in all honesty, i think they amped up the trainers, gym leaders, and wild Pokémon a little bit in some areas. perhaps, Kaseo, that's why it seems to be a bit easier, because you can train against the trainers and wild Pokémon, and still keep up with the gyms. overall, i love Platinum, though. there are a ton of new features of which i love, such as the new Battle Frontier, and i agree with Penumbra, that you kind of miss the Battle Pike and Dojo from Emerald's Battle Frontier. but that doesn't meen that it's not a good game, though. this should sate my hunger for a new Pokémon game for a bit (here's to hoping for a G/S/C remake, lol). :D