That’s a pretty good list of 10 ROM hacks if I do say so myself, but obviously there is a lot more Pokemon ROM hacks for you to check out, so let’s add onto that list with another ten today. Obviously, going to be still some missing even after today’s list so make sure you comment angrily saying wtf joey how isn’t xyz ROM hack on this list.
How to patch these ROM hacks
If you need a guide on how to patch your own ROM hacks, you can find that here.
Pokemon AshGray
No particular order today, but let’s start off with Pokemon AshGray. And one quick thing, but all these games except the last one have retroachievements support, which is great.
AshGray actually might be my favorite on this list, but you play as Ash Ketchum from the show, have the chance to catch all of the same Pokemon that Ash does and it follows the same events as the show and so on. Just imagine the show, in game form, that’s exactly what this is.
But honestly, this game adds a ton – new sprites, tiles, maps, tools to replace HM’s and so much more – this is a great ROM hack, I highly recommend it plus who doesn’t want to just play through the story all over again of the show and have the same experiences? That’s the cool part.
Pokemon Adventure Red Chapter
So, like how AshGray is trying to retell the story of the anime, Red Chapter is telling the story of the manga. Which by the way, if you haven’t read the manga yet, you definitely should, it’s great. This follows you through Kanton and the Orange Archipelago plus the beginning of the Elite Four, so there’s a lot for you to get through in this game. But basically, every event is in here, and extended out in some cases to make them longer, you play as Red of course with both rivals of Green and Blue, there’s multiple regions, better visuals, and just a bunch more without spoiling. The interesting part of this ROM hack is the next game is not going to be a ROM hack, but a fan game instead – so think of games like Rejuvenation, Reborn, Uranium and that sort of thing
Pokemon Sword and Shield Ultimate Plus
I guess I should have just called this video the pokemon ROM hacks that adapt from other sources. As the name implies, Pokemon sword and Shield Ultimate Plus is a demake of Sword and Shield for the GBA. Full story, full isle of armor and crown tundra post game, and a whole bunch more like gigantimax, mega evolution, z-moves and more. it’s a faithful demake that you should check out
Pokemon DarkViolet
Based on FireRed, Pokemon DarkViolet is a remake of Pokemon Red and Green, so you’re in Kanto and there’s a ton of story changes and additions that flesh things out. There’s been some changes to the characters you know, and they have different roles in this game. There’s 210 total Pokemon, with the original 151 plus some of the newer evolutions and legendaries. A lot of newer moves were added as well and the sprites are a mix of Game Boy Advance and DS, for the most part. I’m a simple man – you give me new gen 1, I play more gen 1.
Pokemon WaterBlue
Speaking of gen 1, Pokemon WaterBlue is next up. This is a Pokemon FireRed hack, follows Blue’s perspective as he battles Red to become to the Pokemon League Champion. Yeah that’s right, you’re playing as Blue this time instead of Red and it has a Blastoise on the title screen, so you know I’m in. Otherwise – just go through the story as blue, what else do you need here?
Pokemon Polished Crystal
Hey, not every game on this list is for Game Boy Advance, this ROM hack is called Pokemon Polished Crystal and of course, it’s based off Crystal. There’s a lot here – lots of changes to the story with some characters showing up that weren’t here before and others leaving. New areas added, new in-game events, there’s a nuzlocke mode built in and a bunch more. This might be the best enhanced Crystal ROM hack out there, it’s pretty polished in all honesty.
Pokemon Fools Gold
Pokemon Fools Gold is another Crystal ROM hack, but very different from Polished Crystal. All of the Pokemon have been reworked here, all 251 pokemon are available without trading, trainers and wild pokemon have been changes and a bunch of other changes. There’s a ton of fun alternate forms in Fools Gold, they basically applied the Alohan type thing and changed up everything. If you’re looking for a different spin on Crystal, this is it.
Pokemon Gold 97 Reforged
Last Gen 2 game here and it’s Pokemon Gold or Silver 97 Reforged, there’s two! These ROM hacks are based off the 1997 demo of Pokemon Gold and Silver, and the different Pokemon designs from that. You’re exploring the Nihon region, with an entirely new story, new beta pokemon with Crystal’s graphics, and a bunch more. They basically just made the Spaceworld 1997 demo, the game, with all of those sprites, adjusted trainers, movesets, the battle tower from Crystal and it keeps going. Once again, different spin on Gen 2 – if you want it, grab it, this is fun.
Pokemon Emerald Rogue V2
I know what you’ve been thinking, Joey, I want something different. Alright, what if Pokemon was a roguelike? Well, that’s Pokemon Emerald Rogue V2. There’s actually a V1 of this game too, so you have two games if you want them. You basically go on a procedurally generated adventure, and you encounter gym leaders and champions on the way. But obviously, if you’ve played any roguelike before, you know you can buy items, catch new pokemon and so on to keep progressing further than you did the last time. If you’ve ever been like, man I love Dead Cells, I wish Dead Cells was Pokemon, here you go. There’s a ton of customization, settings and everything, you can play this ROM hack forever.
Pokemon Emerald Seaglass
Last on the list is the only game that does not have retroachievements and that’s Pokemon Emerald Seaglass. This is a Game Boy Advance ROM hack, with Game Boy Color aesthetics and it’s based on the Hoenn Region or well, a modified Hoenn region. All Gen 1 through 3 Pokemon are here, along with more. There’s a new battle engine, new minigames and events, your pokemon can follow you which should be a feature in every game, adjustable difficulty and a ton more. The graphics and designs are the best part of this ROM hack, along with the wide variety of pokemon – this is a must play on this list for sure, just wish it had retroachievements support.