Pokemon School (GBA)

Pokemon School GBA ROM – Detailed Hack Overview

Pokemon School GBA Boxart Cover

Game Information

Hack Name: Pokemon School
Original Game (ROM Base): Pokémon Ruby
Hack Status: Alpha 1.0
Language: English
Release Type: Fan-made ROM Hack

Table Of Contents



About This ROM Hack

Pokémon School is a concept-driven ROM hack that breaks away from traditional Pokémon storytelling. Instead of saving the world at age ten, you take on the much more relatable challenge of going to school. Designed primarily as a scripting-focused project, this hack emphasizes events, dialogue, and side activities over large-scale exploration.

The developer intentionally keeps the scope grounded and experimental, making Pokémon School feel fresh, humorous, and unconventional within the GBA hacking scene.

 


Story Overview

You are a student enrolled in a Primary Poké-School. Your goal is simple but demanding: attend classes, explore the school, challenge fellow students, teachers, and even janitors, and earn good marks.

Grades matter—your performance throughout the school directly affects your ability to pass the final exam. Along the way, you uncover secrets hidden throughout the school building, participate in scripted events, and experience a Pokémon journey that feels more like daily life than an epic adventure.



Key Features

  • School-Based Setting: The entire game is centered around a Pokémon school environment rather than towns, routes, or caves.
  • Limited Pokémon Capture: Wild Pokémon can only be caught at the beginning, shifting focus toward strategy and progression rather than collection.
  • Modified Pokémon Mechanics: Certain Pokémon have altered evolution methods and behaviors, encouraging players to forget established expectations.
  • Script-Focused Gameplay: Heavy emphasis on dialogue, events, and story-driven moments rather than map expansion.
  • Side Quests & Events: Optional activities and secrets hidden throughout classrooms, the library, infirmary, and other school areas.
  • Unique Atmosphere: Intentionally rough visuals and Ruby-only tiles create a humorous, self-aware tone that fits the school theme.



Known Bugs & Issues

  • A tile error briefly appears at the very beginning of the game
  • The first Pokémon Center initially had a pink background (fixed)
  • Alpha version may contain unfinished maps and scripts


Screenshots

Pokemon School Screenshot 00Pokemon School Screenshot 01Pokemon School Screenshot 02Pokemon School Screenshot 03Pokemon School Screenshot 04Pokemon School Screenshot 05Pokemon School Screenshot 06Pokemon School Screenshot 08Pokemon School Screenshot 09


Download Links

Download: Mediafire

Developer Information

Developer / Team: g0ast


Source & References

Official Thread / Website: https://www.pokecommunity.com/showthread.php?t=257711


Frequently Asked Questions

Is Pokémon School a complete game?
No. It is an Alpha 1.0 release and represents an early development stage.

Is this a serious or comedic hack?
It leans heavily toward humor and parody, intentionally subverting common Pokémon tropes.

Can I catch Pokémon throughout the game?
No. Pokémon can only be caught at the beginning, by design.

Does the game include gyms or an Elite Four?
No. Progression is based on school performance and scripted events.

Why do the graphics look rough?
The developer chose to focus on scripting rather than visuals and intentionally used Ruby tiles only.

Are evolutions the same as in official games?
No. Some Pokémon have modified evolutions.

Is the developer looking for help?
Yes. Spriters, intro creators, and testers are explicitly requested.


How to Play

Requirements

  • A Game Boy Advance emulator
  • A compatible ROM base
  • Patch file (IPS / UPS / BPS)



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