Pokemon Mirage of Tales GBA ROM – Detailed Hack Overview
Game Information
Table Of Contents
About This ROM Hack
Pokémon Mirage of Tales is a long-term passion project that began as an experimental ROM hack in the early 2010s and has since evolved into a fully reimagined Pokémon experience built on the Pokéemerald decompilation. Earlier versions of the game were removed by the developer due to quality concerns, allowing the project to be rebuilt from the ground up with modern hacking techniques, improved design philosophy, and a clear creative vision.
The current iteration, Mirage of Tales 2.0, represents a dramatic improvement over previous versions, focusing on choice-driven gameplay, role-playing elements, and player agency rarely seen in traditional Pokémon ROM hacks. Development transitioned from a solo effort to a collaborative project in 2020, with mgriffin joining to implement advanced systems and custom mechanics.
Story Overview
The game is set in Avlar, a peaceful and historically rich country known for its expansive forests, rolling hills, and towering mountain ranges. You play as an orphaned eighteen-year-old who has earned a scholarship to attend the Pokémon Trainer Academy located in Umber Valley, a quiet town in the Ore District.
On the day of your graduation, your life truly begins. You must complete your final exam, choose a profession, and step out into the world accompanied by your Pokémon. Unlike traditional Pokémon games, Mirage of Tales emphasizes personal choice and consequence. Every decision you make — from dialogue options to moral judgments — has the potential to influence the storyline, character relationships, and available opportunities.
Your journey is shaped not only by battles, but by who you choose to become in the world of Avlar.
Key Features
- Choice-Based Gameplay: Every major decision, including dialogue choices and actions, can alter the course of the story, opening or closing quest paths and changing outcomes.
- Career System: Players can choose a single profession, each with unique objectives, missions, and narrative branches that significantly impact gameplay.
- Trainer Career: The traditional Pokémon experience with no obligations, bosses, or headquarters, allowing full freedom and open exploration.
- Rogue Career: A criminal path unlocked through deception or petty crime, focusing on independence and morally gray decision-making.
- Ranger Career: Join the Avlar Ranger Union to protect endangered Pokémon, preserve the environment, and assist people in need through structured missions.
- Researcher Career: Work with Avlar’s Research Team by collecting Pokédex data, conducting field research, and accessing exclusive unexplored locations.
- Custom Battle AI: Advanced battle AI developed by mgriffin provides smarter and more dynamic trainer battles.
- Time and Seasons System: The world changes over time, affecting environments, encounters, and immersion.
- Alignment System: Player actions determine personality alignment, influencing how characters react and how the story unfolds.
- Overworld Wild Pokémon Encounters: Pokémon appear directly in the overworld, similar to Pokémon Let’s Go Pikachu & Eevee.
- Player-Owned Houses: Players can own and utilize houses, adding depth to progression and world interaction.
- New Moves and Abilities: Moves and abilities are updated to Generation 7 standards.
- Physical / Special / Status Split: Modern battle mechanics are fully implemented, along with the Fairy type.
- Custom Items and Berries: Over 100 custom items, including original berry designs unique to Mirage of Tales.
- Regional Pokémon Variants: Select Pokémon feature custom regional forms exclusive to Avlar.
- Regional Pokédex: A curated Pokédex featuring Pokémon from all generations, chosen to fit the setting.
- Custom Sprites: New Trainer, overworld, and Pokémon sprites provide a fresh and distinct visual style.
- Quality of Life Improvements: Features such as experience gain upon Pokémon capture reduce grinding and modernize gameplay.
- Hidden Secrets: Numerous optional systems, events, and discoveries are intentionally left unspoiled.
Known Bugs & Issues
- The project is still in development, and some features or careers are planned for future expansions.
- Minor graphical inconsistencies may occur as assets continue to be refined.
- Balance adjustments are ongoing as new systems are introduced.
Screenshots
Download Links
Download: MediafireDeveloper Information
Developer / Team: Avara
Source & References
Official Thread / Website: https://www.pokecommunity.com/showthread.php?t=308704
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mirage of Tales a traditional Pokémon game?It can be, depending on your career choice. The Trainer profession offers a classic experience, while other careers provide RPG-style branching gameplay.
Can I change careers later?
No. You may only choose one career per playthrough, and it permanently affects your story.
Does every choice really matter?
Yes. Dialogue choices, actions, and alignment decisions all influence events, missions, and outcomes.
Are Pokémon from all generations included?
Yes. The regional Pokédex includes Pokémon from multiple generations, curated for balance and lore consistency.
Is this game finished?
No. Mirage of Tales 2.0 is actively in development, with planned expansions and additional careers.
How to Play
Requirements
- A Game Boy Advance emulator
- A compatible ROM base
- Patch file (IPS / UPS / BPS)
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