Pokemon Emerald Version

 Game Boy Advance
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
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  1. Sudipto19
    May 4, 2020
    10
    This Was My First Ever Video Game. I Love This Game Because It Connects Me To Myself. An Exciting Storyline Along With A Brilliant Combination Of Pokémon. This Is My Favourite Game And Will Remain As Such Firever. I Still Remember My Best Bud Treecko Which Evolved Into My First And Most Nostalgic Sceptile. Handsdown! This Is The Best Game
  2. Melon_man
    Aug 2, 2021
    8
    The best Pokémon game on GBA. I've spent way too much time in the battle frontier.
  3. brawler795
    May 31, 2021
    10
    This is a quintessential pokemon game to play/own. It is the flagship gen 3 game and is a game I always like to replay to this day.
  4. IanG.
    Nov 2, 2005
    10
    Need to make new pokemon and places but it is really brilliant.
  5. SalvadorS.
    Aug 2, 2005
    10
    It's a pretty cool games because you could get both legendary pokemons.
  6. richardribeiro
    Nov 14, 2018
    10
    One of my favorite Pokémon games, with a incrible history. Bether than Fire Red or Life Green
  7. GlebanBC
    Mar 13, 2021
    10
    In my opinion it's best pokemon game ever! This game is temporally Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire, but with new animations and combines of both games. For example you can Solrock, which is exclusive for Ruby, and Seviper, which is exclusive for Sapphire, in one game! It also have a new pokemon Rayquaza!
  8. JackS.
    Jul 11, 2005
    10
    Best pokemon game ever!
  9. Diegochocho
    Jul 6, 2018
    7
    Me encanta la música del combate, la historia no me pareció tan entretenida, los diseños de los pokémon son mi favorito, pero en algunas partes me termina aburriendo.
  10. 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. For Pokemaniacs only.
  11. KendylKlownfish
    Mar 8, 2011
    7
    Ruby or Sapphire were not the finest of the series, and neither is Emerald. However, while it may not improve "much" upon its precursors, it will satisfy Poke'fans and may even brainwash more.
  12. celtqy
    Jun 18, 2013
    9
    Great Pokemon game and especially great game for GBA.
    It had te biggest jump in graphics of all Pokemon titles (from the previous fugly and hideous GSC) and it would be stupid to do a remake of this one.
    Lots of different enviroments, contests, berry blenders it was definitely also the biggest improve in the gameplay with so much added stuff. Best Pokemon game for its time after the    Great Pokemon game and especially great game for GBA.
    It had te biggest jump in graphics of all Pokemon titles (from the previous fugly and hideous GSC) and it would be stupid to do a remake of this one.
    Lots of different enviroments, contests, berry blenders it was definitely also the biggest improve in the gameplay with so much added stuff.
    Best Pokemon game for its time after the original games.
    Also the third generation was the last generation that I liked (Pelipper) but that is very subjective.    … Expand
  13. guitarguy001
    Jan 9, 2014
    9
    This is game is basically what Platinum did for Gen IV, perfect it in every way. How this game has a only a 76 is beyond me. Emerald has more to do then Sapphire and Ruby, is more fun and just has more of everything. Being one of my favorite games on the GameBoy Advance, this is a game you don't want to miss.
  14. 55223Aufal
    Nov 19, 2014
    10
    This game was my childhood, its amazing, from every aspect of strategy and adventure. I highly recommend it to anyone who has never played it, and also for people who have played it before.
  15. Roman_Cohort
    Dec 10, 2014
    10
    This game Really Encourages you to train not just your favourite six pokemon, but to train all types. The gym battles are harsh as you move on so its recommended not to avoid opponents and wild pokemon. the old graphics are still good and I believe are the best in emerald. It does get confusing on where to go etc. But Getting the legendary pokemon rayquaza repays all the hard efforts youThis game Really Encourages you to train not just your favourite six pokemon, but to train all types. The gym battles are harsh as you move on so its recommended not to avoid opponents and wild pokemon. the old graphics are still good and I believe are the best in emerald. It does get confusing on where to go etc. But Getting the legendary pokemon rayquaza repays all the hard efforts you been through, plus makes legendary hunting easier-ish. I give it a 9.7, there can be a few improvements but are minor.… Expand
  16. Kiraki1120
    Nov 16, 2019
    9
    This game is great and it enhances a lot the previous Ruby Sapphire games with the addition of the Battle Frontier. The story was better than Ruby Sapphire and the post game was revolutionary, giving a lot more possibilities after finishing the main game.
  17. BasilZero
    Aug 13, 2014
    9
    Game: Pokemon Emerald
    Genre: RPG
    Developer: GameFreak/Nintendo System: GameBoy Advance (GBA) Total Score: 94/100 Value Score: 9.4/10 • Story: 9/10 • Characters: 10/10 • GamePlay: 10/10 • Graphics: 8/10 • Sound: 8/10 • Music: 10/10 • Length: 9/10 • Replay Value: 10/10 • Player Value: 10/10 Pros +Both Ruby and Sapphire story lines combined with a new twist +Consists of    Game: Pokemon Emerald
    Genre: RPG
    Developer: GameFreak/Nintendo
    System: GameBoy Advance (GBA)
    Total Score: 94/100
    Value Score: 9.4/10

    • Story: 9/10
    • Characters: 10/10
    • GamePlay: 10/10
    • Graphics: 8/10
    • Sound: 8/10
    • Music: 10/10
    • Length: 9/10
    • Replay Value: 10/10
    • Player Value: 10/10

    Pros
    +Both Ruby and Sapphire story lines combined with a new twist
    +Consists of several visual changes such as text to reflect off of FireRed/Leaf Green
    +Capability of transferring pokemon from FireRed/Leaf Green along with that the ability to transfer over tickets for ship travel via events
    +A lot of new options for post game such as the Battle Frontier which will several more hours
    +Rematch Mode remade and now enables rematches of Gym Leaders

    Cons
    -Night/Day mode still missing from 2nd gen
    -Some pokemon which appeared for the first time in Ruby and Sapphire do not appear at all in game    … Expand
  18. MopOfVirtue
    Nov 14, 2019
    9
    A solid improvement upon Ruby and Sapphire. Between the direction taken by the story, and the introduction of the Battle Frontier, this game adds plenty to the 3rd Generation of Pokémon.

    The game doesn't touch the heights of the 2nd Generation (Gold, Silver, Crystal), but it delivers one of the most enjoyable adventures in the series.
  19. Captain_Faramir
    Apr 1, 2017
    9
    9.7 - Along with Ruby and Sapphire, Emerald was among the very revolutionary Pokemon games, and is one of my favorites in the franchise. After beating the game there is still a lot to do since there are tons of legendaries to catch (and very difficult to catch), especially ones that cannot be caught in most of the games.
  20. 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 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 itNot 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.… Expand
  21. Lost_Hero9
    May 7, 2012
    10
    My favorite Pokemon game of all time next to Crystal. Its a shame that Diamond/Pearl wasn't as good as this game. I'm not even going to get start on how bad Pokemon Black and White were. Anyway, Emerald version takes on a new story along with new parts of the Hoenn region. Some new, some what, animations into the series and a great treat after the Elite Four defeat. Emerald holds manyMy favorite Pokemon game of all time next to Crystal. Its a shame that Diamond/Pearl wasn't as good as this game. I'm not even going to get start on how bad Pokemon Black and White were. Anyway, Emerald version takes on a new story along with new parts of the Hoenn region. Some new, some what, animations into the series and a great treat after the Elite Four defeat. Emerald holds many memories in my heart and is one of the best Pokemon games I've played. It's my last favorite before it all when downhill.… Expand
  22. Jake_
    May 28, 2013
    10
    What isn't there to love about this title? My favorite GBA game of all time and my second favorite Pokemon game (After Platinum). I must have played through this game at LEAST 10 times. A timeless classic.
  23. jeff_reviews
    Jul 23, 2013
    7
    A tad too familiar due to little to no changes from the previous game titles, but like many Pokemon games, it is able to delight. With the Pokemon style games with fun, enjoyable adventures, and vicious villains, "Pokemon Emerald" is enjoyable to play.
  24. Plasmaneedle
    Oct 20, 2013
    9
    Tons of content, tons of replay value, tons of fun. Its only flaw is that it isn't very different from previous Pokémon games but it is still a great game worth buying.
  25. iamkushank
    Oct 27, 2017
    10
    For me, this game is a definite 10. This was the very first Pokemon game I had ever played and because of this game, I started playing other Pokemon games. The graphics for this game was very good for its time. I really love the top view style of the game with chibi characters. All the Pokemon were creatively designed. Also, loved the story on this game. The characters are loveable. IFor me, this game is a definite 10. This was the very first Pokemon game I had ever played and because of this game, I started playing other Pokemon games. The graphics for this game was very good for its time. I really love the top view style of the game with chibi characters. All the Pokemon were creatively designed. Also, loved the story on this game. The characters are loveable. I always play this game as a boy and I really love the relationship that is shown between the characters, especially with May.… Expand
  26. k1t3
    Dec 2, 2017
    9
    Amazing game. Not necessarily a "true" RPG experience but still, I have beat it almost 5 times and I still find and learn new things in this amazing franchise. There is a lot to do especially post-game.
  27. Abbsa
    Mar 23, 2015
    10
    I remember so much from this game from the first moments when you are in a moving truck to the moment I found Rayquaza in that tower and forgot to save before, failed and then saved -.- i was not a very smart kid.
  28. PithHelmet
    May 31, 2012
    10
    The last great Pokémon game. The third generation added a unique style to Pokémon never seen before. It felt very original and the game world atmosphere in Hoenn felt phenomenal. After Pokémon Emerald, everything went downhill. But this masterpiece still remains.
  29. Steeldude
    Oct 13, 2014
    9
    Hoenn is the best region in terms of variety and is really fun to traverse through. Gym leaders are no pushovers and the game proves to be decently challenging. The lack of post-game (I don't like BF) is sad, but this game definitely does not disappoint in other areas.
  30. Signas501
    Apr 3, 2015
    10
    Pokémon Emerald is the third release for generation 3, better sprites, more pokemon locations, and patching bits of the music. The game still takes place on Hoenn, protagonists being May, (Sapphire) and Brendan, (Ruby) still keeping both of the teams, Aqua and magma to fight between the legendary Kyogre and Groundon.
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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

Critic Reviews

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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
  1. 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.
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  2. VGPub
    95
    A fine addition to the Pokemon line-up. It is able to take everything good about Ruby and Sapphire and improve on it, both enhancing the original Ruby and Sapphire feature as well as adding new ones.
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  3. eToychest
    85
    Of course, no amount of polish can change the fact that this is still a Pokémon game, and it carries the same flaws consistent to the series. It's certainly a respectable time sink, but-despite the evolutions to the core gameplay-it continues to offer extremely little to win over holdouts. However, it is an ideal starting point for new initiates to the Pokémon franchise.
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