Pokemon Quartz

Introduction: Pokemon Quartz is a fan-made ROM hack of Pokemon Ruby for the Game Boy Advance, created by the Spanish hacking group D-Trogh and released in 2004. It is set in the new Tobias Region and is notable for being one of the earliest complete hacks featuring an entirely original Pokedex. The visual style uses the standard Generation III engine but with completely new monster sprites, many of which are famously unconventional in design.

Gameplay & Mechanics: The game begins with a choice of three original starters: Leafit (Grass), Flarim (Fire), and Aquat (Water). As a hack of Ruby, it does not include the Physical/Special split, the Fairy type, or Mega Evolution. The difficulty is generally considered moderate, though some wild Pokemon and trainer levels can spike unexpectedly. The game is not specifically designed for Nuzlocke runs, but its full new roster of 251 Pokemon provides a fresh challenge for such playstyles.

Key Features:

• Completely Original Pokedex: All 251 obtainable Pokemon are new creations, with no species from the official games present. This includes new evolutions for classic types like Eevee.
• New Region and Story: The player explores the Tobias Region, battling eight new gym leaders and a villainous team called Team V. The narrative follows the standard "collect badges, stop evil team" structure.
• Early Hack Quirks and Bugs: As a pioneering hack, it has notable issues including significant English translation errors, occasional graphical glitches, and some progression bugs that may require a guide. The monster designs range from clever to notoriously bizarre.

The game stands as a historical artifact of the early ROM hacking scene, offering a wholly unique, if rough, monster-collecting experience.