Pokemon Diamond and Pearl continue the winning tradition with a new crop of Pokemon led by Naetoru, Hikozaru, and Pochama. Also in tow are new trainers, a new world, and a multi-player feature where up to 16 participants may engage. What's not new are the familiar fighting sequences where Pokemon face off on screen...

Please note that Pokemon Diamond / Pearl requires that you delete a save-game in progress before starting a new game. In order to do this, perform the following action on the title screen which shows Dialga or Palkia:

Push UP on the D-Pad and press B + SELECT at the time time. A dialogue box in Japanese will appear which queries if you wish to erase your saved game. Highlight the option on the left and press B to confirm. You will then be able to start and save a new game.

View the back cover and screenshots on the main NCSX website.

NCS Game Notes
» At the outset of the game, an old professor in a light blue vest and a suitcase of sorts by his side appears and offers a tutorial on the controls and information on playing the game. Afterwards, players may select a female or male trainer. The female trainer looks like Wonder Woman and wears a red scarf as she struts in motion. The male character wears a red beret and also has a red sash that he grips with his right hand as he walks. After naming him (we knighted him Harold) and naming your rival (we designated him Kumar), the proper game begins with a television announcement which is accompanied by dramatic music. Reports of sightings of the Red Gyarados sea monsters have been reported. The camera switches from the television to a view of the hero sitting in front of the boob tube as it flickers convincingly. Soon afterward, control is handed over to the player.

» Movement is performed through the d-pad. After checking out the room, hero heads downstairs where mama greets the player. She tells him that his rival (in our case, Kumar) is waiting so head out into the world of Shinou. Kumar's house is located a few steps to the northwest of Harold's house and he'll answer the door once player hits the B button at the front door. A short conversation ensues and hero goes into the house to tell Kumar about the Gyarados. The two decide to trek out to Trust Lake to view the sea monsters for themselves. As they breach the forest clearing to a spot near the lake, they find the professor's suitcase when two bird Pokemon known as Mukkuru home in on their position. In the next sequence, the professor's suitcase flips open with three Pokeballs inside. At this point, players may choose one of the three Pokeballs for the monsters within which are Naetoru, Hikozaru, and Pochama (from left to right) and a monster battle begins where the trainer throws out the Pokemon and the chosen monster (in our case, Hikozaru) unfurls itself from the confines of the Pokeball.

» Battle sequences retain the presentation and play style of earlier Pokemon games with the player's monster positioned on the lower left portion of the screen and the enemy in the distance towards the middle-right portion of the screen. Attacks are performed by tapping on the battle options - Hikozaru has two attacks at the outset but two additional spaces are available for level-up attacks. The first Mukkuru is defeated with two slashes. Afterwards, the two head back home and split up - Harold goes home to receive a pair of shoes from mama. Afterwards, head back out and travel to Masago Town. Upon arrival, Kumar is already there but the player soon enters the lab where the professor is waiting. He hands the Pokemon that was chosen earlier (Hikozaru) and you're given a chance to name it. We named our new pet Mabus. Upon exiting the lab, the player is led by a lad named Kouki to to a shop where items such as Pokeballs at JPY200 each are peddled along with other items.

» Kouki ventures up to a field but the player's way is barred and must return home to procure a note and a box from mama. The purpose of the adventure note is unclear but the box is handed over to Kouki later. As the two cross the field, an automatic encounter is triggered and Kouki proceeds to show the methodology of catching a Pokemon by attacking it and then throwing a Pokeball at it. Once sufficiently wounded, it'll be captured easily as it is swallowed up by the Pokeball. Once captured, the Pokeball falls back to the floor and twitches slightly as the creature inside stirs...

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