Pokémon Weird (NDS) – Pokémon Diamond ROM Hack with Custom Sprites, New Evolutions, and Playable Pokémon
Game Information
Original Game (ROM Base): Pokémon Diamond (Nintendo DS)
Hack Status: Incomplete (Version 0.2 released, Version 0.3 was announced but development later moved to Pokémon Mystical Diamond)
Language: English
Content Type: Gameplay Enhancement / Sprite Overhaul / Fakemon-Style ROM Hack
Table Of Contents
About This ROM Hack
Pokémon Weird is an early Nintendo DS ROM hack created by TheDarkFighter92. Originally started during the summer of 2008, the project was developed before many modern DS ROM hacking tools were available, making it an ambitious undertaking for its time.
Rather than simply increasing difficulty or adding quality-of-life features, Pokémon Weird focuses on creating a humorous and unusual Pokémon experience. The hack introduces custom Pokémon sprites, altered evolutions, stat rebalances, new starter Pokémon, and numerous visual changes. Players even control Pokémon instead of a human trainer, creating a unique adventure unlike the original Pokémon Diamond.
Although development continued briefly toward Version 0.3, the project was eventually succeeded by Pokémon Mystical Diamond, leaving Pokémon Weird unfinished.
Key Features
- Play as Pokémon: Instead of controlling a human trainer, players begin the adventure as Pikachu or Pachirisu while exploring a world populated by talking Pokémon.
- Custom Starter Pokémon: The original Sinnoh starters have been replaced with:
- Mew (replacing Turtwig)
- Phione (replacing Chimchar)
- Special Castform (replacing Piplup)
- Custom Pokémon Sprites: Hundreds of modified and original sprites are included, with plans for thousands more during development.
- Over 493 Obtainable Pokémon: Every Generation I–IV Pokémon can be obtained without requiring Game Boy Advance connectivity.
- Legendary Pokémon Enhancements: Several Legendary Pokémon receive significant stat improvements and gameplay changes.
- Lake Guardian Rebalancing: Each member of the Lake Trio has been redesigned with specialized battle roles:
- Uxie focuses on Defense.
- Mesprit specializes in Speed.
- Azelf emphasizes Attack.
- Super Dialga: A heavily enhanced version of Dialga features increased HP and Attack along with the ability to learn nearly every TM.
- Enhanced Giratina: Giratina has received substantial stat improvements compared to the original game.
- Mega Regigigas Encounter: After obtaining all three Regis, players can encounter an upgraded version of Regigigas with greatly improved defensive and speed capabilities.
- New Evolutions: Several Pokémon receive alternate evolution paths, including Arbok evolving into Seviper.
- Improved Starter Utility: Starter Pokémon begin with False Swipe, making it easier to capture wild Pokémon early in the adventure.
- Humorous Visual Changes: Various animations have been modified for comedic effect, including transforming into Shaymin while riding a bicycle and appearing as Magikarp during the save animation.
- Unlimited Eevee Location: Players can repeatedly catch Eevee in the Lost Tower to build their ideal team.
- Alternative Lugia Method: Castform can eventually evolve into Lugia through leveling, providing an unusual way to obtain the Legendary Pokémon.
- Numerous Easter Eggs: Hidden surprises and humorous references are scattered throughout the game.
Known Bugs & Issues
- Pokémon Weird is an unfinished project.
- Version 0.3 was announced but development later shifted toward Pokémon Mystical Diamond.
- Some planned sprite replacements and additional features were never completed.
- Because the project was created using early Nintendo DS hacking tools, players may encounter graphical inconsistencies or other undocumented issues.
Screenshots
Download Links
Download: Google Drive (Broken Link)Developer Information
Developer / Team: DDD
Credits:
- TheDarkFighter92 — ROM hack development.
- CodeBrain — Tutorials that assisted development.
- Marriland Pokédex — Reference material used during development.
Source & References
Official Thread / Website: ProjectPokemon
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Pokémon Weird a completed ROM hack?
A: No. The project remains unfinished, with Version 0.2 being the primary public release before development shifted to Pokémon Mystical Diamond.
Q: Does the story differ from Pokémon Diamond?
A: The overall progression is similar to Pokémon Diamond, but the game features a humorous setting where you play as Pokémon instead of a human trainer.
Q: Who is this ROM hack for?
A: Pokémon Weird is ideal for players looking for a lighthearted, experimental Pokémon Diamond ROM hack filled with custom sprites, unusual gameplay ideas, powerful Legendary Pokémon, and plenty of humorous surprises rather than a traditional difficulty-focused experience.
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