Pokémon Pearl was my first DS game, and I still remember booting it up—that little chime when you start a new adventure, the way the pixelated Lake Verity ripples as you pick your starter. Sinnoh feels huge when you first step out of Twinleaf Town, all these winding routes and weirdly specific weather pockets (why is it always hailing near Snowpoint?).

The battles are slower than newer Pokémon games, but there’s something satisfying about the strategy—picking moves that actually matter instead of just mashing A. And the underground digging minigame? Spent way too many hours hunting for spheres and traps while avoiding my little brother’s drill. Just don’t expect to sweep the Elite Four with your starter unless you’ve grinded like crazy.

Still holds up if you’re into that classic Pokémon grind with a side of nostalgia.