Version 7 has arrived! In this version of Pokémon Crater, when you move on a map or are battling the entire page no longer reloads - only the parts of the page that need to reload. This helps speed up map moving and battling, as well as making the game play smoother than in version 6. There are now three tabs on the left side of the screen when you're logged into the game. These tabs are PokéDex, Members, and Options. These tabs allow you to quickly access features like the PokéDex or Members list or change your account options from any page. Live battling has also been improved in this version to work more like regular battles and work more consistantly. In the past live battling was very sensitive to communication problems or by the other player refreshing the page, but hopefully these problems have been worked out. Version 7 also introduces an improved messaging system, which was overdue for a makeover. The new message system works similarly to many email clients, so you should find it very easy to use.

Now that version 7 is done, some more maps will be coming in the next few weeks and eventually a six type of special Pokémon will be released to join the normal, shiny, dark, metallic, and ghostly versions. I hope you enjoy version 7!

The site has been running great again for the last few days since all the new servers were reformated. Tech support and I never did find what was causing the problem, but after going with a different operating system the servers are running as they should. With over 20,000 people online at many times, the new servers came just in time to help keep the site fast with its growing popularity!

The new servers were finally put up today, but unfortunately after waiting longer than I expected, there is a problem with the new servers that is causing them to have more load than the servers should, and therefore the site slows down during busy times. Tech support and I will be working with this issue over the next few days and hopefully it will be resolved soon. In the mean time please be patient with the speed of the site, it will improve soon. For more information and updates, check the forum thread about the upgrades.

The Sinnoh gymleaders and elite four along with all 4th generation Pokémon are now in the arena, including all the new legendary Pokémon (all 14 of them!). Remember you'll have to beat all the new gymleaders before you can catch legendary Pokémon. The 4th generation Pokémon is just the first update in many I hope to do this summer, including more maps and eventually version 7 of Pokémon Crater!

The game seems to have become more popular lately, which is great news, but also means the servers have been getting a heavier load and slower. However, I just ordered some newer, faster servers along with a faster connection for the site, so some of the lag users have been experiencing during busy times will hopefully get better sometime this week or next.

All of the new starter Pokémon and their evolutions have been added to the arena along with a few more of the 4th generation of Pokémon. I'll be working hard over the weekend and next week to add the rest of the 4th generation as well as all the new Sinnoh gymleaders!