Pokemon Ultra Eclipse is a new upcoming release that is set to return players to the Alola region for the first time in nine years. Alola debuted with Pokemon Sun and Moon back in 2016 and returned for Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon a year later to round out Gen 7, and fans finally have a new release to look forward to set in the region.
Sun and Moon were the main releases of Pokemon Gen 7. It was the second generation to use 3D graphics following Gen 6, setting itself apart with the introduction of Alolan forms, Z-Moves, and Ultra Beasts. Alola itself is based on Hawaii, marking a significant departure in setting from previous Pokemon games.
Pokemon Ultra Eclipse is a Fan-Made Alola Demake Based on Emerald
On Reddit, user Phaneropterinae shared a new progress update on Pokemon Ultra Eclipse, an upcoming Alola demake ROM hack based on Pokemon Emerald. The latest update showcases the new main menu screen as well as a small amount of gameplay, including the outfit selection options. However, previous updates over the last 10 months have detailed what fans can expect from the upcoming Pokemon ROM hack: a faithful demake that takes the best from Sun and Moon and Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon, while keeping the core storyline intact. The name itself is very clever – the intersection of the sun and the moon being an eclipse.
The creator says that Pokemon Ultra Eclipse is adding a ton of cool quality-of-life changes with the demake, and it could prove to be the definitive way to experience Gen 7, especially for those who prefer the series’ earlier sprite graphics. Fans have praised how the demake tries to transform the style of the Gen 7 Pokemon to match the simpler Gen 3, rather than keeping all the detail found in the newer designs. Pokemon Ultra Eclipse is not available yet, and there is currently no timeline for when it will be released.
ROM hacks have long been a great way for fans to create their own experiences set in the Pokemon universe. Sometimes, these ROM hacks attempt to remake other games in the series, like Pokemon Ultra Eclipse, while others try something new altogether. Demakes tend to be very popular among fans, like the recently released Pokemon Heart and Soul, which takes players back to the Johto region.
It was confirmed earlier this year that Pokemon Winds and Waves will not be released until 2027, making fans wait a little longer for Generation 10. Next year will be huge for the franchise as it hits that Gen 10 milestone. And while it’s disappointing that Game Freak wasn’t able to mark the 30th anniversary this year with the release of Gen 10, it’s ultimately better for fans to have the developer take its time for a better final product.
- Released
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November 18, 2016
- ESRB
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E
- Publisher(s)
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Nintendo
