Pokémon Colors (GBA) – A Color-Based Type System That Completely Changes Pokémon Battles
Game Information
Table Of Contents
About This ROM Hack
Pokémon Colors is a unique gameplay overhaul of Pokémon LeafGreen that asks a simple but creative question: what if Pokémon types were determined by their colors rather than their original design?
Every Pokémon in the game has had its typing changed based on the colors of its LeafGreen sprite. Because of this major change, movepools, abilities, stats, and encounter tables have been carefully reworked to maintain balance and make sure every Pokémon still fits into the new system.
The hack also includes modern battle improvements like the physical/special split and redesigned trainer battles featuring Pokémon from Generations 1–3. Encounters and trainers have been adjusted so players can obtain most Pokémon before the Elite Four, making team building more flexible.
Overall, Pokémon Colors aims to deliver a fresh strategic experience while still feeling like a traditional Pokémon adventure.
Story Overview
Pokémon Colors largely follows the same general storyline as Pokémon LeafGreen. Players travel through the Kanto region, challenge gym leaders, battle Team Rocket, and aim to become the Pokémon League Champion.
The major difference lies not in the story but in how battles and Pokémon function. Since typings are based entirely on Pokémon colors, familiar creatures behave very differently from what players expect.
Because of this, strategies that work in the original game may no longer apply. Players will need to rethink type matchups, team compositions, and move choices while progressing through the familiar Kanto storyline.
Some NPC dialogue has also been rewritten to add more personality and humor to the world of Pokémon Colors.
Key Features
- Color-Based Typing System: Every Pokémon has had its typing reassigned based on the colors in its LeafGreen sprite, creating completely new type matchups and strategies.
- Reworked Movepools and Abilities: Pokémon learn different moves and sometimes have changed abilities to better match their new color-based typings.
- Physical/Special Split: Attacks are divided into physical and special categories, bringing battle mechanics closer to modern Pokémon games.
- Expanded Trainer Battles: All trainer teams have been redesigned to include Pokémon from Generations 1–3 while increasing battle variety and challenge.
- Rebalanced Encounter Tables: Wild Pokémon encounters have been completely reorganized so players can catch most species before reaching the Elite Four.
- Stat Adjustments for Balance: Many Pokémon received stat buffs to help them remain viable with their new typings and roles.
- Classic Mode Option: A secondary mode removes the stat changes while keeping all other features intact, similar to modes seen in Drayano-style hacks.
- Improved NPC Dialogue: Many characters have new lines of dialogue to make the game world feel more lively and entertaining.
- Nuzlocke-Friendly Resources: The developers provide full documentation of Pokémon changes, encounter tables, trainer teams, and even a dedicated damage calculator.
Known Bugs & Issues
- No specific bugs or issues are documented in the provided information. The game is listed as a full release at version v1.1.1, suggesting that major bugs from earlier versions have been addressed through patches.
Screenshots
Download Links
Documentation
Pokémon and Move Changes: GoogleDocs
Trainer Documentation: GoogleDocs
Developer Information
Developer / Team: WoopyKenya2
Credits:
WoopyKenya2 - Main developer and project creator
NoraAntlion - Co-developer, playtester, and balancing specialist
IndigoNull - Creator of the Rigorous Red and Royal Sapphire lua scripts; the script used for Pokémon Colors uses his RigRed script as a base
Hzla - Provided Generation 3 calc export tools and expert advice that were instrumental in creating the damage calculators
Trainer Team Contributors: The following community members submitted trainer teams that were implemented in the game:
- Drakaynite
- .cherrybliss
- MortalNebula
- 5w466y.exe
- Serena23k
- scarambelle
- Pokemaster995
- Lunarlycal
- Riptide0576
- PyraRose
- Wellseasonedpyromancer
- SomewhatAMailman
Source & References
Official Thread / Website: Pokecommunity
Community Link: https://discord.gg/KAqjfPBnYv
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who is this hack/game for?
A: Pokémon Colors is great for players who want a fresh strategic experience in the familiar Kanto region, especially those who enjoy gameplay overhauls and unusual mechanics.
Q: How does the color typing system work?
A: Each Pokémon’s type is determined by the colors in its LeafGreen sprite rather than its original design. This dramatically changes type matchups and battle strategies.
Q: Does the story change compared to LeafGreen?
A: The main storyline remains mostly the same as the original game, though some NPC dialogue has been updated.
Q: Is this hack good for Nuzlocke runs?
A: Yes. The developers provide detailed documentation and even a damage calculator, which makes planning strategies easier for challenge runs.