Pokémon Maize Version – Feature-Rich Pokémon Red Overhaul with Nuzlocke Mode, New Region, and Massive Mechanical Expansion
Game Information
Table Of Contents
About This ROM Hack
Pokémon Maize is an ambitious long-term ROM hack that transforms Pokémon Red into a heavily expanded and modernized experience. Developed over multiple years, the project focuses on pushing the original Game Boy engine far beyond its intended limits by introducing newer-generation mechanics, systems, and Pokémon.
Unlike traditional Red hacks, Maize does not simply remix the original game—it rebuilds much of its structure using a disassembly-based approach, allowing for deeper mechanical changes. The result is a hybrid experience that blends classic Gen I gameplay with features from later Pokémon generations.
The hack includes a full custom region, major system overhauls, and a wide variety of new gameplay mechanics. It is structured as a long beta experience, with progression currently extending up to six badges in Entropia City.
Despite its complexity, the hack still retains some experimental rough edges typical of long-term development projects.
Story Overview
Pokémon Maize follows a mostly traditional Pokémon journey structure with a fresh narrative twist.
You begin your adventure in the newly created Boldor Region, setting out to become a Pokémon Master while confronting Team Quarry, an organization obsessed with excavating the land to construct a massive empire centered around their ideal city.
As you travel across Boldor, you will challenge gyms, explore towns shaped by industrial ambition, and deal with your ever-present childhood acquaintance—all while unraveling the consequences of Team Quarry’s relentless exploitation of the region.
Key Features
- New Region (Boldor): A fully original region built specifically for this hack, featuring redesigned towns, routes, and progression flow across multiple badge challenges.
- Expanded Pokédex (181 Pokémon): A significantly expanded roster that includes Pokémon from multiple generations, enhancing team variety and strategy.
- Battle Factory: A competitive-style battle system allowing players to test skills in structured challenge environments.
- Modern Battle Mechanics: Includes Physical/Special split, Fairy type, updated crit mechanics, and future-generation move integration.
- Optional Nuzlocke Mode: Built-in system that enforces Nuzlocke rules automatically for players seeking increased challenge.
- Day & Night System: Time-based changes affecting encounters and gameplay variety.
- New Items System: Extensive item additions including rings that modify stats, encounter rates, evolution methods, and battle effects.
- Event Pokémon System: Special Pokémon distribution events integrated into gameplay progression.
- Roaming Pokémon: Certain Pokémon actively move across the world map, adding unpredictability to encounters.
- Shiny Enhancements: Includes multiple shiny-related systems such as improved encounter rates and special items.
- Quality-of-Life Improvements: Running Shoes, reusable mechanics improvements, and expanded HM functionality (including Dive).
Known Bugs & Issues
- Certain scripts may fail (e.g., post-battle lab interactions causing freezes)
- Type effectiveness inconsistencies (e.g., Dark vs Ghost interactions)
- Some new moves can break under specific conditions (e.g., Mirror Move interacting with Dive)
- Incorrect map data for Town Map and indoor locations
- Minor event and progression bugs in Gym-related scripting
- General beta instability depending on emulator and version
Screenshots
Download Links
Beta v3.2: MediafireDeveloper Information
Developer / Team: ShantyTown
Credits:
- Danny-E 33, padz, IIMarkus, Sanky, and several others over at Skeetendo for lots of support and ideas
- pokered disassembly project
- Sawakita for lots of help regarding gen 1 hacking
- Blue Emerald and Chamber_ for the party mini sprites
- Analgesic Productions for the protagonist, Young, from their indie game called Anodyne
- Someday, dhogan, and Tynanan for beta testing
Source & References
Official Thread / Website: https://www.pokecommunity.com/showthread.php?t=309293
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Pokémon Maize a complete ROM hack?
A: No, it is still in beta and currently playable up to 6 badges.
Q: What makes Pokémon Maize different from other Gen I hacks?
A: It introduces modern mechanics like Fairy type, Physical/Special split, and Nuzlocke Mode into Pokémon Red.
Q: How many Pokémon are in the game?
A: The hack includes 181 Pokémon, spanning multiple generations.
Q: Does the game have a new region?
A: Yes, the game takes place in the custom region of Boldor.
Q: Is the game difficult?
A: It varies depending on mode, but optional Nuzlocke Mode significantly increases difficulty.
Q: Are there any special systems in the game?
A: Yes, including Battle Factory, roaming Pokémon, and event-based distribution systems.
Q: Are there known bugs?
A: Yes, including occasional freezes, mapping errors, and move-related glitches typical of beta development.
Q: Who is this hack/game for?
A: It is best suited for players who enjoy deep Gen I overhauls, challenge modes like Nuzlocke, and mechanically complex ROM hacks.
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