, Azelf: Have i mentioned how much i hate chasing Pokèmon around, Especially three that were not very useful. I actually named these three Pain, in the, Ass once i caught them.

1:https://i0.wp.com/cdn.bulbagarden.net/upload/thumb/a/a1/486Regigigas.png/250px-486Regigigas.png Regigigas: Ok after last game i thought i was done with the regi family, but nooooo Game Freak had to add one more to my torture, and not only that you need the other three to even get him. Really Game! do you have any idea how much of a pain the first three was to get. Trust me there dad wasn’t much easier. Stupid Regis.

Top 7 Favorites original new to game:

7: https://i0.wp.com/cdn.bulbagarden.net/upload/thumb/f/fa/445Garchomp.png/250px-445Garchomp.pngGarchomp: I didn’t grow to appreciate this creature until recently but this is one bad ass little dragon shark.

6: https://i0.wp.com/cdn.bulbagarden.net/upload/thumb/d/d7/448Lucario.png/250px-448Lucario.pngLucario: another one that because of X and Y i grew to appreciate and love. It has proved itself as a valuable partner and like Garchomp i am sad that it took me that long to know what a great pokèmon it truly is.

5: https://i0.wp.com/cdn.bulbagarden.net/upload/thumb/0/07/Turtwig-grotle-torterra.png/200px-Turtwig-grotle-torterra.pngTurtwig Family: Out of all the starters in this gen and trust me the water and fire are good too, but this was my favorite family. I wonder if he will see a mega?

4:http://bmgf.bulbagarden.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=35576https://i0.wp.com/cdn.bulbagarden.net/upload/thumb/c/c5/487Giratina-Altered.png/250px-487Giratina-Altered.pngGiratina: Hands down my favorite legendary of this generation, it stands head and shoulder above the legends of this generation. Two forms and raw power he became a fast favorite of mine of this generation. Devil or not he is a strong ally for your team.

3:https://i0.wp.com/cdn.bulbagarden.net/upload/thumb/a/af/396Starly.png/250px-396Starly.png  https://i0.wp.com/images4.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20080715122433/es.pokemon/images/d/df/Staravia.pnghttps://i0.wp.com/cdn.bulbagarden.net/upload/thumb/5/5e/398Staraptor.png/250px-398Staraptor.pngStaraptor Family:Pokèmon is always good at giving us Pokèmon in the beginning, however in most cases you either out level your stating team or you just come across better additions to your team, This is not the case with this family. Starly grows up to be a powerful addition to your team and so good it stayed on with me though the Elite Four.  Do not doubt this little bird, for its a great ally for your team.

2: https://i0.wp.com/cdn.bulbagarden.net/upload/thumb/3/32/403Shinx.png/250px-403Shinx.pnghttps://i0.wp.com/cdn.bulbagarden.net/upload/thumb/4/49/404Luxio.png/250px-404Luxio.pnghttps://i0.wp.com/cdn.bulbagarden.net/upload/a/a7/405Luxray.pngLuxray: Finally a Good Electric Pokèmon, not only that this guy is tough, if taught well it can have ice, fire and thunder fang plus Crunch. Not only that its a cat, and a good cat shaped pokèmon, about time! i love this family and if you haven’t used it i highly recommend you do. But Alas this is not my favorite one, its close, so who took number on for me.

1: https://i0.wp.com/cdn.bulbagarden.net/upload/thumb/3/3a/Bronzor-bronzong.png/200px-Bronzor-bronzong.pngBronzong: I love my little Bronzor. When i first met Bronzor, it reminded me of a tambourine, so i named it Tember at the time. With the ability of levitate it removed the problem that previous favorite Metagross had, had with ground types. While it eventually grows into a fairly large bell but it still continues to impress. I recently got a Bronzor though a wonder trade, i think i actually got up and did a happy dance, it was just days after i got Beldem. i look forward to raising it up to be my new ultimate team.

 

So what are your thoughts on Generation IV did it live up to expectations? Do you remember its launch? What were some of your favorites? Let me know in the comments down below.

 

 

 

 

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My top 6 favorite dark Pokèmon

Dark type has been a favorite type of mine since its introduction in gen 2. Picking just 6 proved difficult some times, but this one i found relatively easy. Again no legendaries allowed.

6:   https://i0.wp.com/cdn.bulbagarden.net/upload/thumb/9/98/318Carvanha.png/160px-318Carvanha.png   https://i0.wp.com/cdn.bulbagarden.net/upload/thumb/a/a8/319Sharpedo.png/180px-319Sharpedo.png Sharpedo: Sharpedo had to share the number three spot on my top 6 favorite water, but not here. Sharpedo is one of those dark horse pokèmon that are not used often but can be a powerful force to be not be ignored. i have said it before that gen III has some great candidates in every category and its pokèmon like sharpedo that make me look forward to a re-release of gen III’s Ruby and Sapphire.

5:   https://i0.wp.com/cdn.bulbagarden.net/upload/thumb/7/70/686Inkay.png/250px-686Inkay.png https://i0.wp.com/cdn.bulbagarden.net/upload/thumb/e/e4/687Malamar.png/250px-687Malamar.png Malamar: Pokèmon has always been know to have known to make weird combos, Inkay is defiantly up thier with weird combos and weird evolutions. This Psychic/dark type is just a weird but a powerful little guy, i named mine bloop when i spotted it because it reminded me of the Bloober from Mario. Lets get this straight Dark was created to balance out the uber powerful Psychic types, Dark became weak to fighting, and psychic is strong against it. However both suck against bugs. This guy also learns some flying moves like peck making it a pretty decent critter. Besides evolving upside down this weird combo slide easily into my top 6.

4:  https://i0.wp.com/cdn.bulbagarden.net/upload/5/53/228Houndour.png  https://i0.wp.com/cdn.bulbagarden.net/upload/thumb/5/51/229Houndoom.png/250px-229Houndoom.png  Houndoom Family: I think when most people think Dark Pokèmon this is the first guy that comes to mind. Houndoom is one of the original dark types that was introduced in gen II. He was known for his speed making him a great strike fighter. This guy hasn’t changed much, but did get a mega Evolution. Not the look people were hoping for but still anything to make this guy just a little more fierce is cool by me. Honestly it has never frighten me it had a great coloration, not the best defense in the world still i was happy to see it again.

3:https://i0.wp.com/cdn.bulbagarden.net/upload/thumb/f/f7/633Deino.png/250px-633Deino.png    https://i0.wp.com/cdn.bulbagarden.net/upload/a/a6/634Zweilous.png    Hydreigon: This guy is another one that has been on my lists before, in fact was number one on the dragon list. He is also a dark type and a powerful at that. I won’t go on long  about this guy because he has been on the list. I said it before and i will say it again, you do not spend 64 levels with anything in this game without becoming attached to it.

2:  https://i0.wp.com/cdn.bulbagarden.net/upload/thumb/7/70/246Larvitar.png/250px-246Larvitar.png https://i0.wp.com/cdn.bulbagarden.net/upload/thumb/a/a1/247Pupitar.png/250px-247Pupitar.png  https://i0.wp.com/cdn.bulbagarden.net/upload/thumb/8/82/248Tyranitar.png/250px-248Tyranitar.pngTyranitar: This Powerful Pokèmon has long been a favorite of mine.
This was the high level evolver in Gen II and spends its first two levels as a ground/rock Pokemon. It is at 55 when it evolves to his final evolution the great and powerful tyranitar. This Rock/Dark type learns rock, ground and darks best moves naturally, plus with tms, can pick up ice, fire, dragon and eletrics best moves, making him a powerful and unpredictable beast. I just picked up a new larvitar today and look forward to making it as big and powerful as in years past…and to make life even better for fans of this guy guess who has a mega.

1: https://i0.wp.com/cdn.bulbagarden.net/upload/thumb/3/3d/197Umbreon.png/250px-197Umbreon.pngUmbreon: This guys has been on lists before as well, and as you have seen i am a huge eevee fan. Umbreon and Espeon are hands down my favorite of the family. Umbreon is a pure dark and all heart. It helps that both Umbreon and sibling evolve by affection towards you and time of day. It like all Eevee’s learns the stand by moves, shadow ball and bite. While not as powerful as my number two, i have been though a lot with this guy and its hard not acknowledge this Eevee with a dark type with a heart.

So what do you think? do you agree? disagree? is Their someone you missed. Next time Dark and Psychic’s nemesis Bug.

My top 6 Favorite Dragon Pokèmon.

Creating a top 6 now with new pokèmon out their is hard, since there are already some in the new generation that stand out to me, but what i have  come to enjoy about this game is there is such a good balance of old with new i get to explore old favorites for the first time again, or for the first time ever get to know an old pokèmon i have never used in the past.  Better yet it gives me a chance to consciously make a choice to try something new. From Poison on those lists will be influenced by the current game, as i am typing this alterations to my list have occurred and once i have the basics done, i might be going back and changing guys out.

Like Always legendary will not be allowed in this category, and i know there are a lot of dragon types out their. I also want to state where i currently in x-y i have not run into or playing with any new gen dragons so they will not be on the list yet.

 

6:  https://i0.wp.com/cdn.bulbagarden.net/upload/thumb/b/bb/TrapinchVibravaFlygon.png/200px-TrapinchVibravaFlygon.png    Flygon Family:  I was pretty happy to see this almost forgotten dragon back in X-Y, gen three was just loaded with dragon pokèmon, and i have three of them on this list, so i am a fan of them. This one had an interesting design and honestly looks more bug like then dragon, i think its a serious play of the term dragonfly. This little guy starts off as a rock ground mouth then grows up into a ground dragon that learns fly. Woot, this protects it from electric types that the dragon species can be vulnerable to with flying type with it. its move set is nice but limited compaired to some of the others. I am still a big fan of this guy and would happily put it on my team any day.

5:          https://i0.wp.com/cdn.bulbagarden.net/upload/thumb/c/cc/147Dratini.png/170px-147Dratini.png        https://i0.wp.com/cdn.bulbagarden.net/upload/thumb/9/93/148Dragonair.png/210px-148Dragonair.png https://i0.wp.com/cdn.bulbagarden.net/upload/thumb/8/8b/149Dragonite.png/190px-149Dragonite.pngDragonite Family: Before their was a Garchomp, or salamence, before Rayquaza was even a thought there was Dragoinite, This is the first family of dragon’s in pokèmon, yes i know charizard and Gyarados look like dragons, but they have never been true dragon types (And mega does not count because is a temp boost in power!) If i remember correctly Dratini was in the safari zone, you either had to fish or surf for it and it had like a 5% show up rate. IT was a tough guy to find but paid off in the end. This one also marks the first of the high level leveling finishing up at 55, seems like nothing now with Hydreigon finishing up at 65! I have to acknowledge this family, and while it looks a little goofy it is still the first family of dragons.

4: https://i0.wp.com/cdn.bulbagarden.net/upload/thumb/6/68/443Gible.png/200px-443Gible.png          https://i0.wp.com/cdn.bulbagarden.net/upload/thumb/9/9d/444Gabite.png/200px-444Gabite.png      https://i0.wp.com/cdn.bulbagarden.net/upload/thumb/f/fa/445Garchomp.png/250px-445Garchomp.png Garchomp: This is a recent addition to my list knocking kingdra off,  This is a critter then in the past i have never used, or by the time i found it i already had my pick for a dragon type. This gen I ran into its baby form pretty early game standard wise, right before the 5th gym. Its typing with ground was and still is a needed type in my current party. What I love more is it evolves soooo much faster then some other members of the family. (I am looking at you Hydreigon!) So you can have a tough useable dragon by the time your in your 50’s. I will be interested in seeing how this guy continues to fair, we still have to go though the elite four together and one more gym but so far i am impressed.

 

3:  https://i0.wp.com/cdn.bulbagarden.net/upload/thumb/9/99/333Swablu.png/170px-333Swablu.png   https://i0.wp.com/cdn.bulbagarden.net/upload/d/da/334Altaria.pngAltaria: Design wise this one is my favorite of all the dragons, she is just so pretty and the little clouds wrapped around her are wings i just see he i thing of serenity. To bad for me like most dragons she can also be a vicious power house! It learns dragon and flying best moves naturally, and has a nice set of moves it can learn naturally making her unpredictable and powerful. While i am not over the moon about her per-evolution it certainly gives off the cute innocent look well enough to not know you maybe in a world of trouble very soon.  Beautiful and deadly…a nice combo if i don’t say so myself

 

2:            https://i0.wp.com/images4.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20110430160609/pokemon/images/d/d2/371Bagon.png           https://i0.wp.com/cdn.bulbagarden.net/upload/thumb/a/a5/372Shelgon.png/160px-372Shelgon.png https://i0.wp.com/cdn.bulbagarden.net/upload/thumb/4/41/373Salamence.png/240px-373Salamence.pngSalamence: For the longest time this was my top favorite dragon, and still my favorite of the gen three gang, and it was its dex entry as bagon that initally  caught my attention, that it dreams of being able to fly. Wow big drams for such a little guy, even more impressive when it evolves at 50 it naturally learns fly. It is very impressive to me when any Pokèmon naturally learn an HM move. Not only that it does again have a good natural move selection, and a teachable move selection, and he is tough as well. I named the first one i ever caught Sky Dreamer and its still with me after all these years. This is a good dragon that one should not mess with.

 

1:   https://i0.wp.com/images1.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20120324063006/pokemon/images/e/e0/Monozu.png          https://i0.wp.com/cdn.bulbagarden.net/upload/thumb/a/a6/634Zweilous.png/250px-634Zweilous.png      https://i0.wp.com/cdn.bulbagarden.net/upload/thumb/3/3e/635Hydreigon.png/250px-635Hydreigon.png Hydreigon: You cannot spend 64 levels with any Pokèmon without getting a little attached. I first met Deino in Pokèmon black, near the end of the game. I knew before the game ended i had Black 2 waiting in the wings, i decided to to breed Deino with a ditto and teach it a fire move to help out and ship it over to black 2 at the start of my game journey there. The little guy grew and started to learn some interesting moves, that coupled with its typing made this guy a valuable member of my team. This guy is a Dark Dragon, still makes it an open target for the fairies and ice types of the world. If i had any gripes about this guy it would be it takes forever to hit its final level. It doesn’t even hit its first evolution until 50, so your stuck with the weaker deino for quite a while, but stick with it because yes this guy pays off in the end, and train him right he might even put up a serious fight against your ice types and faeries.

 

So their you have it my top 6 favorite dragons, and yes this is one of my favorite types in the game.

let me know what you think in the comments down below.