Featured Image Credit: The Pokémon Company
Topics: Pokemon, Nintendo, Retro Gaming
If there's one thing I really feel is missing from newer Pokémon games, it's those nostalgia-inducing pixel graphics.
In an age where 2.5D-style games with a bright and colourful retro aesthetic are becoming increasingly popular, it's always seemed strange to me that Pokémon decided to lean into full 3D open worlds. Especially when, as we've seen, they can barely handle such worlds.
Thanks goodness, then, for Pokémon Gamma Emerald. This fan-made remake of the GBA classic puts a fresh coat of paint on the original's gorgeous pixel art without robbing it of its sense of identity.
Imagine if Nintendo released one more generation of Pokémon games on DS after Black and White, and you'll have an idea of what Gamma Emerald looks like.
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This project is the work of one dedicated fan who goes by the name UndreamedPanic, and they've been working on Gamma Emerald for some time now.
As with any fan project, I should stress there's a good chance Nintendo may bust in and shut it down long before it's finished. Given the amount of attention the game has already been getting on social media, it wouldn't be a huge surprise.
Aside from an overhauled visual style, Gamma Emerald promises a day/night system (something missing from the original Ruby/Sapphire/Emerald), and a fun new approach to Pokécenters and marts that I won't spoil here.
Needless to say, this project already has a huge amount of support behind it from Pokémon fans everywhere.
"Imo this is the modern Pokémon game route Nintendo should've taken," writes one YouTube commenter.
Another adds on Twitter: "Bro this is what diamond and pearl remakes should've been, holy."
Pokémon Gamma Emerald is a long way from release if it ever actually does make it that far. In the meantime, we have Pokémon Legends Z-A to look forward to later this year.