Released in 2003, Pokemon Ruby and Pokemon Sapphire became the first two titles of a bigger generation than any before it. An enhanced remake named Pokemon Emerald was introduced in 2005. In what became known as the Gem Generation, Pokemon Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald together introduced 136 new Pokemon, with more legandaries than in any previous game.

For hundreds of years the legendary Pokemon that shaped the planet have remained asleep, hidden in secrecy in the region of Hoenn. But now, two rival groups, one known as Team Magma, the other known as Team Aqua, seek to awaken them. Doing so requires the power of either the Red or the Blue Orb. However, if these powerful beings are able to be controlled at all is still a mystery. In order to stop Hoenn, and indeed the entire world, from destruction from these newly awakened super Pokemon, you must attempt to stop either team from accomplishing their goals...

But to do that you'll need some serious training. And there is no better place to train strong Pokemon than the Hoenn Pokemon League. Just like in the other regions, the Hoenn Pokemon League is comprised of 8 gyms of different types, leaders, and strategies. If you can make it through these tough challenges, you'll earn the right to face against the lands own Elite 4, and then finally to the toughest trainer in all of Hoenn.

Hoenn is shaped differently than any other Pokemon region known presently. Much of the region is covered in vast waterways so much of the game must be traveled either by boat or by surfing Pokemon. The actual landmasses vary drastically. From the quaint peaceful lands, to big cities, to tall rainy grass, to ash fallen fields, the land of Hoenn is as diverse as the Pokemon that inhabit it. And with a total of 386 Pokemon, 200 of which can be caught between Pokemon Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald, your going to be doing a lot of traveling in order to catch them all.

While certain previous features from Pokemon Gold, Silver, and Crystal didn't make the cut (headbutt/real time clock), the third generation of games completely overhauled the battling system. Now trainers could face off in double battles using two Pokemon at the same time. Pokemon also gained Abilities, granting each Pokemon a unique and special power. Natures were also introduced.

But new additions don't just start at battling. A new form of Pokemon competition, known as Pokemon Contests were introduced. This granted Pokemon trainers to show off their Pokemon in new and different ways in five seperate categories. An item known as the Pokeblock was invented to aid you in your quest to become a master in various contests. Every single Pokemon move now not only had a battling effect, but a contest effect as well. All these new additions and yet these games were only the first half of what became one of the largest and popular generations of Pokemon ever.