Pokemon Emerald Version

 Game Boy Advance
Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 28 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 19 out of 28
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 28
  3. Negative: 0 out of 28
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  1. Electronic Gaming Monthly
    72
    The problem is, "Ruby" and "Sapphire" have been out for two years, and Emerald doesn't offer enough new content to differentiate itself. [July 2005, p.116]
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  2. Nintendo Power
    70
    Groundbreaking? No. A must-buy if you don't own Ruby or Sapphire? Absolutely. [June 2005, p.96]
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  3. 1UP
    70
    Ultimately, it's a difficult thing to judge. Pokemon Emerald is one of the most complete, involved, and rich RPGs -- from a gameplay standpoint -- on the GBA. But from another perspective, it's one of the most basic and cynical products on the market.
  5. Cheat Code Central
    70
    Only you know how badly you want this game and if you could really care less about it one way or the other, I would suggest "the other."
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  6. Inside Gamer Online
    68
    Just another rehash.
  7. Gaming Age
    67
    There's simply not enough new content to warrant a purchase.
  8. NintendoWorldReport
    65
    It's bad when great games from yesterday lose their steam. It's worse when that very same game's mechanics are implemented in an all-new title.
  9. Eurogamer
    60
    It just would be nice for Nintendo and Game Freak to supply the other demand next time: the demand of something actually more different, or at least palpably new, for our hard earned. Let the pitchfork laden debate begin.
  10. G4 TV
    60
    Without a doubt Pokémon Emerald is the best Pokémon RPG to date, but if you've played Ruby and Sapphire and didn't care enough to catch them all and memorize all of their cute little names, then there probably isn't much here for you.

Awards & Rankings

14
#14 Best Game Boy Advance Game of 2005
1
#1 Most Discussed Game Boy Advance Game of 2005
1
#1 Most Shared Game Boy Advance Game of 2005

User Reviews

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User Score
8.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 883 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 761 out of 883
  2. Mixed: 78 out of 883
  3. Negative: 44 out of 883
  1. JackS.
    Jul 11, 2005
    10
    Best pokemon game ever!
  2. ohaiKendyl
    May 18, 2011
    7
    Despite some additional Pokemon and animation, Pokemon Emerald is an unnecessary enhancement that barely enhances Ruby and Sapphire at all.Despite some additional Pokemon and animation, Pokemon Emerald is an unnecessary enhancement that barely enhances Ruby and Sapphire at all. For Pokemaniacs only.… Full Review »
  3. FairandSmartM8
    Apr 19, 2018
    4
    Not a bad game by itself, but the least inovative of all the famous "third versions" pokemon games tend to receive during their generationalNot a bad game by itself, but the least inovative of all the famous "third versions" pokemon games tend to receive during their generational cycle. While previous entries like Yellow changed the story in concrete ways, and Crystal fixed less playable aspects, here the story is changed only superficially, with the evil teams doing the EXACT same things except taking turns instead of it being one or another, and some short cutscene at the climax, not enough to bulk up the relatively lacking RS versions.… Full Review »
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