Pokemon Awesome XD GBA ROM – Detailed Hack Overview
Game Information
Table Of Contents
About This ROM Hack
Pokémon Awesome Version XD is a modern remake of the creator’s earlier hack, Pokémon Awesome Version, rebuilt from the ground up using Pokémon FireRed for better tooling and graphical support.
Rather than focusing on a complex narrative, the hack emphasizes exploration, experimentation, humor, and unconventional game mechanics. It features original maps, systems-driven gameplay changes, optional difficulty scaling, and a unique economic model rarely seen in Pokémon ROM hacks.
Two versions are currently available:
- Edited Version: Features altered Pokémon types, sprites, and a redesigned type matchup chart
- Normal Version: Retains mostly vanilla Pokémon types and matchups (except Snorlax)
Story Overview
Pokémon Awesome XD is intentionally light on story.
You explore the world, battle Trainers, challenge Gyms, and occasionally encounter the developer—who may give you free items, explain things you already know, or ask for your understanding. The focus is on gameplay systems, humor, and discovery rather than narrative depth.
Key Features
- Dual Version Release: Two separate versions are available—an Edited Version with reworked Pokémon types, sprites, and type matchups, and a Normal Version that keeps mostly original typings for players who prefer a classic experience.
- Reimagined Pokémon Typings (Edited Version): 37 Pokémon have altered typings that only apply to their final evolutions, framed as a disturbing evolutionary mutation rather than a simple rebalance.
- Custom Type Effectiveness Chart (Edited Version): The standard matchup system is redesigned, introducing logical but unconventional interactions such as Poison being strong against Water and Ghost Pokémon ignoring most physical attacks.
- Ghost-Type Physical Immunity: Ghost-type Pokémon cannot be hit by physical moves except Dark-type attacks, creating unique strategic scenarios without fully breaking balance.
- Advanced-Style Battle System: The game does not use a full Physical/Special split, instead retaining Gen 3 mechanics with Dark moves treated as physical and Ghost moves treated as special.
- New and Rebalanced Moves: 15 completely new moves are introduced, while many existing moves receive buffs or mechanical improvements to increase overall viability.
- Completely Original World Design: All towns, routes, caves, and forest dungeons are newly created, with no reused vanilla FireRed maps.
- Horizontal Stair Mechanics: Fully functional sideways stairs allow for more dynamic and varied map layouts.
- Imported and Custom Music Selection: Several tracks from other Pokémon games are added to diversify the soundtrack.
- Overhauled Economy System: Items are significantly cheaper, but a sales tax is applied, and prize money from Trainer battles is reduced to balance progression.
- Poké Mart Theft System: Players can steal certain items from Poké Marts at the risk of being permanently banned from the store, adding a high-risk, high-reward mechanic.
- Pokémon Center Copay System: Healing at Pokémon Centers costs money unless you blackout, with optional insurance reducing fees and pharmacies located in Center basements.
- Multiple Difficulty Modes: Four selectable difficulty modes—Easy, Normal, Hard, and Conductor—adjust Trainer and wild Pokémon levels without altering core mechanics.
- Mostly Optional Trainer Battles: Most overworld Trainers can be skipped, except those encountered inside dungeons.
- Mandatory Double Battles for Bosses: Gym Leaders and Rival battles are primarily 2v2, requiring the player to carry at least two Pokémon for Gym fights.
- HM-Free Progression System: Traditional HMs are removed; trees are cleared by jumping, rocks are broken by punching, and Surf is replaced with a surfboard item.
- Dynamic Trainer Dialogue: Many Trainers quote song lyrics during battles, adding humor and personality to encounters.
Known Bugs & Issues
- Occasional typos
- Professor does not actually grant the National Dex (does not affect evolutions)
- Nurse text remains red after blackout
- Rare script corruption reported—save often and use save states
Screenshots
Download Links
Download: Mediafire
Developer Information
Developer / Team: hinkage
Credits:
- Spherical Ice – Horizontal stairs
- FBI – Mart pricing system
- Touched – Instant sprite switching
- JPAN – Dynamic level scaling
- esperance – Surf flag offset
- Doesntknowhowtoplay – Physical/Special logic
- Jambo51 – Class-based trainer music
- Sierraffinity – NPC text color system
- Pawell6 – Backhand effect
- Chacha Dinosaur – Toxify effect
- Various ROM hacking tool creators
Source & References
Official Thread / Website: pokecommunity
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why change Pokémon types and matchups?A: The changes are designed to be logical, thematic, and fun. For example, Poison beating Water and Ghosts ignoring physical attacks create new strategic depth without breaking balance.
Q: Will both versions always be supported?
A: No. The edited version is intended to be definitive, but the normal version will remain available if demand is high.
Q: Does the game have a full story?
A: No. The focus is on mechanics, exploration, and humor rather than narrative.
How to Play
Requirements
- A Game Boy Advance emulator
- A compatible ROM base
- Patch file (IPS / UPS / BPS)
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