Pokémon Heart Red – Pokémon Red Remake in HeartGold with Nintendo DS Graphics and Modern Features
Game Information
Original Game (ROM Base): Pokémon HeartGold (USA)
Hack Status: Beta v0.4.7.6 (Last updated April 15, 2019)
Language: English
Content Type: Remake Hack, Story Recreation, Gameplay Enhancement, Demo/Beta
Table Of Contents
About This ROM Hack
Pokémon Heart Red is an ambitious ROM hack of Pokémon HeartGold that recreates the original Pokémon Red adventure using the Nintendo DS engine. Rather than remaking FireRed, the project aims to faithfully reproduce the classic Game Boy experience while taking advantage of the visual, audio, and gameplay improvements available in HeartGold and SoulSilver.
Dialogue is largely adapted from Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen, while the world is rebuilt in DS style with touchscreen support, following Pokémon, updated battle mechanics, and modern features such as the Fairy type. The long-term goal is to create a complete Nintendo DS remake of Pokémon Red that can also serve as a base for future ROM hacking projects.
At the time of this release, development remains ongoing. The current version covers roughly the first half of the Kanto adventure, with four Gym Badges obtainable and numerous major story events already implemented. The developer has also expressed plans for companion projects including Soul Blue, a remake of Pokémon Blue, and eventually a Pokémon Yellow remake.
Story Overview
Pokémon Heart Red follows the storyline of the original Pokémon Red. You begin your journey in Pallet Town, receive your first Pokémon from Professor Oak, battle your rival throughout Kanto, challenge the region's Gym Leaders, confront Team Rocket, and work toward becoming the Pokémon League Champion.
The game's dialogue is primarily based on Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen, while recreating the original Kanto adventure within the Nintendo DS version of HeartGold. The Sevii Islands are not planned for inclusion, keeping the focus on the classic Game Boy storyline.
Key Features
- Complete Pokémon Red Remake: Experience the original Kanto adventure rebuilt using the Pokémon HeartGold engine.
- Nintendo DS Presentation: Classic Kanto is recreated with updated DS graphics, touchscreen support, and enhanced visuals.
- Fairy Type: Includes the updated type chart with the Fairy type.
- 493 Pokémon: Expands the available Pokédex beyond the original Generation I roster.
- Following Pokémon: Your lead Pokémon follows you throughout the overworld, just like in HeartGold and SoulSilver.
- Day & Night Cycle: Kanto features the DS generation's dynamic day and night system.
- ORAS-Style Mini Icons: Pokémon party icons are updated using Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire-inspired mini icons.
- Story Progress: Current versions include four Gym Badges, four rival battles, four in-game trades, and numerous completed story events.
- Corrected Trainer Battles: Many trainer encounters have already been recreated to match the original game.
- Day Care & Breeding: The Day Care system is fully functional, including breeding mechanics.
- Running Shoes & Bicycle: Both movement upgrades are obtainable during the adventure.
- Foundation for Future Projects: The developer intends for Heart Red to become a base for future DS Pokémon remakes and modifications.
Known Bugs & Issues
The developer lists several known issues still present in the current beta:
- Some trainers still use incorrect dialogue and ask for phone numbers.
- Parts of the pre-menu cinematic still display Johto.
- Professor Oak's intro sprite should have a white lab coat.
- Red's bedroom PC still contains Lyra's mail instead of a Potion.
- After blacking out, the player's mother still references Professor Elm.
- The catching tutorial still needs to be replaced with the original Old Man event.
- The Pokédex cannot currently search by Fairy type.
- Mt. Moon and the Fossil event still require further reworking.
- Cancelling Mega Kick incorrectly references Mega Punch.
Because the project is still in development, additional content and polish are planned for future releases.
Screenshots
Download Links
Developer Information
Developer / Team: TriggerHappy187
Credits:
- Starter Selection & First Rival Battle: Chaos Rush
- Protagonist Sprites: brtatu
- Leaf Overworld Sprite: Tebited15
- Leaf Backsprite: INNERMOBIUS
- ROM Icon: Romruto
- Logo: BT
- Intro Graphics: Hiro_TDK
- Tools: PPRE Development Team, SDSME Development Team
Source & References
Official Thread / Website: Pokecommunity
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Pokémon Heart Red?
A: Pokémon Heart Red is a ROM hack of Pokémon HeartGold that recreates the original Pokémon Red adventure using Nintendo DS graphics, mechanics, and features.
Q: Does the game follow the original Pokémon Red story?
A: Yes. The hack recreates the classic Kanto storyline, with dialogue largely adapted from Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen.
Q: Is this a finished ROM hack?
A: No. The current public release is Beta v0.4.7.6, covering approximately the first half of the Kanto adventure.
Q: Are additional regions planned?
A: The developer has mentioned the possibility of future versions featuring Johto after completion, and has also expressed interest in adding Sinnoh as a third region, though these are future goals rather than completed features.
Q: Who is this hack for?
A: Pokémon Heart Red is ideal for players who want to replay the original Pokémon Red adventure with Nintendo DS graphics, modern Pokémon mechanics, following Pokémon, and the enhanced presentation of the HeartGold engine while understanding that the project is still in active beta development.
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