Few things hit quite like classic Pokémon, though it seems the official releases are content to move further and further away from the style of games we know and love.
That's as it should be, I suppose, but where do we go if we want that classic Pokémon fix? To the fans, of course.
With Pokémon Legends: Z-A not expected until later this year, it looks like Pokémon Lazarus could fill the void for us.
This is a brand-new fan-made entry which takes players to an all-new region based on the Aegean Sea - and Pokémon fans are already loving it.
Advert
Created by JackWellman101 over on r/PokemonROMhacks, the demo for Lazarus is now available now, and it's a hit.
“This is shaping up to be an all time hack classic. Fingers crossed the project would get completed,” one user said.
Another added: "I am in love with this game and I haven't even gotten the first badge. This is a knockout and I'm sad there's only a demo right now, I absolutely cannot wait until it's finished."
"This is such an incredible rom hack already!! you can really feel how much care and deliberation was put into the game," a third enthused. "Even the Pokémon selected for each route is done with such exquisite taste! i’m loving the Pokémon made available as a whole, too."
The developer is aiming to have a full release of Pokémon Lazarus ready by the end of 2025, but as with all fan projects we must temper our expectations. Many are ultimately left unfinished for any number of reasons (usually Nintendo).
Still, if you're after a Pokémon game that looks and feels like a classic, you could do a lot worse than check out the demo currently available.
