Pokémon Just Got A Stunning New Prequel Set In Hoenn

With 30 years under its belt, we've reached the point where every region of Pokémon is fleshed out in some capacity. There are official and fan-made prequels and sequels, and a few official games have even returned to past regions, whether in remake or spinoff form. Just like Pokémon Legends: Z-A, which brings folks back to Lumiose City and the Kalos region.

Over on Poké Community, you can partake in a Hoenn prequel right now. It showcases the region in a fascinating way, bringing to light some of the deeper lore between Rayquaza. Groudon. and Kyogre

Pokémon Hoenn's Last Wish Is A Fascinating Prequel

There's A Lot To Unpack

Crafted as a prequel to the events that happen in Gen 3, Pokémon Hoenn's Last Wish takes place in a starkly different version of the region, in which Rayquaza was not able to best Groudon and Kyogre.

If you're curious if the story is up to par, here's a quick rundown: "A parallel universe where Rayquaza failed to stop Groudon and Kyogre, which caused a natural collapse in Hoenn... After long years of natural destruction, the entire Hoenn region was practically devastated, the era of trainers / Poké Balls ended, the Pokémon became wild animals, and the nomadic people trying to survive... After years, the plot is centered around the Millennium Comet (Jirachi) and Celebi (time traveler), giving the player an opportunity to go back in time and prevent this disaster from happening."

Right now, the project is roughly 50% complete and can be played as a ROM hack of Pokémon Emerald. It's also based on a modified version of the game, so moves can be relearned, HMs are forgettable, and there are balanced stats/movesets, as well as the removal of EVs "to avoid grinding." Even small things, like headbutting trees (which can yield items), are in.

Pokémon ROM Hacks Never Cease To Amaze

There Are More Coming Out Every Month

If you feel like you've experienced everything there is with official Pokémon games, there are plenty of fan-made creations out there that will surprise you. Some of them take place in existing regions (like Pokémon Hoenn's Last Wish), and others invent completely new regions to explore with original characters.

So many of these projects are crafted with love for the series and can improve, or even resolve, lingering issues across the Pokémon series at large. Now, fans are fully fixated on Pokémon Winds & Waves, hoping that it delivers a stable experience at launch. If Winds & Waves can operate like the Switch 2 version of Scarlet & Violet, that would be a good start.