Pokemon Gold 97 GBC ROM – Detailed Hack Overview
Game Information
Table Of Contents
About This ROM Hack
Pokémon Super Gold 97 is a faithful remake and expansion of the Spaceworld 1997 demo of Pokémon Gold. Inspired by the unfinished concepts shown during the 1997 Spaceworld event, this hack aims to complete and enhance that early version into a fully playable game. The project recreates the entire Johto region while also incorporating several new features, such as an expanded story, Pokémon up to the full 251 Pokémon roster, and original game mechanics from the demo. The hack features a more complete story, additional gameplay mechanics, and various QoL changes, creating an authentic Pokémon Gold experience with a unique twist based on a concept that was never fully realized.
Story Overview
As a new Pokémon Trainer, you embark on a journey to assist Professor Oak in researching Pokémon, much like the original Gold and Silver games. However, you are exploring the Nihon region, which is based on the entirety of Japan. This hack follows the story of the Spaceworld 1997 demo, where you collect 8 Gym Badges and face off against the criminal organization, Team Rocket, who is trying to gain control over Pokémon with a powerful machine.
The rival Silver is re-imagined here not as an antagonist, but as an energetic and supportive rival, much like Barry in Generation IV. The story is intentionally kept simple to maintain the feel of the demo, but still engaging, as you uncover the mystery surrounding Team Rocket and their plans. Along the way, you'll encounter unique features and challenges that weren't present in the official releases.
Key Features
- Graphics & Design: Fully restored Spaceworld 1997 demo graphics including Pokémon sprites, overworld tilesets, trainer sprites, and more. Several redesigned assets to better match the demo’s art style.
- Complete Pokédex: 251 Pokémon from the demo are available, all catchable in one save file.
- Minigames & Extras: Features the Pikachu minigame (accessed by pressing Left + B on the title screen).
- Evolutionary Stones & Items: Includes Heart Stone, Poison Stone, and the Covenant Orb, the latter of which allows evolutions that would typically require trading.
- New Moves & Items: Several moves and items inspired by beta content from the demo, plus status booster held items.
- New Maps & Post-Game: Includes original post-game areas not found in the demo, expanding the game's content beyond its original scope.
- Improved Gameplay Balance: A more challenging level curve compared to the official Gold and Silver games, making for a more balanced experience, but without overwhelming difficulty.
- Skateboard: Added as a fun mode of travel.
- Full Support for Original Game Boy: Compatible with both the Super Game Boy and Game Boy Color, with two color modes available.
- Beta Music Tracks: Includes several pieces of music from the beta that never made it into the final game.
Known Bugs & Issues
- No major bugs have been reported in v7.42, though minor issues are possible due to the nature of the hack. Keep an eye out for patch updates to address these.
Download Links
Download: MediafireDeveloper Information
Developer / Team: pkmncrystal97
Source & References
Official Thread / Website: https://www.pokecommunity.com/showthread.php?t=430526
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I get Surf?A: Defeat Team Rocket in Slowpoke Well, then talk to the old man in the house next to it.
Q: How do I get Rock Smash?
A: You will receive Rock Smash after completing the Radio Tower event. It can't be obtained before that.
Q: How do I get Waterfall?
A: Approach the rocks blocking the way between Silent Town and Kanto from the Kanto side and talk to the man there.
Q: How do I get Fly?
A: Talk to the sailor at the Alloy City café to receive Fly.
Q: Where is Whitney?
A: Whitney will be in the gym after you have rescued the girl from the mine and defeated Team Rocket at the Aquarium.
Q: How do I go north from Westport City?
A: After defeating Bugsy and completing the Teknos events, you will get a call from Prof. Oak instructing you to meet him in Birdon Town, after which the rocks blocking the way will disappear.
Q: How do I get Kanto and other Nihon starters?
A: Defeat the Elite Four, then go to the post-game islands where NPCs in Amami Town, Nago Village, and Ryukyu City will give you the Kanto starters. Additional Nihon starters can be obtained by completing Ryukyu City's unofficial gym and finding all game house NPCs on Route 102.
Q: How do I get Ho-Oh?
A: Complete the 5-Floor Tower event and Team Rocket event in the Radio Tower. Then, talk to an NPC in Alloy City, triggering the Ho-Oh encounter.
Q: Where are the legendary beasts?
A: After triggering the Ho-Oh event, the legendary beasts will appear in Magma Shaft, Ampare Cavern, and Whirl Island.
Q: How do I get Kanto Legendary Birds?
A: These can be found in the postgame in Iced Cavern, Charred Summit, and Joule Cave after obtaining the Tri-Wing from an NPC in Iejima Town.
Q: How do I catch Mewtwo and Mew?
A: Mewtwo is in the Abandoned Laboratory in Isen Strait. Mew can be found on Tropical Island.
How to Play
- Obtain a clean Pokémon Gold (GBC) ROM.
- Apply the Pokémon Gold 97 patch using a compatible patching tool.
- Play the patched ROM on a Game Boy Color emulator or real hardware.
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