Published: Tuesday, 26th May, 2009 2:39pm

Pokemon Platinum

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(Nintendo DS)

Don't let the merchandise-flogging cartoon series fool you, Pokemon is a game for grown ups too. And if you haven't had a chance to get to grips with it yet then Pokemon Platinum is a great point to get into the franchise.

If you've not played before the premise is addictively simple. You're a trainer of Pokemon - monsters so small you can carry up to six of them around at a time. You use your Pokemon to battle others, in a fighting mechanism that at its simplest is an elemental version of scissors-paper-stone, although with enough variations that the more thought you put into it the more you get out of it.

With new versions of the game out with more regularly than MPs expense claim stories, Platinum is an update - with some additional content - on the previous DS releases Diamond and Pearl.

The new region of Sinnoh has lots of places to explore while hunting for rare Pokemon, while the RPG story element of it means the fighting doesn't get too samey.

Aside from the main quest there's the GBA's Battle Frontier chucked in for you to get to grips with - giving you a pared down, fighting-only world to get your teeth into. This, plus the best ever online mode you'll find in a Pokemon game on any platform, makes for much replay value.

While if you've played Diamond or Pearl on the DS previously this isn't a major revamp, for someone new to the franchise either generally or on this format, this is a solid, fun title that will give you hours of fun - although you may have to share it with younger family members.

Four stars

* Check out our competition section for a chance to win your own copy of Pokemon Platinum.