Pokemon Diamond and Bourne Ultimatum reviews

Pokemon Diamond (Nintendo DS)
AT-A-GLANCE:
Overall Rating: 8.7
Graphics: 7.8
Sound: 7.5
Replay Value: 9.0
Gameplay: 8.5

It's been long since the last Pokemon game, Emerald, was released. Now the series makes a comeback with its newest entries- Diamond and Pearl. Though they may be the same in terms of gameplay, goal and storyline, the thing that makes them distinct is the frequency of the different types of wild Pokemon that appear. And in order to complete a Pokedex in both versions, trading is required, which is now wireless via Wi-Fi.

.::.What's Pokemon?.::.
If you haven't had the chance to even hear about the franchise, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary, then it's about a trainer who collects creatures called Pokemon. He collects badges and completes his Pokedex, which is a Pokemon encyclopedia and index, by travelling in various regions in the world.

.::.The Game Review.::.
So now that you get the gist of this game, let's proceed on to the review.

.:Graphics:.
The graphics in the series have evolved in every platform... but only to an extent. It started out in the GameBoy Pocket which incorporated 2D black and white visuals. They eventually gained colors, then more colors and yet even more colors. Now in the DS, 3D elements have been incorporated but it still has a 2D feel. It is implemented in good effect and feels right at home. The same can't be said for the Pokemon themselves though. Most of them (from past games) have been recycled as well as some attacks but I don't think anyone'll even care.

.:Sound:.
There are remixed, recycled and new sounds. If you go into battle, you'll definitely hear recycled sounds from Emerald. And in the Pokemon centre, the sound that reeks of a warm, welcome essence has been remixed to become a bit more accommodating. Still, these sounds still sound a bit too much like the 12-bit era of these games and the Pokemon cries are still screeches which can be unpleasant to the ears. Still, the familiarity and nostalgia can sometimes add points... or maybe not. But it's not a love-it-or-hate-it affair either.

.:Controls and Gameplay:.
If you've been playing Pokemon for years. Little adjustment may be in order but it's still the same nonetheless. Battles are still turn-based and commands are sent via the touch-screen which have been colored and simplified. Sifting through your items is not as convenient as it should be but if you're familiar with iPod navigation, you'll do just dandy (same applies for the Pokedex navigation which now has a Search function as well). The new Poketch, which simply means Pokemon Watch gives you different "apps" to choose from like a clock or a pedometer. Plus, if you liked the real-time function in the Gold, Silver and Crystal era, it makes a comeback here. Some types of Pokemon appear during the day, noon or night and you'll see the difference of day and night as the day really passes in reality... so you'll know that you're actually playing at 12 midnight in real life. The menu has always been known to be shown when START is pressed, but though buttons can be redefined by the user, W is the new START. If you want to get used to it, it feels a bit hard because of habit but if you're a new Pokemon gamer, then it's a no-brainer.

.:Communication:.
The communication and online gameplay definitely deserves a column of its own. This game has always been a staple of connection capabilities of Nintendo systems... and how seamlessly it connects to its home console counterparts. The game can connect to the Internet for around-the-world matches and it can also connect to its brothers which are the Nintendo Wii and of course another DS. They all work fine though it would be fun if my connection was a bit faster.

You can chat, battle with 4 players, use the DS as a controller for the Wii (and import Diamond captured Pokemon to the Wii as well) and even play versus matches locally with DS's near you. It even utilizes VOIP (like Yahoo! Messenger calls or Skype) for Voice chat. Now this is something you won't find in a PSP (without having to buy external accessories)!

Plus, if you can't trade with other people, you can also trade online... eBay style! It's neat if you don't have friends but have a WiFi router.

.:Overall:.
It's addicting and fun even if it's the same old stuff- Thin storyline, simplistic/minimal battle effects, 2D Pokemon models, region hopping, revolutionary connectivity features, Team something, the works- fused with a few tweaks that aren't really minor nor major. But all of these are simply for the best and it just plain works!

The Bourne Ultimatum
AT-A-GLANCE:
My Rating: 9.0/10.0
Yahoo! Average Critic Rating: B+
Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer: 94% Certified Fresh

Jason Bourne has uncovered most of the images that have been conjured in his mind for the past 3 years. Now, he's completing them. He's on the run from the CIA... and this "run" practically spans the entire globe and the action never bogs down.

Truthfully, I haven't really watched the first two yet, fearing that I would be bored to death. But when we watched this installment, I was faaaaar from bored. It has non-stop action, fatal explosions and gunfight with its share of wit and intelligence to boot.

I know the gist of the story. He's an amnesiac former operative of the CIA who was trained to kill some people for the said agency. He was sorta brainwashed with stuff like "It'll save lives." and he was also tortured until he forgot his true identity for some reason. It's pretty advisable for you to watch the first two before reaching the conclusion even if you'll turn out okay if you watch only this installment.

There is one fatal flaw that happens in the near end though. And that flaw can be overlooked sometimes because it's just that after a veeery furious car chase in New York, his car ends up crushed and he just goes out unscathed. The same applies for the action that happens later. Suspension of disbelief won't really work here because the film is real. But still, director Paul Greengrass along with the screenwriters sure know how to set up an exhilarating, yet intelligent, movie that will put you to the edge of your seat. This could probably be the year's best thriller. And when I say this, I mean this. Hell, it sets the bar for all those Bonds and whatevers! It's not your ordinary, run-of-the-mill sequel, making this is a fresh breath of air.