Pokemon Brown GB ROM Hack – Full Game Overview
Game Information
Hack Name: Pokemon Brown
Original Game (ROM Base): Pokemon Red
Hack Status: v6.1.2
Language: English
Release Type: Fan-made ROM Hack
Table Of Contents
About This ROM Hack
Pokémon Brown is a classic Pokémon ROM hack originally created by Koolboyman in 2004. It is based on Pokémon Red and was one of the first major fan hacks to introduce a completely new region, story, and gameplay experience beyond the original game’s scope. Over the years, the hack has received multiple updates and remakes, with the most recent being version 6.1.2, released on December 25, 2024 as part of the 20th Anniversary Edition.Pokémon Brown is set in the Rijon Region, a fully redesigned world located south of Johto. The game begins with familiar Kanto starters but quickly unfolds into a unique adventure that diverges from traditional Pokémon plots. Over ten cities, more than 20 routes, and a variety of unique locations, players explore a world that mixes classic Pokémon elements with new twists and added challenges.
Pokémon Brown is historically significant as one of the first ROM hacks to introduce an entirely new region and narrative distinct from official Pokémon games. It has inspired many other projects and helped shape the ROM‑hacking community.
The adventure includes a full story path through Rijon, a visit to the Johto region, and additional quests after defeating the Rijon League, making Brown more expansive than the vanilla Game Boy games.
Pokémon Brown retains full link cable support for battling and trading with other Brown players, preserving the social features of classic Pokémon while letting players show off expanded teams and custom types.
A: Yes — the 20th Anniversary Edition (v6.1.2) is considered the most polished and complete release with expanded Pokémon, mechanics, and quality‑of‑life improvements.
Q: How many Pokémon can be caught?
A: The Rijon Pokédex in v6.1.2 includes 231 Pokémon, including new evolutions and Pokémon from multiple generations beyond the original Red.
Q: Can I continue a save from an older version?
A: Yes — save files from older Brown versions can carry over into v6.1.2 with minimal conversion required. However, some older Tyrogue and Eevee entries may need an in‑game refresh by trading NPCs to evolve properly.
Q: Does Pokémon Brown have modern mechanics like EXP shares or physical/special splits?
A: Brown v6.1.2 includes modernized experience calculations, critical capture chances, and updated level progression, but it does not fully replicate official modern generation mechanics like physical/special splits found in newer games.
Q: Why does the game look different on some emulators?
A: Color and palette rendering can vary. Some emulators or settings don’t detect console color requirements correctly, leading to limited or washed‑out palettes. Using an emulator with good GBC or SGB support (such as mGBA) typically produces the best visuals.
Q: Can I trade with other games (like Gen II or other hacks)?
A: Currently, Brown’s link support is limited to itself and does not natively trade with other titles like Time Capsule or older Brown editions. Future compatibility updates may be planned.
Q: Are there cheat codes or guides for Brown v6.1.2?
A: Codes exist (e.g., item modifiers, rare candies), but cheats are unofficial and can cause instability. Always back up progress before using them.
Story Overview
Pokémon Brown is set in the Rijon Region, a unique world located south of Johto. Players begin their journey much like in traditional Pokémon games, but rather than exploring Kanto or Johto, they traverse an entirely custom region with its own cities, routes, dungeons, characters, and plot threads. Rijon contains ten cities, over 20 routes, and offers a broader geographical and narrative experience than the base Pokémon Red.The adventure includes a full story path through Rijon, a visit to the Johto region, and additional quests after defeating the Rijon League, making Brown more expansive than the vanilla Game Boy games.
Key Features
Pokédex & Pokémon Content:
In v6.1.2, Brown supports 231 Pokémon from multiple generations. This includes:
- Pokémon from Generations I–IV
- Three Pokémon from Generation VI
- One regional variant from Gen VIII
- One evolution from Gen IX
- A unique legendary Fakémon for a total of 231 Pokémon in the Rijon Pokédex.
This expansion allows for a much broader team and strategy than the original 151, while still keeping the classic game feel.
Mechanics & Gameplay Enhancements:
Modernized Systems
Version 6.1.2 introduces several modern mechanics not found in original Pokémon Red:
- Modern Stat EXP calculations
- Critical captures
- New level‑up formulas
- Physical/Special split (added in recent builds)
These enhancements improve balance and strategy without losing the old‑school charm.
Types & Moves:
Brown includes new Pokémon types beyond the original Red set. In addition to Gen II and Gen VI types (Dark, Steel, and Fairy), it adds six custom types: Abnormal, Gas, Sound, Tri, Wind, and Wood, each with unique interactions.
The hack also features over 40 new moves, with some moves retyped or adjusted to fit the expanded type system.
Updated Items & TMs/HMs:
- The TM/HM system is overhauled with 50 TMs and four HMs.
- Many Pokémon can learn TMs they couldn’t in Pokémon Red.
- Some evolution methods and item usages have been adjusted to modernize progression.
Quality of Life & Visual Improvements
Brown’s 6.1.2 update brings multiple quality‑of‑life improvements compared to vanilla Red:
- Character selection: Choose between two protagonists and switch styles in‑game.
- Improved PC interface: Withdraw/Deposit menus show item counts.
- Bike usage in previously restricted areas allows freer exploration.
- Custom graphics and map updates give each area a distinctive look.
- New music tracks and enhanced audio help differentiate Rijon from classic regions.
Pokémon Brown retains full link cable support for battling and trading with other Brown players, preserving the social features of classic Pokémon while letting players show off expanded teams and custom types.
Screenshots
Download Links
Documentation
Developer Information
Developer / Team: Coolboyman / RainbowDevs
Credits:
- MeanMrMustard - Getting rid of the Pokémon picture compression, and making a few new music tracks.
- Hiroshi Sotomura - Helped Coolboyman beta test and tossed around his suggestions and ideas as well.
- Elucid and Darksliver: For being awesome hackers and showing Coolboyman what you can do with a hack if you truly care about it.
Source & References
Official Thread / Website: https://rainbowdevs.com/title/brown/
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Pokémon Brown v6.1.2 fully complete?A: Yes — the 20th Anniversary Edition (v6.1.2) is considered the most polished and complete release with expanded Pokémon, mechanics, and quality‑of‑life improvements.
Q: How many Pokémon can be caught?
A: The Rijon Pokédex in v6.1.2 includes 231 Pokémon, including new evolutions and Pokémon from multiple generations beyond the original Red.
Q: Can I continue a save from an older version?
A: Yes — save files from older Brown versions can carry over into v6.1.2 with minimal conversion required. However, some older Tyrogue and Eevee entries may need an in‑game refresh by trading NPCs to evolve properly.
Q: Does Pokémon Brown have modern mechanics like EXP shares or physical/special splits?
A: Brown v6.1.2 includes modernized experience calculations, critical capture chances, and updated level progression, but it does not fully replicate official modern generation mechanics like physical/special splits found in newer games.
Q: Why does the game look different on some emulators?
A: Color and palette rendering can vary. Some emulators or settings don’t detect console color requirements correctly, leading to limited or washed‑out palettes. Using an emulator with good GBC or SGB support (such as mGBA) typically produces the best visuals.
Q: Can I trade with other games (like Gen II or other hacks)?
A: Currently, Brown’s link support is limited to itself and does not natively trade with other titles like Time Capsule or older Brown editions. Future compatibility updates may be planned.
Q: Are there cheat codes or guides for Brown v6.1.2?
A: Codes exist (e.g., item modifiers, rare candies), but cheats are unofficial and can cause instability. Always back up progress before using them.
How to Play
Requirements
- A Game Boy emulator
- A compatible ROM base
- Patch file (IPS / UPS / BPS)
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