Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Fire (NDS) – Play as New Starter Pokémon Inspired by the Adventure Squad Games
Game Information
Original Game (ROM Base): Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Sky (Nintendo DS)
Hack Status: Completed
Language: English
Content Type: Starter Pokémon Expansion, Gameplay Variant
Related: Pokémon Mystery Dungeon Explorers of Sea, Pokémon Mystery Dungeon Explorers of Light
Table Of Contents
About This ROM Hack
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Fire is a starter-focused ROM hack of Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Sky inspired by the Japan-exclusive WiiWare title Keep Going! Blazing Adventure Squad. Rather than changing the story, dungeons, or gameplay systems, this hack replaces the available playable starters with Pokémon based on the Adventure Squad games while adding a few extra choices inspired by their wild Pokémon roster.
The goal is to give returning players a fresh Mystery Dungeon experience by allowing them to begin the adventure as Pokémon that were never selectable in the original Explorers of Sky. The creator also removed the original gender restrictions for the Adventure Squad starters, making them available regardless of the player's chosen gender. The original gender-exclusive starters and partner Pokémon from Explorers of Sky remain unchanged.
This project is intended as a lightweight gameplay variation for players who simply want different starter options without altering the core Explorers of Sky adventure.
Key Features
- Adventure Squad-Inspired Starter Roster: The available playable Pokémon are based on the starter lineup from the Japan-exclusive Keep Going! Blazing Adventure Squad.
- New Playable Starter Pokémon: Players can begin the game as Pokémon that were not selectable in the original Explorers of Sky, offering a fresh way to experience the adventure.
- Expanded Starter Selection: Additional Pokémon have been included based on the Adventure Squad games' wild Pokémon exclusives to provide more variety.
- Adventure Squad Starters Available for Both Genders: Starter Pokémon originating from the WiiWare games are no longer restricted by gender, allowing both male and female player characters to choose them.
- Original Gender-Exclusive Starters Preserved: The existing gender-exclusive starter Pokémon from Explorers of Sky remain intact alongside the newly added options.
- Partner Pokémon Unchanged: The available partner Pokémon remain identical to the original Explorers of Sky, preserving the game's intended partner selection.
- Faithful Explorers of Sky Gameplay: Aside from starter changes, the hack retains the original gameplay mechanics, dungeon layouts, story events, and progression.
- Compatible with Mystery Dungeon Rescue Features: According to the creator, rescue compatibility with Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Time, Explorers of Darkness, and Explorers of Sky should remain functional because only the starter data has been modified.
- Improved Quiz Odds for New Starters: Choosing "No" when asked whether you've played Explorers of Time or Darkness during the personality quiz increases the chances of receiving one of the newly added starter Pokémon.
Known Bugs & Issues
The creator documents several limitations and known issues:
- Pokémon that were not originally playable starters may reuse standard walking animations for actions such as eating, sleeping, and other animations that lack dedicated frames.
- These Pokémon also use their default portrait for nearly every dialogue and emotional expression instead of unique portrait sets.
- Playing as Cubone, Machop, or Psyduck uses portraits and animations carried over from Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team, since leftover Rescue Team assets remain within Explorers of Sky.
- Cubone, Machop, and Psyduck may display unusual or humorous animations during certain Guild scenes.
- Rescue compatibility is expected to work with Explorers of Time, Darkness, and Sky, although the creator requests feedback if any issues are encountered.
Screenshots
Download Links
Completed: Mediafire
Developer Information
Developer / Team: bluhacks
Credits: The creator for editing the starter roster, and evandixon for developing SkyEditor, which was used to create the hack.
Source & References
Official Thread / Website: Gbatemp
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Fire?
A: It is a starter expansion hack for Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Sky that replaces the playable starter roster with Pokémon inspired by the Japan-exclusive Blazing Adventure Squad.
Q: Does Explorers of Fire include a new story?
A: No. The game follows the original Explorers of Sky storyline without adding or changing story events.
Q: What has been changed in this ROM hack?
A: The primary change is the available starter Pokémon. The game's mechanics, dungeons, partner Pokémon, and story remain the same.
Q: Who is Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Fire recommended for?
A: This hack is ideal for players who have already completed Explorers of Sky and want to replay the game using a completely different starter roster without changing the original story or dungeon progression.
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