Pokemon Desert Version GBA ROM – Detailed Hack Overview
Game Information
Table Of Contents
About This ROM Hack
Pokémon Desert Version is an early-stage FireRed ROM hack set in a completely original region inspired by the Southwestern United States, including locations based on California, Arizona, and Mexico.
The hack focuses on a grounded, modern-style setting combined with Pokémon elements, featuring new tilesets, a nontraditional starter system, and multiple overlapping story threads. Built on Leon’s FireRed Base, the project aims to eventually include 700+ Pokémon, expanded cities, and a full Gym Challenge.
As of Alpha 0.2, the game includes two Gyms, a playable early storyline, and experimental mechanics that are still under active development.
Story Overview
Your journey begins with a nightmare: a Gastly appears in your dreams, setting the tone for the strange events to come. Shortly afterward, you are asked to rescue a Trapinch outside your home, which becomes your first Pokémon.
Unlike traditional Pokémon games, every child in your neighborhood also has a Pokémon, leading to multiple early battles before you finally head toward the main city. There, you meet Brendan, an immigrant from Hoenn, who introduces you to the regional Gym Challenge.
The story unfolds across multiple parallel threads:
- Gym Challenge: Featuring rivals such as May, Brendan, and Blue (or a custom-named rival).
- Team Rocket Activity: Ongoing criminal operations across the region.
- Cartels: A darker, more grounded criminal presence influencing the region.
- California Secessionists: A politically inspired faction adding regional conflict and world-building.
The game world includes four cities in California, two in Mexico, and numerous towns across Arizona, all accessible via an in-game town map.
Key Features
- Original Desert-Themed Region: A brand-new region inspired by the Southwestern United States, including California, Arizona, and Mexico.
- Nontraditional Starter System: Your first Pokémon is obtained through a story-driven rescue rather than a lab choice.
- New Storyline: A darker, more grounded narrative featuring crime, politics, and regional conflict.
- Multiple Story Threads: Gym Challenge, rival arcs, Team Rocket schemes, cartel activity, and secessionist movements run in parallel.
- New Custom Tilesets: Extensive use of original desert-themed tiles, pueblos, and environments.
- Leon’s FireRed Base: Includes all modern FireRed base improvements and quality-of-life features.
- Early Alpha Content: Currently includes two Gyms with more planned for future releases.
- Expandable Pokédex: Planned support for over 700 Pokémon in later versions.
- In-Game Town Map: Allows players to view the full regional layout at any time.
Known Bugs & Issues
- Cut Cactus Glitch: Exiting a wild encounter near a cut cactus can turn the player into a glitched cactus sprite.
- Empty Move Slot Display Bug: Empty moves appear visually incorrect in battle menus.
- Nickname Bug: Nicknaming Trapinch may incorrectly rename Gastly instead.
- Mesa Rival Script Issue: Rival encounter script may fail to trigger on first entry; running around the area usually resolves it.
- Clear Smog Crash: Using the move Clear Smog causes the game to crash.
- Bulldoze Targeting Bug: Bulldoze does not hit multiple targets as intended.
- Title Screen Issues: The title screen is currently unfinished and visually broken.
Download Links
Developer Information
Developer / Team: 777ID777
Credits:
- 777ID777: Core development and ROM hacking
- Anthroyd: Teaching advanced hacking techniques
- Diegoisawesome: General support and assistance
- Lu-Ho: Community contributions
- HackMew: Tools and resources
- Leon: FireRed base
- Linkandzelda (Liquid Crystal): Mentorship and long-term support
- Mewthree9000 (Chaos Black): Advanced hacking knowledge and tools
Source & References
Official Thread / Website: https://www.pokecommunity.com/showthread.php?t=409951
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Pokémon Desert Version completed?A: No. The game is currently in Alpha 0.2 and under active development.
Q: How many Gyms are available right now?
A: Two Gyms are currently implemented.
Q: Is this game based on a real-world location?
A: Yes. The region is inspired by the Southwestern United States, including California, Arizona, and Mexico.
Q: Does the game include Fakemon?
A: The focus is currently on regional storytelling and mechanics; Fakemon may be added later.
Q: Will the game include all Pokémon?
A: The developer plans to support 700+ Pokémon in future versions.
Q: Is this hack beginner-friendly?
A: Due to its alpha state and bugs, it is recommended for players familiar with ROM hacks.
Q: Are save files stable?
A: Saves generally work, but bugs may cause unexpected behavior. Backup saves are recommended.
How to Play
Requirements
- Pokémon FireRed (clean ROM)
- GBA emulator (mGBA or VBA-M recommended)
- Pokémon Desert Version Alpha 0.2 patch
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