Game Differences

Pokémon Diamond and Pearl are pretty much the same game. They have roughly the same storyline, the same characters, the same cities and towns. But, the games do have some (sometimes subtle) differences.

Start-up Graphics

Of course you would have noticed the glowing pictures of legendary Pokémon on the start up of your game. Obviously, Palkia is shown in pink in Pearl while Dialga is glowing blue in Diamond.

Pokémon exclusives

Ok, on to the real stuff. Some species of wild Pokémon cannot be found in one version, but are common in another. Here is a list of the version exclusives and the games in which they appear:

Diamond:

• Murkrow/ Honchkrow
• Mime Jr./ Mr. Mime
• Cranidos/ Rampardos
• Stunky/ Skuntank
• Dialga

Pearl:

• Misdreavus/ Mismagius
• Bonsly/ Sudowoodo
• Sheildon/ Bastiodon
• Glameow/ Purugly
• Palkia

Eterna City

Not so much the city, but what's in the city. xD
The big Pokémon statue on the little hill is different in each version. Well... the writing is. In Diamond is tells a story of Dialga; the ruler of time. While in Pearl, it talks about Palkia, the ruler of space.

Spear Pillar

The map of the Spear Pillar is slightly different in each game. The pillar's are in different places. Also, the legendary you fight here is different according to your game. Palkia in Pearl and Dialga in Diamond.