Pokemal (GBA) – Pokémon FireRed Animal-Themed ROM Hack with New Creatures, Custom Story, and High Difficulty Gameplay
Game Information
Table Of Contents
About This ROM Hack
Pokemal is a fan-made ROM hack of Pokémon FireRed that completely replaces traditional Pokémon with a new system of animal and monster-based creatures, referred to as “Pokemal.” Instead of focusing on the classic Pokémon formula, the game introduces a more grounded yet experimental approach by blending real animals, mythological creatures, and original designs into a new roster.
This version is described as complete but still evolving, meaning players can finish the game, but additional features, species, and polish updates are planned for future releases. The hack significantly changes multiple aspects of the base game, including maps, story progression, visuals, and difficulty balance.
Unlike simple sprite swaps, Pokemal builds a new identity with custom regions, mechanics like IV/EV checking, and a heavier emphasis on challenge early in the game. It also introduces unique design choices such as weaker starters and limited resources, encouraging more strategic gameplay.
Overall, it stands out as a full conversion-style FireRed hack with an animal-focused concept and ongoing development direction.
Story Overview
The story of Pokemal introduces a new conflict centered around Team Scale, led by a figure named Valdo.
Valdo’s goal is to capture a powerful legendary dragon, and to achieve this, he establishes operations in Jade Town, launching a large-scale search across the region. As the player, you progress through a familiar structure of Gym battles and League challenges, but the overarching narrative revolves around stopping Team Scale’s ambitions.
As your journey unfolds, you travel through newly designed locations, uncovering more about the organization’s plans and eventually being drawn into a mission involving the Sevii Islands, where the legendary dragon becomes a central objective.
The story blends traditional Pokémon progression with a more focused antagonist-driven plot, maintaining structure while introducing its own identity.
Key Features
- 80 Species: The game features 80 animal-based species, including legendary creatures and various evolutions.
- New Intro Animation and Title Screen: The game features custom animations and a title screen, setting it apart from the original Pokémon FireRed.
- New Maps: The world of Pokemal has new locations and cities to explore, offering a fresh take on the traditional Pokémon experience.
- New Battle Backgrounds: Custom battle backgrounds create a unique visual experience for every battle.
- New Story: A completely new storyline, focusing on mutated animals and Team Scale’s plans.
- IV/EV Rater: Players can check the IVs and EVs of their animals (Pokemal) to track their growth and potential.
- Increased Difficulty: The game is designed to be more challenging, particularly at the beginning where the starter Pokemal are weaker than usual.
Known Bugs & Issues
- Some areas are unused due to missing content (e.g., certain locations lacking legendary encounters)
- No roaming creatures implemented yet (planned for future updates)
- Some moves and features (e.g., ultimate move tutor) are incomplete
- Missing or placeholder sound effects for certain creatures
- Inconsistent sprite quality and scaling issues across different creatures
- Some Gym Leaders and trainer sprites are unchanged or incomplete
- Type balance is limited (e.g., lack of certain types like Psychic)
- Some items do not function correctly (various fruits and consumables)
- Minor graphical bugs (world map glitches, color issues, tile animation problems)
- Occasional event bugs (NPC appearance issues, map inconsistencies)
Screenshots
Download Links
Download: MediafireDocumentation
- Monkey -> chimpanzee (lvl.16)
- Chimpanzee -> gorilla (lvl.36)
- Gorilla
- Cat -> lynx (lvl.16)
- Lynx -> tiger (lvl.36)
- Tiger
- Goldfish -> barracuda (lvl.16)
- Barracuda -> shark (lvl.36)
- Shark
- Ant
- Butterfly
- Wasp
- Bird -> eagle (lvl.23)
- Eagle -> phoenix (fire stone)
- Phoenix
- Rat
- Rabbit
- Bat
- Crow
- Owl
- Boar
- Spider
- Scorpion
- Beaver
- Puppy -> dog (lvl.18)
- Dog
- Fox -> coyote (lvl.22)
- Coyote
- Wolf -> werewolf (moon stone)
- Werewolf
- Deer
- Horse
- Camel
- Hen
- Rooster
- Pig
- Ibex
- Bull
- Bear cub -> bear (lvl.30)
- Bear
- Polar bear cub -> polar bear (lvl.30)
- Polar bear
- Panther
- Cheetah
- Lion
- Hippopotamus
- Rhinoceros
- Elephant
- Giraffe
- Zebra
- Kangaroo
- Crab
- Jellyfish
- Octopus
- Dolphin
- Orca
- Whale
- Piranha
- Frog
- Turtle
- Lizard
- Crocodile
- Snake -> anaconda (lvl.16)
- Anaconda -> titanoboa (lvl.50)
- Titanoboa
- Penguin
- Walrus
- Yeti
- Mammoth
- Blob -> water/spark/lava blob (water/thunder/fire stone)
- Water blob
- Spark blob
- Lava blob
- Stegosaurs
- Diplodocus
- Pterosaur
- Triceratops
- Raptor
- T-rex
- Dragon
Developer Information
Developer / Team: Z-Max
Credits: The credits go to Emad'art (Valdo sprites), Innermobius (bear and rooster backsprite), Pixelmind (dragon front and back sprite), Manveru89 (yeti), SovanJedi (stegosaurus front sprite), Alundra (phoenix sprite), Heroes of Might and Magic (boar, lizard and some others), Ragnarok Online (crab backsprite), Vixendra (backsprite of turtle), Trickster Online (backsprite of fish and scorpion), Rhapsody (backsprite of eagle), Whimsicality and Hobo Joe (gym leader sprites), Amanda A. (titanoboa) and Animal Crossing Wild World (item sprites, fish, bugs[.]).
Source & References
Official Thread / Website: Pokecommunity
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Pokemal?
A: Pokemal is a ROM hack of Pokémon FireRed, where all Pokémon are replaced by mutated animals and creatures. The game introduces new species, a unique storyline, and enhanced features for a more immersive experience.
Q: Who is this hack for?
A: Pokemal is for players who enjoy ROM hacks with a twist on the classic Pokémon formula. It’s perfect for those who like the idea of battling with animals and exploring a darker, more mutated world.
Q: Does the game feature the traditional Pokémon story?
A: No, the story is entirely new and centers around preventing Team Scale from capturing the legendary dragon. You’ll still face Gym Leaders and Elite Four, but the plot and setting have been completely revamped.
Q: Are there new species in the game?
A: Yes, Pokemal introduces 80 new species of mutated animals. These creatures replace the original Pokémon and include new evolutions and legendary creatures.
Q: What are some of the gameplay changes?
A: Key changes include new maps, battle backgrounds, a higher difficulty, and an IV/EV rater. The difficulty is ramped up early on, with weaker starters and challenging gym leaders.
Q: Are there any known bugs or issues?
A: While no major bugs have been found, there are some graphical and functional issues, such as broken item functions and missing animal cries. These will be addressed in future updates.
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