Pokemon Citrite GBA ROM – Detailed Hack Overview
Game Information
Table Of Contents
About This ROM Hack
Pokémon Citrite Version is a story-driven Pokémon Emerald ROM hack and the developer’s first serious game development project, originally started in 2014–2015 when the author was only 16 years old. Over time, Citrite became both a creative and technical showcase, pushing the limits of what was believed possible on the Game Boy Advance.
The hack is notable not just for its narrative ambition, but also for its technical achievements, including a massive 600-tile 8bpp title screen and early experimentation with a custom development workflow known as source-patching. In January 2024, the game received a final commemorative re-release, officially archiving the project with no further updates planned.
Story Overview
Pokémon Citrite takes place in the Tohjo Region, located north of Johto, in a world shaped by a post-apocalyptic catastrophe known as Ground Zero. Unlike traditional Pokémon games, the story heavily deemphasizes the Pokémon League and instead focuses on narrative progression, mystery, and survival.
The player is uniquely immune to radiation, a trait central to the plot. Rather than collecting eight Gym Badges, the game features only four Gyms, allowing the story to take precedence over standard progression. The narrative unfolds through gradual exposition, leading toward conflicts involving extreme weather, the Weather Trio, and a looming disaster in the northern seas beyond Port Azure.
The game’s story concludes after the player rescues Cheryl on the slopes of Mt. Massive. As this is the Final Edition, the storyline ends there and will not be expanded further.
Key Features
- Story-First Design: A heavily narrative-driven experience unlike traditional Pokémon titles.
- Four-Gym Structure: Reduced Gym count to better support pacing and storytelling.
- Post-Apocalyptic Setting: Ground Zero, radiation themes, and a darker world tone.
- Original Region – Tohjo: A fully custom region located north of Johto.
- Weather Trio Focus: Central plot elements involving Kyogre, Groudon, and Rayquaza.
- Major Technical Achievements: Includes a 600-tile 8bpp title screen, once thought impossible on Emerald.
- Custom Engine Workflows: Early adoption of source-patching and deep GBA hardware experimentation.
- Strong Atmosphere: Emphasis on mystery, environmental storytelling, and tension over standard badge collection.
- Standalone Experience: Fully playable from start to narrative conclusion.
Known Bugs & Issues
Maximilien Cleaners Soft Lock:
- Entering the Maximilien Cleaners in southern Grand Prairie leads to a misplaced warp.
- Avoid entering this building.
- Viewing the Comet Dust item in the bag freezes the game.
- Do not pick up the Comet Dust hidden item in Amalthea Jungle.
- The fence initially appears non-jumpable in the holding cell.
- Not a soft lock — save normally and reset to fix the script.
Screenshots
Download Links
Developer Information
Developer / Team: Alexander Nicholi
Source & References
Official Thread / Website: https://www.pokecommunity.com/showthread.php?t=346937
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Pokémon Citrite a complete game?A: Yes. The Alpha 1.3.1 Final Edition is a complete, story-finished experience with no future updates planned.
Q: Why are there only four Gyms?
A: The game prioritizes narrative progression over traditional Pokémon League structure.
Q: Does the game include a postgame?
A: No traditional postgame. The story ends after the Mt. Massive storyline.
Q: Is this hack beginner-friendly?
A: It is more story-focused than difficulty-focused, but its unconventional structure may surprise traditional players.
Q: Is this related to Pokémon Dragonstone?
A: Yes. Citrite is narratively and conceptually connected and was intended to later incorporate parts of Dragonstone.
How to Play
Requirements-
Game Boy Advance emulator (mGBA recommended)
- Clean Pokémon Emerald (USA) ROM
- Pokémon Citrite Alpha 1.3.1 Final Edition patch
-
Verify your Emerald ROM matches the provided SHA-1 checksum
- Apply the IPS or XDelta patch using a compatible patcher
- Load the patched ROM in your emulator
- Start a new game and experience the Tohjo Region
Legal Disclaimer
All content referenced on this page belongs to its respective owners.
This site does not host or distribute copyrighted game files.
Any content will be removed upon request by the rightful owner.
){kind=link}