In this article, I have compiled a list of some of the greatest Pokemon ROM Hacks of all time! These ROMs have been meticulously redesigned and redeveloped so that you can enjoy countless hours of adventure with every one of them. I’ve personally played quite a few of them myself and I can vouch that the quality and innovation are indistinguishable from the original ROMs.
Before we begin, let’s take a look at what Pokemon ROM Hacks are and how they different from normal ROMs.
What Is A Pokemon Rom Hack?
If you’ve been a long-time gamer, I’m sure you would have owned one of those old handheld consoles such as the Game Boy or Nintendo DS. Remember games like Legend of Zelda and Super Mario Bros? Those were the golden days of gaming. Today, it’s rare to find those consoles as they are no longer in production. To preserve these games for future generations, programmers copied the files from video game cartridges onto computer files which can then be played using emulation software. These files are called ROM files.
ROM Hacking is when these ROM files are modified and the game’s graphics, dialogues, levels, gameplay, and other elements are altered. This is done by expert hackers and video game fans who want to add their own twist and breathe new life into old games. After hours and hours of countless coding and editing, they’re able to create new unofficial games which work on the old game’s engine.
Pokemon has given us a lot of great games over the years – Crystal, Ruby, FireRed, the list goes on. But for someone who’s played all of the official games and want to start a new Pokemon adventure, Pokemon ROM Hacks come to the rescue. I will give you a list of some of the best Pokemon ROM Hacks that have become legendary within the Pokemon gaming community.
Best Pokemon ROM Hacks Of All Time
Here is a list of 25+ Pokemon ROM Hacks that are often considered to be the most popular and entertaining.
1. Pokemon Glazed – Greatest Pokemon ROM Hack Of All Time
Pokemon Glazed is often considered to be one of the greatest Pokemon ROM Hacks of all time. If you loved Pokemon Emerald, you’ll definitely love this one. Glazed is a modified version of Pokemon Emerald created by Lucbui.
You play as a 12-year-old Pokemon trainer, adventuring through the Tunod region and trying to stop a mysterious team from causing havoc. You’re accompanied by three allies from the Johto region to help you on your journey. You will be exploring the regions of Tunod, Johto, and Rankor in this adventure!
Pokemon Glazed has a lot of features that make it unique. You get to choose between five starter Pokemon instead of the usual three. There are also fairy-type Pokemon to catch. So, what are you waiting for? Go and start your adventure right away!
2. Pokemon Dark Rising
Pokemon Dark Rising is another popular Pokemon ROM Hack. It takes place in a region called as Core.
Every Pokemon game has a common theme – an introduction with Professor Oak or one of his peers. However, in Pokemon Dark Rising, you begin the game by speaking to Arceus, a Pokemon who is said to have created the entire Pokemon Universe. Arceus reveals that you are the Chosen One and you have to save the world from an ancient evil. There is parallel plot as well where you and your rival compete against each other to see who can defeat all the Gym Leaders.
Dark Rising, as the name says, has a darker and more somber tone than other Pokemon ROM Hacks. But it’s a great game nonetheless.
3. Pokemon Dark Rising 2
I know what you’re thinking. Dark Rising? Didn’t we just cover this in the previous section? Well, Pokemon Dark Rising was so popular and loved by the community, the creators developed a sequel!
Dark Rising 2, like its predecessor, is a remake of Pokemon FireRed. It takes place in a region called Omni. You have to save your father and rescue the world from the Evil Darugis.
If you liked Dark Rising 1, I would definitely advise you to go ahead and try this one too!
4. Pokemon Light Platinum – One Of The Best Pokemon ROM Hacks
Pokemon Light Platinum is a Pokemon ROM Hack of Ruby. This is quite honestly my favorite one in the whole list. And once you play it, you’ll also realize why.
The game begins with you having a dream about a fight between four legendary Pokemon – Arceus (The God Pokemon), Dialga (The Time Pokemon), Palkia (The Space Pokemon), and Giratina (The Antimatter Pokemon). You wake up from this dream and Professor Oak greets you. He informs you that only you can speak an ancient language called Alpha and this is the key to solving the Pokemon crisis.
You can explore the world of Zhery and Lauren to have one of the greatest epic adventures of all time! Don’t believe me? Check it out for yourself.
5. Pokemon Gaia
Pokemon Gaia is another amazing Pokemon ROM Hack created by Spherical Ice based on FireRed. It became quite popular for its storyline and unique setting. Pokemon Gaia takes place in the Orbtus Region, a place with a rich history.
Orbtus was renowned for its monuments to different gods and guardians. Sadly, a series of earthquakes devastated the region. In the present day, Professor Redwood (a version of Professor Oak) tasks you with investigating the region and discovering the mystery behind Orbtus’ past.
With new original soundtracks, mega evolution system, and secret temples and caves to explore, Pokemon Gaia will definitely top your list of greatest Pokemon ROM Hacks.
More Amazing Pokemon ROM Hacks
The Pokemon ROM Hacks I have mentioned above are just a couple of the best ROMs out there. If you want even more Pokemon ROM Hacks to start your adventure and explore the Pokemon Universe, check these out as well!
| Best Pokemon ROM Hacks Of All Time | |
| Revolution Online | Planet |
| Insurgence | FireRed: Rocket Edition |
| Phoenix Rising | Godra |
| Showdown | Clockwork |
| Prism | PokeMMO |
| Brown | Sage |
| Rejuvenation | Theta Emerald RENEV |
| Reborn | Adventure Red |
| Orange Islands | Fire Ash |
| Uranium | Clover |
Conclusion
I hope this article has given you a good understanding of the best Pokemon ROM Hacks out there! These ROMs are all freely available, as long as you have downloaded the right emulator to play it on.
Let us know in the comments which Pokemon games are your favorite!