Pokémon Cœur d'Or Ultra (NDS) – French Overhaul with Gen 1–9 Pokémon and Enhanced Difficulty
Game Information
Original Game (ROM Base): Pokémon HeartGold
Hack Status: Ongoing project (0.4.0)
Language: French (translation partially incomplete)
Content Type: Enhancement, Difficulty, Expanded Pokédex
Table Of Contents
About This ROM Hack
Pokémon Cœur d'Or Ultra is a French-language ROM hack of Pokémon HeartGold that significantly expands the game’s content while keeping the original story intact. The hack introduces over 1,000 Pokémon (including forms), modern mechanics like Fairy-type and Mega Evolution, and a rebalanced difficulty curve. It’s designed as a “complete experience” version of HeartGold for players who want access to nearly every Pokémon with updated features, all within the classic Johto/Kanto journey.
Originally created as a personal project, this hack evolved into a large-scale overhaul aimed at French-speaking players. While the storyline remains faithful to HeartGold, the gameplay is heavily modified: the National Pokédex is available from the start, almost every Pokémon can be encountered in the wild, and modern mechanics from later generations are integrated.
The project is still actively being developed, with translation work ongoing (moves ~95%, items ~80%, Pokédex descriptions ~5%). Additional features like UI changes and encounter adjustments are planned for future updates.
Key Features
- Expanded Pokédex: Over 1,000 Pokémon from Generations 1 through 9 (including forms) are available.
- Fairy Type Integration: The Fairy-type is fully implemented, updating type balance.
- National Dex from Start: Players have access to the full Pokédex immediately.
- Wild Encounter Overhaul: Almost all Pokémon—including Legendaries, Mythicals, Ultra Beasts, and Paradox Pokémon—can be found in the wild, often at low levels with rare encounter rates.
- Increased Shiny Odds: Shiny rate boosted to approximately 1/4, making shiny hunting far easier.
- Reusable TMs: TMs can be used infinitely, removing one-time limitations.
- Removable HMs: HMs are no longer permanent, improving team flexibility.
- Experience Boost: Experience gain increased (x3 in newer versions, previously x5).
- Mega Evolution & Primal Forms: Select Pokémon can Mega Evolve, while Groudon and Kyogre can undergo Primal Reversion.
- Difficulty Enhancement: Boss battles are significantly tougher, while general gameplay remains fair.
- Starter Availability: All starter Pokémon can be found early in the game in the wild.
- Modern Items & Mechanics: Includes Mints, Arceus Plates, and evolution methods for forms like Kyurem and Therian Pokémon using stones.
- Legendary Accessibility: Many legendary and mythical Pokémon appear in the wild at low levels with rare encounter chances.
Known Bugs & Issues
- Translation is incomplete (moves ~95%, items ~80%, Pokédex descriptions ~5%)
- Some sprites are missing and planned for future updates
- Encounter systems (fishing, surfing, headbutt trees) still being refined
- Shops and item lists are not fully finalized
- UI and home screen changes are still in development
Screenshots
Download Links
v0.4.0: MediaFire
Developer Information
Developer / Team: darkydr
Credits:
- Tool developers (HG Engine, DSPRE)
- Sprite contributors: kingofthe-x-roads, Hkaichim, jabariwilliams, PikachuMazzinga, PokéCommunity contributors
Source & References
Official Thread / Website: Pokecommunity
Community Link: https://discord.gg/Tw3vPhcf42
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Pokémon Cœur d'Or Ultra?
A: A French ROM hack of HeartGold that massively expands the Pokédex and adds modern Pokémon mechanics while keeping the original story.
Q: Is the story different from HeartGold?
A: No, the story remains unchanged; the focus is on gameplay and content expansion.
Q: Who is this hack for?
A: Players who want a complete Pokémon experience with modern features, a huge Pokédex, and increased difficulty—especially French-speaking players.
Q: How many Pokémon are available?
A: Over 1,000 Pokémon, including forms from Generations 1–9.
Q: Are Legendary and Mythical Pokémon easy to get?
A: They are available in the wild but have low encounter rates, typically around 1–4%.
Q: Does the game include modern mechanics?
A: Yes, including Fairy-type, Mega Evolution, Primal forms, reusable TMs, and more.
Q: Is the hack fully complete?
A: No, it is still in development with ongoing translation and feature updates.