Pokemon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl: All graphics changes since reveal
Nintendo / The Pokemon CompanyPokemon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl showed off a massive overhaul in its graphics during the Nintendo Switch OLED reveal. Here is a full list of all the graphical upgrades and changes the Sinnoh remakes have received since their debut trailer in February 2021.
Pokemon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl was first unveiled in February and is now available to preorder. However, the project’s debut trailer was met with mixed reactions. Fans were torn over the RPG’s chibi graphics engine, which some found to be a step back for the series.
New footage of the Sinnoh remakes shown during the Nintendo Switch OLED announcement in July has shown massive improvement in its visuals. We are going to break down everything that has changed in the Gen IV remasters releasing this Fall.
Contents
- Graphic changes in motion
- Battle animation changes
- Color palette changes
- Clothing changes
- Improved foliage
- Character model changes
Pokemon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl graphic changes
When Pokemon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl appeared during the Switch OLED announcement on July 6th, the RPG’s had a drastically different look to the visuals than what was originally shown during the February Direct.
From the opening battle transition sequence, it’s apparent that ILCA Studios has touched up the graphics to a substantial degree. The character model for Trainer Lucas has been drastically improved as well, with clothing items now bursting with depth.
Perhaps the most noticeable changes are in the environment. From the trees to the grass, the Sinnoh region has never looked this good before. Below we will list every graphical change that has been made to the Diamond & Pearl reimaginings.
Pokemon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl graphic changes in-motion
Given that the Switch OLED footage was not a direct feed, a lot of detail has been lost to compression. Despite that, the difference between Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl’s debut trailer in February and the new clip in July is a stark contrast.
On top of all the changes listed below, ILCA has included: depth of field to battles, improved shadows and lighting, and a whole host of tiny changes that are hard to see in the footage that we have available.
Pokemon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl battle animation
Before
After
- Battle transition animation now features more colorful cartoon-style leaves.
- The new blades of grass break off and float around the screen.
- More depth between the player and the wild Pokemon.
Pokemon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl color palette
Before
After
- The Sinnoh remakes now sport a warm and washed-out color palette.
- Everything has been de-saturated compared to the debut trailer.
- The warmer tones are closer to the original Diamond & Pearl color palette.
Clothing graphics changes
Before
After
- The backpack on Lucas was originally flat but now has depth.
- His bag and arm sleeve now have HD textures.
- The logo on the backpack is raised up and has stitching as well as other details.
Improved environment/foliage graphic updates
Before
After
- Dynamic grass blades that are more spread out throughout the ground.
- The trunk and leaves on the trees now have detailed textures.
- The foliage is lush and more dynamically placed overall.
Lucas character model graphics changes
Before
After
- The character’s iconic red cap was originally flat but has now been given more depth.
- The cap has been completely re-shaped and now has a curved bill on top.
- Lucas’ eyebrows are more curved and lowered now.
We will update this hub with the new footage and HD screenshots as soon as we get the highly-anticipated Pokemon Direct for the Sinnoh remakes – which could be happening anytime soon.
So, there you have it. That’s all of the Pokemon graphics changes in Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl so far.
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