Pokémon: Ruby and Sapphire Versions
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| Pokémon: Ruby and Sapphire Versions | |
| Developer | Game Freak |
| Publisher | Nintendo |
| System | Gameboy Advance |
| Release Date | JP: November 21, 2002 US: March 17, 2003 AU: April 3, 2003 EU: July 25, 2003 |
| Rating | ESRB: E |
Pokémon: Ruby Version and Pokémon: Sapphire Version are the third set of games in the Pokémon series. The different versions were made to increase interactivity between gamers (as gamers would have to trade Pokémon with each other in order to collect all of the game's monsters).
Story
Pokémon: Ruby and Pokémon: Sapphire follow the adventures of a young Pokémon trainer. In this game, the player has the option of playing a boy or a girl, with the other character becoming your rival.
The game journeys across a new area, Hoenn. The player battles other trainers, wins badges, and battles Team Aqua and Team Magma.
Gameplay
Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire retains much of the gameplay of the original set of games. However, they have added some things. The most notable addition is over 100 new species of Pokémon the game introduced.
One of the new features added in Ruby and 'Sapphire is the Pokémon Contests. The Contests are similar to pet shows in real life. The player must try to impress the judges with their Pokémon.
In addition, double battles were added. In double battles, two Pokémon fight as a team.
Connectivity
Ruby and Sapphire can connect with each other and trade as well as trade with Pokémon: Emerald Version and Pokémon: FireRed and LeafGreen Versions using a Link Cable. However, none of these games are able to trade with older games due to changes in the game's code.
The pair of games can also connect to Pokémon Diamond and Pearl using the dongle method. This can only be done once the player sees all 150 Pokémon in Diamond and Pearl. The Pokémon from 'Ruby and Sapphire are transfered and can't be traded back.
Through the Gamecube/Gameboy Advance Link, players can store their Pokémon in Pokémon Box. Certain bonuses can be transfered from Pokémon Colosseum to Ruby and Sapphire, including Jirachi.
The games also make use of the e-Reader. There are certain islands with rare Pokémon that can only be reached by using an e-Reader and a special promotional card.
Version Differences
In all regions, Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire released simultaneously. In order to increase player interactivity, each version had certain Pokémon the other didn't. In addition, there were certain Pokémon that could only be found in Pokémon FireRed and Pokémon LeafGreen.
Legacy
Sequels
These games were followed up by the fourth generation games, Pokémon: Diamond and Pearl Versions.
Remakes/Rereleases
In 2001 a third version, Pokémon: Emerald Version was released. The game followed the stories of both Team Aqua and Team Magma rather than just one. Also, the Battle Frontier area was added to the game.