Pokémon Ultimate End is one of those fan-made GBC rom hacks that actually feels like a proper sequel—way more than just a reskin. You start off in a new region with a mix of classic Pokémon and some wild new ones I’d never seen before (turns out there’s a fire-type Eeveelution now?). The sprites are crisp, the battles feel snappy, and the rival’s actually got some attitude this time instead of just being a pushover.

First thing I noticed? The difficulty’s bumped up just enough to keep you on your toes. Wild Pokémon hit harder, gym leaders have smarter teams, and that first Brock fight? Yeah, good luck if you picked Charmander. You’ll be grinding a little, but it doesn’t feel cheap—just like the game’s actually paying attention.

If you’ve got a soft spot for the old-school GBC style but want something fresh, this one’s worth digging up.