Pokemon Emerald Rhombus G8 GBA ROM – Detailed Hack Overview
Game Information
Table Of Contents
About This ROM Hack
Pokémon Emerald Rhombus G8 is a Kaizo-style ROM hack designed to offer a challenging and strategic Pokémon experience while retaining the original Emerald map and story. The game includes Pokémon from Generations 1–8, fully updated mechanics, and an AI system that pushes players to plan battles carefully.
This hack emphasizes difficulty, strategy, and player choice, including options to start with powerful Dragon Pokémon, access most Legendary Pokémon, and face tough Gym Leaders with Mega Evolutions. It’s designed for players who want a challenging but fair Pokémon adventure without unnecessary grinding.
Story Overview
The story remains faithful to Pokémon Emerald: you start in Oldale Town and progress through Hoenn, challenging Gym Leaders, thwarting Team Aqua, and eventually facing the Elite Four.
A new, difficult rival has been added throughout the game to provide a more competitive and engaging storyline. Custom weather effects appear in certain Gyms, and strategic battles with tough trainers and legendaries will test your skills from start to finish.
While the map and plot stay unchanged, the Pokémon variety, rival AI, and battle mechanics make this an intense, replayable experience for advanced players.
Key Features
- Starter Pokémon Choice: Start with one of three Dragon Pokémon, all evolving at levels 30 and 50.
- Pokémon Availability: Includes Pokémon from Gen 1–8 (95% of them).
- Battle Restrictions: Cannot use items in battle except held items.
- Infinite Supplies: Unlimited Master Balls, Full Restore, Max Revive, and Max Elixir available in Oldale Town.
- Challenging Gym Leaders: All Gym Leaders have 6 Pokémon, some with Mega Evolutions not available to the player.
- Custom Movepools: Player Pokémon do not have access to weather-changing moves or certain setup moves (e.g., Calm Mind, Bulk Up).
- Evolution Changes: Trade evolutions replaced by stones or level-ups (e.g., Espeon = Sun Stone, Umbreon = Moon Stone, Sylveon = Lv.30).
- Elite Four Preparation: Legendary Pokémon at Lv.30 in Victory Road; cheap Rare Candy available.
- Difficulty: Trainer AI is at maximum level; gym battles are highly strategic.
- Mechanics: Gen 8 mechanics implemented; proteins and carbos are sellable but not usable.
- Convenience: Cut and Rock Smash only required briefly; no need to learn Flash or Strength unnecessarily.
- Custom Rival: A difficult rival appears throughout the game for added challenge.
- Items and Evolution Stones: Available at key locations (Mauville City, Lilycove City).
- Weather Effects: Certain Gyms have custom weather conditions for added battle challenge.
- No Map Changes: Retains original Emerald map; no known game-breaking bugs.
Known Bugs & Issues
- No known bugs due to map and story retention.
- As with all ROM hacks, ensure you use the proper Emerald version with the IPS patch.
Screenshots
Download Links
Download: Mediafire
Documentation
Encounter List: Mediafire
Developer Information
Developer / Team: RHOMBUS99
Source & References
Official Thread / Website: Pokecommunity
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which Pokémon are included?
A: Pokémon from Generations 1 through 8, including starters, most legendaries, and many new evolutions.
Q: Can I use items in battle?
A: No, items cannot be used in battle except held items.
Q: How do I start the game?
A: Start at Oldale Town and choose one of three Dragon Pokémon as your starter.
Q: Are all Mega Evolutions available?
A: Some Gym Leaders and elite trainers have Mega Evolutions, but the player cannot access them.
Q: Is grinding required to beat the game?
A: Minimal grinding is required; the game is designed for strategy rather than excessive level grinding.
Q: Are trade evolutions still required?
A: No, all trade evolutions are replaced by level-up or stone evolutions.
Q: Are Legendary Pokémon obtainable?
A: Many are available at Victory Road and throughout the game at set levels.
Q: Do I need to use Flash or Strength?
A: Flash and Strength are mostly unnecessary; Cut and Rock Smash are required briefly in specific areas.
Q: Does the game use updated battle mechanics?
A: Yes, it incorporates Gen 8 mechanics and strategic AI.
How to Play
- Apply the IPS patch to a clean Pokémon Emerald (U) ROM using Flips v1.31.
- Start the game and select your Dragon-type starter.
- Explore Hoenn, challenge Gym Leaders, and manage your Pokémon team strategically.
- Use available items like Master Balls and Full Restores at Oldale Town to aid your progress.
- Enjoy a challenging Kaizo-style experience with tough trainers, powerful Pokémon, and updated mechanics.
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