Pokemon Zaru GBA ROM Hack – Detailed Game Overview
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: Can I catch all the Fakemon in a single playthrough?A: Yes, the game is balanced so all 151 Fakemon are obtainable without trading.
Q: Are there post-game areas?
A: No, Sevii Islands and other post-Hall of Fame content are unfinished.
Q: Do Fakemon follow the original Kanto types?
A: Many do, but some are redesigned for novelty or balance.
Q: Are the moves fully functional?
A: Most are, but a few late-game signature moves may have bugs.
Q: Can this hack be played on any FireRed ROM?
A: Only on Pokémon FireRed 1.0 (U), preferably the “1636 Squirrels” version.
How to Play
Requirements
- A Game Boy Advance emulator
- A compatible ROM base
- Patch file (IPS / UPS / BPS)
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