Pokémon Legends Celebi (GBC) – A Time-Traveling Johto Adventure
Game Information
Original Game (ROM Base): Pokémon Crystal
Hack Status: Alpha 0.0.1, August 06, 2024, playable up to the first Gym
Language: English
Content Type: New story and mechanics
Table Of Contents
About This ROM Hack
Pokémon Legends Celebi is an experimental fan ROM hack based on Pokémon Crystal for the Game Boy Color, developed by DWG (sometimes referenced as dwg6m9). It launched in August 2024 as an Alpha 0.0.1 build, offering an early playable slice of the game that reaches approximately the first Gym before the current content stops.
Rather than being a straightforward enhancement of Crystal, this project reimagines the classic Johto journey with time-travel elements and modern mechanics inspired by later Pokémon games, especially Pokémon Legends: Arceus.
Story Overview
The narrative of Pokémon Legends: Celebi centers around a threat to Ilex Forest, which Celebi cannot handle alone. You’re drawn into a time-traveling adventure across Johto, with portions of the journey set in both the modern era and an ancient version of the region.
Along the way, players encounter Hisui-style Pokémon starters—a nod to Pokémon Legends: Arceus’ world and creature designs—as they explore this reimagined Johto. While the detailed full story isn’t widely documented online, the central theme is pushing beyond Crystal’s limitations with an evolving world and dynamic narrative beats tied to time and legend.
Because the game is in early alpha, the story is still incomplete and focused on introductory exploration and worldbuilding rather than a complete arc.
Key Features
- New Story Through Time: A narrative built around time travel and Celebi’s role in protecting Johto’s balance.
- Reimagined Region: Explore a modified Johto with reworked maps and progression influenced by events across timelines.
- Hisui Pokémon Starters: Includes starter choices inspired by Pokémon Legends: Arceus, blending classic Gen 2 with later generation concepts.
- Modern Battle Mechanics: Adds Physical/Special Split (PSS), updated abilities and stats, and contemporary battle logic for a fresher experience.
- Fairy Type Inclusion: Introduces the Fairy type to the battle system.
- Quality-of-Life Updates: Start with Running Shoes, use modern items like $1 Candies for level progression, and have access to IVs, EVs, and natures.
- Complete Dex Potential: Mechanisms are in place for a complete Pokédex of available Pokémon.
- Optional Nuzlocke Mode: Built-in options for self-imposed challenge runs.
Known Bugs & Issues
- Alpha Content Only: The current build (v0.0.1) only covers content up to the first gym; later areas are incomplete.
- Early Alpha Instability: As with many early builds, there may be glitches or placeholder scripts. Because development is ongoing, there’s no formal bug list yet.
- In-Progress Story and Assets: Narrative and map content beyond the start of the game is not fully fleshed out, and assets are likely to change as the project progresses.
Screenshots
Download Links
Developer Information
Developer / Team: DWG
Source & References
Official Thread / Website: Reddit
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who is this hack/game for?
A: Pokémon Legends: Celebi is ideal for fans of Pokémon fan projects deeply rooted in narrative ambition and modern mechanics—especially those who enjoy time-travel plots, Hisuian Pokémon themes, and evolving world design.
Q: What’s the status of the game’s release?
A: It’s in the very early alpha stage (v0.0.1) and currently playable up to the first Gym.
Q: Does it feature a new region?
A: The game reimagines Johto with time-travel modifications and new narrative beats instead of a wholly separate region.
Q: How long does the current alpha take to play?
A: Based on community estimates for the alpha build, reaching core content (first gym and introductory areas) is possible, but full game length can’t be determined until later builds.
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