Pokémon Heart & Soul is the Johto Remake You’ve Longed For

Pokémon needs more representation on modern Nintendo platforms, whether it be a re-release collection or the games being added to Nintendo Switch Online.

Of course this does raise a few issues, such as the majority of these games originally being displayed across two screens, and then you need to consider which version of the games should be released first.

For instance Pokémon Gold & Silver, and later Pokémon Crystal are phenomenal sequels but the remakes Pokémon HeartGold & SoulSilver arguably did Gen II much better.

Pokémon fans who want to play an updated version of these remakes, and don’t want to wait around for Nintendo and The Pokémon Company to lock-in, can do so with an incredible romhack called Pokémon Scorched Silver.

Shared by the YouTube channel Ayrei the romhack was only recently completed and should give players a similar experience to the original games but with modern improvements and alterations that make it better.

Ayrei provided a brief overview in the video’s description, saying “There are a lot of Johto ROM hacks, each one offering a different gameplay or even story experience. But above all of them, I believe that this one provides the "definitive" experience, with tons of different features and updated systems, that allow for almost any player to enjoy it.”

Of course we do need to add that while romhacks aren’t illegal, emulation is a different story. If you’re using an official, purchased copy of Pokémon HeartGold & SoulSilver to play this romhack on though that’s all fine and dandy.

It’s worth the hassle too as this remake adds greater depth to the customisation found in the game, and introduces quality-of-life improvements that’ll make it worth the replay. Visually the game has also seen an overhaul and it really makes me miss those sprite designs.

Pokémon Scorched Silver is the remake we’ve been waiting for so if you can legally try it for yourself please do.

As for official projects there’s nothing to indicate The Pokémon Company is going to be heading back to Johto or Kanto anytime soon. If Pokémon Legends: Z-A does well though I can definitely see another Legends game being set in one of those regions. A Johto Legends game exploring more of the history of Raikou, Entei, and Suicune would be great.