I'm going to start right out with it. BUY THIS GAME! This game is amazing on many fronts which is why it deserves a buy if you have a DS (maybe even buy a DS to play this game).

Gameplay: 10/10

The gameplay is as fresh as ever. The formula that GameFreak put down so many years ago still works. If you have already played any of the previous Pokemon games, there are basically no changes, other than the fact of the addition of a few mini games and a pokemon can walk behind you. For newcomers, here's how the Pokemon formula works: You start an adventure with a starter pokemon, and then train to become the best pokemon trainer in the world. You do this by defeating other trainers who roam the land while also catching some extra pokemon of your own. The formula is straight up addictive and the plot is also well done.

Graphics: 8/10

It's pokemon on the DS. The game uses the same graphics engine as Diamond, Pearl and Platinum and yes, the graphics aren't top notch. I have definitely seen better on the DS (Mario Kart being a great example), but once again, the entire point of Pokemon is the gameplay and the replay value, not the graphics. As a plus however, many trainers have new animations and some gyms just look really, REALLY good. The atmosphere outside of special events could've used some work though.

Sound: 7/10

I will admit it, I am getting a bit disappointed with GameFreak recycling their 8-bit recorded cries for the Pokemon on every single game. These cries are the same we had 10 years ago. On the other hand, the overall soundtrack is really good, and I have also heard there is a way to get the original soundtrack back in the game by achieving a certain item. In general, the sound is ok, but I think GameFreak needs to do a little overhaul with the Pokemon cries.

Replay Value: 15/10

ARE YOU KIDDING ME? 16 BADGES! 3 TOTAL STARTERS YOU CAN GET! Straight up epic. I, in my own right, already thought that all the other games that only had 8 badges and one region were long enough, but WOW. This game is amazing (I already had the Japanese version, and have played to the second Elite Four, and it's taken me a good 40 hours already) in this criteria for sure.

Final Verdict:

If you have a DS, BUY THIS GAME. If you don't, BUY A DS, and then BUY THIS GAME. Amazing characters, amazing battles, amazing starter pokemon (who doesn't love them a nice Typhlosion?), and great replay value. You won't be disappointed.

I got this one week ago and I've been hooked on it ever since. It has amazing graphics, amazing gameplay, amazing storyline; this game just tops the series off.

There's plenty of new features, such as your Pokemon first in your party walks behind you, or the more use of the touch screen which is good if you're a touch screen fanatic as well.

Not to mention the large amount of legendaries you can catch! Just to name a few there's the box art legendaries, Groudon, Kyogre, Rayquaza, the Legendary birds, the Legendary dogs and many more!

Also, the new Pokewalker is a cool little gadget. If you're in the mood for some exercise, bring the Pokewalker along with you and it will give you advantages for the game!

A new sidequest called the Pokethlon, similar to the Pokemon Contests in previous games, lets you compete with a party of three Pokemon in athletic mini games against the DS. Each Pokemon has their own unique stats for the Pokethlon.

There is also a new icon, which is the replacement of Sinnoh's Poketch called the PokeGear. The PokeGear enables you to call Trainers you've registered or call a key character. This is similar to Hoenn's Match Call, except you can also tune in the Pokemon radio stations, look at the time and lastly look at the Johto and Kanto maps.

Overall, I think this game really is one of GameFreak/Nin­tendo's best games ever produced!

This is by far the most complete Pokemon game out to date. It combines all the well-known elements from previous games as well as new features which will keep you playing for days on end. Highly recommended.