This was the first Pokemon game I've ever played, and for quite some time I thought my love for it was due to that fact.

Boy was I wrong.

Platinum is a truly amazing in so many ways. Sinnoh's pace, even though a bit sluggish in Diamond/Pearl, is made faster and brighter in this outstanding game, and it never fails yo bring you close to the story of that region and its people.
The gameplay itself, apart from the health bars that take days to deplete, is challenging and engaging.

I love Platinum with all my heart, and will always recommend it to any Pokemon lover OR newcomer to the series.