Pokemon: Every Main Game Ranked Worst To Best

As well as revolutionising the series' graphics from simple 2D sprites to the first glimmers of a 3D world, Diamond & Pearl took advantage of the DS' graphical capabilities to become what is still one of the franchise's best-looking outings to date. (The unique Distortion World, added in Pokemon Platinum, remains a location highlight in the series.)

Refining a number of series staples introduced in earlier generations (the day/night cycle was updated, with smoother transitions between the times of day; infinite Bag storage; Pokemon Contests were expanded to introduce new stages, becoming one of the most entertaining diversions from the main story-line in the franchise), Diamond & Pearl helped modernise the franchise, most notably through the addition of online play.

The DS' online capabilities allowed for players to trade and battle with friends from all around the world, shedding the clunky connection cables that the Game Boy and Game Boy Colour relied on in favour of a more streamlined experience that helped propel the series into the 21st century.

What's more, some of the designs added to the Pokedex in Generation Four are amongst the most imaginative and inventive since the series' first outing. Palkia and Dialga, the games' primary legendaries, remain the most unique designs for box art Pokemon in the series, while Weavile and Bidoof have become firm fan favourites.

Lucario, a Fighting/Steel type, has even become something of a mascot for the series, the Pokemon's popularity solidified by its addition to the Super Smash Bros roster in Brawl.