Pokémon Metallic (GBC) - A Rebalanced Pokémon Gold Experience with New Evolutions and Stat Changes
Game Information
Original Game (ROM Base): Pokémon Gold
Hack Status: In Development (Second Release / partially unfinished)
Language: English
Content Type: Difficulty rebalance, stat overhaul, evolution changes, and map improvements
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 adventure's pacing and difficulty 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 to save frequently.
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.
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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
- Goldenrod Tunnel Entrance Issue: Entering the basement before clearing the 7th badge and the Goldenrod Radio Tower event leads to extremely high-level trainers.
- Swimming Trainer Visual Bug: Swimmers may appear swimming even when encountered on land.
- NPC Pathing Issues: Some characters may walk through objects.
- Falkner Area Soft Lock: Talking to a specific NPC near Falkner can trap the player in a wall.
- Ruins of Alph Access Bug: Certain caves can be entered earlier than intended.
- Fuchsia City Warden House Trap: Entering the house may prevent exiting.
- Unfinished Second Region: Parts of the later region are incomplete and may contain bugs or unpolished areas.
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
Q: Who is this hack/game for?
A: Pokémon Metallic is ideal for players who want a more balanced and slightly harder version of Pokémon Gold while still keeping the original story and structure.
Q: Does the game change the Pokémon Gold story?
A: No. The main story remains the same, but gameplay systems like evolutions, stats, and encounters have been heavily adjusted.
Q: Is Pokémon Metallic harder than the original Pokémon Gold?
A: Yes. The hack increases difficulty through stronger trainers, improved Pokémon stats, and rebalanced movesets.
Q: Is the entire game finished?
A: Not completely. The main story is playable, but parts of the second region are still unfinished or unpolished.
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