Pokemon - Platinum Version is an adventure role-playing video game from the insanely popular franchise developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo. It is the third version right after Pokemon Diamond and Pearl, and is included as the fourth generation in the Pokemon game series. Explore the lands of Sinnoh, and discover a new area called Distortion World, which is an alternate world of the normal land of Sinnoh.

The core gameplay of Pokemon - Platinum Version is a turn-based RPG where you, as a Pokemon trainer, capture creatures called Pokemon and raise them to do battle with other trainers. The main characters this time around are Lucas or Dawn (depending on who you choose at the beginning). Just like in Diamond and Pearl, you can choose a starter Pokemon from Professor Rowan between the Grass-type Turtwig, the Fire-type Chimchar, and the Water-type Piplup. The legendary Pokemon featured in this game is Giratina, and you can see it in its Origin Form on the NA box art for the game.

As per usual, players begin with a starter Pokemon, and can capture more Pokemon using Poke Balls. These Pokemon can be found in the wild, typically hiding in “tall grass”. During a battle, you can choose to use a Pokemon’s move, or an Item, switch the current Pokemon with another, or flee. By leveling up from gaining experience, Pokemon can grow stronger, and even evolve when certain requirements are met. Pokemon games are all about raising your Pokemon and battling other trainers to gain experience. Usually, the end goal is to beat the Gym leaders that you find in each city you visit, and then have an epic showdown with the Champion, or a big, bad boss Pokemon.

In terms of graphics, players can definitely notice the improvement from the previous games, with sharper colors and more detailed characters. Platinum introduced a couple of key features to make online play even more fun, such as the Wi-Fi Plaza where you could play mini-games with other players online, and the Vs. Recorder to record battles in the Battle Frontier.

To sum it all up, Pokemon - Platinum Version is a great addition to the series, especially way back in the day when it was first released. Head on over to retrogames to play this one for free now.