Pokémon FireRed: BACKWARDS Edition (Der Erif) (GBA) – Experience Kanto in Reverse Order
Game Information
Original Game (ROM Base): Pokémon FireRed (GBA)
Hack Status: Completed
Language: English
Content Type: Gameplay twist/difficulty hack with map and progression changes
Table Of Contents
About This ROM Hack
Pokémon FireRed: BACKWARDS Edition does exactly what it sounds like — and it's a lot more disorienting than you'd expect.
The whole thing starts with one idea: what if you left Pallet Town heading south instead of north? From there, the entire game gets restructured around that reversal. Gym progression is flipped, routes are redesigned, encounters are adjusted, and the world layout is reworked to actually make the backwards flow work.
Cinnabar → Fuchsia → Saffron → Celadon → Vermillion → Cerulean → Pewter → Viridian
It sounds like a gimmick, and on the surface it kind of is — but the execution goes deeper than just mirroring the map. The balance has been tweaked, wild Pokémon have been changed, and the environments are redesigned to fit the new direction the game pushes you in.
The result is Kanto, but wrong. Familiar enough to feel strange, different enough to keep you on your toes.
Story Overview
Key Features
Reverse Gym Order: Progress through Kanto starting from Cinnabar and ending at Viridian, completely flipping the intended route.
Reworked Map Flow: Routes and progression paths are altered to support backwards traversal.
Expanded Pokémon Roster: Nearly all Pokémon from Generations I–III are available (excluding most legendaries).
Buffed Pokémon: Many weaker Pokémon—especially Bug-types—are improved to be more viable.
Trainer Overhaul: All trainers have updated teams to match the new progression.
Environmental Redesigns:
- Rainforest routes
- Swamp areas
- Mountain regions
- Urban-style zones
Move Changes:
- Surf: Lower base power
- Cut: Higher power + Steel-type
- Teleport: Reworked into a Psychic-type explosion move
Wild Encounter Changes: Pokémon appear in puddles (Gen V-style mechanic) in certain areas.
Postgame Content: Additional gameplay available after completing the main story.
Balance Adjustments: Gym TMs and progression pacing adjusted to avoid early overpowering.
Known Bugs & Issues
- Strength move is broken: 100 PP, no typing, uses Special Attack.
- Teleport move: Now functions as a Psychic-type explosion.
- Rock Tomb crash: One trainer can use it via Metronome; otherwise unlearnable.
- Rival issues: Rival sometimes grabs Pokémon from the wrong location.
- Map inconsistencies: Some route layouts do not match Kanto aesthetics.
- Postgame exploration: Three Island areas may behave unexpectedly; PCs may stop working (fix: fly to Vermillion and use port).
- Tiles glitches: Certain tiles in Saffron, the swamp, and Diglett's Cave appear transparent or wrong.
- Moltres behavior: Does not disappear if caught; disappears if defeated.
Screenshots
Download Links
Developer Information
Developer / Team: Slike
Credits:
- Slike (main hack creator)
- Liggy (early scripting assistance)
- Community testers providing gameplay feedback
Source & References
Official Thread / Website: Pokecommunity
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who is this hack for?
A: Players who want a fresh, unconventional way to experience Kanto, especially those bored of standard FireRed playthroughs.
Q: Is the entire game reversed?
A: Yes, the gym order and progression path are flipped, changing how you explore the region.
Q: Are there new Pokémon?
A: No Fakemon, but it includes almost all Gen 1–3 Pokémon.
Q: Is the game harder than FireRed?
A: Yes, due to team changes, progression differences, and balance tweaks.
Q: Are there new areas?
A: Yes, many routes are visually and thematically redesigned (e.g., swamp, rainforest).
Q: Is there postgame content?
A: Yes, though some areas may be unfinished or unstable.
Q: Do I need specific items to finish the game?
A: Yes—Fly, and the Bike are required for progression.
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