The third generation ofPokemongames,Pokemon Ruby, Pokemon Sapphire,andPokemon Emerald, all feature a lot of similarities but stand out from each other with quite a few differences. Much like the first two generations ofPokemongames, Gen 3 has aspects that are version exclusive to each of its individual titles. This can be anything from individual Pokemon and their evolutions to story aspects to how whole areas of the game are approached.

Likeevery generation ofPokemongames, bothPokemon RubyandSapphireshare similarities with only minor differences, something that changes with the series’ release ofPokemon Emerald. It begins to make more noticeable changes to Gen 3 in several different ways. The game makes large strokes with how its main story is done, both in its conflict and the conclusion, alters large swaths of post-game content, and unifies certain aspects of the Hoenn region that were divide in the originalRubyandSapphiregames. In short,Emeraldtakes the foundation thatPokemon RubyandSapphireprovided and then tears it down for a near complete remodel.

Pokemon Ruby and Sapphire

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Pokemon Ruby and Pokemon Sapphire

Pokemon RubyandSapphiremaintain a lot of similarities to each other through the geography of the region and their stories. Both games' main story is centered around the same premise, with only minor alterations to how it is told. InRuby,the villainous Team Magma seeks to awaken thelegendary ground-type Pokemon Groudon, while inSapphire,it is Team Aqua that seeks to awaken the legendary water-type Pokemon Kyogre. Aside from the villains and legendary Pokemon, the story aspects forRubyandSapphireremain almost identical.

At the same time, Gen 3 is rather unique as it is the only time that two differentPokemonvillain teamsare the antagonist of the main stories in core games. Each of these groups has their own costume design and unique leader. While their difficulty is not much different than villains in other games, their goals felt unique at the time.

Start screen of Pokemon Emerald

The major ways thatPokemon RubyandSapphirediffer from each other comes through their game exclusive Pokemon. Like its predecessors, Gen 3 has certain Pokemon that are available inRubybut notSapphireand vice versa. This only includes a few Pokemon overall, but the list does feature a few particularly important members:

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Pokemon Emerald’s Changes From Ruby and Sapphire

Pokemon Emeraldtakes all the information from its predecessors and proceeds to set up its own unique story. InEmerald,both Team Magma and Team Aqua are the culprits. With both their goals of awakening Groudon and Kyogre respectively realized, it falls on the player to awaken thelegendary Pokemon Rayquazato cease the other two Pokemon’s battle.Emeraldalso makes gameplay changes that are connected to the story and other areas of the game like its post story content. This includes changes like…

Pokemon Emeraldalso makes some late game changes with the Hoenn Pokedex. Once the player has beaten the Elite Four and entered the Hall of Fame, they will be transported back to the starting town of Littleroot. Here Professor Birch will upgrade the player’s Pokedex tothe National Dex. This upgrade allows the player to trade with any Gen 3 game includingPokemon Fire RedandPokemon Leaf Green,the remakes of the first generation ofPokemongames. Trading Pokemon becomes necessary to complete the National Dex and receive a reward from Professor Birch. After the National Dex is complete, Professor Birch will offer players a choice of Chikorita, Cyndaquil, or Totodile, which many fans will know as the three starterPokemon from Generation 2’sGold, Silver,andCrystal.

In all, Emerald, Ruby, and Sapphire sport some of the most changes from the early days of the series. While each generation of games is known for their exclusive Pokemon and separation of legendary Pokemon, not as many make changes the same way that Gen 3 does.

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