For the past two years, DS owners suffered through mediocre (and worse) Pokemon spin-offs, such as Pokemon Dash and Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Blue Rescue Team -- but no longer. After a successful launch in Japan, Nintendo will finally unleash the new chapters in the 11-year franchise, Pokemon Diamond Version and Pearl Version, both of which provide a new Wi-Fi multiplayer battle mode that set these above the average Pokemon game.

Diamond and Pearl drops players into the shoes of a kid who bumps into a professor with extensive Pokemon knowledge. The prof gives a Pokemon to the kid, provided s/he (player selects gender and name) agrees to continue his research by filling his Pokedex. Then the hunt for new Pokemon begins -- which basically amounts to searching for Pokemon, battling and successfully capturing them using Poke Balls. The hunt takes the kid on an adventure through the new Sinnoh region, exploring cities, talking to hundreds of non-player characters and battling wild Pokemon and Pokemon trainers. After capturing several critters, players choose which ones to use in battle. The more a Pokemon fights, the faster it levels up, getting stronger and unlocking new moves. Earn money by winning battles, then use the cash to shop for potions, antidotes and Poke Balls at the local Poke Mart.

The new online multiplayer mode adds an entire new dimension to these two games. For the first time in portable Pokemon games, players can take the fight to anyone in the world using Nintendo's Wi-Fi connection. Two players can pit their creatures against one another using the single-player game's user-friendly turn-based battle system, which allows for standard selection using the D-pad and face buttons, or the touch screen, where players can select attacks using a stylus.

Diamond and Pearl's immense popularity (both games sold millions in Japan) makes finding opponents easy, and with the recently released DS Headset, both Pokemon trainers can communicate. However, in order to use it, both friend codes must be registered, Nintendo's way of keeping creepy people at bay. Of course, if players prefer to ignore friend codes, they can battle seven other trainers in the Wi-Fi Battle Room. Beating all seven earns them the rank of Battle Room leader, and afterwards, they can upload their data online for bragging rights.

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