The Pokemon journey is one that fans look forward to whenever a new game is announced. While the games have strayed in recent years with new titles and mechanics, Pokemon games ultimately feature a consistent and linear experience that remains loyal to expectation. To subvert this, fans have come forward and created their own fan games, working and improving several mechanics yet to be explored in mainline Pokemon games to their liking.
Although Nintendo has, on several occasions, unplugged and halted production of several projects, there are many out there that contain new and exciting features and mechanics that completely change the Pokemon-game experience. As such, Pokemon fans looking to re-live their favorite games and/or discover new favorites should consider the following fan games/ROM hacks.
10 Pokemon Adventure Red Chapter
Pokemon Adventure Red Chapter draws heavy inspiration from the Pokemon Adventures manga, pulling its storyline and characters. The player takes control of Red, who embarks on a long journey alongside his rivals Blue and Green, amongst other new rivals. Divided into chapters, the player joins Red as he learns about the deeper schemes occurring around him as he attempts to conquer various Pokemon Leagues.
With nine regions to explore, the game provides endless entertainment and keeps players hooked with a compelling storyline. Additional features include a raised level cap (100 to 255), an overhaul of Pokemon (including new forms, fusions, shadow Pokemon, and beta Pokemon), character customization, and more.
9 Pokemon Light Platinum
Although the name suggests the game is set in Sinnoh, Pokemon Light Platinum takes place in an entirely new region, Zhery. Boasting vibrant graphics, every Pokemon from Generation I to IV, and new Gym Leaders and rivals to fight, the creation is a classic take on a Pokemon game. It provides players with the classic Pokemon game formula with an evil team, a League to conquer, and a Pokedex to complete — all while being a standalone experience.
The game is a re-skin of Pokemon Ruby, but takes elements from later Generations such as the Distortion World and the Pokemon World Championship. It’s an easy-to-play, visually stimulating experience that fans unfamiliar with ROM hacks or fan games should begin with.
8 Pokemon Flora Sky
In a world where Giratina attempts to rule, players explore a completely redone Hoenn Region, with new cities/towns, routes, and trainers. Featuring a different line-up of Gym Leaders (who fans may recognize from other games), Pokemon Flora Sky ties the player into a tale that sees Teams Aqua and Magma pursuing parallel schemes, while also dealing with chaos between Generation IV’s Creation Trio (particularly Dialga and Giratina).
The game contains 386 Pokemon, ranging from Generation I to V. Along with this, players will find new items, several events and mini-games, and a well-deserving feature for Shaymin.
7 Pokemon Fool’s Gold
For fans of the classic Generation II games, this game is nearly identical — but with a twist: all Pokemon are given new typings and new sprites. Each Generation I and II Pokemon is redesigned in Fool’s Gold, and the game includes other changes such as altered overworld aesthetics, Pokemon availability, and areas to explore.
The charm of this ROM hack is in the creative choices made for each Pokemon variant. For instance, Rattata and Raticate are both Electric types (inspired by a computer and mouse), Abra’s evolutionary line is turned Dark and are hieroglyphic-themed, and Snorlax, known for lazing around, is now trimmed and a fit Fighting type.
6 Pokemon Glazed
Pokemon Glazed begins on the player’s 12th birthday, signaling the start of their Pokemon journey. Choosing between the Generation IV starters, Shinx, and Riolu, the player sets out to explore the Tunod Region, later journeying through Johto and Rankor (another new region). Along the way, they’ll face off against a mysterious, devious team, and find the world they live in at odds with unseeable forces.
The story of Pokemon Glazed takes place years after HeartGold and SoulSilver, and the player will find themselves fighting through two different Leagues while uncovering the game’s main plot. Unlike in other games, Mega Evolutions persist between battles, acting as a permanent change.
5 Pokemon FireRed: Rocket Edition
A recurring and popular team in the Pokemon franchise, this game puts the player in the shoes of a Team Rocket Grunt. As a member of the infamous evil team, the player must lie their way through crimes, having the option to steal trainer’s Pokemon and climb Team Rocket’s ranks.
While the game covers the classic story of Red, it puts new life into it by focusing on the people who orbit the legendary trainer’s tale. This involves corrupt Gym Leaders, scorned trainers who Red defeats, and even the man who sent Red on his journey, Professor Oak. Showing the original game in a new perspective, players will interact with a game they hold dear to their hearts in a way they never have before.
4 Pokemon Prism
Introducing two new Regions, new Pokemon types, and fun-to-play mini-games, Pokemon Prism follows the player as Lance’s child who befriends a lost Larvitar and undertakes the task of acquiring 20 Gym badges. With a unique storyline that integrates deep Pokemon lore, the game combines old and new in an adventure captured in classic Game Boy Color graphics.
As a sequel to Pokemon Brown (another excellent fan game), the player will explore both the Naljo and Rijon Region. Players can take control of their Pokemon in Pokemon-only areas, discover and optimize new Gas- and Sound-type Pokemon, and customize their appearance between 12 sprite options.
3 Pokemon Theta Emerald Ex
Generation III lovers will particularly appreciate this fan game based around Pokemon Emerald. Pokemon Theta Emerald Ex features 721 Pokemon, with the Pokedex ranging from Bulbasaur to Volcanion. The game also contains more than 600 moves at the player’s disposal and allows reusable TMs.
What fans will love about this game is its ability to remain true to the Pokemon Emerald experience, while throwing in improvements to revive the game’s playability. It’s essentially like replaying Pokemon Emerald, but better.
2 Pokemon Vega
While some fans may turn to fan games to re-live improved versions of their favorite games, others may turn to them to seek new and original content as a refresher to these classic games. That’s what Pokemon Vega does by bringing in 181 new Pokemon. Not only that, but the game features a new region, Tohoak, and includes 70 new Pokemon moves.
One thing to keep in mind is the game’s difficulty curve, which can prove challenging for inexperienced players. This may be appealing for players who find mainline Pokemon games too easy, but there’s a possibility that those unprepared may find this game frustrating. Nevertheless, the storyline is engaging and involves some favorite characters from past games — so while it attempts to bring in new content, it retains some classic elements fans will appreciate.
1 Pokemon Radical Red
At its core, Pokemon Radical Red is perhaps one of the hardest fan games to play. Based entirely on FireRed, the game keeps loyal to the original storyline, but throws in features to compensate for the increased difficulty level. Players can find all Pokemon up to Generation VIII, utilize an updated moves list, rely on shared Exp. Share, and use other mechanics to fuel their experience.
What needs to be stressed about this game is its difficulty: players cannot access their items during Gym or important battles, have a level cap, and must deal with improved bosses and Gym Leaders who have maxed IVs and proper EVs, optimized move-sets and held items, access to Mega Evolution, and Legendary Pokemon in their arsenal. Ultimately, this is the perfect game for fans looking for a challenge.
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