Pokémon Ultimate Ruby is basically a souped-up version of the original Ruby, but with way more polish and some neat surprises. You still start off picking your starter—Torchic, Mudkip, or Treecko—but the world feels a little more alive, with smoother battles and some extra post-game stuff to dig into.

I went with Mudkip (because let’s be honest, Swampert is a beast), and the early game moves fast—you’re battling rivals and catching Pokémon before you even hit the first gym. The Hoenn region’s got that classic GBA charm, but with crisper sprites and fewer random slowdowns. And yeah, Team Magma’s still up to their usual nonsense, but it’s weirdly nostalgic in the best way.

If you’ve played Ruby before, this one’s like revisiting an old friend who got a glow-up.