Pokemonewbie

[Whimbrel]

I got a DS recently and thought it would be great to play a game with my 10 year old daughter. We picked Pokemon Diamond and Pearl. I got one of each game on Ebay and she was going to get whichever one came in time for her birthday. She got Pearl last Thursday and started right in. My copy of Diamond came today and has a save game with a complete pokedex of 493. I want to start a new game, but I want to know if I should back this up somehow before starting a new game? Should I trade/ give some of these to my daughter who has Pearl and just started a new game? I don't really know how hard it would be to get some of these again or if it even matters, but we are certainly too late to go to the toys r' us events and neither of us has played any of the GBA games, so once I delete this saved game, I think some of these might be gone for good.

Can I trade them all to her and then have her trade them back to me for a bunch of low level starlys and bidoofs once I start the new game? It is probably pretty obvious that I am totally new to this, so any help would be great. Also, I just got a wii, so I might be able to upload some of them to the wii games that are compatible with the DS pokemon games, but I don't know if that acts as a backup or not.

Thanks for any help!

[Lint of Death]

A couple things:
*Traded Pokémon level twice as fast, but become disobedient (read: frequently refuse move commands) if their level goes outside the limit determined by the number of gym badges you have collected.
*A complete Pokedex is not easy to get! If you want to aspire to such a thing in a new game, find a list of Pokémon that are uncatchable in Diamond and Pearl (I'll pull up a link in a sec), and trade them to your daughter at least temporarily.
*Look for shinies among them. Shiny Pokémon are ones that have a different color. It's the only difference, but they are extremely, extremely rare. You can tell if one is shiny if a) when you look up its stats there's a little red star by its picture or b) if it sparkles upon entering combat.
*Yes, you can make worthless-return trades, but both sides need to exchange something; you can have your pokémon hold items to go along with the trades, like if your old save has a Master Ball or other rare items that you want to keep.

EDIT: here (http://www.serebii.net/diamondpearl/unobtainables.shtml) is the list of unobtainables. There are also some not on the list because they're in the game, but are practically unobtainable including Tropius, Manaphy, Shaymin, Darkrai and Arceus. There would also be the third starting Pokémon that neither of you pick.

[LongStepMantis]

*Look for shinies among them. Shiny Pokémon are ones that have a different color. It's the only difference, but they are extremely, extremely rare. You can tell if one is shiny if a) when you look up its stats there's a little red star by its picture or b) if it sparkles upon entering combat

I've yet to ever see one. I realize what you mean by rare though...isn't it something like a .001% chance, or maybe even lower, they will be shiny? Is it just a rarity thing or does that also provide some kind of a bonus or anything?

[Lint of Death]

I've yet to ever see one. I realize what you mean by rare though...isn't it something like a .001% chance, or maybe even lower, they will be shiny? Is it just a rarity thing or does that also provide some kind of a bonus or anything?

My understanding is that shiny Pokémon are just as likely to have good stats as any other. According to the site I linked, there is a 1/8192 chance of seeing one in a battle, and that chance is for each battle rather than a cumulative measure. There's a strategy to all but guarantee one to appear in Diamond/Pearl, but it's so time-consuming and hard to do that I simply don't care to try.

I got one in my game of Diamond (a Stunky for the curious), and received two from trade (from the same person and they were both carrying unique/valuable items by coincidence, which leads me to believe they were not attained fairly, but I can use them online!).

EDIT: I forgot something. If you really cared, which is unlikely, traded Pokémon cannot be renamed. There's a person in a hotel in one of the early cities that can change names at any time for free.

[Whimbrel]

So for a specific Pokemon like Starly, does that mean that there are two entries in the Pokedex, one for regular Starly and one for shiny Starly, or is there just one and the shiny version may or not be in the regular spot?

[Lint of Death]

So for a specific Pokemon like Starly, does that mean that there are two entries in the Pokedex, one for regular Starly and one for shiny Starly, or is there just one and the shiny version may or not be in the regular spot?

No, it has no effect on anything. They're in there essentially as a secret, goal, or badge of pride. All that happens is it's a different color, has a little red star next to its picture in details, and sparkles when it enters battle.

There are actually quite a few mechanics that never go explained in the game, some of which are intended to produce randomness in monsters' stats and a number do actually have gameplay value, but you should only really care how they work if you're utterly obsessed with making each team member as ideally strong as possible. Personally I think that side of things is highly complicated and not very fun at all.

[J Arcane]

SAdly, My Pokemon Ranch and Battle REvolution apparently tie stored Pokemon to specific saves, so if you upload them and then start a new game, you won't be able to get them back.

However, if you do get one of the other, you might go ahead and upload them anyway just to have them. This would be especially good I think for Battle Revolution, as it would mean all those critters being available to play with in the tournaments and such, which is good for suckering your non-Pokemon-playing friends into the games. :D

[Lint of Death]

SAdly, My Pokemon Ranch and Battle REvolution apparently tie stored Pokemon to specific saves, so if you upload them and then start a new game, you won't be able to get them back.

However, if you do get one of the other, you might go ahead and upload them anyway just to have them. This would be especially good I think for Battle Revolution, as it would mean all those critters being available to play with in the tournaments and such, which is good for suckering your non-Pokemon-playing friends into the games. :D

That's not a bad idea if he already owned Battle Revolution. However, do not get it unless you're really sure that you really enjoy the battle system, because that's all the game is. Lots of fights and a way to make battles between two DSs a bit more entertaining to watch. Basically, you shouldn't own this game until well after you've deleted the old save to make a new game, instantly diminishing the value of the future purchase :p

And that Ranch WiiWare is completely useless unless you're very easily amused like I am or you catch way too many monsters.

[J Arcane]

Yeah, Ranch is pretty much just a glorified storage box, with a few extra features to potentially acquire some new critters. Apparently it's the only non-promotional, non-hacked way to get a Mew, for example, though it requires catching 999 Pokemon and storing them on it . . .

[rinichanraar]

My understanding is that shiny Pokémon are just as likely to have good stats as any other. According to the site I linked, there is a 1/8192 chance of seeing one in a battle, and that chance is for each battle rather than a cumulative measure. There's a strategy to all but guarantee one to appear in Diamond/Pearl, but it's so time-consuming and hard to do that I simply don't care to try.

I got one in my game of Diamond (a Stunky for the curious), and received two from trade (from the same person and they were both carrying unique/valuable items by coincidence, which leads me to believe they were not attained fairly, but I can use them online!).

In my time playing Pokemon, I've only run into one shiny, and it was a Machoke (or was it a Machamp?). I was excited about it, but I wish I could've gotten something cooler because I'm not really a big fan of Fighting Pokemon (my favorite type is Psychic).

[Whimbrel]

I guess what we will do is just try to get another cheap copy of Diamond or Pearl and save this one for trading the rares when we get high enough.

[Ghost Rider]

In my time playing Pokemon, I've only run into one shiny, and it was a Machoke (or was it a Machamp?). I was excited about it, but I wish I could've gotten something cooler because I'm not really a big fan of Fighting Pokemon (my favorite type is Psychic).

Not a fan!!? But Machamp/choke's are the bodybuilders of Pokemon. That automatically makes them awesome!

[Ancalagon]

Whimbrel, if I was you, I'd delete the save and start again.

It may sound like a massive waste of a huge collection of Pokemon, and it is. But I think as a newbie to pokemon, you will learn more and get more enjoyment out of a clean slate. Having those uber pokemon available to you will also tempt you, so you might be tempted to use one of them instead of raising your own.

Yes, it would take you 100+ hours to get those Pokemon back, but who cares? Thats not really what you want out of Pokemon, is it? If you want a good game, with Pokes that you can trade with your daughter, start a new game, both of you, and play together. Trade version specific Pokes now and then, or just when you find a cool one, or whatever, and if you want specific Pokemon, talk to us here at CoG and I'm sure we can get most of the good ones. For instance, I can breed you most starter pokemon except those from the second generation and Turtwig. So you can get a level 1 charmander if you want. Not too high level to control, will still level quickly though.

As for Shinies.... as for as I know, the only thing being shiny enhances is your e-peen.

Enjoy it, its a great game with lots of depth and strategy.

[Whimbrel]

Thanks for all of your suggestions and ideas.

[QueQueg]

I agree with Ancalagon. IMO, nothing will ruin your game faster than having a huge collection of powerful pokemon available right away. Learn to walk first.

When you've completed the game a couple of times, you can always grab an Action Replay to get the really rare ones again, if that's what you're into.

I liked using the Action Replay to start new games with custom groups of starters (the elemental pokemon from previous games.)

Mudkip (http://pokemon.marriland.com/diamond_pearl/pokedex/mudkip&dexmode=hoenn) > Piplup (http://pokemon.marriland.com/diamond_pearl/pokedex/piplup&dexmode=sinnoh)

[CES]

If the save has 493 Pokemon in the 'Dex, I'd just start again since someone used an action replay on it at some point which means you have no clue what else they may have changed.

[LongStepMantis]

If the save has 493 Pokemon in the 'Dex, I'd just start again since someone used an action replay on it at some point which means you have no clue what else they may have changed.

A very valid point. They could have got them all the honest way...but unless they were really hardcore about the game, I'd say it's far more likely they cheated.

And I completely agree with the idea of just starting from scratch and forgetting them. One of the things that drew me into the games was just finding new Pokemon and hand-picking your team from your own findings. Raising them up and seeing what kinds of powers and evolutions they become. Without that, I wouldn't even want to play. I played for an hour or so yesterday for the first time in months, and my favorite psychic finally evolved. It was like I was playing for the first time all over again.

[Goronmon]

Whimbrel, if I was you, I'd delete the save and start again.Definitely this. I'd almost compare it to starting up an RPG with all the characters leveled and geared out already.

[Lint of Death]

Not a fan!!? But Machamp/choke's are the bodybuilders of Pokemon. That automatically makes them awesome!

Not to mention if you trade Machoke, he becomes Machamp and has four arms.

But yeah, I totally agree with starting a new game.

[zarathstra]

I'm definiately in the "start fresh" camp as well. most of the fun of the game is exploring, encountering new Pokemon, and leveling up your team from beginning to end. Starting with everything would ruin the experience.

[CES]

A very valid point. They could have got them all the honest way...but unless they were really hardcore about the game, I'd say it's far more likely they cheated.

And I completely agree with the idea of just starting from scratch and forgetting them. One of the things that drew me into the games was just finding new Pokemon and hand-picking your team from your own findings. Raising them up and seeing what kinds of powers and evolutions they become. Without that, I wouldn't even want to play. I played for an hour or so yesterday for the first time in months, and my favorite psychic finally evolved. It was like I was playing for the first time all over again.

They couldn't have since there's at least three Pokemon that are event only (the events are shockingly rare) plus there's Arceus, which even Nintendo themselves don't acknowledge exists yet. The Azure Flute needed to get to where it is has never been handed out.

Not that it matters, Arceus' only saving grace is that you define what type it is.

[Variable Gear]

I hate the event Pokemon. In my opinion, there should also be a way to obtain them without external help.

[rinichanraar]

Not a fan!!? But Machamp/choke's are the bodybuilders of Pokemon. That automatically makes them awesome!
Not to mention if you trade Machoke, he becomes Machamp and has four arms.

I guesssss. Having four arms is pretty cool. And did I imagine it, or were there Machamps walking around in Oreburgh City? If that actually happens, then I guess that's pretty cool (and hilarious, for some reason).

But I'll always love Alakazam and his long mustache-thing and two spoons. He's just so badass.

[J Arcane]

I guesssss. Having four arms is pretty cool. And did I imagine it, or were there Machamps walking around in Oreburgh City? If that actually happens, then I guess that's pretty cool (and hilarious, for some reason).

But I'll always love Alakazam and his long mustache-thing and two spoons. He's just so badass.
Have you played Red Rescue Team yet?

Allakhazam is fucking awesome in that. Stonecold badass awesome.

[rinichanraar]

Have you played Red Rescue Team yet?

Allakhazam is fucking awesome in that. Stonecold badass awesome.

I actually haven't played any of the Pokemon Mystery Dungeon games! I don't know all that much about them. Would you recommend them to someone who has only played Red/Blue and Diamond/Pearl?

[QueQueg]

I picked up my son's mystery dungeon game for a couple of hours, but it just didn't feel right. Not RPG-ey enough.

I'd rather be grinding EVs on my crack team of poke-badasses.

[J Arcane]

I actually haven't played any of the Pokemon Mystery Dungeon games! I don't know all that much about them. Would you recommend them to someone who has only played Red/Blue and Diamond/Pearl?
Red Rescue Team is basically Rogue-lite with Pokemon critters and ruleset. THe game is very noob friendly, and has a lot of tutorial help and such like.

I can see it getting a bit grindy over time, you wind up revisiting each dungeon quite a few times, but well, if you're a Pokemon fan, grinding isn't necessarily an automatic lose like it is for some people. ;)

[Lint of Death]

I get the feeling we should be channeling all this growing interest into what comes naturally, which is to say fighting each other (http://www.colonyofgamers.com/cogforums/showthread.php?p=104029).

[Whimbrel]

Just wanted to say that I took your advice and started from scratch. My daughter and I are both new to the world of Pokemon and I have decided to just play through it and find what I can find. It is our first DS game where we can play together somewhat and I have almost caught up to her, but we have already traded some pokemon and some discoveries and tactics. I am pretty shocked about how much content is in this game in terms of all of the little activities, interactions, stats, etc.

[Mike Kelehan]

Just wanted to say that I took your advice and started from scratch. My daughter and I are both new to the world of Pokemon and I have decided to just play through it and find what I can find. It is our first DS game where we can play together somewhat and I have almost caught up to her, but we have already traded some pokemon and some discoveries and tactics. I am pretty shocked about how much content is in this game in terms of all of the little activities, interactions, stats, etc.

I was about to suggest the same thing.

I love how kids get into this, not because of the characters, but because it's such a hardcore RPG. I look forward to playing these games with my kids, them with the time and me with the experience.

[zarathstra]

Just wanted to say that I took your advice and started from scratch. My daughter and I are both new to the world of Pokemon and I have decided to just play through it and find what I can find. It is our first DS game where we can play together somewhat and I have almost caught up to her, but we have already traded some pokemon and some discoveries and tactics. I am pretty shocked about how much content is in this game in terms of all of the little activities, interactions, stats, etc.

I think its awesome that you and your daughter have found a great way to bond through video games. We should put you guys in a commercial!

[Purple Santa]

Now if I can only get my cats to hold the DS correctly I could bond with them...no kids around to bond with so i'm forcing my bonding on them :). I'm going to try to catch a Gamestop after xmas sale and see if I can find this cheap...any of the Pokemon so I can finally try...

[JayVe]

I just went back and checked my Diamond game.

Pokedex: 457

Damn. I wanna catch 'em all!

[FrozenPokeBalls]

I hate the event Pokemon. In my opinion, there should also be a way to obtain them without external help.

dude i agree. i've been to about every event. I've played since red and blue. on my diamond cart i have 491. I'd quit if i wasn't so dang nab addicted

[n00bian]

event pokemon are stupid - especially for ppl who live in countries where no events happen EVER

[JayVe]

event pokemon are stupid - especially for ppl who live in countries where no events happen EVER
I have some extra event Pokemon. Trade with ya if you like.

[n00bian]

I have some extra event Pokemon. Trade with ya if you like.

that would be nice - which ones you got?

[J Arcane]

Do you has Mew? ;)

I really want a Houndour now. That thing looks freaking sweet, but I can't get one in Diamond apparently.

The next step up from Poochyena looks really badass too but it looks like I should be able to just catch one of those.

And what the hell is the deal with the guy in the cave on Route 214, the Ruin Maniac or whatever? He babbles something at me about racing him to see whether I can catch a UNOWN before he finishes digging, but I've caught two of the damn things now and all he does is parrot the same dialogue, so I must be missing something.

[n00bian]

you have to catch all variations of unknown the more you got the farther he gets into the cave and so can you

[Ancalagon]

The next step up from Poochyena looks really badass too but it looks like I should be able to just catch one of those.


yeah, Mightyena's arent exactly rare. You can catch them in the wild in emerald. Can get you one next week if you like?

[JayVe]

that would be nice - which ones you got?I'll see what I can do to make a list of the pokemon I need, and a list of the duplicate rare dudes I have.

J Arcane: I do has a Mew, but only one. I know I have more than one Celebi, and maybe more than one Deyoxs.

[zarathstra]

And what the hell is the deal with the guy in the cave on Route 214, the Ruin Maniac or whatever? He babbles something at me about racing him to see whether I can catch a UNOWN before he finishes digging, but I've caught two of the damn things now and all he does is parrot the same dialogue, so I must be missing something.

There are 26 different kinds of unknown, all of which look like different letters of the alphabet. if you catch them all, he'll dig into a secret chamber with goodies in it.

[headhunter228]

I've yet to ever see one. I realize what you mean by rare though...isn't it something like a .001% chance, or maybe even lower, they will be shiny? Is it just a rarity thing or does that also provide some kind of a bonus or anything?

In all my years of playing Pokemon, I have seen ONE shiny in the wild, a Torkoal. I caught it, but I don't know what I did with my Emerald cart. I also remember seeing some shinies in FireRed, but that was in the Battle Tower thingie, and it was owned by a trainer.

Speaking of rarities, I do remember geting Pokerus at least three times. (For those who don't know what I'm talking about, Pokerus is a virus your Pokemon can catch that make their stats grow faster. It can also be spread to others.) It's my understanding that it's EXTREMELY rare, but it's happened suprisingly often for me.