Pokémon Recordkeepers (GBA) – A Roguelite Pokémon Battle Experiment
Game Information
Table Of Contents
About This ROM Hack
Pokémon Recordkeepers is an experimental, battle-focused roguelite ROM hack created for Team Aqua’s Romhacking Competition. Instead of a traditional region journey, Gyms, or League progression, the game revolves around replayable challenge runs built around a completely reworked battle structure.
This hack introduces a new asymmetrical battle system where both player and opponents can use multiple abilities per Pokémon, creating combinations that do not exist in official Pokémon games. Progression follows roguelite design: you attempt story paths, earn upgrades, unlock new abilities and moves, and experiment with builds. Failure is part of the loop — you retry with new strategies and stronger setups.
Story Overview
You play as Tiana, a newly appointed Recordkeeper tasked with investigating myths, legends, and folktales. Each story path presents its own set of themed challenges, battles, and boss encounters tied to the narrative being explored.
As you uncover truths behind these tales, you gain access to new abilities, mechanics, and battle options, reinforcing the roguelite progression style. Rather than a linear villain plot, the narrative is structured as multiple storylines, each functioning like a themed challenge arc with its own conclusion.
Key Features
- Asymmetrical Battle System: Battles operate under new rule structures where player and enemy mechanics differ from standard Pokémon systems.
- Multi-Ability Pokémon System: Pokémon can equip up to four abilities at once, enabling powerful and unconventional build combinations.
- 80+ New Abilities: A large set of original abilities drastically expands strategic options and synergy potential.
- 14 New Moves: Custom moves designed to work within the new battle ecosystem.
- Roguelite Progression Loop: Gain upgrades, unlock abilities, and refine builds after each run or story attempt.
- Unique Boss Mechanics: Boss battles use custom mechanics and systems distinct from normal trainer fights.
- Custom Player Mechanics: The player also benefits from unique systems not seen in standard Pokémon gameplay.
- New Maps and Graphics: Custom areas built specifically for the story-challenge structure.
- Overhauled User Interfaces: Many menus and systems use brand-new UI designs.
- Multiple Storylines: Several myth-themed narratives to explore, each acting as its own challenge arc.
New features
- Stat change display in combat
- Move effectiveness indicator
- New Boss stage to fight
- New story & lore
- 4 new Pokemon to use in battle
Balance adjustments
- Changed various moves to make them more in line with others
- Essence abilities now notify that they are active
- Xerneas fight has been adjusted
- Phase changes no longer prevent certain effects from occuring
- Various abilities are now working properly
- Dialogue overflow has been fixed
- Various game-crashing bugs have been fixed
- Abilities should no longer disappear randomly
Known Bugs & Issues
- The developers confirmed the hack is not bug-free due to limited playtesting before the competition deadline.
- Some mechanics or interactions involving the new systems may behave unexpectedly.
- v1.1, fixed a series of bugs
Screenshots
Download Links
Download: MediaFire
Developer Information
Playtesting: artisansystem, Belle
Multi-Ability System Branch: Bassforte
Engine Base: pokeemerald-expansion (RH-Hideout)
Portrait Assets: PMD Sprite Project
Source & References
Official Thread / Website: Pokecommunity
Community Link: The Recordkeeper's Discord Server
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who is Pokémon Recordkeepers made for?
A: It’s designed for players who enjoy deep battle mechanics, theorycrafting, and roguelite experimentation, rather than traditional Gym-badge progression.
Q: What makes the battle system different from normal Pokémon Emerald?
A: Pokémon can equip multiple abilities, and both player and enemy mechanics are built around an asymmetrical rule set with custom systems.
Q: How does the roguelite system work?
A: You attempt story challenge paths, earn new abilities and moves after success, and retry with stronger or more refined builds after failure.
Q: How many new abilities and moves are included?
A: The hack features 80+ new abilities and 14 new custom moves.
Q: Is there a traditional region, Gym challenge, or Elite Four?
A: No. The focus is on story-based challenge runs and boss encounters, not classic Pokémon League progression.
Q: Will the hack receive updates?
A: The team has stated future versions may add new bosses, more abilities and moves, and additional team archetypes, along with bug fixes.
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