Pokémon Banana Version – Absurd Comedy FireRed Hack Where Every Pokémon Has Become a Banana
Game Information
Original Game (ROM Base): Pokémon FireRed
Hack Status: Complete (Version 1.3.1)
Language: English
Content Type: Comedy ROM Hack, Visual Overhaul, Script Modification, Non-Traditional Pokémon Experience
Table Of Contents
About This ROM Hack
Pokémon Banana Version is a complete comedy-focused ROM hack that takes one absurd idea and commits to it completely: every Pokémon in the world has somehow turned into a banana.
Rather than creating a new region or introducing a serious storyline, the hack transforms the familiar Kanto adventure into a surreal parody of Pokémon. The developers rewrote large portions of the game's text, graphics, item names, and presentation to fit its bizarre banana-themed universe.
According to the game's lore, Pokémon once existed normally, but one day they suddenly transformed into bananas. Nobody knows why this happened, and nobody seems capable of explaining it. Instead, the people of Kanto simply continue living their lives in a world where every creature is now a banana.
Created by Jace.of.Hearts, Pokémon Banana Version focuses heavily on humor, visual gags, and commitment to its central joke. While the core FireRed adventure remains recognizable, almost every aspect of the game's presentation has been altered to reinforce the banana theme.
Version 1.3.1 also includes gameplay adjustments, including revised evolution methods for trade-dependent bananas and additional balancing changes.
Key Features
- Every Pokémon Is Banana: Every Pokémon species has been renamed to "banana," creating a world where every encounter revolves around bananas.
- Complete Banana Sprite Overhaul: Front sprites, back sprites, and shiny sprites have all been replaced with custom banana-themed graphics.
- Banana-Fied Dialogue and Scripts: References to Pokémon throughout the game's dialogue, events, menus, signposts, and trainer interactions have been rewritten to fit the banana theme.
- Nana Item System: Traditional Poké-themed items and locations have been renamed, including Nana Balls, Nana Marts, Nana Dolls, and more.
- Custom Title Screen: Features a unique title screen designed specifically for Pokémon Banana Version.
- Modified Introduction Graphics: The original tutorial graphics have been replaced with custom banana artwork.
- Legendary Banana Hakuba: A special legendary banana encounter exists for players willing to search for it.
- Increased Shiny Odds: Shiny bananas appear at a significantly increased rate of 1 in 256, making rare encounters much more common.
- Trade Evolution Adjustments: Trade-dependent bananas have been modified to evolve through levels or items, making progression easier for solo players.
- Additional Comedy Content: The hack expands the joke far beyond simple sprite replacements by altering text and presentation throughout the entire game.
- Non-Traditional Pokémon Experience: Rather than focusing on difficulty or competitive gameplay, the hack prioritizes humor and absurdity.
Known Bugs & Issues
- The developer notes that some longer "Nana" item names may appear slightly truncated in menus due to the Game Boy Advance's 12-character display limitation.
- No major gameplay-breaking bugs were listed in the available information.
- Version 1.3.1 specifically changed trade evolutions so that trade-based bananas now evolve through level-up methods or items. Hakuba can no longer evolve beyond its intended form.
Screenshots
Download Links
v1.3.1: Mediafire
Developer Information
Developer / Team: Jace.of.Hearts
Lead Development, Graphics, Scripting & Implementation: Jace.of.Hearts
Development Tools: Hex Maniac Advance (HMA)
Special Thanks: The Hex Maniac Advance development community for Python API documentation and related resources.
Source & References
Official Thread / Website: https://www.hackdex.app/hack/pokemon-banana-version
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is this hack/game for?
This hack is ideal for players looking for a humorous Pokémon experience that doesn't take itself seriously and focuses on comedy rather than challenge.
Is Pokémon Banana Version a serious ROM hack?
No. The project is intentionally comedic and built entirely around the absurd concept of every Pokémon becoming a banana.
Does the game use the normal FireRed storyline?
The overall FireRed adventure remains recognizable, but the presentation, dialogue, and world have been heavily modified to support the banana theme.
Are all Pokémon really renamed to banana?
Yes. Every Pokémon species has been renamed to banana, and corresponding sprites have been replaced with banana graphics.
What is Hakuba?
Hakuba is described as the game's legendary banana and serves as one of the hack's special encounters.
Is Pokémon Banana Version difficult?
The available information does not indicate a focus on difficulty. The primary goal of the hack is comedy and entertainment rather than providing a major gameplay challenge.