The Fourth Generation of Pokemon games, also known as the 3D Generation, are available to play on the Nintendo DS(i). Centring around Pokemon Diamond, Pearl and Platinum, Generation IV continued the path of Generation III and set off an adventure in a new and distant land far removed from other previous ones: Sinnoh. Sinnoh brought with it some familiar faces from the previous Generations, as well as introducing 107 brand new Pokemon. Many of the Pokemon of Generation IV were extensions off of the evolutionary lines of previously existing Pokemon, fleshing out and expanding them. Generation IV was backwards compatible with Generation III, furthering it as a way to extend and complete the experience. Many fans were ired over the lack of original lines and the reliance on older Pokemon to fill things out, but complaining about new Pokemon is to be assumed with fans these days...

Remakes of Generation II's Pokemon Gold and Silver enabled you to play with old favourites, with HeartGold and SoulSilver taking place in the classic, beloved region of Johto, stunningly updated with the incredible graphics that Generation IV has come to be known for. Just like the originals, HeartGold and SoulSilver allowed for the exploration of the original region again, Kanto.

Contents 1 Core Features and Changes 2 Spin-off Releases 2.1 Nintendo DS 2.2 Nintendo Wii

Core Features and Changes

• New Additions
  • The new 107 Pokemon brought the total to 493 Pokemon. The new additions had many new and interesting type combinations, as well as imaginative new ways of evolution.
  • 113 new moves were introduced, bring the total to 467.
  • 47 new abilities were added, bringing the grand total up to 123.

• Pokemon Storage System
  • Storage box number was increased now allowing for 540 Pokemon to be stored in the PC.

• Pokemon Contests
  • The Pokemon Contests were overhauled and Poffins replaced Pokeblocks as the food item for them.

• Time System
  • With the built-in clock on the Nintendo DS system, time based occurrences, previously Generation II only, were once more implemented into the games. This also allowed for there to once again be different times of day.

• Move Split
  • One of the biggest things that was implemented in Generation IV that impacted the way that the game would be played was the Special/Physical split. Types no longer were Special or Physical solely and completely, now each and every attacking move was assigned either a Physical or Special attacking type. This allowed for Pokemon that were once handicapped by their Stats to not be able to use moves to suddenly become lethal. This split help to drastically change the way that the game was played and allowed for more specialization.

Spin-off Releases

Generation IV and the advent of the Nintendo DS and Wii, with their innovative new capabilities, brought about new and interesting Spin-off games. Some were merely the next evolution of previously existing series of games, and others were new games wholly.

Continuing on from two series that were first created at the very dusk of Generation III and the humble beginnings of the Nintendo DS were the Mystery Dungeon and Ranger games. Both series saw multiple games released for the DS in Generation IV that not only introduced an expanded cast of Pokemon to have at the player's disposal, but also further honed gameplay and mechanics. Pokemon Ranger games in particular really utilized the Nintendo DS' touch screen capabilities.

With Pokemon Battle Revolution for the Wii fans saw a throwback to the classic Nintendo 64 Pokemon games as it was very much modeled after the classic Pokemon Stadium games. A rather large difference when compared to the RPG style console games that were released in Generation III. Pokemon also took advantage of the unique capabilities of the Wii to introduce fun and different ways to play with Pokemon.

Nintendo DS

• Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Time
• Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Darkness
• Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Sky
• Pokemon Ranger: Shadows of Almia
• Pokemon Ranger: Guardian Signs

Nintendo Wii

• PokePark Wii: Pikachu's Adventure
• Pokemon Battle Revolution
• Pokemon Rumble
• My Pokemon Ranch