Pokemon Metallic GBC ROM – Detailed Hack Overview
Game Information
Table Of Contents
About This ROM Hack
Pokémon Metallic is a Pokémon Gold ROM hack designed to recreate the original Gold experience while refining and correcting its weakest aspects. Rather than radically changing the core identity of Generation II, the hack focuses on balance, usability, and strategic depth, making the Johto journey more engaging without losing its classic feel.
The project heavily emphasizes Pokémon rebalancing, including revised stats, new evolutions, move changes, and meaningful type adjustments. Large portions of the map have been revamped for smoother navigation, and trainer and wild Pokémon encounters have been redesigned to provide a consistently challenging experience.
This hack is best enjoyed alongside its provided documentation, which details evolution methods, stat changes, and move updates essential to understanding the redesigned mechanics.
Story Overview
Pokémon Metallic follows the original Pokémon Gold storyline, taking place in the Johto region with a post-game journey into Kanto. While the main narrative remains intact, the pacing and difficulty of the adventure have been adjusted through redesigned trainers, rebalanced Pokémon, and edited wild encounters.
The second region (Kanto) is accessible and partially playable, though it is still in a polishing phase. Players are encouraged to proceed cautiously in unfinished areas and maintain frequent save backups.
Key Features
- Revamped Maps: Routes, towns, and caves have been simplified and polished, with most caves redesigned to use direct paths instead of excessive grass navigation.
- New Evolution System: Many Pokémon now evolve using evolution stones rather than trades or levels, including unique branching evolutions such as Remoraid evolving into Lapras, Mantine, or Octillery.
New Starter Pokémon: Players begin the game with one of three redesigned starters:
- Goldeen (Water/Psychic)
- Voltorb (Electric/Steel)
- Sandshrew (Ground/Poison)
- Expanded Pokédex Visibility: All Pokémon can be seen through battles, and many are available in the wild, making Pokédex completion more accessible.
- Reduced HM Dependency: HMs are largely optional. Cut is required only once, while Flash and Whirlpool are completely unnecessary.
- 100% Accurate Edited Moves: All modified moves have perfect accuracy to reduce frustration and emphasize strategy.
- Stone-Based Trade Evolutions: Pokémon that originally evolved through trading now evolve using stones.
- Trainer and Wild Pokémon Overhaul: Enemy trainers and wild encounters have been fully redesigned for better balance and difficulty progression.
- Item Accessibility Improvements: Evolution stones, Lucky Eggs, power-boosting items, and other useful resources are available in Goldenrod City and Ecruteak City shops.
- Expanded Dragon-Type Presence: Several Pokémon have been retyped or adjusted to increase Dragon-type representation, including Yanma, Onix, Steelix, Aerodactyl, Victreebell, and Gyarados.
- High-Power Move Rebalancing: Every Pokémon type has at least one move with 120 base power and 12 PP, and Grass-type Pokémon have been significantly improved.
- Stat Redistribution: Many Pokémon have balanced defenses or evenly split offensive stats to improve viability.
- Role-Based Movesets: Pokémon now learn moves that align with their intended offensive role, such as special attackers focusing on special moves.
- Mass Pokémon Reworks: Over 100 Pokémon have received changes to stats, types, movesets, or evolutions, making traditionally weak Pokémon far more usable.
- “Twin” Pokémon System: Certain Pokémon share identical base stats, growth rates, and experience values, creating balanced alternatives with different typings.
- Alternative Evolution Philosophy: Some Pokémon share stats with their evolved forms rather than evolving traditionally, such as Scyther and Scizor.
- Increased Difficulty: The game is harder than Pokémon Gold, requiring thoughtful training and planning, especially regarding stone evolutions.
- Generation II Mechanics Respect: Since this hack predates the physical/special split, Pokémon stats are carefully designed around their move types.
Known Bugs & Issues
- Entering the Goldenrod Tunnel basement before the 7th badge can result in extremely high-level trainer battles.
- Swimmer sprites may appear swimming on land.
- Certain NPCs and map tiles allow unintended walk-through behavior.
- A green NPC near Falkner can softlock the player.
- Early access to restricted areas in the Ruins of Alph.
- Some buildings in Fuchsia City and the Kanto region may trap the player.
- The Kanto region is unfinished and requires frequent saving.
Screenshots
Download Links
Download: MediafireDocumentation
Evolution ChangesPokemon Changes
Move Changes
Developer Information
Developer / Team: baylorknight
Source & References
Official Thread / Website: https://www.pokecommunity.com/showthread.php?t=408928
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pokémon Metallic a complete game?The Johto storyline is fully playable, including post-League content. Kanto is accessible but unfinished.
Does this hack drastically change Pokémon Gold?
No, it refines and enhances the original experience rather than replacing it.
Are evolution changes documented?
Yes, evolution, stat, and move changes are explained in provided documents and should be reviewed before playing.
Is the game more difficult than Pokémon Gold?
Yes, the difficulty is noticeably higher, especially in gym battles and trainer encounters.
Is this hack beginner-friendly?
It is best suited for players familiar with Generation II mechanics due to its strategic complexity.
How to Play
Requirements
- A Game Boy Advance emulator
- A compatible ROM base
- Patch file (IPS / UPS / BPS)
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