Pokemon Zaru (GBA) – A Fakemon-Focused FireRed Hack Featuring a Parody Resistance Story
Game Information
Table Of Contents
About This ROM Hack
Pokémon Zaru is a complete reimagining of Kanto using all 151 Fakemon. Every original Kanto Pokémon has been replaced with a custom Fakemon, each with its own unique design and battle potential. The game keeps the familiar FireRed structure and story progression but adds a new narrative theme, gameplay balance changes, and expanded movesets for a fresh experience.
The tone of Pokémon Zaru is intentionally humorous and absurd. The game features a world taken over by “nazis”, which serve as antagonists with exaggerated villain traits (fashion, names, and titles). Your mission as the protagonist is to battle through eight “nazi generals” (gym leaders) to reach the HQ and stop their plans. While the theme is intentionally over-the-top, the game keeps traditional RPG mechanics intact.
Story Overview
Years after the rebels of Kanto struggled to fight the oppressive regime, hope is fading. Enter Professor Kolibri, a rebel scientist with a plan so audacious it might actually work: send two trainers (you and your rival) to take down the entire nazi empire by yourselves.
- The eight generals act as the “gym leaders” of the regime.
- Defeat them to gain access to the Nazi HQ.
- The final goal is to stop the nazi leader and restore order to the region.
Despite the serious-sounding premise, the story is largely tongue-in-cheek. Fakemon designs, character art, and dialogue often carry in-jokes or intentionally absurd styles.
Key Features
- 151 Catchable Fakemon – Each original Kanto Pokémon is replaced with a unique Fakemon.
- New Storyline – Kanto is under occupation; heroes rise to stop it.
- Modified Routes – Classic FireRed locations are slightly altered to fit the theme.
- Increased Difficulty – Balanced challenges without being overwhelming.
- New & Modified Moves – Includes moves from newer generations and buffs to underused moves.
- Custom Moves – Adds utility for underappreciated typings.
- Expanded Shop System – Buy more TMs and Ethers; healing items cost more to prevent spam.
- Wild Item Mechanics – Valuable items obtainable through battles or using Thief.
- Buffed HMs – HMs are now less cumbersome; Flash is optional.
- Lower Encounter Rates – Mt. Moon, Diglett Cave, and Rock Tunnel now have more manageable wild encounters.
- Humorous/Surreal Art – Some character and Fakemon designs intentionally differ from the main style.
- Single-Playthrough Completion – All 151 Fakemon catchable in one run.
Known Bugs & Issues
- Some text still references original FireRed characters (e.g., “Prof. Oak”) instead of Kolibri.
- Certain late-game starter signature moves may not function properly.
- Fakemon sizes in the Pokédex are inconsistent.
- Fakemon lack outlines and may camouflage with the background.
- Post Hall of Fame content (Sevii Islands, etc.) is incomplete and may not work correctly.
Screenshots
Download Links
Developer Information
Developer / Team: Manekimoney
Credits:
- Tools / Editors: Thanks to all tool creators; the hack would not exist without them
- Design Inspiration: Unknown Yu-Gi-Oh! artist (Fakemon inspiration)
- Personal Support: The creator’s dog
Source & References
Official Thread / Website: pokecommunity
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Pokémon Zaru?
A: It is a FireRed ROM hack that replaces all original Pokémon with 151 new Fakemon and introduces a humorous parody storyline.
Q: Does the game take place in the Kanto region?
A: Yes. The hack is still set in Kanto, although some routes and encounters have been slightly modified.
Q: Are all Fakemon available in one playthrough?
A: Yes. All 151 Fakemon can be caught without trading.
Q: Is the game harder than the original FireRed?
A: The difficulty is slightly increased through balancing changes, stronger encounters, and an altered item economy.
Q: Are new moves included in the game?
A: Yes. The hack adds moves from later Pokémon generations and introduces several custom moves.
Q: Does the game have post-game content?
A: No. After the Hall of Fame event, the game effectively ends because Sevii Islands content is not fully functional.
Q: Who is this ROM hack for?
A: This hack is best suited for players who enjoy Fakemon ROM hacks and want to replay the FireRed structure with an entirely new set of creatures.
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