For video game modders, ROM hacking is one of the coolest. It’s because of the retroactive popularity of games like Pokemon that some wild hacks remain relevant today.
Since the release of the games, modders have been hard at work establishing the tools they need to carry out their transformational work.
Today’s ROM hacks for games like Pokemon Red and Blue are incredible. The legendary Yellow version is no exception.
Some hacks provide significant value, while others are merely amusing or… unique.
By expanding the area and introducing new difficulties, they keep these games fresh and interesting.
To get you started, we’ve put together a list of some of our favorite gen 1 hacks that you may use in your quest for more fun in Kanto, a hard nuzlocke run, or simply to relive that classic experience with a twist!
10. Red Gen VI Typing
We begin the game with a little tweak to make it more familiar to those who have already played Pokémon X/Y.
Created by Dewhi100, these new varieties of characters were not available in the original generation of games.
Aside from that, the hack modifies each Pokémon’s kind and associated moves. It’s now possible to use Gust and Clefairy at the same time.
It goes without saying that the interplay between kinds has been improved as well. It’s a minor modification, but it’s a lot of fun.
9. Pokemon Red/Blue Gender Selection
Often, the most critical improvements may be made with relatively less effort.
The fact that you may now choose your gender in Pokémon Red and Blue is a huge accomplishment and one that should be credited to user Zeera the Reploid.
All in-game interactions have been altered to suit the character’s gender, and Leaf, the female protagonist from Pokémon Leaf Green is used as the basis for the game.
What a catch!
8. Pokemon TRE: Team Rocket Edition
If you’re looking for a fun way to spend a few hours, then Pokémon TRE is a good option.
Giovanni, the mafia boss that heads up Team Rocket, is seeking a replacement. The last decision is between two siblings, one of whom you may choose the gender of.
The rest of the game plays out like a standard Pokémon adventure, albeit with a few alterations to fit the new context. Maps and narratives with their own scenes are also included in the hack.
Even if there are a few bugs, this is the closest Game Freak will ever let us go to playing as one of the bad guys. It’s worth giving it a whirl.
7. Pokemon Black (Gen 1)
The Unova area will not be implemented into the engine of Pokémon Red & Blue.
I mean, Skyrim, what are you doing here?
If you can believe it, this mod by user Ax461 actually predates the debut of those games and is based on a well-known creepypasta of a gamer who got their hands on a cursed bootleg Pokémon game.
Nothing has been left out; it includes the terrifying new starting Pokémon GHOST, as well as the eerie conclusion.
Even if you don’t want to perform a prank on anyone, you’ll have a great time with this.
6. Pokemon Little Cup Red
Pokémon Little Cup Red, a reimagining of the classic Kanto journey that introduces some unexpected modifications, offers an intriguing opportunity to revisit the original experience.
Pokémon levels are lowered, and those that can’t be degenerated into baby forms are replaced with other Pokémon of the same kind.
In this game, experience and leveling do not play a role. Instead, the focus should be on assembling the best possible squad for each matchup in order to reach the Elite Four.
Many regions, including Mt. Moon, have a lower chance of encountering random monsters as a result.
5. Pokemon Pink
The following ROM hack on our list combines several others to provide a comprehensive upgrade of the original Pokémon Blue.
Modder 80C combines the generation VI typing upgrades with a major visual update that makes the game appear a lot like Pokémon Gold and Silver. ‘
Kris, the primary female protagonist from Pokémon Crystal, makes an appearance as well. In this reimagined story, she takes on the role of the main character.
Other than that, it changes the post-game Unknown Dungeon to mimic that of Pokemon Yellow and solves several minor flaws that were present in the original Pokémon Blue. Those who grew up with the first generation of video games will find this to be a very pleasurable experience.
4. Pokemon Brown (2014)
Koolboyman, a well-known ROM hacker, has produced yet another fresh and enhanced version of the game, this time for the Nintendo 3DS.
However, in 2014, it received some much-needed improvements, and it is the version we are familiar with today.
This is a major overhaul of the game, reaching all the way to the new area of Rijon. Over 70 new Pokémon are added, along with a variety of new places, music, and a whole new post-game dungeon.
Seven additional Pokémon kinds are also included in this collection.
Isn’t that a lot? To be fair, this is really impressive gameplay.
3. Red/Blue Full Color Hack
Sometimes you don’t want to interfere with the main game, but you still feel that something is lacking to bring the game back from the grave.
That is precisely what DannyE33’s ROM hack gives.
The plot and gameplay remain untouched, however, the Pokémon and trainer graphics have been updated to their Generation 2 equivalents. Of course, this results in a full-color game as a side effect.
Newer versions of Pokémon Gold & Silver’s battle HUD and text boxes have been included in the originals.
It doesn’t matter that specific sprites from those games couldn’t be located. To make use of generation I’s architecture, elements from the more recent Leaf Green/Fire Red were downscaled. It’s simple and entertaining.
2.Pokemon Blue Kaizo
Pokémon Blue Kaizo is a well-known ROM hack for Pokémon Red & Blue, which aims to increase the difficulty of the game while also providing a more immersive experience.
The author of the project revamped regions, dungeons, and routes all the way down to the party of each trainer. Every combat must be taken seriously, thus this includes the moves used by wild Pokémon as well.
On the other hand, you’ll be able to capture all 151 Pokémon at once. Those Pokémon who were previously only able to develop through trade are now capable of doing so naturally through circumstances such as leveling up.
If you’re planning a nuzlocke run, this is an excellent choice.
1.Pokemon TPP (Red Anniversary)
When it comes to the original generation of Pokémon, though, nothing beats Pokémon TPP by Pigu and Projectrevo if you want the smallest possible change.
There are a few extras because it was developed for the Twitch Plays Pokémon channel. But in general, it’s the best vanilla-friendly version of the game out there.
To begin with, all 151 Pokémon may be found in a single save file for ease of use. In addition, there are various characters of both sexes to pick from rather than simply Red.
Trainers in this edition are typically stronger, but not as significantly so as in Pokémon Blue Kaizo. With that said, there is a noticeable distinction and with that distinction comes a completely new game experience.
The real stream for which this ROM hack was created required 920 hours of Twitch gameplay to complete.
How much time will it take you?
