Pokemon FireRed: BACKWARDS Edition(Der Erif) GBA ROM Hack – Detailed Game Overview
Game Information
Table Of Contents
About This ROM Hack
FireRed: BACKWARDS Edition (also called Der Erif) is a unique ROM hack of Pokémon FireRed that challenges players to navigate Kanto in reverse, starting at Cinnabar Island and progressing through the gyms in this unusual order:
Cinnabar → Fuchsia → Saffron → Celadon → Vermillion → Cerulean → Pewter → Viridian
The hack also modifies Pokémon stats, moves, and encounters to make the reverse journey balanced and challenging. Many areas have been redesigned to feel fresh, and postgame content has been added.
Story Overview
Key Features
- Reverse Gym Progression: Cinnabar → Fuchsia → Saffron → Celadon → Vermillion → Cerulean → Pewter → Viridian.
- Buffed Pokémon: Many Pokémon, especially bugs, have higher stats for added challenge.
- Surf has lower base power.
- Cut has higher base power and is now Steel-type.
- Teleport is a Psychic-type explosion.
- Expanded Pokémon Roster: Nearly every Pokémon from Gens I–III appears, excluding most legendaries.
- Trainer & Gym Changes: Every trainer has new Pokémon; gym leader TMs are adjusted for balance.
- Route between Saffron and Lavender is now a rainforest with many bug Pokémon.
- Route east of Vermilion is now a swamp, featuring Pokémon appearing in puddles.
- Route east of Cerulean is a mountain, with ice-types available.
- Route south of Saffron has a more urban design.
- Mt. Moon redesigned into a realistic mountain.
- Postgame Content: Added after the main story; careful file saving recommended.
- Wild Pokémon Mechanics: Pokémon appear in puddles, inspired by Gen V mechanics.
- Running Shoes & Bike Required: Traversal items are needed to complete the game fully.
- Tools Used: XSE, A-Map, A-Trainer, YAPE, A-Text, A-Tack, A-Mart, TM Editor Pro, Advance Pokémon Sprite Editor.
- Community Help: Early scripting assistance provided by forum user Liggy.
Modified Moves:
Area Redesigns:
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: Why is the game called BACKWARDS Edition?
A: The game flips Kanto upside down, starting with Cinnabar and progressing through gyms in reverse order.
Q: Do all gyms and trainers work properly?
A: Yes, though TMs, wild Pokémon, and gym leader rosters have been modified for balance.
Q: Are all Pokémon included?
A: Almost every Pokémon from Gens I–III is available, excluding some legendaries.
Q: Can I use Strength or Rock Tomb?
A: Strength is broken; Rock Tomb may crash in rare situations. Avoid using these moves.
Q: What are the main map changes?
A: Certain routes have been redesigned as rainforest, swamp, mountain, or urban zones to make exploration more engaging.
Q: Are there postgame areas?
A: Yes — some areas may behave unexpectedly, so save your game carefully.
Q: What items do I need to finish the game?
A: The Bike and Running Shoes are required for full completion and postgame access.
Q: Are there any fun mechanics added?
A: Pokémon appear in puddles (Gen V-style), Teleport is a Psychic explosion, and wild Pokémon placements are adjusted for challenge.
How to Play
Requirements
- A GBA emulator (e.g., mGBA, VisualBoyAdvance)
- Pokémon FireRed ROM base
- Patch file (IPS / UPS / BPS)
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