Pokemon Water Blue Version GBA ROM – Detailed Hack Overview
Game Information
Table Of Contents
About This ROM Hack
Pokémon Water Blue Version by ybwott is a quality-of-life and enhancement hack built on FireRed, created to feel like the “missing third version” alongside FireRed and LeafGreen. Rather than changing the region or story, this project refines the classic Kanto experience with mechanical upgrades, accessibility improvements, and cosmetic adjustments.
It keeps the original structure intact while modernizing gameplay systems and removing older generation limitations.
Story Overview
The story follows the same events as Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen.
You begin as a young trainer starting your journey in Kanto with the goal of becoming the Indigo League Champion. Along the way, you battle Gym Leaders, face off against your rival, and defeat Team Rocket’s criminal operations. After earning all 8 badges, you challenge the Elite Four and the Champion to claim the title yourself.
No major narrative changes are introduced.
Key Features
- Blue Protagonist Sprites: Version-Themed Player Identity: The player character uses blue-themed sprites to match the “Water Blue” concept.
- All Kanto Pokémon Obtainable: Complete Pokédex Access: Every Kanto Pokémon can be caught, including those that normally require trading to evolve.
- Impossible Evolutions Fixed: No Trade Requirements: Pokémon that evolved via trade in the original games now evolve through alternative in-game methods.
- Physical/Special Split: Modern Battle Mechanics: Moves are categorized by individual move properties rather than type, updating combat to a later-generation system.
- Indoor Running: Faster Exploration: Players can run inside buildings, improving overall pacing.
- B2W2 Repel System: Smarter Item Use: Repels can be reused immediately when they expire, similar to Pokémon Black 2 & White 2.
- Lowercase Pokémon Names: Modern Naming Style: Pokémon names appear in standard capitalization instead of all caps.
- Fastest Text Option: Speed-Focused Dialogue: A very high text speed option is included (recommended to use “MID” setting to avoid glitches).
- Changed Title Screen: Custom Presentation: The intro screen has been redesigned for the Water Blue version identity.
- Miscellaneous Tweaks: General Polish Changes: Various small adjustments improve flow and player comfort throughout the game.
Known Bugs & Issues
- Using the FAST text speed setting may cause glitches; MID is recommended.
- As a first project from the developer, minor bugs may still exist.
- No extensive public bug list is documented.
Screenshots
Download Links
Download: MediafireDeveloper Information
Developer / Team: Yungbossawott
Credits: Community resources, tutorials, and assets were used for evolution fixes, UI tweaks, mechanics updates, and title screen elements.
Source & References
Official Thread / Website: https://www.pokecommunity.com/showthread.php?t=424354
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does Pokémon Water Blue have a new story?
A: No, the story is the same as FireRed and LeafGreen, set in the Kanto region.
Q: What makes this different from regular FireRed?
A: It focuses on gameplay improvements like the Physical/Special split, all Pokémon being obtainable, indoor running, and modernized mechanics.
Q: Can I complete the Pokédex without trading?
A: Yes, trade evolutions have been replaced with in-game evolution methods.
Q: What is the Physical/Special split?
A: Moves deal damage based on the move itself rather than its type, making battles more strategic and modern.
Q: Are there new regions or Fakemon?
A: No, the region and Pokémon roster are based on Kanto Pokémon, but with accessibility changes.
Q: Is this hack beginner-friendly?
A: Yes, since it follows the original FireRed structure while adding quality-of-life improvements.
Q: Who is this hack for?
A: It’s ideal for players who want a classic Kanto adventure with modern mechanics, full Pokédex access, and smoother gameplay without drastic story or region changes.
How to Play
Patch the hack onto a clean Pokémon FireRed 1.0 (U) ROM using an IPS/UPS patcher. Play on a GBA emulator or compatible hardware. Starting a new save file is recommended for proper feature functionality.Legal Disclaimer
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