after getting really really lucky and finding a store nearby that borke street date... ive finally gotten my hands on pokemon diamond!

ill detail a few changes and noticeables that i could see from the new game.....

!!!!WARNING! POSSIBLE SPOILERS!!!!!

1) graphics. 

the world has taken a psuedo 3d look now but its still pretty close to the other pokemon games.

2.) interface

the touch screen controls are only used in battles, manipulating the poketch and some of the other minor features as far as i can see. ive kept my stylus holstered so far unless actively called for. the battle controls are done pretty well this time. its easy to select whatever you want at a moments notice, however, unlike other pokemon games the screen in battle doesnt describe what your moves do and i find that a little unnerving......       menus are pretty easy to use and luckily they put the menu button on x so yo dont have to reach down and push start or select. 

 3.) pokemon!

i started with piplup because i love penguins and the first gym is rock so he pwned easily, as far as the pokemon... i saw the standard "crappy pokemon youll never catch" along the way. mostly a bird named starly and a....... something..... called a bidoof which looked and sounded pretty dumb but seems to have high defense. i caught a shinx because i need a good electric pokemon but its physical attack seems low and he doesnt know any electric attacks yet..... if i run across a pikachu ill prolly grab one instead.  

 4.) music

the music seems to have been upgraded and it shows, with some more melodic beats and just overall better tone... but there is a few too many recycled songs and sounds.

5.) overall

the game is alot like its older ancestors but the formula worked there, the formula works here, and im enjoying my time with it so far. if youre  a pokemon fan.... buy this one without hesitation.