Pokemon Poliwhirl (GBA) – FireRed ROM Hack Featuring a Poliwhirl Starter, Expanded Pokédex, and Rebalanced Kanto Adventure
Game Information
Table Of Contents
About This ROM Hack
Pokémon Poliwhirl Version is a unique ROM hack created by Dom_Dom, the same creator behind Pokémon Black Classic Mode and Pokémon Gleaming Emerald. The hack follows a classic Pokémon journey in the Kanto region with a twist — you start with a special Poliwhirl as your partner. The hack includes over 281 Pokémon from Kanto, Johto, and Hoenn, with a variety of enhancements, such as new evolutions, moves, and gameplay mechanics. Some notable features are the addition of regional forms and type chart adjustments.
Despite the increased difficulty, the hack is not a hardcore challenge but a fun, fresh experience for players. The difficulty is notably greater in the post-game League rematches.
Story Overview
Key Features
- Start with a Special Poliwhirl: Begin your journey with Poliwhirl as your unique starter Pokémon, setting the tone for your adventure.
- 281 Catchable Pokémon: Includes all Pokémon from both Kanto and Johto, along with extras like Mismagius and Lickilicky, adding variety to the Pokédex.
- Physical/Special Split: Separate categories for Physical and Special moves, enhancing the strategic depth of battles.
- Overhauled Level-Up Learnsets: Many Pokémon have received updated learnsets to offer a better experience and make previously overlooked Pokémon more viable.
- Stat & Ability Changes: Several Pokémon have had their stats and abilities adjusted to make them more useful throughout the game, except for certain early game Pokémon like Beedrill and Butterfree.
- Regional Forms: Some Kanto Pokémon have been replaced by their regional variants, such as Persian, Golem, and Dugtrio, adding freshness to the lineup.
- Cinnabar Lab in Cerulean City: The Cinnabar lab is now relocated to Cerulean City’s bottom right corner, allowing early access to fossil revivals, though the building is basic due to sprite limitations.
- New Moves from Future Generations: Moves like Nasty Plot, Poison Jab, Dark Pulse, and Liquidation have been added to bring in some modern mechanics.
- Custom Moves: Custom moves like Dune Splash (80 BP Physical Ground-type), Static Slice, Infernal Bash, and Glacial Smash (physical equivalents of Thunderbolt, Flamethrower, and Ice Beam) bring unique tactical options.
- Type Chart Edits: Changes to the type chart, adding more depth to the gameplay and requiring players to adapt.
- Tougher Trainers: Most trainers have been updated with improved AI, better teams, higher levels, and more Pokémon, making battles more challenging.
- Map Edits and New Locations: Small map edits have been made to enhance exploration. New maps for Pokédex completion and event islands for legendary Pokémon like Ho-Oh, Lugia, and Deoxys have been added.
- Story Edits: Some mandatory and optional dialogue changes have been made, enriching the overall narrative.
- Trade Stone: A new item that allows Pokémon that evolve via trading to evolve by holding this item instead, simplifying certain evolution processes.
- Quality of Life Improvements: TMs are now buyable on Island Seven, Lucky Eggs are available in Viridian City’s Poké Mart, some trees that blocked progress (e.g., near Erika's gym) have been removed, and items have been made cheaper.
- EVs Removed for Balance: EVs have been effectively removed from the main game, ensuring that all Pokémon are on a more equal footing against opponents. While you can still find EV-boosting items like Proteins, they aren’t available for purchase, making them more like Rare Candies. An EV training spot on Island Seven also provides an alternative method for stat boosting.
Known Bugs & Issues
- Some minor bugs and visual issues exist in the current version of the game.
- A graphical error may appear near the end of the game. The developer noted this issue but has not yet found a solution.
- Certain Pokémon listed after number 151 in the regional dex may display “???” as their Pokédex number in the party menu, though they appear correctly within the Pokédex itself.
- Earlier versions also included small issues such as incorrect shiny colors, move power inconsistencies, and evolution problems, many of which were fixed in updates 1.1.1 and 1.1.2.
Screenshots
Download Links
Documentation
Pokemon Poliwhirl Documentation
Developer Information
Developer / Team: Dom_Dom
Credits:
- Sprites: MrDollSteak, TheDarkDragon11, Pokémon Showdown, Wesley FG
- Music: MeruZena (Sounds Resource)
- Tools: ortz3 (Move Animation Creator), Haven1433 (Hex Maniac Advance), Esperance (Cry Editor), Gamer2020 (Pokémon Game Editor)
Source & References
Official Thread / Website: Pokecommunity
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Pokémon Poliwhirl Version?
A: Pokémon Poliwhirl Version is a ROM hack of Pokémon FireRed, featuring over 281 Pokémon from Kanto, Johto, and Hoenn, including custom moves and regional forms. It starts with a special Poliwhirl as your first Pokémon, and the gameplay offers several changes like a physical/special split, better trainer AI, and revamped difficulty.
Q: Who is this hack for?
A: This hack is perfect for players who want a fresh take on the classic Pokémon FireRed experience. If you enjoy a slightly more challenging gameplay with a twist (like starting with a Poliwhirl), or if you love regional forms and custom evolutions, Pokémon Poliwhirl Version will be right up your alley.
Q: Is this hack more difficult than the original FireRed?
A: While not a difficulty hack, Pokémon Poliwhirl Version is certainly tougher than the base FireRed game. Trainer AI has been enhanced, and new team compositions make battles more challenging, especially during the League rematch in the post-game.