Pokemon Delta Green (Zenon Returns) GBA ROM Hack – Detailed Game Overview
Game Information
Table Of Contents
About This ROM Hack
Pokémon Delta Green (Zenon Returns) is a story-driven Pokémon LeafGreen ROM hack set in a future version of the Kanto region. While it begins like a traditional badge quest, the game quickly shifts into a darker, choice-based narrative involving Team Rocket, legendary Pokémon, and a mysterious antagonist known as Zenon.
The hack heavily reworks maps, events, difficulty balance, and story flow, making it feel nothing like the original Pokémon LeafGreen after the early game.
Story Overview
The story takes place several years after Pokémon LeafGreen. You begin your journey in Kanto with the familiar goal of earning Gym Badges and challenging the Pokémon League—but fate has other plans.
Rumors spread of Team Rocket regaining power and attempting to control a legendary Pokémon once sought by Giovanni. However, this Pokémon does not choose Giovanni as its master. Instead, it seeks to oppose a mysterious and dangerous human known as Zenon, whose actions are causing destruction across the region—particularly around Wilturf Silent.
You encounter Zenon early in the game, and from that point onward, events spiral into conflicts involving:
- Team Rocket’s resurgence
- Legendary Pokémon such as Mew and Celebi
- Moral decisions that affect your allies and encounters
Your choices will influence how the story unfolds—and even whether you side with Giovanni in the endgame.
Key Features
Future Kanto Region Setting
- The game takes place in the Kanto region several years after Pokémon LeafGreen. Cities, routes, and important locations have changed to reflect the passage of time and the impact of new events.
- Although based on LeafGreen, this hack features an original story centered around Team Rocket, legendary Pokémon, and a mysterious antagonist named Zenon. The plot quickly diverges from the original game.
- Battles are significantly harder than in the original LeafGreen. Gym Leaders, bosses, and important trainers use stronger teams, better movesets, and improved strategies.
- The player can make decisions during certain events that affect how the story unfolds. These choices may change which characters appear, which events occur, and how the endgame plays out.
- Optional side quests are available throughout the game. Completing them can unlock rewards, additional dialogue, and special encounters before major story battles.
- Team Rocket plays a major role in the story. The player will interact with Giovanni, uncover Rocket experiments, and decide whether to oppose or assist Team Rocket near the end of the game.
- Many classic Kanto areas have been redesigned or replaced. Several routes, towns, caves, and puzzles from the original game have been removed and rebuilt to improve pacing and exploration.
- Brendan, May, and your rival Terry accompany you during important story segments. These characters actively participate in events and battles rather than acting as background NPCs.
- Legendary Pokémon such as Mew and Celebi are deeply tied to the plot instead of being optional post-game encounters.
- New scripted events, dungeons, and story-driven areas are added throughout the game, making exploration more narrative-focused than badge-focused.
- Several Pokémon, moves, and encounters have been adjusted for balance to better match the increased difficulty level.
- Quality-of-life improvement allowing faster movement in most areas, including caves.
Known Bugs & Issues
- Save corruption bug may occur rarely
- Player may load into an NPC and become stuck
- Strongly recommended to use save states before quitting
- Invisible obstacles may appear during some legendary events
- DO NOT catch Ho-Oh in Beta v1.1.6 (progression-breaking bug)
Screenshots
Download Links
Developer Information
Developer / Team: 3uminator
Source & References
Official Thread / Website: https://www.pokecommunity.com/showthread.php?t=404013
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Pokémon Delta Green (Zenon Returns)?Pokémon Delta Green (Zenon Returns) is a fan-made ROM hack of Pokémon LeafGreen that takes place in a future version of the Kanto region. It features a new storyline, increased difficulty, side quests, and major story changes involving Team Rocket and a mysterious character named Zenon.
Is Pokémon Delta Green a complete game?
The game is currently released as a beta version. As of Beta v1.1.6, players can obtain all 8 Gym Badges and experience a major story event. Additional content and bug fixes were planned for later beta versions.
What makes this hack different from Pokémon LeafGreen?
Unlike the original LeafGreen:
- The story is completely new
- The difficulty is much higher
- Kanto has been redesigned with new routes and events
- Side quests affect story progression
- Legendary Pokémon are story-driven
- Player choices can impact the endgame
Is the game harder than the original LeafGreen?
Yes. Pokémon Delta Green is designed to be significantly more difficult. Gym Leaders, rivals, and bosses use stronger Pokémon, better strategies, and improved movesets.
Are there side quests in Pokémon Delta Green?
Yes. The game includes optional side quests that can change which characters you meet and what rewards you receive. Completing side quests before the Zenon battle can unlock additional benefits.
Can I help or oppose Team Rocket?
Yes. Near the end of the game, the player can choose whether to assist Giovanni or oppose him, which affects story events and outcomes.
Who is Zenon?
Zenon is a mysterious antagonist connected to Team Rocket and legendary Pokémon. He appears early in the game and plays a major role in the main storyline.
Are Brendan and May in the game?
Yes. Brendan and May appear as companion characters and assist you during certain story events and battles, along with your rival Terry.
Are there new areas to explore?
Yes. Many classic Kanto locations have been removed, redesigned, or replaced, and new towns, routes, caves, and dungeons have been added.
Are legendary Pokémon part of the main story?
Yes. Legendary Pokémon such as Mew and Celebi are deeply tied to the storyline and cannot be ignored like in the original games.
Can I use Running Shoes in caves?
Yes. As of Beta v1.1.6, Running Shoes can be used inside caves for faster movement.
How to Play
Requirements
- A Game Boy Advance emulator
- A compatible ROM base
- Patch file (IPS / UPS / BPS)
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