Pokemon Quartz GBA ROM – Detailed Hack Overview
Game Information
Table Of Contents
About This ROM Hack
Pokémon Quartz is one of the earliest and most well-known Pokémon Ruby ROM hacks, famous for introducing a fully original experience built on the Ruby engine. Instead of reusing official Pokémon designs, the hack replaces every creature with original Fakémon, offering a completely fresh Pokédex, new characters, and a heavily modified version of Hoenn known as the Corna Region.
Despite its age, Pokémon Quartz remains notable for its ambition, creativity, and the groundwork it laid for future Fakémon-based ROM hacks.
Story Overview
The story begins with the player traveling in a moving van alongside Professor Baro, who takes over the traditional role held by Professor Birch in the original Ruby version. The player and their mother have just moved to Breeze Town, located in the Corna Region — a heavily altered version of Hoenn with new towns, routes, and landmarks.
Coincidentally, the player’s rival and their mother move in next door at the same time. Upon meeting, the rival quickly develops a noticeable crush on the player, though they do a poor job of hiding it.
Shortly afterward, the player encounters Professor Baro at Breeze Way, where he is being chased by a wild Sever (a Fakémon equivalent to Poochyena). Baro asks the player to retrieve a Poké Ball from his bag, allowing the player to choose their starter Pokémon. After defeating the Sever, Baro allows the player to keep the chosen Pokémon as thanks.
The player is then instructed to meet their rival at Rock Center, where their first rival battle takes place. Following this, both characters receive Pokédexes and Poké Balls from Professor Baro at his lab. From there, the journey opens up fully: the player explores the Corna Region, challenges new Gym Leaders, and works toward the Pokémon League.
Throughout the adventure, the player encounters Band Ambar, an Electric-type-focused evil organization led by Amber. Their goal is to “inflate the sun,” increasing the power of Electric-type Pokémon and reshaping the balance of the region.
Key Features
- Original Corna Region: A heavily modified version of Hoenn featuring new towns, routes, and reworked geography.
- Complete Fakémon Pokédex: All Pokémon are replaced with original Fakémon designs, creating a fully unique roster.
- 237 Catchable Fakémon: Every Fakémon in the game is obtainable without trading, encouraging full exploration.
- New Characters and Trainers: Original NPCs, rivals, and story characters replace those from Pokémon Ruby.
- Updated Player Sprites: Both male and female protagonist sprites have been redesigned to fit the hack’s style.
- Original Gym Leaders: Brand-new Gym Leaders with unique themes and Fakémon teams.
- New Evil Team – Band Ambar: An Electric-type-based villain organization with a distinct goal and identity.
- Skates Instead of Bicycles: Traditional bicycles are replaced with skates, changing how movement feels in the overworld.
Known Bugs & Issues
Pokémon Quartz is an older ROM hack and is known to have several technical and polish-related issues, including graphical glitches, odd Fakémon sprites, and occasional balance problems. Some maps may feel rough or inconsistent, and certain Fakémon designs can appear unconventional or unfinished. These issues are part of the hack’s legacy and reflect the limitations of early ROM hacking tools.Screenshots
Download Links
Download: MediafireDeveloper Information
Developer / Team: Baro
Credits: Baro – Concept, Fakémon designs, mapping, and overall development
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Pokémon Quartz different from other Pokémon ROM hacks?
Pokémon Quartz replaces every official Pokémon with original Fakémon, making it a completely fresh experience rather than a remix of existing content. This was uncommon at the time of its release and helped define the Fakémon hack genre.
How many Fakémon are in Pokémon Quartz?
The game features 237 original Fakémon, all of which are obtainable within a single playthrough without trading.
Is Pokémon Quartz a finished game?
Yes, Pokémon Quartz is marked as completed and includes a full storyline, Gym challenge, and Pokémon League.
Does Pokémon Quartz have an original region?
Yes. The Corna Region is a heavily edited version of Hoenn with new towns, routes, and layouts that significantly differ from Pokémon Ruby.
Is Band Ambar important to the story?
Band Ambar serves as the primary antagonist group and plays a key role in the plot, with a unique Electric-type-focused ideology tied to their plan involving the sun.
Are there known gameplay issues?
Yes. As an older hack, players may encounter graphical oddities, balance concerns, and unconventional Fakémon designs. These issues are widely known and part of the game’s reputation.
How to Play
- Obtain a clean Pokémon Ruby (GBA) ROM.
- Apply the Pokémon Quartz patch using a compatible GBA ROM patching tool.
- Load the patched ROM in a Game Boy Advance emulator or compatible hardware.
- Start a new game and explore the Corna Region with its original Fakémon and story.
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