Pokemon Diamond / Pearl - hands-on - Day 3

Now, let's take a closer look at some of the new Pokemon.

Let's get it started

Every Pokemon adventure begins with the hero receiving a rare "starter" Pokemon from the local Pokemon Professor. At the start of Diamond and Pearl, Professor Nanakamado gives the player a choice of three Pokemon: Naetoru, Hikozaru and Pocchama.

Naetoru to Hayashigame to Dodaitosu

Naetoru begins its life as a grass-aligned turtle Pokemon, but as it evolves becomes a grass and ground powerhouse. This type combination makes it double weak to ice-type attacks, but makes it versatile for a variety of other situations. Naetoru and its evolved forms' best attacks are physical in nature.

Hikozaru to Moukazaru to Goukazaru

Hikozaru is a cheeky monkey of a Pokemon, made especially feisty by the flames that constantly erupt from its hindquarters. As Hikozaru evolves, its becomes a dual fire- and fighting-type Pokemon with a number of powerful physical fire attacks.

Pocchama to Potaishi to Enperuto

Initially the cutest of the starter Pokemon, Pocchama gradually evolves into a steel-plated abomination. Unlike the other two starters, Pocchama's water attacks draw on its special stats.