Generation IV: Difference between revisions

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*Four more boxes in the [[Pokémon Storage System]], bringing the total to 18, for a total of 540 Pokémon.
*Four more boxes in the [[Pokémon Storage System]], bringing the total to 18, for a total of 540 Pokémon.
*Another new region to explore, [[Sinnoh]], yet again with its own [[Gym Leader]]s and [[Elite Four]]. Player characters are again changed.
*Another new region to explore, [[Sinnoh]], yet again with its own [[Gym Leader]]s and [[Elite Four]]. Player characters are again changed.
*Four new variants of [[Poké Ball]], retaining the seven introduced in Generation III.
*Four new variants of {{i|Poké Ball}}, retaining the seven introduced in Generation III.
*A new [[villainous team]], [[Team Galactic]], whose intent is to capture {{p|Dialga}} and {{p|Palkia}}, said to be the creators of the [[Pokémon universe]], and remake it in the image of their leader, [[Cyrus]].
*A new [[villainous team]], [[Team Galactic]], whose intent is to capture {{p|Dialga}} and {{p|Palkia}}, said to be the creators of the [[Pokémon universe]], and remake it in the image of their leader, [[Cyrus]].
*The return of the real-[[time]] and [[days of the week]] system from Generation II, with enhanced transitions between the time periods of the day.  
*The return of the real-[[time]] and [[days of the week]] system from Generation II, with enhanced transitions between the time periods of the day.  
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===Alterations from Generation III===
===Alterations from Generation III===
* A significant [[Pokémon battle]] mechanic is altered in which, after a Pokémon [[fainting|faints]], its [[Trainer]] is no longer prompted to immediately switch in its replacement, instead waiting until the turn is resolved before the Trainer is prompted to do so. This prevents a Pokémon from being knocked out on the same turn that the Pokémon it replaced was knocked out, except by [[entry hazards]], and also makes it possible for a [[move]] to miss because it has no target.
* A significant [[Pokémon battle]] mechanic is altered in which, after a Pokémon [[fainting|faints]], its [[Trainer]] is no longer prompted to immediately switch in its replacement, instead waiting until the turn is resolved before the Trainer is prompted to do so. This prevents a Pokémon from being knocked out on the same turn that the Pokémon it replaced was knocked out, except by [[entry hazards]], and also makes it possible for a [[move]] to miss because it has no target.
* [[Pokémon Super Contest|New and enhanced]] versions of [[Pokémon Contest]]s, featuring more rounds and a different appeals process. [[Poffin]]s are now used to enhance Contest stats, rather than [[Pokéblock]]s.
* In a single battle, if a Pokémon faints before its opponent moves, the opponent can still move in that turn.
* [[Pokémon Super Contest|New and enhanced]] versions of [[Pokémon Contest]]s, featuring more rounds and a different appeals process.
** [[Poffin]]s are used to enhance [[Contest condition|condition stats]], rather than [[Pokéblock]]s.
** There are three [[Contest Judge]]s, rather than one.
** [[Jamming]] and [[Contest combination|combos]] have been removed.
* [[Secret Base]]s have been moved to the [[The Underground]], where players can interact over local wireless connections.
* [[Secret Base]]s have been moved to the [[The Underground]], where players can interact over local wireless connections.
* The removal of [[item]] storage in the [[PC]], as the [[Bag]] can now hold all kinds of items without limit.
* The removal of [[item]] storage in the [[PC]], as the [[Bag]] can now hold all kinds of items without limit.
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*Ability to register two key items instead of just one.
*Ability to register two key items instead of just one.
*The Pokédex can now show the different forms of {{p|Castform}} and {{p|Cherrim}}, whereas in Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum, it could not.
*The Pokédex can now show the different forms of {{p|Castform}} and {{p|Cherrim}}, whereas in Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum, it could not.
*The introduction of [[Flat Battle]]s, a type of battle in which all Pokémon that are above level 50 temporarily become level 50, regardless of their current level.
*The introduction of [[Flat Battle]]s, a type of battle in which all Pokémon that are above level 50 temporarily become level 50.
*A dynamic camera in the overworld, which can be seen when entering some buildings, or going to certain locations. This went on to be greatly expanded in [[Generation V]].
*A dynamic camera in the overworld, which can be seen when entering some buildings, or going to certain locations. This went on to be greatly expanded in [[Generation V]].
*The stats affected by any given [[Nature]] are highlighted on each Pokémon's summary screens, with the increased stat being shown in red text and the decreased stat being shown in blue text.
*The stats affected by any given [[Nature]] are highlighted on each Pokémon's summary screens, with the increased stat being shown in red text and the decreased stat being shown in blue text.
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====Starter Pokémon====
====Starter Pokémon====
Though it was initially rumored that the {{t|Grass}}/{{t|Fire}}/{{t|Water}} setup that had been the norm for the past three generations would be replaced with a {{t|Dark}}/{{t|Psychic}}/{{t|Fighting}} trio, these rumors were later proven false. At the beginning of the journey, players must choose from the Grass-type {{p|Turtwig}}, the Fire-type {{p|Chimchar}}, and the Water-type {{p|Piplup}} to defend themselves from a wild {{p|Starly}} in Diamond and Pearl, or be given one of the three by [[Professor Rowan]] directly in Platinum.
Though it was initially rumored that the {{t|Grass}}/{{t|Fire}}/{{t|Water}} setup that had been the norm for the past three generations would be replaced with a {{t|Dark}}/{{t|Psychic}}/{{t|Fighting}} trio, these rumors were later proven false. At the beginning of the journey, players must choose from the Grass-type {{p|Turtwig}}, the Fire-type {{p|Chimchar}}, and the Water-type {{p|Piplup}} to defend themselves from a wild {{p|Starly}} in Diamond and Pearl, or be given one of the three by [[Professor Rowan]] directly in Platinum.
{| style="margin:auto; width:auto; text-align:center; background:#{{sinnoh color dark}}; font-size:85%; {{roundy}}; border:5px solid #{{sinnoh color}}"
|-
! style="width:80px; background:#{{sinnoh color light}}; {{roundytl|5px}}" colspan="2" | [[File:387Turtwig.png|96px]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Turtwig|{{sinnoh color dark}}}}'''<br>
! style="width:80px; background:#{{sinnoh color light}}" colspan="2" | [[File:390Chimchar.png|96px]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Chimchar|{{sinnoh color dark}}}}'''<br>
! style="width:80px; background:#{{sinnoh color light}}; {{roundytr|5px}}" colspan="2" | [[File:393Piplup.png|96px]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Piplup|{{sinnoh color dark}}}}'''
|-
{{typetable2|Grass}}
{{typetable2|Fire}}
{{typetable2|Water}}
|- style="background:#{{sinnoh color light}}"
| {{MSP|388|Grotle}}
| {{pcolor|Grotle|{{sinnoh color dark}}}}
| {{MSP|391|Monferno}}
| {{pcolor|Monferno|{{sinnoh color dark}}}}
| {{MSP|394|Prinplup}}
| {{pcolor|Prinplup|{{sinnoh color dark}}}}
|-
{{typetable2|Grass}}
{{typetable|Fire}}
{{typetable|Fighting}}
{{typetable2|Water}}
|- style="background:#{{sinnoh color light}}"
| {{MSP|389|Torterra}}
| {{pcolor|Torterra|{{sinnoh color dark}}}}
| {{MSP|392|Infernape}}
| {{pcolor|Infernape|{{sinnoh color dark}}}}
| {{MSP|395|Empoleon}}
| {{pcolor|Empoleon|{{sinnoh color dark}}}}
|-
| style="background:#{{grass color}}; {{roundybl|5px}}" | {{tcolor|Grass|FFF}}
{{typetable|Ground}}
{{typetable|Fire}}
{{typetable|Fighting}}
{{typetable|Water}}
| style="background:#{{steel color}}; {{roundybr|5px}}" | {{tcolor|Steel|FFF}}
|}


====Gym Leaders====
====Gym Leaders====
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====Starter Pokémon====
====Starter Pokémon====
Much as Kanto's Generation III starters were the same as in Generation I, Johto's starters have not changed. [[Professor Elm]] offers {{p|Chikorita}}, {{p|Cyndaquil}}, or {{p|Totodile}} to the player as protection on an errand to [[Mr. Pokémon]]'s house on {{rt|30|Johto}}.
Much as Kanto's Generation III starters were the same as in Generation I, Johto's starters have not changed. [[Professor Elm]] offers {{p|Chikorita}}, {{p|Cyndaquil}}, or {{p|Totodile}} to the player as protection on an errand to [[Mr. Pokémon]]'s house on {{rt|30|Johto}}.
{| style="margin:auto; width:auto; text-align:center; background:#{{johto color dark}}; font-size:85%; {{roundy}}; border:5px solid #{{johto color}}"
|-
! style="width:80px; background:#{{johto color light}}; {{roundytl|5px}}" colspan="2" | [[File:152Chikorita.png|96px]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Chikorita|{{johto color dark}}}}'''
! style="width:80px; background:#{{johto color light}}" colspan="2" | [[File:155Cyndaquil.png|96px]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Cyndaquil|{{johto color dark}}}}'''
! style="width:80px; background:#{{johto color light}}; {{roundytr|5px}}" colspan="2" | [[File:158Totodile.png|96px]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Totodile|{{johto color dark}}}}'''
|-
{{typetable2|Grass}}
{{typetable2|Fire}}
{{typetable2|Water}}
|- style="background:#{{johto color light}}"
| {{MSP|153|Bayleef}}
| {{pcolor|Bayleef|{{johto color dark}}}}
| {{MSP|156|Quilava}}
| {{pcolor|Quilava|{{johto color dark}}}}
| {{MSP|159|Croconaw}}
| {{pcolor|Croconaw|{{johto color dark}}}}
|-
{{typetable2|Grass}}
{{typetable2|Fire}}
{{typetable2|Water}}
|- style="background:#{{johto color light}}"
| {{MSP|154|Meganium}}
| {{pcolor|Meganium|{{johto color dark}}}}
| {{MSP|157|Typhlosion}}
| {{pcolor|Typhlosion|{{johto color dark}}}}
| {{MSP|160|Feraligatr}}
| {{pcolor|Feraligatr|{{johto color dark}}}}
|-
| colspan="2" style="background:#{{grass color}}; {{roundybl|5px}}" | {{tcolor|Grass|FFF}}
{{typetable2|Fire}}
| colspan="2" style="background:#{{water color}}; {{roundybr|5px}}" | {{tcolor|Water|FFF}}
|}


====Gym Leaders====
====Gym Leaders====
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Generation IV also included 3 new [[Pokémon Mystery Dungeon series|Mystery Dungeon games]] available worldwide and 3 exclusively available in Japan. Explorers of [[Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Time|Time]], [[Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Darkness|Darkness]], and [[Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Sky|Sky]] were available worldwide. The Mystery Dungeon games exclusive to Japan were [[Pokémon Mystery Dungeon (WiiWare)|Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Keep Going! Blazing Adventure Squad!, Let's Go! Stormy Adventure Squad!, and Go For It! Light Adventure Squad!]].
Generation IV also included 3 new [[Pokémon Mystery Dungeon series|Mystery Dungeon games]] available worldwide and 3 exclusively available in Japan. Explorers of [[Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Time|Time]], [[Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Darkness|Darkness]], and [[Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Sky|Sky]] were available worldwide. The Mystery Dungeon games exclusive to Japan were [[Pokémon Mystery Dungeon (WiiWare)|Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Keep Going! Blazing Adventure Squad!, Let's Go! Stormy Adventure Squad!, and Go For It! Light Adventure Squad!]].


[[Pokemon Rumble]] was introduced in Generation IV.
[[Pokémon Rumble]] was introduced in Generation IV.
 
==Discussion of Generation IV==
The Physical-Special split introduced in Generation IV as well as the introduction of powerful items such as the {{DL|In-battle effect item|Choice Scarf}}, {{DL|In-battle effect item|Choice Specs}}, and {{DL|In-battle effect item|Life Orb}} made competitive battling far more advanced and popular. This was also increased due to the [[Global Trade System|GTS]] increasing the chance of finding a Pokémon with [[Pokérus]] and EV-enhancing items for a specific stat being introduced also made it far easier to EV train a Pokémon, which added another dimension to competitive battling as EV training is no longer as painstaking as it was before. Due to these additions this generation is widely praised by competitive battlers. The GTS also paved the way for the [[Masuda method]] through the transaction of foreign Pokémon, and this in addition to the [[Poké Radar]] made it far easier to acquire [[Shiny Pokémon]].
 
After Diamond and Pearl, Platinum continued improving the series, adding a new {{Gdis|Battle Frontier|IV}}, as well as introducing many new additions to the games (such as VS sprites and animated battle sprites for certain important NPCs, such as [[Gym Leader]]s and [[Rival]]). Platinum is also an important part of the series' continuity, as the storyline of the game is referenced in {{game|Black and White|s}}, showing where [[Generation V]] is placed on the timeline. The overall generation introduced many characters, some of whom have played notable roles during the following generations. HeartGold and SoulSilver brought older and newer players back to the Johto region with improved graphics and sound and other additions to the storyline and characters.


===Sinnoh thematic motif===
==Sinnoh thematic motif==
The theme of this generation is history of the universe, and myths and legends. The three starters' evolutions have references to myths and legends in themselves—for example, Torterra is based on the legend of {{wp|world turtle}}, Empoleon has references to the god {{wp|Poseidon}}, and Infernape is based on {{wp|Sun Wukong}}. This also reflects on its legendary Pokémon, as Arceus is the literal creator of the universe and created the rulers of time, space and anti-matter, who are Dialga, Palkia and Giratina, respectively. All three of them are involved in Sinnoh myths, as are Uxie, Azelf and Mesprit: the embodiments of knowledge, willpower and emotions.
The theme of this generation is history of the universe, and myths and legends. The three starters' evolutions have references to myths and legends in themselves—for example, Torterra is based on the legend of {{wp|world turtle}}, Empoleon has references to the god {{wp|Poseidon}}, and Infernape is based on {{wp|Sun Wukong}}. This also reflects on its legendary Pokémon, as Arceus is the literal creator of the universe and created the rulers of time, space and anti-matter, who are Dialga, Palkia and Giratina, respectively. All three of them are involved in Sinnoh myths, as are Uxie, Azelf and Mesprit: the embodiments of knowledge, willpower and emotions.


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Some towns still preserve their history and myths. Celestic Town is said to be present since the beginning of Sinnoh, and has a shrine that dates back to ancient times, as well as a cave painting. Some other examples are the Solaceon Ruins, which contain Unown and is said to be as old as the ruins of Johto; the Snowpoint Temple, which was created long ago to contain Regigigas; Eterna City, which contains a statue of Dialga/Palkia; Floaroma Town, which was said to be a wasteland long ago, but then was transformed into a beautiful landscape by Shaymin; Mt. Coronet; and the Spear Pillar. Canalave City houses the first Pokémon library, which transcribes many of the legends of the region. Sinnoh was meant to establish the origin of the Pokémon universe and be more mysterious and historic than other regions.
Some towns still preserve their history and myths. Celestic Town is said to be present since the beginning of Sinnoh, and has a shrine that dates back to ancient times, as well as a cave painting. Some other examples are the Solaceon Ruins, which contain Unown and is said to be as old as the ruins of Johto; the Snowpoint Temple, which was created long ago to contain Regigigas; Eterna City, which contains a statue of Dialga/Palkia; Floaroma Town, which was said to be a wasteland long ago, but then was transformed into a beautiful landscape by Shaymin; Mt. Coronet; and the Spear Pillar. Canalave City houses the first Pokémon library, which transcribes many of the legends of the region. Sinnoh was meant to establish the origin of the Pokémon universe and be more mysterious and historic than other regions.


==English title screens==
==Reception==
The Physical-Special split introduced in Generation IV as well as the introduction of powerful items such as the {{DL|In-battle effect item|Choice Scarf}}, {{DL|In-battle effect item|Choice Specs}}, and {{DL|In-battle effect item|Life Orb}} made competitive battling far more advanced and popular. This was also increased due to the [[Global Trade System|GTS]] increasing the chance of finding a Pokémon with [[Pokérus]] and EV-enhancing items for a specific stat being introduced also made it far easier to EV train a Pokémon, which added another dimension to competitive battling as EV training is no longer as painstaking as it was before. Due to these additions this generation is widely praised by competitive battlers. The GTS also paved the way for the [[Masuda method]] through the transaction of foreign Pokémon, and this in addition to the [[Poké Radar]] made it far easier to acquire [[Shiny Pokémon]].
 
After Diamond and Pearl, Platinum continued improving the series, adding a new {{Gdis|Battle Frontier|IV}}, as well as introducing many new additions to the games (such as VS sprites and animated battle sprites for certain important NPCs, such as [[Gym Leader]]s and [[Rival]]). Platinum is also an important part of the series' continuity, as the storyline of the game is referenced in {{game|Black and White|s}}, showing where [[Generation V]] is placed on the timeline. The overall generation introduced many characters, some of whom have played notable roles during the following generations. HeartGold and SoulSilver brought older and newer players back to the Johto region with improved graphics and sound and other additions to the storyline and characters.
 
==Title screens==
===English title screens===
{| class="roundy" style="margin:auto; text-align:center; background: #{{sinnoh color dark}}; border: 5px solid #{{sinnoh color}}"
{| class="roundy" style="margin:auto; text-align:center; background: #{{sinnoh color dark}}; border: 5px solid #{{sinnoh color}}"
|-
|-
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| width="14px" style="background: #{{platinum color}};" | [[File:PlatinumTitle.png]]
| width="14px" style="background: #{{platinum color}};" | [[File:PlatinumTitle.png]]
|}
|}
{{clear}}
{| class="roundy" style="margin:auto; text-align:center; background: #{{johto color dark}}; border: 5px solid #{{johto color}}"
{| class="roundy" style="margin:auto; text-align:center; background: #{{johto color dark}}; border: 5px solid #{{johto color}}"
|-
|-
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|}
|}


==Japanese title screens==
===Japanese title screens===
{| class="roundy" style="margin:auto; text-align:center; background: #{{sinnoh color dark}}; border: 5px solid #{{sinnoh color}}"
{| class="roundy" style="margin:auto; text-align:center; background: #{{sinnoh color dark}}; border: 5px solid #{{sinnoh color}}"
|-
|-
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| width="14px" style="background: #{{platinum color}};" | [[File:Japanese PlatinumTitle.png]]
| width="14px" style="background: #{{platinum color}};" | [[File:Japanese PlatinumTitle.png]]
|}
|}
{{clear}}
{| class="roundy" style="margin:auto; text-align:center; background: #{{johto color dark}}; border: 5px solid #{{johto color}}"
{| class="roundy" style="margin:auto; text-align:center; background: #{{johto color dark}}; border: 5px solid #{{johto color}}"
|-
|-
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* Every [[player character]] in all Generation IV games has a [[Wii]] in [[player's house|their room]], referencing its status as the current Nintendo console during the generation.
* Every [[player character]] in all Generation IV games has a [[Wii]] in [[player's house|their room]], referencing its status as the current Nintendo console during the generation.
* Generation IV is the only generation in which:
* Generation IV is the only generation in which:
** Two core series game names have the same first initial in English (Pearl and Platinum); other languages, however, have had the same initial in their game names, with Spanish Azul and Amarillo for Blue and Yellow, and German Saphir and Smaragd for Sapphire and Emerald.
** All three starter Pokémon are able to learn [[Stealth Rock]].
** All three starter Pokémon are able to learn [[Stealth Rock]].
** All its games were released in the spring in North America, and in the fall in Japan.
** All its games were released in the spring in North America, and in the fall in Japan.
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*** [[Gardenia]] has a {{p|Torterra}}, {{OBP|Flint|Elite Four}} has an {{p|Infernape}}, and [[Jasmine]] in [[HeartGold and SoulSilver]] has an {{p|Empoleon}}.
*** [[Gardenia]] has a {{p|Torterra}}, {{OBP|Flint|Elite Four}} has an {{p|Infernape}}, and [[Jasmine]] in [[HeartGold and SoulSilver]] has an {{p|Empoleon}}.
** None of the [[TM]]s from the previous generation had their move changed.  
** None of the [[TM]]s from the previous generation had their move changed.  
* Generation IV is also the only generation that did not introduce:
* Generation IV is also the only generation that did not introduce a {{type|Dragon}} [[Type expert|specialist]].
** A {{type|Dragon}} [[Type expert|specialist]].
* Generation IV is the first generation to include:
* Generation IV is the first generation to include:
** Level 1 Pokémon legitimately obtainable in the core series.
** Level 1 Pokémon legitimately obtainable in the core series.
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