Pokémon Quartz Version, a unique ROM hack of Pokémon Ruby Version, was crafted by the talented Baro. This game, released as a patch for Pokémon Ruby owners, has gained notoriety due to its quirky translation from Spanish to English, resulting in a plethora of spelling and grammatical errors. Add to that a sprinkle of profanity and a dash of bizarre storylines, and you’ve got yourself one of the most infamous Pokémon ROM hacks out there. And if that wasn’t enough, some cheeky bootleggers even sold it on Game Boy Advance cartridges, falsely claiming it was licensed by Nintendo.
A WHIRLWIND OF A PLOT
The game kicks off with the player cruising in a moving van alongside Professor Baro, the game’s version of Professor Birch. You’ve just relocated to Breeze Town in the Corna region, a revamped Hoenn region. Coincidentally, your rival and their mom have also moved next door. And guess what? Your rival is head over heels for you! As the story unfolds, you’ll rescue Professor Baro from a wild Sever, choose your starter Pokémon, and embark on an epic journey battling Gym Leaders and thwarting the plans of the electrically-charged evil organization, Band Ambar.
A MAP LIKE NO OTHER
While the Corna region might bear some resemblance to the original Hoenn map, it boasts unique areas like the BLACK JUNGLE and GREY SWAMP. These new locations promise thrilling adventures and challenges for players to overcome.
GYMS GALORE
Pokémon Quartz shakes things up with its gyms. Instead of the usual Pokémon Ruby gyms, Quartz introduces eight distinct gyms in Corna, each with its own type affiliation. From Betti’s Bug-type gym to Arturo’s Water-type bonus gym post-league victory, players are in for a treat.
ELITE FOUR AND MORE
The Elite Four in Pokémon Quartz is a force to be reckoned with. Comprising Roco (Rock), Perica (Psychic), Colombo (Flying), and Martha (Steel), they present a formidable challenge. And let’s not forget the champion, Annie, who has a penchant for dragons but isn’t afraid to mix things up with other types.
UNIQUE FEATURES AND QUIRKS
The PokéBar in Pokémon Quartz mirrors the PokéNav from Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald Versions. It’s your go-to tool for checking your Pokémon’s Condition, tracking various Trainers, and displaying your Pokémon’s earned Ribbons. But beware! Trying to view the world map will plunge you into a never-ending black screen. And speaking of quirks, all the Pokémon in this game are unique “Fakemon”, with none of the official Pokémon from Nintendo making an appearance.
GLITCHES AND GIGGLES
Being a ROM hack, Pokémon Quartz isn’t without its glitches. The Game Boy Advance cartridges are particularly glitchy, while the ROM patch fares better with the VisualBoyAdvance emulator. From the rapid growth and death of berry trees to the game’s black screen trap when viewing the world map, players should be prepared for some unexpected twists and turns.
