Everyone has their own favorite entry in the franchise, but Pokémon Ruby is arguably one of the most underrated games of the bunch. It (alongside Sapphire) was the first game to take us to the vibrant Hoenn region, and it really did feel like a glimpse at what the future of the franchise could really be with the advancement of hardware capabilities.
It helps that an iconic ‘mon like Groudon graces the cover, but there’s solid gameplay there, and one of the better side narratives we’ve ever seen in the series with the nefarious schemes of Team Magma. Unfortunately, as is so often the case with the Pokémon formula, we never got a true sequel, but that could all change if one fan continues the work they have been doing.
Over on YouTube, you should be able to find the channel for King Cradi, a developer who is currently working on a direct sequel for the game, sensibly titled Pokémon Ruby 2. It takes place five years after an alternate ending of the original game, in which Team Magma successfully managed to dry up the oceans of Hoenn with Groudon.
The latest video is a showcase of a year’s worth of progress on the ambitious ROM hack, and much of the project is now complete and looking better than ever. There are some really big changes from the world of the original that you know and love, with Lilycove City seemingly abandoned and a new Dark-type gym to conquer as a trainer.
It really has the potential to be one of the better fan games we’ve ever seen, and the comments were predictably positive at all the positive progress that has been made so far.
“Honestly, the fact you stuck with it this long says enough; take your time, and please don’t burn yourself out. This actually looks like a genuine sequel and the little stuff honestly goes a long way to bring the feel of the world to life,” one comment read.
While another added, “This makes me wonder how a reverse sequel would work, like if Kyogre devastated Hoenn the climate would not only have more water but maybe even be cooler and have more ice than just Shoal Cave. Really cool hack though I only watched the start of the video, I don’t want to spoil anything else that actually has some fun ideas!”
The download is set to release, entirely for free, to fans, a little later this year, though you will want to make sure you have a legitimate copy of Pokémon Ruby to hand to keep everything above board. Otherwise, it should be a great way of passing the time while we wait for the release of Winds and Waves next year.
- Released
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March 19, 2003
- ESRB
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E For Everyone
- Developer(s)
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Game Freak
- Publisher(s)
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The Pokemon Company, Nintendo
- Engine
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Unreal Engine
