Pokémon Pure Gold (GBA) – A G/S/C Remake with FireRed/LeafGreen Graphics and Real-Time Events
Game Information
Original Game (ROM Base): Pokémon Ruby Version (GBA)
Hack Status: v1.0.0
Language: English
Content Type: G/S/C remake with graphical overhaul, real-time events, and expanded features
Table Of Contents
About This ROM Hack
Pokémon Pure Gold is a Generation 2 remake project built on the Game Boy Advance using Pokémon Ruby as the base ROM.The hack aims to recreate the Gold, Silver, and Crystal experience with FireRed & LeafGreen–style graphics, modern systems, and extensive ASM hacking.
While the project showed strong technical ambition and innovation, development appears to have stalled, and no official completed version has been released. As a result, the hack is generally considered unfinished and possibly abandoned.
Story Overview
Players wake up in a familiar Kanto-like setting and are introduced to Professor Elm, who requests their assistance with obtaining their very first Pokémon. After visiting Mr. Pokémon and selecting a starter, the adventure begins. Players journey through the region, facing tough challenges, discovering secrets, and interacting with both friends and foes. Along the way, they aim to complete the Pokédex given by Professor Oak, encountering classic Pokémon locations reimagined with updated graphics and real-time mechanics. The story retains the charm of the G/S/C series while modernizing gameplay for the GBA.
Key Features
Johto Remake on Game Boy Advance
- A full remake concept inspired by Pokémon Gold, Silver, and Crystal, recreated on the GBA engine.
- Retells the Generation II Johto storyline
- Recreates classic Johto locations and progression
- Designed to feel like a Gen II experience using Gen III mechanics
- The game uses Pokémon Ruby as its base but visually resembles FireRed & LeafGreen.
- Custom tilesets replacing Ruby’s original graphics
- Reworked towns, routes, caves, and interiors
- Modified menus, text boxes, and user interface
- Cleaner and more modern visual presentation overall
- A heavily modified Real-Time Clock system that affects gameplay.
- Multiple time periods: Morning, Day, Afternoon, Evening, and Night
- Wild Pokémon encounters change depending on time
- Background music varies by time of day
- Certain events are influenced by in-game time
- Gameplay systems inspired by Generation II’s time features.
- Apricorn collection tied to specific time periods
- Berry growth influenced by real-time progression
- Planned seasonal changes using RTC
- Time-based event triggers
- Original Generation II music recreated for the GBA.
- Classic Johto themes restored
- Area-specific background music
- Time-based music variations for immersion
- Assembly (ASM) hacking used to overcome Ruby engine limitations.
- Custom mechanics not possible with standard tools
- Engine-level modifications
- Foundation for complex Gen II systems in Gen III
- Several iconic Gen II features were planned or partially implemented.
- Phone call system
- Ruins of Alph–style puzzles
- Money savings system
- Clothing customization
- National Pokédex support
- Pokémon Ruby was heavily altered to support remake functionality.
- Core systems rewritten to fit Johto design
- Visual, audio, and gameplay changes combined
- Highly ambitious Ruby-based ROM hack
- The hack is not fully completed, and development may have stopped.
- Some planned features remain incomplete
- Missing content or unused systems may exist
- Bugs or instability are possible
- Best experienced as a work-in-progress remake
Known Bugs & Issues
At the time of the last public update:
- No officially documented bugs
- Incomplete systems may behave inconsistently
- Save states are not recommended
Screenshots
Download Links
Developer Information
Developer / Team: ZodiacDaGreat
- ZodiacDaGreat – primary developer and designer
- HackMew, Mastermind_X, Interdpth – major helpers and ASM guidance
- Matt, Cearn, Nitram, ~Teh Panda~ – technical guidance and support
- Aminex – music composition
- ash2000 – beta testing
- FireRed & LeafGreen graphics contributors
- G/S/C Platinum graphics and features for inspiration
- Tool developers including AdvanceMap, Advance Palette Editor, A-Trainer, DevkitARM Assembler, Hex Workshop, Item Manager, Lips IPS Patcher, VisualBoyAdvance, and others
- All beta testers and the PokeCommunity forum for support and feedback
Source & References
Official Thread / Website: pokecommunity
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who is this hack/game for?
A: Pokémon Pure Gold is for players who want a faithful G/S/C remake on the GBA with updated graphics, real-time events, and enhanced gameplay features.
Q: Are classic G/S/C features included?
A: Yes, including Ruins of Alph puzzles, Phone Call system, Clothes System, Money Savings, National Dex, and other mechanics recreated through ASM hacking.
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