Play Pokemon Crystal Advance Online

Game Overview

Pokemon Crystal Advance is one of those GBA roms that feels like a warm blanket if you grew up with the original. You start in Johto, same as always, but something about the colors and sprites being slightly sharper makes it feel fresh.

I remember wandering into the grass outside New Bark Town, expecting the usual Rattata swarm, but the way the music kicks in when a wild Pokemon appears still gives me that little rush. The battles move faster than I remembered, which helps when you're grinding levels late at night.

It's not perfect—some of the glitches from the original are still here, and the rival battles can feel cheap if you're not prepared. But there's something comforting about knowing exactly how this world works, down to which trainers have the good healing items.

If you liked the original Crystal, Pokemon Crystal Advance is worth revisiting just to hear that soundtrack again.