Of all the game franchises in history this one has changed the least. So it’s no surprise that they’re making yet another game in the series that pretty much kicks innovation under the rug and just keeps chugging on. They even recently stated there would be no Pokemon MMORPG and very little online because they want people to play face-to-face...when was the last time you played someone in Pokemon face-to-face? I love the series, don’t get me wrong. I just wish they would open the windows and take a look at the gaming landscape and come to grips with it so they can stop dragging their feet on a ton of things and move forward.

The latest information to be uncovered about Pokémon Platinum Version, coming to Europe for all Nintendo DS owners on 22nd May 2009, will leave fans delighted.

With the appearance of a new world, never-before-seen Formes of powerful Pokémon, new characters and expanded online options, Pokémon Platinum Version will keep players playing into the early hours…

Among the most eagerly-anticipated new secrets to be revealed is that of the mysterious, rare Pokémon Shaymin.  How does it change to its Sky Forme in Pokémon Platinum Version – and what are its new powers? Once you have received Shaymin in to Pokémon Diamond Version or Pokémon Pearl Version at a retailer or Special Event*, and traded Shaymin to a copy of Pokémon Platinum Version, you should head for Floaroma Town.  There you will receive a special type of Gracidea flower, which you should use on Shaymin…

Once you discover the Sky Forme of Shaymin – a Flying-type Pokémon - you will see Shaymin has a new ability, Serene Grace, as well as a range of stunning attacks, including Air Slash, which will add a new dimension to using Shaymin in battle.

The Distortion World is another exciting new element to the Pokémon world.  This mysterious realm is home to Giratina and is central to the new storyline. Giratina appears in its new Origin Forme in the Distortion World, a place where normal rules of time and space no longer apply.

Also new to the game is a member of the International Police, code-named ‘Looker’, who will pop up in various places across Sinnoh to lend a helpful hand.  The old enemy, Team Galactic, also has a new member who appears to be even more suspicious than the rest...

Another new addition that will please all of the Pokémon Trainers out there is the Battle Frontier. Pokémon Trainers will be put to the ultimate test when they enter the Fight Area containing five different battle facilities, each with unique rules!  Perform well and earn Battle Points so you can trade them in for some fantastic prizes.

The first is the Battle Tower, which also appeared in Pokemon Diamond and Pokémon Pearl. The rules in this facility are fairly standard, but this doesn’t mean it is any less challenging.  Fight your way to the top to meet the Tower Tycoon, Palmer.

Next up is the Battle Factory a new facility in Sinnoh where you don’t battle with your own Pokémon. Instead, you rent Pokémon and add them to your team. If you win, you can trade one Pokémon with your opponent, but win seven battles in a row to win Battle Points, and to be able to rent stronger Pokémon.  Win 20 battles in a row in the Battle Factory and the Factory Head Thornton will appear.  Since you have to rent Pokémon in this facility, Thornton does not have a specific set to battle with.  Instead, he will battle with Pokémon comparable to the ones you currently have, which makes him a formidable adversary.

The beauty of the rental system is that, instead of growing accustomed to using the same Pokémon, you will learn to fight with a wide variety, gathering knowledge not only of your Pokémon but also of opponents’ Pokémon’s strengths and weaknesses, which will come in handy when battling with your friends!

The possibilities for playing with friends over Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection have been greatly expanded.  Battle Video Ranking shows the most viewed videos of actual battles taken by other players using the new ‘Vs. Recorder’.  By watching a high-level confrontation, you can pick up tips for your own battles.  ‘Tap Toys’, available in the Wi-Fi Plaza, provide an extra dimension of fun, creating special light and sound effects. ‘Tap Toys’ can be traded with other players in the Plaza as well as upgraded by doing well in Plaza Games, a series of three mini games that can be played with up to four players simultaneously.

You will lose yourself in the depths of this epic game, discovering new Pokémon and unearthing new mysteries.  Get ready to see why Pokémon Platinum Version has been shattering sales records in Japan when it launches across Europe for Nintendo DS on 22nd May 2009.