This project represents a decompilation of the Pokémon Emerald video game, undertaken with the intention of creating a ROM Hack.
The primary objective of this ROM Hack is to elevate the challenge and gameplay elements while retaining the nostalgic essence of the original game.
While doing so, the project aims to be meticulous in preserving the sentimental quality of the original game, ensuring that long-time fans and newcomers alike can appreciate the journey. By introducing minor quality of life improvements, opportunity for increased challenge, and combat balances the ROM Hack aims to strike a balance between honoring the classic gameplay and offering new experiences. This meticulous blend ensures that players will encounter familiar moments intertwined with fun and exciting new challenges.
This project has identified specific elements that do not directly contribute to the gameplay experience. By analyzing various components and aspects of the game design, the project has pinpointed areas that might be superfluous or detract from the core gaming experience.
The aim is to refine and optimize the game's design, ensuring that players receive a fun and engaging experience.
- Display Nature Stat Modifiers in the Pokémon Summary
- Frequently, it's frustrating to have to remember or look up natures to determine how a Pokémon's stats will be affected.
- Display EV/IV Values in the Pokémon Summary
- This feature eliminates the need for tedious tools or resources, streamlining the gameplay experience and empowering players with essential information at their fingertips.
- Update Pokémon Move Viability
- In an effort to enhance the enjoyment and viability of all Pokémon, we have reviewed and adjusted the Power, Accuracy, Typing, PP, and even secondary effects of each move. This revision ensures that a greater number of Pokémon can be deemed viable for various runs, offering a broader array of options when constructing teams.
- Display Pokémon movesets/base stats in the Pokédex
- This enhancement eliminates the necessity of playing the game and searching for information on third-party data sources. It provides players with convenient in-game access to comprehensive details, enhancing their overall experience.
- Allow running indoors
- By removing movement restrictions indoors, players can navigate environments swiftly, ensuring that transitions between indoor and outdoor settings are seamless and maintain a brisk pace.
- Increase Item Bag Size from 30 to 120
- This increase not only allows players to carry more items but also reduces the frequency of having to manage and shuffle items between the bag and storage. Consequently, players can focus more on exploring and battling.
- Adjust Damage Calculatation for Dark/Ghost Type Moves
- The calculation for Ghost-type moves now utilizes special stats rather than physical ones. Historically, Ghost Pokémon in earlier generations were designed around dealing special damage. This adjustment aims to enhance their effectiveness and overall enjoyment in battles.
- Conversely, Dark-type moves now factor in physical stats instead of special ones. Given that Dark-type Pokémon typically excel as physical attackers, this change aligns more closely with their inherent strengths.
- 2 in 1 Bike
- To minimize tedious backtracking, the features of the Mach Bike have been incorporated into the Acro Bike, resulting in the removal of the Mach Bike itself. To engage the speed-up feature previously associated with the Mach Bike, hold the "R" button while riding the Acro Bike. This seamless integration enhances navigation and streamlines the overall gameplay experience.
- Speed up Tedious Interactions
- To streamline gameplay and minimize the time players spend on tedious interactions, such as healing Pokémon at the Pokécenter, this project has reduced both wait times and required player inputs for various activities.
- Ask for Repel Reuse After Expiration
- Recognizing the inconvenience of frequent encounters in high-density regions, when a Repel wears off, players will now receive a prompt asking if they'd like to use another Repel from their bag if available. This aims to increase the usability and convenience of Repel items.
- Allow other options for trade evolutions
- To remove the necessity of locking certain Pokémon behind requiring multiple games, alternative methods or conditions for trade evolutions will be introduced. This ensures that players have more flexibility in evolving their Pokémon without being constrained by game availability or trading with others.
- Remove Timings on Fishing
- To help remove the tedious mini-game and streamline fishing for Pokémon, the project has removed specific timings, providing players with a smoother fishing experience.
- Update Summary and Battle UI to Display "Hidden Power" Power and Type
- Players can now easily view the power and type of the "Hidden Power" move in both the Pokémon Summary and Battle UI, enhancing strategic decision-making during battles and team building.
- Update In-Game Trades
- Modify/Add In-Game Trades to provide more unique Pokémon.
While various features might enhance subsequent Pokémon titles, the project has chosen to maintain the original charm of Gen 3 with the following decisions.
These decisions ensure that long-time fans can relive their cherished memories while also introducing newer generations to the gameplay that defined this era of Pokémon games. Additionally, we've focused on refining gameplay mechanics that resonate with the core essence of Gen 3, such as the iconic Pokémon abilities and the intricate balance between various types.
- No introduction of new Pokémon
- No addition of new types
- No creation of new moves
- No incorporation of new abilities
- Retention of single-use TMs
- No Physical/Special split
For detailed setup instructions, please refer to INSTALL.md.
This project owes a considerable debt of gratitude to pret and their community. For further information about pret and additional projects, visit pret.github.io.
Note
Decompilation Target: pokeemerald.gba sha1: f3ae088181bf583e55daf962a92bb46f4f1d07b7