Let’s explore a new take on familiar territory by checking out the top Pokemon Diamond ROM hacks. Pokemon Diamond and Pearl were first released in 2006 and marked the beginning of the fourth generation of Pokemon games by Game Freak.
These titles were the first in the series to be available on the DS, providing more opportunities for innovative features due to the increased power and extra screens.
Although Diamond and Pearl didn’t make any significant changes to the established structure or mechanics of the series, inventive coders have produced some outstanding experiences based on Pokemon Diamond over the years.
You can also find more than just our top picks for Diamond ROMs on our list of the best Pokemon Nintendo DS ROM hacks.
With numerous Pokemon Diamond ROM hacks to choose from, let’s explore the best ones by taking a trip to a transformed Sinnoh.
5. Pokemon Moon Diamond
Although Pokemon Moon Diamond doesn’t offer a significant amount of changes, we still recommend it as one of the top Pokemon Diamond ROM hacks.
The old adage, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” comes to mind here. Even though this hack doesn’t have as many alterations as other hacks, it does include seventh-generation Pokemon, which debuted in Pokemon Sun and Moon.
The title of the ROM hack hints at this, with the corresponding Pokemon Pearl hack being named Pokemon Sun Pearl.
The visuals have also been enhanced with new animations and sprites that are more in line with the seventh-generation games.
It’s important to note that only a Spanish-language version of Pokemon Moon Diamond is currently available.
This shouldn’t be a problem for players familiar with the story of Pokemon Diamond, but it’s something to keep in mind.
4. Pokemon Bloody Diamond
Although it was initiated in 2008, the creator of Pokemon Bloody Diamond, known as ‘Buffy,’ recently returned to finish their work on the ROM Hack.
We at BeStreamer are pleased they did because this is a fantastic piece of work. Bloody Diamond features various modifications to the original Pokemon Diamond, making it worth seeking out.
You can acquire all Starter Pokemon early on, and wild Pokemon can reach up to level 90, making the game even more challenging.
Additionally, Gym Leaders are stronger in this hack. The game also includes in-game trades where rare items like Oak’s Letter and the Azure Flute can be obtained.
The highlight of the game is the ‘Moral Compass,’ a light/dark morality system that ultimately determines which of the three factions has the most influence over the Kanto region at the game’s conclusion.
3. Pokemon Weird
Pokemon Weird, also known as Pokemon Mystical Diamond, isn’t as peculiar as its name suggests.
One of its most outstanding features is that you play as a Pokemon, either Pikachu or Pachirisu, rather than a Trainer.
The game takes place in a world of talking Pokemon, as stated on the mock-up cover blurb. Other unusual changes include your character transforming into Shaymin while riding a bike and Magikarp when saving.
The game includes 493 Pokemon that can be caught without having to trade between different games, as well as new starters, a super-strong Super Dialga, and the opportunity to catch unlimited Eevees.
In summary, Pokemon Weird is a feature-packed Pokemon Diamond ROM hack that you won’t want to miss out on!
2. Pokemon Dark Diamond
Besides the updates and improvements from HeartGold, SoulSilver, and Pokemon Black & White, Pokemon Dark Diamond offers several new features that make it a worthwhile ROM hack to explore.
Players can choose to play as Brendan or Dawn, with Brendan replacing Lucas from the official Pokemon Diamond, and the game has a brand new and more intricate storyline.
The Pokedex is expanded to include all 493 Pokemon, and new characters are introduced. A new soundtrack has also been created for the game, and it includes a new team called Team xGlite.
All in all, Pokemon Dark Diamond is an impressive work and is a close contender for the top spot on our best Pokemon Diamond ROM hacks list. It’s definitely worth checking out!
1. PokeJoke DS – A Parody of Pokemon
If not for this clever and creative ROM hack, the top spot on our Best Pokemon Diamond ROM hacks list might have gone to another.
PokeJoke DS – A Parody of Pokemon is aptly named, as it is a parody of the Pokemon franchise, but it offers much more than just that.
While the difficulty level is hardcore, the game also features a day/night system, mega evolutions, and a new storyline.
However, the real highlight is the rewritten dialogue that is either self-referential, fourth-wall breaking, or playfully poking fun at other video games.
This unpredictable, anarchic humor is what sets PokeJoke apart and gives it a fresh feel. For example, when visiting a nurse at the Pokemon Center, she might cheerfully say, “We hope you get beaten up again soon! We need the business.”
The game also offers a choice of Starter Pokemon with the dialogue box stating ‘(At least it isn’t the red-blue-green choice from Mass Effect 3)’.
PokeJoke – A Parody of Pokemon is a genuinely funny experience that pokes fun at itself and the Pokemon franchise in a way that the main games don’t. It’s our clear choice for the top spot on our Best Pokemon Diamond ROM hacks list!
Check out our list of the best Pokemon ROM hacks for more if you’re a fan of Pokemon ROM hacks.
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A gaming lover from a very young age, Justin has always had a keen eye for building his own computers or racing sims so that he can race his identical twin (and usually lose at the actual race).
Justin in the founder of BeStreamer and sees it as a free resource to help all gamers around the world