Pokémon Soaring Gold Project Rebooted (NDS) – HeartGold Expansion with 649 Pokémon and Modern Gameplay Features
Game Information
Original Game (ROM Base): Pokémon HeartGold (NDS)
Hack Status: In Development
Language: English
Content Type: Gameplay Overhaul / Pokédex Expansion / Modernization Project
Table Of Contents
About This ROM Hack
Pokémon Soaring Gold Project Rebooted is an ambitious overhaul of Pokémon HeartGold that aims to modernize the Nintendo DS Pokémon experience from the ground up. What began as a personal learning project evolved into a large-scale ROM hack focused on expanding game content, improving gameplay systems, and introducing features that were previously thought impossible on Nintendo DS Pokémon games.
One of the project's biggest milestones is the implementation of an expanded Pokédex, allowing the game to support all 649 Pokémon from Generations I through V, including every Pokémon from the Unova region. Achieving this required extensive modifications to the game's internal systems, including ARM9 and overlay files, making Project Rebooted one of the earliest Nintendo DS ROM hacks to successfully implement a Pokédex expansion of this scale.
Beyond new Pokémon, the project plans to overhaul nearly every aspect of HeartGold with new trainers, additional events, quality-of-life improvements, modern battle mechanics, and numerous gameplay enhancements. While many planned features were still under development at the time of the announcement, the project established an ambitious roadmap for a fully modernized HeartGold experience.
Key Features
- Expanded National Pokédex: The game supports 649 Pokémon, including every Pokémon from the Unova region, greatly expanding the original HeartGold roster.
- Generation V Pokémon: All Unova Pokémon have been integrated into the game with fully functional overworld models and Pokédex support.
- Ground-Up Overhaul: The project aims to rebuild and modernize many gameplay systems rather than making only small adjustments.
- Quality-of-Life Improvements: Numerous convenience features are planned to streamline gameplay and improve the overall player experience.
- Completely Reworked Trainers: Every trainer in the game is planned to receive updated teams and improved battles.
- Additional Trainers: Brand-new trainer battles are planned throughout the adventure to provide more content and variety.
- Modern Battle Mechanics: Future updates aim to introduce newer generation battle mechanics and gameplay improvements.
- New Moves: Additional moves from later Pokémon generations are planned for inclusion.
- Updated Move Animations: Existing and newly added moves are intended to receive updated animations for a more modern presentation.
- Expanded Events: New in-game events are planned to add additional content beyond the original HeartGold adventure.
- Technical Advancements: Extensive modifications to the game's internal systems allow expanded Pokémon support and lay the foundation for additional future features.
Known Bugs & Issues
- The project was still in active development at the time of release, so many planned features had not yet been implemented.
- The developer noted that many announced features were subject to change as development progressed.
- No official list of gameplay bugs was provided in the available project overview.
Screenshots
Download Links
v5.2.0: Mediafire
Developer Information
Developer / Team: VendorPC
Credits:
- BlazingMagmar: Sprite work and scripting assistance.
- Drayano: Guidance, advice, and development support.
- Mikelan98: ASM research, Pokédex expansion assistance, technical documentation, and implementation guidance.
- HiroTDk: Assistance with Nintendo DS file structure, hexadecimal formatting, and programming support.
- Community Members: The developer credits the project's Discord community for its encouragement and continued support throughout development.
Source & References
Official Thread / Website: Reddit
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Pokémon Soaring Gold Project Rebooted?
A: It is a large-scale overhaul of Pokémon HeartGold focused on modernizing the game with new Pokémon, updated mechanics, expanded content, and numerous gameplay improvements.
Q: How many Pokémon are available?
A: The project expands the game's Pokédex to include all 649 Pokémon from Generations I through V.
Q: Does the hack include Unova Pokémon?
A: Yes. Every Pokémon from the Unova region is planned to be fully integrated into the game.
Q: Is the story different from HeartGold?
A: Story details had not yet been fully revealed, although the developer confirmed that new events and significant game reworks are planned.
Q: Is Pokémon Soaring Gold Project Rebooted finished?
A: No. The project remains an in-development ROM hack, with many planned features announced but still being implemented.
Q: Who is this ROM hack for?
A: Pokémon Soaring Gold Project Rebooted is aimed at players who want a modernized HeartGold experience featuring an expanded Pokédex, future-generation Pokémon, updated mechanics, and a significantly enhanced version of the original Nintendo DS adventure.
){kind=link}