Pokemon AshGray GBA ROM Hack – Full Game Overview
Game Information
Hack Name: Pokemon AshGray
Original Game (ROM Base): Pokemon FireRed
Hack Status: Beta 4.5.3
Language: English
Category: Total-Conversion / Anime Retelling
Release Type: Fan-made ROM Hack
Table Of Contents
About This ROM Hack
AshGray is one of the most well-known Pokémon anime ROM hacks built on the JPAN upgraded FireRed engine, trying to recreate the Kanto + Orange League arcs episode-by-episode inside a GBA game.It isn’t a new story — it’s a retelling of Ash’s journey, where the entire game is structured as a long chain of scripted events, battles, captures, NPC encounters, puzzles, and team-based rewards that mirror the anime rather than traditional game progression.
This version of AshGray exists as a half-finished but playable beta, preserved for archiving and nostalgia playthrough video projects, not as a completed product.
Further development direction is uncertain, but future re-imaginings in modern disassembly or new engine projects may revive the concept one day — just not in this archived build.
With Pikachu, you relive Ash’s journey through 116 major episode-based events + 2 movie events, catching his Pokémon, meeting familiar characters, battling Gym Leaders, and facing Team Rocket—anime-style, not the usual Red gameplay.
How the adventure plays out is part of the experience. Want to be an anime-accurate Pokémon Master? Only one way to find out—start the journey.
Further development direction is uncertain, but future re-imaginings in modern disassembly or new engine projects may revive the concept one day — just not in this archived build.
Story Overview
You play as Ash Ketchum, who overslept after a long night of Pokémon battles (and games), missing the chance to choose a starter. Your Pallet Town rivals—especially Gary Oak—have already taken them all. Just when things look doomed, Professor Oak offers you Pikachu, a stubborn but iconic partner.With Pikachu, you relive Ash’s journey through 116 major episode-based events + 2 movie events, catching his Pokémon, meeting familiar characters, battling Gym Leaders, and facing Team Rocket—anime-style, not the usual Red gameplay.
How the adventure plays out is part of the experience. Want to be an anime-accurate Pokémon Master? Only one way to find out—start the journey.
Key Features
- Anime-Based Storyline: The game closely follows the plot of the Pokémon anime, allowing players to relive Ash’s adventures and interact with characters from the show.
- Pikachu as Starting Pokémon: Players start with Pikachu, reflecting the anime’s iconic starter Pokémon.
- Team Rocket Encounters: Frequent interactions with Team Rocket mirror their persistent role in the anime.
- Gym Leaders and Tournaments: Players battle Gym Leaders and participate in tournaments, following the structure of the anime’s competitions.
- Character Dialogues and Events: The game includes dialogues and events that are true to the anime, enhancing the immersive experience.
- Play as Ash
- Have the opportunity to catch all of the Pokémon Ash does
- Follows the same events as in the Anime Series and be rewarded with special events/items for carrying Ash's team
- New Tiles, Sprites, Maps
- New Tools to replace HMs:
- Hatchet replaces HM01 Cut
- Computer Teleport System replaces HM02 Fly
- Raft replaces HM03 Surf
- Pickaxe replaces HM06 Rock Smash
- Climb Kit is added to be used as Rock Climb
- Whirlpuller is added to cross whirlpools
Known Bugs & Issues
- Running Shoes not working in Pallet Town & Route 1
- Ash stays on Misty’s bike after the Spearow intro event
- Bad Eggs appear in PC boxes (DO NOT move them)
- Pokédex wrong family group for Onix
- Bike mount/dismount broken in some outdoor maps
- Teachy TV crashes or softlocks (DO NOT USE IT)
- Rival face palette turns red if you attempt to rename him
- PC textboxes in Ash’s room stay stuck open
- Oak’s Pokédex rating textbox doesn’t close
- Ash’s backsprite sometimes discolored, HP bar colors glitch
- Berry system not stable in Pallet Town
- Minor graphical hitch in Pallet Town Windmill
- More bugs probably exist, but these are the ones still known and memed about
Screenshots
Download Links
Mediafire
Documentation
How to Play
Requirements
- A Game Boy Advance emulator
- A compatible ROM base
- Patch file (IPS / UPS / BPS)
Developer Information
Developer / Team: metapod23
Credits:
- JPAN — FireRed Hacked Engine, Uncatchable Pokémon routine
- Jambo51 & TheDarkShark — Charizard disobedience routines
- Darthatron & doesntknowhowtoplay — Phys/Special split
- KDS — Light Ball fix
- DiegoIsAwesome — Force male intro patch
- TaniJ — Trainer sprite bases (Drake, Cissy, Lorelei, etc)
- ShinyAeon — Tracey battle sprite
- Surav — Fallen log remodel
- JohnnyRoll — updated grass tiles
- Denali — Official guide
- Various sprite contributors from spriters-resource
- metapod23 = everything else, including episode scripting, map edits, tile imports, dialogue rewrites
Source & References
Official Thread / Website: Pokecommunity
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