Pokemon Shiny Gold GBA ROM – Detailed Hack Overview
Game Information
Table Of Contents
About This ROM Hack
Pokémon Shiny Gold is a FireRed-based ROM hack developed by Zel, aiming to recreate the Johto experience while expanding upon it rather than producing a 1:1 remake. The project emphasizes scripting, character interactions, and additional content that goes beyond the original Pokémon Gold version.
Despite its popularity, the hack remained in beta for an extended period and was never officially completed by its original author. Still, it is considered one of the most influential Johto remakes created during the early GBA hacking era.
Story Overview
Pokémon Shiny Gold follows the core structure of Pokémon Gold but introduces new events, locations, and narrative twists to extend the journey beyond the original experience.
You begin your adventure in Johto, progressing through a reimagined badge order designed to preserve FireRed’s HM mechanics while staying faithful to Gold’s progression. Along the way, you encounter recurring characters—some allies, some rivals—who influence the story through optional and mandatory events.
After completing Johto, the adventure continues into Kanto, with additional content planned beyond the defeat of Red. Legendary Pokémon events, including Celebi and the GS Ball, are integrated into the storyline, while Hoenn Pokémon appear rarely throughout both regions.
Key Features
- Johto & Kanto Regions: Full Johto adventure with Kanto accessible later
- Expanded Narrative: Extra events and characters beyond the original Gold story
- Hoenn Pokémon Integration: Rare Hoenn Pokémon appear in all areas
- Remixed GSC Music: Classic Gold & Silver tracks recreated for GBA
- Reworked Dungeons: Modified layouts prevent reliance on old walkthroughs
- Optional Challenge Battles: Tough optional fights with strong rewards
- Phone Booth System: Alternative to PokéGear’s phone mechanics
- Trick House Returns: New puzzles inspired by Hoenn’s Trick House
- Legendary Events: GS Ball, Celebi, Ho-Oh, Legendary Beasts, and more
- Shiny Gold X Variant: Optional harder version with stronger trainers
Known Bugs & Issues
- Incomplete content due to beta status
- Occasional scripting glitches depending on ROM quality
- Issues may occur if patched over a non-clean FireRed ROM
- Save compatibility between betas is not supported
Screenshots
Download Links
Shiny Gold: MediafireShiny Gold X: Mediafire
Shiny Gold Beta 5 hacksrepairman 2021 Fix: Mediafire
Shiny Gold X spider2MW 2021 Mod: Mediafire
Developer Information
Developer / Team: zel 2.0 and others
Credits:
- WAH (www.wah.studiopokemon.com) and Sergio (hosting and care for developer's hack, also Sergio for some scripting tips)
- Pokecommunity
- Youtube and its people
- Marnic (sprites)
- Gridiron and Fangking Omega
- Enrico Marini (sprites)
- Red (some sprites & some scripting tips)
- Green Charizard for the PC and Mart tiles
- Marz, flipboi, Shurikenway, Erimgard, Went and Raz (testing)
- Neos (title screen)
- Mastermind_X (for the shiny hack, and general advice)
- foullump
- birthofdna, Magnius, clonex25 (musical stuff)
- Teh Baro
- dirk123
- Giovanni Boss (SG-Dex)
- ~JIM~ and Rogy, from SP forums (for their Phone tiles)
Source & References
Official Thread / Website: https://www.pokecommunity.com/showthread.php?t=100537
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are all Pokémon included?
A: All Generation 1–3 Pokémon, including legendaries, are included. Generation 4 Pokémon will not be added.
Q: Will the Legendary Birds be obtainable?
A: Yes, but details are intentionally not revealed.
Q: Is the GS Ball and Celebi event included?
A: Yes. You obtain the GS Ball during your first visit to Kanto, enabling the Celebi event.
Q: Which starters are available?
A: Starter information is intentionally not disclosed. Refer to the walkthrough.
Q: Will there be a Day/Night system or Pokégear?
A: Pokégear will not be implemented. Day/Night is a possibility, but not guaranteed.
Q: Is Kanto included? What about Hoenn, Sevii, or Battle Frontier?
A: Johto and Kanto are included. Hoenn, Sevii Islands, and Battle Frontier are not. Johto replaces the Sevii Islands internally.
Q: Will the game include G/S/C music?
A: Yes, with help from other contributors. Some Diamond/Pearl tracks may also be used for extra content.
Q: What about Silver-version exclusives?
A: They are included but rare.
Q: Will the Elite Four be stronger?
A: Yes. There will be a harder rematch required before accessing Mt. Silver.
Q: Do FireRed cheat codes work?
A: Technically yes, but cheat usage is discouraged due to frequent game-breaking issues.
Q: What is SGX?
A: SGX (Shiny Gold X) is a harder version of the game with tougher trainers and leaders.
Q: Can I play this on a real GBA?
A: Yes, using a flashcart. Details are not provided by the developer.
Q: Will there be Silver or Crystal versions?
A: No. Shiny Gold is a standalone project.
Q: Why can’t I enter the Lighthouse or Ice Path?
A: You are using an outdated beta or a pirated cartridge version. Download the latest release and patch it correctly.
Q: Why am I finding Hoenn Pokémon?
A: Hoenn Pokémon appear naturally but are very rare in Johto and Kanto.
Q: I can’t complete the Farfetch’d event.
A: Refer to the walkthrough for detailed instructions.
Q: Why is the badge order different?
A: Badge order follows Gold’s progression, but HM effects remain consistent with FireRed’s mechanics.
Q: Where is the Whirlpool HM?
A: It is learned from the Clamperl given by Lance. If released, capture another Pokémon that learns Whirlpool naturally.
Q: Where is the Machine Part?
A: It appears after completing the Power Plant event. See the Tourist Center spoilers.
Q: How do trade-evolution Pokémon evolve?
A: Trade evolutions are replaced with stone evolutions or level-based methods.
Q: Why won’t the NPC accept the Spearow with mail?
A: Remove the mail from the Spearow. Only the mail item matters.
Q: How do I evolve Espeon or Umbreon?
A: Use a Sun Stone for Espeon and a Moon Stone for Umbreon.
Q: Why are some starters level 1?
A: Because they are not true starters.
Q: How do I obtain legendary Pokémon?
A: Many legendaries are obtainable through events across different betas. Refer to the walkthrough for details.
Q: Where do I get Rock Smash?
A: From the NPC next to Sudowoodo after defeating or capturing it.
Q: What’s special about Jirachi?
A: It’s a secret event meant to be discovered.
How to Play
Requirements
- A Game Boy Advance emulator
- A compatible ROM base
- Patch file (IPS / UPS / BPS)
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