For many players, Pokémon Diamond and Pearl were their first introduction to the mainline Pokémon series. These games hold a special place in the hearts of fans, evoking nostalgia for the adventures in the Sinnoh region. However, while these titles are cherished, their remakes—Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl—left many fans disappointed.
One recurring sentiment among fans is: “They should have remade Pokémon Platinum instead.”
Although I had never played Pokémon Platinum, I heard it was the definitive Sinnoh experience, and some even hailed it as one of the best Pokémon games ever made. So, I decided to play through Platinum for the first time and find out if the hype is real.
Contents
- 1 Beginning the Adventure in Twinleaf Town
- 2 First Gym Battle: Oreburgh City
- 3 Team Galactic’s Rise and the Battle at Valley Windworks
- 4 Eterna City: The Introduction of Cynthia
- 5 Major Pokémon Platinum Changes: Gible and Rotom Early Access
- 6 Battling Cyrus and The Disturbing Team Galactic Experiments
- 7 The Epic Showdown at the Distortion World
- 8 Final Gym Battle and Pokémon League Preparation
- 9 Final Battle Against Cynthia: One of the Toughest Champions
- 10 Final Thoughts: Is Pokémon Platinum the Best Sinnoh Game?
Beginning the Adventure in Twinleaf Town
Our journey begins in Twinleaf Town, just like in Diamond and Pearl. We set off with our rival Barry, meet Professor Rowan, and choose our starter Pokémon.
✅ In Pokémon Pearl, I picked Chimchar.
✅ In Pokémon Diamond, I chose Piplup.
✅ For Pokémon Platinum, I went with Turtwig!
I nicknamed him Kevin after an old friend from elementary school who once lent me his Torterra Pokémon card.
The First Battles Begin
- We battle Barry, securing our first victory.
- We encounter Cyrus for the first time at Lake Verity—a man with big ambitions and an unsettling presence.
- Before embarking on our adventure, the game has us return home to say goodbye to our mother, which unexpectedly hit me on an emotional level, especially after recently moving away from home myself.
With all preparations done, our Sinnoh journey officially begins!
First Gym Battle: Oreburgh City
We travel through Jubilife City, where we meet a new character named Looker, a comically clumsy yet dedicated International Police officer. He warns us to watch out for shady grown-ups—clearly referring to Team Galactic.
Afterwards, we reach Oreburgh City and challenge the first Gym Leader, Roark.
🔥 Kevin evolved into Grotle just in time! 🔥
With a Grass-type advantage against Roark’s Rock-type Pokémon, we easily secure our first Gym Badge.
Team Galactic’s Rise and the Battle at Valley Windworks
After obtaining our first badge, we encounter Team Galactic, a mysterious organization harnessing Pokémon energy for their goals. They are causing trouble in Floaroma Town and Valley Windworks, so we step in to put a stop to their plans.
Battle against Commander Mars
Mars’ Purugly is infamous for being a major challenge in Gen 4. However, since Kevin was over-leveled, we won without any trouble.
With this victory, we force Team Galactic to retreat.
Eterna City: The Introduction of Cynthia
Our journey leads us to Eterna Forest, home to some of Sinnoh’s most beautiful music. Here, we meet Cynthia, an enigmatic trainer who later becomes one of the most iconic Champions in Pokémon history.
Second Gym Battle: Gardenia
- Kevin no longer has a type advantage against Gardenia’s Grass-type Pokémon.
- We still brute-force our way to victory due to our high level.
Team Galactic Base Battle
Eterna City is occupied by Team Galactic, and at their headquarters, we defeat Commander Jupiter, further weakening the organization’s influence.
Cynthia gives us a Togepi egg, which later hatches into a Togepi (nicknamed Egg).
Exploring the Underground
The Explorer Kit allows access to the Underground, a feature I loved as a kid, where I would mine for treasure and decorate my Secret Base.
Major Pokémon Platinum Changes: Gible and Rotom Early Access
One of Platinum’s biggest improvements is better Pokémon distribution.
🔥 In Pokémon Platinum, you can catch Rotom before the Elite Four.
🔥 You can also get Gible as early as the second Gym.
Since Garchomp is one of the best Pokémon in Gen 4, I immediately added a Gible to my team, nicknaming it Nuck.
Battling Cyrus and The Disturbing Team Galactic Experiments
We encounter Cyrus again in Celestic Town, where he reveals more about his twisted worldview.
🏛 The Sinnoh Myths
- Cynthia’s grandmother shows us the ancient cave paintings, depicting the three Lake Guardians who maintain balance in the world.
- Cyrus, seeing them as obstacles to his plan, attempts to destroy the cave paintings.
The Team Galactic HQ Horror
Later, we storm Team Galactic’s Veilstone headquarters to rescue the kidnapped Lake Guardians. This moment hit differently compared to my childhood playthrough.
- The labs contain Pokémon trapped in test tubes.
- The scientists express regret for their inhumane experiments.
- Cyrus reveals that he never cared about Team Galactic or his subordinates—he is simply a selfish madman seeking a world without emotions.
After freeing Uxie, Mesprit, and Azelf, we head to Mount Coronet to stop Cyrus once and for all.
The Epic Showdown at the Distortion World
Cyrus executes his final plan atop Spear Pillar, summoning Dialga and Palkia using the Red Chain.
Before he can achieve his goal, Giratina emerges, dragging Cyrus into the Distortion World.
The Distortion World is an eerie, gravity-defying dimension where physics is completely warped.
This was a missed opportunity in the remakes, as it was barely included.
Final Battle Against Cyrus
- Cynthia joins us as we navigate the Distortion World.
- Cyrus refuses to give up his plan, forcing us to battle him one last time.
After defeating Cyrus, we face Giratina and successfully capture it.
Cynthia delivers an emotional line:
“Since there is sadness, we can feel joy. When there’s anger, compassion is born.”
Final Gym Battle and Pokémon League Preparation
We challenge Volkner, the 8th Gym Leader, and claim our final badge.
Victory Road Training
- I evolved Riolu into Lucario (named Riley).
- I evolved Sneasel into Weavile (named Summer).
With our fully trained team, we storm the Pokémon League.
Final Battle Against Cynthia: One of the Toughest Champions
The epic showdown begins!
1️⃣ Spiritomb – No weaknesses.
2️⃣ Togekiss – Dealt with by Nuck.
3️⃣ Garchomp – We lose our own Garchomp in a mirror match!
4️⃣ Milotic – Unexpectedly defeats Summer, but we land a lucky crit.
5️⃣ Lucario – Defeated by Kevin.
6️⃣ Roserade – Egg delivers the final blow.
We become the Sinnoh Champion!
Final Thoughts: Is Pokémon Platinum the Best Sinnoh Game?
✅ Platinum improved almost everything from Diamond and Pearl.
✅ The Distortion World added an unforgettable story element.
✅ Better Pokémon variety and evolution item availability.
✅ Extra cutscenes and character depth enhanced the experience.
✅ The Battle Frontier gave post-game content more depth.