[Archive] ROM Hacking Newsletter 2008 | Issue 1 - 18

[Neti]

It is out now? Damn i dont have the time to read it now, got to wait til the afternoon when i return from school ^^

[Ripper]

What's the real rating for Light Platinum? It's got Flames of Rage's rating thingy.

I'll write one or two reviews for this week Thrace, and I'll try and get a good read done by next week.

[interdpth]

man, that interview was awesome I always hoped to be interviewed XD

[Snowfield34]

man, that interview was awesome I always hoped to be interviewed XD
I got to agree, That was the best interview ever...

"Profisional Hexer!"

[Mastermind_X]

Hey Thrace, just an error in the tip. The numbers between 0 and F are 16 not 17.
This issue also marks it as the longest running ROM hacking newsletter. The old one run by admin only ran 11 issues, I think.
And I better not say how to edit the attacks for move tutors.

Should I, instead? =P
I enjoyed reading, keep up the good work...

[Thrace]

Hey Thrace, just an error in the tip. The numbers between 0 and F are 16 not 17.
This issue also marks it as the longest running ROM hacking newsletter. The old one run by admin only ran 11 issues, I think.
And I better not say how to edit the attacks for move tutors.
Err, not sure why I wrote 17, I've changed it now. Damn, I should've made this one special, oh well. And no you shouldn't thats the tip next week.

What's the real rating for Light Platinum? It's got Flames of Rage's rating thingy.
Oh hush.

[liuyanghejerry]

Next week we'll show you how to change the attacks to anything you want courtesy of Mastermind_X.
I'm really interested about how to change it,but hope it's not very ASM...

By the way,sorry for the number of moves.It's my mistake...

[Thrace]

[css-div="width: 80%; background-color: white; color: #5B5B5B; border-color: grey; border-width: 1px; border-style: solid; margin: 0; font-family: "Tahoma"; text-align: left;"][css-div="text-align: center; background-color: LightSteelBlue; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-top: 5px; font-size: 28pt; font-variant: small-caps; border-bottom: 1px solid SteelBlue; color: White;"]Rom Hacking Newsletter
[/css-div][css-div="text-align: center; background-color: #eaeaea; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-top: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid grey;"][css-span="font-size: 8pt; color: grey;"]Issue 13 - Sunday, 23 November 2008[/css-span][/css-div][css-div="padding: 10px; color: black; font-size: 8pt;"][css-div="font-size: 120%; font-weight: bold; border-bottom: 1px solid SteelBlue; color: SteelBlue; width: 40%;"]Introduction
[/css-div]Opening words

Unfortunately this week our resident in charge of the RHN is incapacitated due to a large amount of exams. Because of this I’ll be doing lots of the newsletter this week. Of course, there are many helpful people out there who have contributed articles to the newsletter, so in saying so, I don’t have too much work to do!

A note from Thrace:
Yeah, I've been far too busy with exams to do RHN this week and I didn't want it to be a bad issue again so I asked Ripper to do everything. Clearly he has done a fantastic job, as did everyone else who wrote an article this week. It's really good to know that there are people as reliable as they are on the RHN staff. Anyway, the size of this article is approximately the size of future issues of RHN. Thanks Ripper for pulling through for both me and the readers and I'll see you all next week, when exams are over!

This week we’ve got some new hack reviews, a couple of articles, a map review, and a few other sections to look forward to. Make sure you read them all, as they’re had lot of effort put in to them, and they’re all well worth your time.
Opening by Ripper


[css-div="font-weight: bold; font-size: 120%; border-bottom: 1px solid SteelBlue; color: SteelBlue; width: 40%;"]Hacking News[/css-div]Staying current with the rom hacking scene

HotY Nominations Are About to Close!
That’s right; the annual Hack of the Year Nomination round has will be closing on the 26th of November. That means the Fan Favourite will soon be decided. I hope everyone out there has voted, as we want to create a realistic competition, and it’s up to you guys to make sure that happens. If you haven’t voted yet, head over to the Nominations Thread in the Rom Hacking Forum to do so. Round 2 will begin this week, which will be a simple process of deciding (by you, the voters) which hacks out of those nominated should duke it out for HotY 2008.

Completed Hacks
In the Rom Hacking Forum Time has created a useful little thread with links to all the completed Pokémon hacks. If you want to see what’s possible in the world of hacking head over and play one of the amazing hacks showcased. The creators have all put the time and effort in to creating them; you might as well play them. You can find the thread here (http://www.pokecommunity.com/showthread.php?t=135962).

Pokémon rijonAdventures has Reopened!
Perhaps Haruki Hanai is trying to make late bid for HotY, especially with the promise of a Christmas beta. Let’s hope the legacy of Rijon continues with the latest in the trilogy of games!

Hack Rating System
RHN will follow a standardised rating system similar to that of IGN, ratings and their meanings are described below.
10.0 to 9.0 - Masterful
Its almost impossible to make a hack that is perfect, but ratings in this range get pretty close. These hacks are flawless in all aspects of hacking, they are innovative and engaging.

8.9 to 8.0 - Impressive
Hacks that we feel are outstanding and are exceptional in at least one aspect will receive ratings in this range. Hacks that we feel are worthwhile and that everyone will find enjoyable. You'd need to put in a lot of effort to get this rating.

7.9 to 7.0 - Good
An excellent hack that is let down by a one or two major problems. Above average in all aspects but just missing a few things it needs to be great. Not amazing but has potential.

6.9 to 6.0 - Passable
Hacks that are just above average. Nothing to really get excited about. Nothing particularly horrible about the hack but nothing all that great either.

5.9 to 5.0 - Mediocre
A hack that provokes no emotion, standard, run-of-the-mill whatever you want to call it, these hacks are as average as they come.

4.9 to 4.0 - Lackluster
Hacks that do not have enough effort put into them. Probably not worth the attention for the time being. Has some potential to be better, but not enough to become something spectacular.

3.9 to 3.0 - Poor
Hacks that are flawed in all areas, most likely caused by inexperience by the author rather than effort. Not worth checking out regularly, will probably be cancelled the next week.

2.9 to 2.0 - Bad
Hacks that we recommend you avoid, not worth playing. Might have a few interesting ideas but ultimately is just very poorly executed. Major flaws in all aspects.

1.9 to 1.0 - Terrible
A hack we believe should not have had its thread accepted. These hacks are not even worth browsing over. These hacks are usually made by people trying to achieve internet stardom.

0.9 to 0.0 - Abysmal
Hacks that are not even truly hacks, more like edits. A few small changes to the original game, achievable in mere minutes.
Compiled by Ripper


[css-div="font-weight: bold; font-size: 120%; border-bottom: 1px solid SteelBlue; color: SteelBlue; width: 40%;"]HOTW Winner[/css-div]Spotlight on the Hack of the Week

http://img519.imageshack.us/img519/281/waterreflectionsd5.png Pokémon Dark Red [Link (http://www.pokecommunity.com/showthread.php?t=160253)]
Hack Author: Infernal Contraption
Reviewed By: Ripper

I try and avoid reviewing hacks before a beta is released, simply because it is easy to fool people in thinking that your hack is something it isn’t. I’m hoping that with Dark Red, this isn’t the case.

IC’s hack looks to have potential, the screenshots provided so far show that IC has a good understanding of how to hack, and his displayed storyline implies he isn’t lacking in creativity. It will be interesting to see how Dark Red develops, simply because; from what one can see from the thread, it is hard to tell whether it will truly be any different to any other hacks out there.

The features list of Dark Red doesn’t imply the hack will be groundbreaking, but more simply, a fun, Nintendo-esque adventure game.

Infernal Contraption has been around for a while, so he should know the ropes of hacking, and therefore I’m going to assume that Dark Red will be worth playing. Although there’s not much to go on, Dark Red does look promising, and I’m looking forward to a good beta release sometime in the future.
Article by Ripper


[css-div="font-weight: bold; font-size: 120%; border-bottom: 1px solid SteelBlue; color: SteelBlue; width: 40%;"]Hack Review[/css-div]Hacks in review

http://i34.tinypic.com/2cyh7uq.pnghttp://o15.com/files/Shining%20Opal_7.png Pokémon Shining Opal [Link (http://www.pokecommunity.com/showthread.php?t=158324)]
Hack Author: diegolovespika
Reviewed By: Ripper
Reviewer's Rating: 3.5

I must say, I had a hard time reviewing Shining Opal. It’s one of those games where nothing really happens. Sure, it’s only a beta, but betas are supposed to give gamers a taste of the game. Unfortunately, if the full game ends up like the beta, I can guarantee I won’t be playing it.

Firstly, I’d like to say that I played Shining Opal before reading the thread, simply because I wanted to treat the beta as if I didn’t know what was going to happen. After receiving the starting Pokémon Mikachu (Mewkachu would have been better) I realized I had no idea what was going on. Mikachu’s existence wasn’t explained, as far as I could tell it was simply a hybrid Pokémon of Mew and Pikachu. After reading the thread I’ve discovered that Mikachu is rare, and an evil team is chasing after it. That’s all fine and dandy, but it probably should be mentioned somewhere that Mikachu is rare by the professor, I mean, he’s a professor! He should know these things.

The game play of Shining Opal is quite generic. You start off, get a Pokémon and travel to the first town. There aren’t many trainers which simply lead to you having to grind against wild Pokémon in order to defeat the first gym leader. Speaking of which, the first leader’s Pokémon are horrible. His second Pokémon is simply pathetic compared to his first, and after looking at the levels of the Pokémon, it seems that it may be a bit too early for a gym battle.

Diego has done a good job with the scripting of Shining Opal. I couldn’t pick out any glaring errors so that’s always a positive. No amazingly hard scripts are attempted within the beta, but that’s not always a bad thing. I must say that as much as I put down the beta for its lack of an enjoyment factor, it is always good to see solid scripting, so the hack does receive good marks in this area.

On to the graphics, new tiles have been introduced to the game, yet they really aren’t too appealing. They look simply like washouts of the old tiles and to be honest make the game seem old and unappealing. The new trainer overworld isn’t great; it’s simply a recolor of the old FR sprite. To all those budding hackers out there, if you’re only thinking about making a small change to a sprite, you’re probably better off without doing so. The new back sprite looks good, but some of the created trainer sprites are quite horrible. You’re rival, Diego looks like a cartoon character, who on earth wears a shirt with their first initial on it? The first gym leader however, looks great and is one of the better sprites I’ve seen in a while. The new battle text box almost made me die, seriously, I hate it that much. The colours used are too dominant and draw away from the actual battle.

Shining Opal, to be blunt isn’t great. Of course, kudos does need to go to the creator for actually releasing a beta, but as I’ve said before, a tedious beta that doesn’t aid the actual hack isn’t better than no beta. Hackers need to work on their hack more before releasing a beta (or god forbid an alpha) if they don’t introduce any real storyline. Otherwise, we just end up with many silly hacks that seem exactly the same.

You may think I’m being a bit harsh. “It’s just a first beta!” Some of you will say, but if someone releases a beta, it should be because it’s worth playing, and to be honest, Shining Opal’s first beta isn’t. Wait for the next beta (or the one after) before you play this game, otherwise you’ll just end up with more of the same.
Article by Ripper


[css-div="font-weight: bold; font-size: 120%; border-bottom: 1px solid SteelBlue; color: SteelBlue; width: 40%;"]Map of the Week[/css-div]A review of the weeks MOTW winner

Map Author: Haefele
Map of: Fire Red
Rating: 8/10
Map Shot: Click Here! (http://www.pokecommunity.com/showpost.php?p=4118445&postcount=2431)

The first thing I noticed about this map was that there are a lot of trees in it. As I looked closer at this map, I noticed that the trees were placed in a VERY wonderful pattern, this "pattern" is very random, no two trees are placed exactly the same as another one, which makes for a great amount of originality. The trees are placed in a way that it gives the map a great unique feel, as there are many varieties of tree placement, and that, in-turn, gives the map a wonderfully unique shape. Though this placement of trees makes the map seem like a forest rather than a town, which, dare I say, is not exactly a bad thing. I mean, how many villages have you seen that had a sort of foresty feel to them? That's right, none.

When I think of a village, I think of a primitive seclusion of a few houses and odd buildings in a forested area. Now on to the path: the path has great structure; it is what I think about when I think of a great path: not straight, full of bends and twists, not too thick or too thin, cutting through the town, paving the way to houses so the villagers can walk on a suitable walking surface instead of the regular grass. Let’s move on to flowers. This is one aspect of this map I'm not particularly fond of. There are few of them. In a village like this, I would think flowers would very numerous, as secluded and nature-ish as it is. The Building placement is also superb; they are all in the center of the map, which would be expected of a village like this, as the villagers wouldn't want to build their houses on the outskirts as they would be afraid of the wild Pokémon living nearby. They are all placed along the path, which is a big turn-on, I mean who would build a house in the middle of nowhere, with no path leading to their house? You would have a larger chance of getting attacked by a wild Pokémon while going home.

Let’s move on to the space. There is a fair amount of empty space in this map, which I didn't expect. In a village such as this, I would expect it to be overrun with vegetation, as forests usually are which this map primarily is, with a few wooden buildings built in the center. Overall, this was a stunning map; it has a great feel to it as well. Keep it up Disturbed!
Article by Disturbed


[css-div="font-weight: bold; font-size: 120%; border-bottom: 1px solid SteelBlue; color: SteelBlue; width: 40%;"]The Purpose of a Beta[/css-div]A report on the hacking community

As each day passes a new hack appears in the Showcase, some of these hacks are destined for greatness, and some are destined for quite the opposite. Until recently these threads would offer only a slight insight into the full hack, yet now many of these threads offer a beta, for one to see what the full compliment will bring to the community.

Unfortunately, some seem to be forgetting why a beta is released and do it purely because they want to show off what they have accomplished so far in their hack. This however, is not the purpose of a beta. A beta is, if you will, supposed to act as an entrée to the great meal that is the finished hack. It is meant to act as a taster, and demonstrate what we will come to receive from the complete hack. To keep it simple, a beta is supposed to demonstrate what the hack will be like, in only a short period of game play.

If the beta is good, we can expect the full hack to be good too, if the beta is bad however, we know that the full hack will likely follow in its footsteps. So to all those ‘hackers’ out there, stop releasing betas purely for the point of showing off you achievements so far. If the beta doesn’t broadcast anything truly new, or offer a great insight into the story of the hack, then more often than not it will be unneeded. You may think that posting a beta for the community to play is smart, and will drawing gamers whereas in reality, it will more likely alienate people, as they will be expecting more of the same from the beta. The things in life worth waiting for are those that are the greatest. Instead of releasing a half-assed beta, try waiting a bit before releasing a truly great piece of the game that demonstrates why we should play your game.

Some people also seem to be releasing alphas, which contain next to nothing in terms of content. These alphas are utterly pointless, and all they do is imply that you can’t be bothered finishing your game, and just want to get some recognition for what you’ve done.

If anyone is thinking of releasing a beta anytime soon, make sure it’s worth playing; otherwise you will simply lead potential fans to avoid your hack.
Article by Ripper


[css-div="font-weight: bold; font-size: 120%; border-bottom: 1px solid SteelBlue; color: SteelBlue; width: 40%;"]Beginner's Corner[/css-div]Tips for new hackers

As everyone out there knows, to create a hack you need a bunch of useful tools as well as a god bit of intelligence (although sometimes I wonder…). This week I’ll be giving a little bit of a stepping start to those new hackers, providing them with a little bit of insight into the basic tools one will need.

Advance Map
If you want to hack any Generation three games then Advance Map will be your best friend. It is the most easy to use, yet also most helpful mapping tool out there. It gives the hacker the ability to edit maps, wild Pokémon, and also place events and scripts. If you’re going to learn to hack, you will need this tool.
Link: http://amneu.no-ip.info

PokéScript / Extreme Script Editor (or any other script editor)
Although any good scripting tool will work, is generally accepted that these two great creations are the best out there. Scripting, along with mapping, is one of the most important aspects to hacking as it allows you to create a story, and an experience. Anything original with any hack is usually done through scripting, so you’ll need to master one of these tools in order to be a great hacker.
Link: http://www.andreasartori.net/hackmew/downloads.php?dir=&file=XSE.zip

Overworld Editor - Rebirth Edition
Although editing overworlds may seem like a small thing to do, it is one of the key things that makes a hack seem original. As soon as a player sees you’ve taken the time to make your game that much more original they’ll understand that you’ve put want your hack to be the best it can be. OE is very easy to use and allows for a quick overworld changing experience.
Link: http://www.andreasartori.net/hackmew/downloads.php?dir=&file=OverworldEditorRE.zip

PET
Using this nifty tool (which comes with Elite Map) one can swap edit trainer’s Pokémon to their desire. Want Lance to have a Rayquaza? It’s easy with PET. Currently there are more trainer editing tools in production but at the moment PET stands out as the simplest to use for beginners.
Link: http://helmetedrodent.kickassgamers.com/index.php?module=listfiles

The featured tools will allow any budding hacker to start a new hack, but if you really want to make you hack stand out there are many more tools at your disposal. Look forward to these advanced tools being highlighted in future episodes of RHN!
Article by Ripper


[css-div="font-weight: bold; font-size: 120%; border-bottom: 1px solid SteelBlue; color: SteelBlue; width: 40%;"]Question of the Week[/css-div]Same question, different opinions

Which aspect of hacking is the most important for a new hacker?

Britney Spears says:
“Developing a good story. We all know besides screen shots, the story is what every person looks at in a thread. Without an interesting, innovating story, interest will die fast. So before anything, a new hacker should know how to plan an interesting, enticing story.”

Coolboyman says:
“The overall idea about what this hack is and what you will put in it. What features will be available, what is the story? Where is the region and who are the characters? What makes this hack different from a Gamefreak Pokémon game and other hacks? The self motivation to keep you working on the hack until it's finished.”

Time says:
“Scripting is one of the most important aspect a new hacker should focus his/her attention in the world of PKMN-ROM hacking. For it is the key for us to achieve our visions to what we want to have in the game. Second to that would be the hacker's motivation, determination and vision. Those are self-explanatory, so I am guessing it doesn't need to be explained.”
Compiled by Ripper


[css-div="font-weight: bold; font-size: 120%; border-bottom: 1px solid SteelBlue; color: SteelBlue; width: 40%;"]Tips and Tricks[/css-div]A cool new trick that you may not have known about

Last week we found out that there are 16 move tutor attacks in Fire Red and Leaf Green ROMs and how we can use them in scripts. The section this week will show us how to change these attacks. We have two different offsets for each game.
Fire Red English - &H459B60
Leaf Green English - &H459580
The structure the data is a two byte per value used in a script, and by that I mean for 0x0 there's a two byte value for the attack.
In the normal unedited ROM we'll have this.
[0500 0E00 1900 ... ... ... 9900 9D00 A400]
These are some of the attacks, and in their order.
From this we know Mega Punch is assigned to 0x0, Swords Dance is assigned to 0x1, Mega Kick is assigned to 0x2 and etcetera. For us to change these, all we need to do is overwrite the attack with another attack.
As an example, if we wanted to change Mega Punch to Water Gun, all we'd need to do is overwrite 0500 with 3700.

For those who don't have an attack list, here is one to help.
[0000] - NONE
[0100] - POUND
[0200] - KARATECHOP
[0300] - DOUBLESLAP
[0400] - COMETPUNCH
[0500] - MEGAPUNCH
[0600] - PAYDAY
[0700] - FIREPUNCH
[0800] - ICEPUNCH
[0900] - THUNDERPUNCH
[0A00] - SCRATCH
[0B00] - VICEGRIP
[0C00] - GUILLOTINE
[0D00] - RAZORWIND
[0E00] - SWORDSDANCE
[0F00] - CUT
[1000] - GUST
[1100] - WINGATTACK
[1200] - WHIRLWIND
[1300] - FLY
[1400] - BIND
[1500] - SLAM
[1600] - VINEWHIP
[1700] - STOMP
[1800] - DOUBLEKICK
[1900] - MEGAKICK
[1A00] - JUMPKICK
[1B00] - ROLLINGKICK
[1C00] - SANDATTACK
[1D00] - HEADBUTT
[1E00] - HORNATTACK
[1F00] - FURYATTACK
[2000] - HORNDRILL
[2100] - TACKLE
[2200] - BODYSLAM
[2300] - WRAP
[2400] - TAKEDOWN
[2500] - THRASH
[2600] - DOUBLEEDGE
[2700] - TAILWHIP
[2800] - POISONSTING
[2900] - TWINEEDLE
[2A00] - PINMISSILE
[2B00] - LEER
[2C00] - BITE
[2D00] - GROWL
[2E00] - ROAR
[2F00] - SING
[3000] - SUPERSONIC
[3100] - SONICBOOM
[3200] - DISABLE
[3300] - ACID
[3400] - EMBER
[3500] - FLAMETHROWER
[3600] - MIST
[3700] - WATERGUN
[3800] - HYDROPUMP
[3900] - SURF
[3A00] - ICEBEAM
[3B00] - BLIZZARD
[3C00] - PSYBEAM
[3D00] - BUBBLEBEAM
[3E00] - AURORABEAM
[3F00] - HYPERBEAM
[4000] - PECK
[4100] - DRILLPECK
[4200] - SUBMISSION
[4300] - LOWKICK
[4400] - COUNTER
[4500] - SEISMICTOSS
[4600] - STRENGTH
[4700] - ABSORB
[4800] - MEGADRAIN
[4900] - LEECHSEED
[4A00] - GROWTH
[4B00] - RAZORLEAF
[4C00] - SOLARBEAM
[4D00] - POISONPOWDER
[4E00] - STUNSPORE
[4F00] - SLEEPPOWDER
[5000] - PETALDANCE
[5100] - STRINGSHOT
[5200] - DRAGONRAGE
[5300] - FIRESPIN
[5400] - THUNDERSHOCK
[5500] - THUNDERBOLT
[5600] - THUNDERWAVE
[5700] - THUNDER
[5800] - ROCKTHROW
[5900] - EARTHQUAKE
[5A00] - FISSURE
[5B00] - DIG
[5C00] - TOXIC
[5D00] - CONFUSION
[5E00] - PSYCHIC
[5F00] - HYPNOSIS
[6000] - MEDITATE
[6100] - AGILITY
[6200] - QUICKATTACK
[6300] - RAGE
[6400] - TELEPORT
[6500] - NIGHTSHADE
[6600] - MIMIC
[6700] - SCREECH
[6800] - DOUBLETEAM
[6900] - RECOVER
[6A00] - HARDEN
[6B00] - MINIMIZE
[6C00] - SMOKESCREEN
[6D00] - CONFUSERAY
[6E00] - WITHDRAW
[6F00] - DEFENSECURL
[7000] - BARRIER
[7100] - LIGHTSCREEN
[7200] - HAZE
[7300] - REFLECT
[7400] - FOCUSENERGY
[7500] - BIDE
[7600] - METRONOME
[7700] - MIRRORMOVE
[7800] - SELFDESTRUCT
[7900] - EGGBOMB
[7A00] - LICK
[7B00] - SMOG
[7C00] - SLUDGE
[7D00] - BONECLUB
[7E00] - FIREBLAST
[7F00] - WATERFALL
[8000] - CLAMP
[8100] - SWIFT
[8200] - SKULLBASH
[8300] - SPIKECANNON
[8400] - CONSTRICT
[8500] - AMNESIA
[8600] - KINESIS
[8700] - SOFTBOILED
[8800] - HIJUMPKICK
[8900] - GLARE
[8A00] - DREAMEATER
[8B00] - POISONGAS
[8C00] - BARRAGE
[8D00] - LEECHLIFE
[8E00] - LOVELYKISS
[8F00] - SKYATTACK
[9000] - TRANSFORM
[9100] - BUBBLE
[9200] - DIZZYPUNCH
[9300] - SPORE
[9400] - FLASH
[9500] - PSYWAVE
[9600] - SPLASH
[9700] - ACIDARMOR
[9800] - CRABHAMMER
[9900] - EXPLOSION
[9A00] - FURYSWIPES
[9B00] - BONEMERANG
[9C00] - REST
[9D00] - ROCKSLIDE
[9E00] - HYPERFANG
[9F00] - SHARPEN
[A000] - CONVERSION
[A100] - TRIATTACK
[A200] - SUPERFANG
[A300] - SLASH
[A400] - SUBSTITUTE
[A500] - STRUGGLE
[A600] - SKETCH
[A700] - TRIPLEKICK
[A800] - THIEF
[A900] - SPIDERWEB
[AA00] - MINDREADER
[AB00] - NIGHTMARE
[AC00] - FLAMEWHEEL
[AD00] - SNORE
[AE00] - CURSE
[AF00] - FLAIL
- CONVERSION2
[B100] - AEROBLAST
[B200] - COTTONSPORE
[B300] - REVERSAL
[B400] - SPITE
[B500] - POWDERSNOW
[B600] - PROTECT
[B700] - MACHPUNCH
[B800] - SCARYFACE
[B900] - FAINTATTACK
[BA00] - SWEETKISS
[BB00] - BELLYDRUM
[BC00] - SLUDGEBOMB
[BD00] - MUDSLAP
[BE00] - OCTAZOOKA
[BF00] - SPIKES
[C000] - ZAPCANNON
[C100] - FORESIGHT
[C200] - DESTINYBOND
[C300] - PERISHSONG
[C400] - ICYWIND
[C500] - DETECT
[C600] - BONERUSH
[C700] - LOCKON
[C800] - OUTRAGE
[C900] - SANDSTORM
[CA00] - GIGADRAIN
[CB00] - ENDURE
[CC00] - CHARM
[CD00] - ROLLOUT
[CE00] - FALSESWIPE
[CF00] - SWAGGER
[D000] - MILKDRINK
[D100] - SPARK
[D200] - FURYCUTTER
[D300] - STEELWING
[D400] - MEANLOOK
[D500] - ATTRACT
[D600] - SLEEPTALK
[D700] - HEALBELL
[D800] - RETURN
[D900] - PRESENT
[DA00] - FRUSTRATION
[DB00] - SAFEGUARD
[DC00] - PAINSPLIT
[DD00] - SACREDFIRE
[DE00] - MAGNITUDE
[DF00] - DYNAMICPUNCH
[E000] - MEGAHORN
[E100] - DRAGONBREATH
[E200] - BATONPASS
[E300] - ENCORE
[E400] - PURSUIT
[E500] - RAPIDSPIN
[E600] - SWEETSCENT
[E700] - IRONTAIL
[E800] - METALCLAW
[E900] - VITALTHROW
[EA00] - MORNINGSUN
[EB00] - SYNTHESIS
[EC00] - MOONLIGHT
[ED00] - HIDDENPOWER
[EE00] - CROSSCHOP
[EF00] - TWISTER
[F000] - RAINDANCE
[F100] - SUNNYDAY
[F200] - CRUNCH
[F300] - MIRRORCOAT
[F400] - PSYCHUP
[F500] - EXTREMESPEED
[F600] - ANCIENTPOWER
[F700] - SHADOWBALL
[F800] - FUTURESIGHT
[F900] - ROCKSMASH
[FA00] - WHIRLPOOL
[FB00] - BEATUP
[FC00] - FAKEOUT
[FD00] - UPROAR
[FE00] - STOCKPILE
[FF00] - SPITUP
[0001] - SWALLOW
[0101] - HEATWAVE
[0201] - HAIL
[0301] - TORMENT
[0401] - FLATTER
[0501] - WILLOWISP
[0601] - MEMENTO
[0701] - FACADE
[0801] - FOCUSPUNCH
[0901] - SMELLINGSALT
[0A01] - FOLLOWME
[0B01] - NATUREPOWER
[0C01] - CHARGE
[0D01] - TAUNT
[0E01] - HELPINGHAND
[0F01] - TRICK
[1001] - ROLEPLAY
[1101] - WISH
[1201] - ASSIST
[1301] - INGRAIN
[1401] - SUPERPOWER
[1501] - MAGICCOAT
[1601] - RECYCLE
[1701] - REVENGE
[1801] - BRICKBREAK
[1901] - YAWN
[1A01] - KNOCKOFF
[1B01] - ENDEAVOR
[1C01] - ERUPTION
[1D01] - SKILLSWAP
[1E01] - IMPRISON
[1F01] - REFRESH
[2001] - GRUDGE
[2101] - SNATCH
[2201] - SECRETPOWER
[2301] - DIVE
[2401] - ARMTHRUST
[2501] - CAMOUFLAGE
[2601] - TAILGLOW
[2701] - LUSTERPURGE
[2801] - MISTBALL
[2901] - FEATHERDANCE
[2A01] - TEETERDANCE
[2B01] - BLAZEKICK
[2C01] - MUDSPORT
[2D01] - ICEBALL
[2E01] - NEEDLEARM
[2F01] - SLACKOFF
[3001] - HYPERVOICE
[3101] - POISONFANG
[3201] - CRUSHCLAW
[3301] - BLASTBURN
[3401] - HYDROCANNON
[3501] - METEORMASH
[3601] - ASTONISH
[3701] - WEATHERBALL
[3801] - AROMATHERAPY
[3901] - FAKETEARS
[3A01] - AIRCUTTER
[3B01] - OVERHEAT
[3C01] - ODORSLEUTH
[3D01] - ROCKTOMB
[3E01] - SILVERWIND
[3F01] - METALSOUND
[4001] - GRASSWHISTLE
[4101] - TICKLE
[4201] - COSMICPOWER
[4301] - WATERSPOUT
[4401] - SIGNALBEAM
[4501] - SHADOWPUNCH
[4601] - EXTRASENSORY
[4701] - SKYUPPERCUT
[4801] - SANDTOMB
[4901] - SHEERCOLD
[4A01] - MUDDYWATER
[4B01] - BULLETSEED
[4C01] - AERIALACE
[4D01] - ICICLESPEAR
[4E01] - IRONDEFENSE
[4F01] - BLOCK
[5001] - HOWL
[5101] - DRAGONCLAW
[5201] - FRENZYPLANT
[5301] - BULKUP
[5401] - BOUNCE
[5501] - MUDSHOT
[5601] - POISONTAIL
[5701] - COVET
[5801] - VOLTTACKLE
[5901] - MAGICALLEAF
[5A01] - WATERSPORT
[5B01] - CALMMIND
[5C01] - LEAFBLADE
[5D01] - DRAGONDANCE
[5E01] - ROCKBLAST
[5F01] - SHOCKWAVE
[6001] - WATERPULSE
[6101] - DOOMDESIRE
[6201] - PSYCHOBOOST

Tip donated by [B]thethethethe/Mastermind_X


[css-div="font-weight: bold; font-size: 120%; border-bottom: 1px solid SteelBlue; color: SteelBlue; width: 40%;"]Closing Notes[/css-div]Some house keeping

So there, you have it, another issue of the great Rom Hacking Newsletter! We at the RHN team hope you enjoyed it, and that you aren’t too offended by any of the articles. Next week you’ll have your regular editor back (I think), so you guys can look forward to another enjoyable newsletter.

Remember, the producers of the RHN have a life too, so you can’t always expect each newsletter to be released on time. That means that if you notice that the RHN hasn’t been released for the week, don’t post saying “Man, I can’t wait for this weeks issue!!! Where is it!!!1!!1! Lulz!”, instead try waiting for a bit and with some luck Thrace will have it out in the following few days.
Closing by Ripper
[/css-div][css-div="text-align: center; background-color: #eaeaea; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-top: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid grey;"][css-span="font-size: 8pt; color: grey;"]CSS design and graphics by Thrace. Ask for permission if you want to use them![/css-span][/css-div][/css-div]

[Ripper]

Dare I say that Shining Opal has Flames of Rage's rating thingy :P

[Thrace]

Dare I say that Shining Opal has Flames of Rage's rating thingy :P
Damnit! Didn't change it fast enough! >_<

[destinedjagold]

Damnit! Didn't change it fast enough! >_<

ahahahah... :laugh:
calm down, Thrace, the newslettesr is great anyways. :)

*claps*
I feel like this week's article is wonderful. :) Truly.
Although it lacks the interview, but meh, it was really nice. :)

Congratulations to the RHN team, especially to Ripper who worked so hard to keep us readers happy to be reading another great issue. :)

Keep up the great work~

[Ripper]

Ugh I'm now looking at all my (mainly grammar) mistakes. Bad rep for anyone who points them out (says the Hypocrite).

[Ninja Caterpie]

The first thing I noticed about this map was that there are a lot of trees in it. As I looked closer at this map, I noticed that the trees were placed in a VERY wonderful pattern, this "pattern" is very random, no two trees are placed exactly the same as another one, which makes for a great amount of originality. The trees are placed in a way that it gives the map a great unique feel, as there are many varieties of tree placement, and that, in-turn, gives the map a wonderfully unique shape. Though this placement of trees makes the map seem like a forest rather than a town, which, dare I say, is not exactly a bad thing. I mean, how many villages have you seen that had a sort of foresty feel to them? That's right, none.

Didn't TB Pro say the EXACT same thing?

Other than that, it was a great edition, even without an interview. Congrats to Ripper!

[Argent Crusader]

Oh, another issue! Cool!
I've read this quickly, hehe.
I liked the thoughts about the Beta. Also, no interview this week? How bad :(

[zel 2.0]

I was waiting for that trick this time :P (so, seems like it was the same thing as TM changing, I wonder why I wasnt able to find that offset before, then? O.o)

Anyway, I'll finish reading the newsletter later, and edit this post, maybe.

[Blitzballer]

Ugh I'm now looking at all my (mainly grammar) mistakes. Bad rep for anyone who points them out (says the Hypocrite).

Ah-ha! Now, the prey becomes the predator! I feel the urge to point out mistakes (as many of you did to me >_>)...but I won't!
I only kid. :classic:

Anyway, that was a great issue. The length was perfect, and there was a good variety. I liked the article too, since it pointed out the problem and explained how to fix it. Overall, Ripper, [I'm addressing you personally] you did a fantastic job getting everything together!

And Thrace....I FEEL YOUR PAIN! Exams are murder and I'll still have a few more for other classes in December. Ugh!

[Thrace]

[css-div="width: 80%; background-color: white; color: #5B5B5B; border-color: grey; border-width: 1px; border-style: solid; margin: 0; font-family: "Tahoma"; text-align: left;"][css-div="text-align: center; background-color: LightSteelBlue; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-top: 5px; font-size: 28pt; font-variant: small-caps; border-bottom: 1px solid SteelBlue; color: White;"]Rom Hacking Newsletter
[/css-div][css-div="text-align: center; background-color: #eaeaea; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-top: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid grey;"][css-span="font-size: 8pt; color: grey;"]Issue 14 - Sunday, 30 November 2008[/css-span][/css-div][css-div="padding: 10px; color: black; font-size: 8pt;"][css-div="font-size: 120%; font-weight: bold; border-bottom: 1px solid SteelBlue; color: SteelBlue; width: 40%;"]Introduction
[/css-div]Opening words

Yay! Exams are over! And now I'm on school holidays so there'll be plenty of time for me to work on RHN perhaps a new layout?. Yes I know its late this week but we'll be regular again soon enough.

This week we've got the final part of our 3 part Tips and Tricks. An interview of the creator of Shiny Gold and an article debating the recent changes made to the Rom Hacking Forum.
Opening by Thrace


[css-div="font-weight: bold; font-size: 120%; border-bottom: 1px solid SteelBlue; color: SteelBlue; width: 40%;"]Hacking News[/css-div]Staying current with the rom hacking scene

HotY Round Two - Category Round
Round 2 of Hack of the Year 2008 has begun! In this round we give awards to hacks that excel in particular aspects of hacking. Know of a hack with excellent mapping? Or maybe one with scripts that leave you speechless? Well whatever it is let your voice be heard by voting!

Best Newcomer is for hacks that are relatively new! Don't vote for something thats been in production for a long time! Surely this is obvious?

Hack Rating System
RHN will follow a standardised rating system similar to that of IGN, ratings and their meanings are described below.
10.0 to 9.0 - Masterful
Its almost impossible to make a hack that is perfect, but ratings in this range get pretty close. These hacks are flawless in all aspects of hacking, they are innovative and engaging.

8.9 to 8.0 - Impressive
Hacks that we feel are outstanding and are exceptional in at least one aspect will receive ratings in this range. Hacks that we feel are worthwhile and that everyone will find enjoyable. You'd need to put in a lot of effort to get this rating.

7.9 to 7.0 - Good
An excellent hack that is let down by a one or two major problems. Above average in all aspects but just missing a few things it needs to be great. Not amazing but has potential.

6.9 to 6.0 - Passable
Hacks that are just above average. Nothing to really get excited about. Nothing particularly horrible about the hack but nothing all that great either.

5.9 to 5.0 - Mediocre
A hack that provokes no emotion, standard, run-of-the-mill whatever you want to call it, these hacks are as average as they come.

4.9 to 4.0 - Lackluster
Hacks that do not have enough effort put into them. Probably not worth the attention for the time being. Has some potential to be better, but not enough to become something spectacular.

3.9 to 3.0 - Poor
Hacks that are flawed in all areas, most likely caused by inexperience by the author rather than effort. Not worth checking out regularly, will probably be cancelled the next week.

2.9 to 2.0 - Bad
Hacks that we recommend you avoid, not worth playing. Might have a few interesting ideas but ultimately is just very poorly executed. Major flaws in all aspects.

1.9 to 1.0 - Terrible
A hack we believe should not have had its thread accepted. These hacks are not even worth browsing over. These hacks are usually made by people trying to achieve internet stardom.

0.9 to 0.0 - Abysmal
Hacks that are not even truly hacks, more like edits. A few small changes to the original game, achievable in mere minutes.
Compiled by Thrace


[css-div="font-weight: bold; font-size: 120%; border-bottom: 1px solid SteelBlue; color: SteelBlue; width: 40%;"]HOTW Winner[/css-div]Spotlight on the Hack of the Week

http://i392.photobucket.com/albums/pp6/dratii/Hacking%20Screens/PokemonFireRed_02-5.png The Dawn of Pokémon [Link (http://www.pokecommunity.com/showthread.php?t=159486)]
Hack Author: dratii
Reviewed By: Thrace

Despite the questionable introduction this hack is really quite promising. dratii is obviously a very talented hacker, having done a lot of ground work before attempting a hack. Something many new hackers could learn from.

Mapping is very good mostly. Theres a few issues that could do with sorting out, such as the use of only one type of grass tile. It may seem like a small problem but its quite noticeable. The scripting is as good as you could ask for. Nothing special yet but as I've said many times thats not always a problem.

The thing I don't like is how dratii isn't taking this hack seriously. Thats not to say that dratii isn't trying but he says so in the introduction that this hack is for him to learn. Making mistakes is the best way to learn. Maybe dratii will get some inspiration for this hack and will continue to develop the story. I'd certainly love to see that.
Article by Thrace


[css-div="font-weight: bold; font-size: 120%; border-bottom: 1px solid SteelBlue; color: SteelBlue; width: 40%;"]Map of the Week[/css-div]A review of the weeks MOTW winner

Map Author: Lucario 9
Map of: Fire Red
Rating: 6.5/10
Map Shot: Click Here! (http://www.pokecommunity.com/showpost.php?p=4135022&postcount=2493)

I look at this map, and my eyes are instantaneously drawn to that ugly line of empty space on the right. By the looks of that, it seems as if Lucario 9 had gotten lazy in the final editing. Next, my eyes were pulled to the rock. Sure this is a simply terrific rock, but it seems as though there almost too many corners. They aren’t well rounded, and generally have a poor shape. Now as I look at this map as a spectator, instead of a player, it is generally eye pleasing, and seems like a lot of effort was implemented into this map. Now when I imagine myself going through this map (keep in mind this is only the second route, as entitled ‘route 2’. This would be a pain in the ass to go through, and the lack of Pokémon you have at this point wouldn’t really help either. The shape is mediocre, and just generally not well done. The tile use on this map is poorly done. The standard Nintendo trees should not be scattered like the way he incorporated them. It results in the map becoming more lackluster. The fact that the rocks in the water don’t have their dark shadows also irritates me, seeing as Lucario 9 took an easier way out. The last thing that bothers me about this map is the one blocked ledges. It just does not look right at all, and they are implemented badly. I think this map is too difficult without any spots for healing, especially since it is this early in the game. I am not a fan of this map, sorry Lucario 9.
Article by Disturbed


[css-div="font-weight: bold; font-size: 120%; border-bottom: 1px solid SteelBlue; color: SteelBlue; width: 40%;"]Forum Changes[/css-div]A report on the hacking community

Good or bad, that is the question. These changes might give the rom hacking forum a nice new look, but lets think about it a bit more, it used to be four sub-forums, but then the scrapbox was added, now their is another. I'm getting the feeling that the forum is becoming crowded. It looks a bit messy now, due for a cleanup. But first, lets get into the positives of this new change.

Most types of threads now have somewhere specifically to be put, whereas before it was a bit confusing. You also have the advantage of knowing where to go to find a certain hack, unlike before, you cant tell the difference between a hack that has a playable beta and alot of progress and a newbie hack. The other good thing about this is the whole forum isn't as random as before, adding to the point of threads going where they should.

But then of course, there are things that do not compliment the changes, as I mentioned before, things got a bit confusing and messy, I couldn't find a hack from before. The whole hack forum still needs a bit of a tidy up, the only way that could happen though is by a complete refreshment of the forum, but that wont happen. The forum now looks jam packed aswell, too many sub-forums are making it look a bit bad. But you do have to face bad things for good things to happen.

But hacking is moving in a forward direction, it may not happen quickly, but overtime everything will have a nice noticeable change. I don't want to disagree with the changes, but I don't really want to agree aswell.

I'm deeply sorry if the article wasn't up to everyones expectations, but right now there is not much else I can report on.

Visual - Signing out.
Article by Visual


[css-div="font-weight: bold; font-size: 120%; border-bottom: 1px solid SteelBlue; color: SteelBlue; width: 40%;"]Beginner's Corner[/css-div]Tips for new hackers

Flags. Something that not many newbies seem to understand... In fact, most people don't understand them. So, today I will be telling you all about them. I'll go into as much detail as possible. So here we go...

[css-div="border: 1px dashed #9E7141; background-color: rgb(245, 239, 208); padding: 3px; margin: 5px; width: 60%; text-align: left;"]#org @Main
lock
faceplayer
givepokemon 25 5 1 0 0 0
msgbox @Message1
boxset 6
release
end

#org @Message1
= Here's a Pikachu.[/css-div]

Ok, that's a simple GivePokemon script. But wait... It keeps doing it. How do we stop that? Simple answer: Flags.

[css-div="border: 1px dashed #9E7141; background-color: rgb(245, 239, 208); padding: 3px; margin: 5px; width: 60%; text-align: left;"]#org @Main
lock
faceplayer
checkflag 0xA0A
if B_True goto @AlreadyDone
givepokemon 25 5 1 0 0 0
msgbox @Message1
boxset 6
release
end

#org @AlreadyDone
msgbox @Message2
boxset 6
release
end

#org @Message1
= Here's a Pikachu.

#org @Message2
= I already gave you one[.][/css-div]

Right. Now it checks to see if it's already been done, however we still haven't set the flag. Thus haven't told the game we only want it done once. And to do that we do...

[css-div="border: 1px dashed #9E7141; background-color: rgb(245, 239, 208); padding: 3px; margin: 5px; width: 60%; text-align: left;"]#org @Main
lock
faceplayer
checkflag 0xA0A
if B_True goto @AlreadyDone
givepokemon 25 5 1 0 0 0
msgbox @Message1
boxset 6
setflag 0xA0A
release
end

#org @AlreadyDone
msgbox @Message2
boxset 6
release
end

#org @Message1
= Here's a Pikachu.

#org @Message2
= I already gave you one[.][/css-div]

And that's it. Of course the flag doesn't have to be 0xA0A. And be sure to use a different flag for every script. Anything between 0x1 and 0xA000 are usable flags. Also, remember, some flags are used by the game, so it's best to to use something above 0x850.

I hope you all understand flags now. ^^
Article by Darthatron


[css-div="font-weight: bold; font-size: 120%; border-bottom: 1px solid SteelBlue; color: SteelBlue; width: 40%;"]Question of the Week[/css-div]Same question, different opinions

How much time do you dedicate to hacking a week?

Darthatron says:
“Well, it can vary by a lot depending on my mood. But I can spend anywhere between 5 hours, and 100 hours hacking. In the school holidays it's less, because my friends are all free to do stuff. And if I really get into something it can be an astronomical amount of time... Anyway, my answer is: "Too much."”

TB Pro! says:
“For me, it depends on the week, and what is going on at the current time. If I have nothing going on at the current time, I like to spend roughly 90 hours a week. If I have something going on I may only spend 50 hours hacking. I usually only spend about 20 hours a week on my hack, though. I prefer to work on other hack-realated projects most of the time.”

megiddo says:
“IT varies, but usually at least 3 days a week.
It depends on if I'm in the mood or not. I work on my hack some and do other hacking things some.”
Compiled by Thrace


[css-div="font-weight: bold; font-size: 120%; border-bottom: 1px solid SteelBlue; color: SteelBlue; width: 40%;"]Interview[/css-div]An in-depth chat with...
<Darthatron> So, the famous creator of Shiny Gold, the undisputed most loved hack, ever... What got you into hacking?
<Zel> Ahhh... How many times I've told the story?
<Zel> there were a few hacks being created, but I was more interested in making my own, so I downloaded a few tools and...
<Zel> that's the first time in Pokecommunity, but I never created an account,
<Zel> I was a leech, you can say.
<Zel> So, after failing with that first GBC hack attempt (in which you could go from Kanto to Johto), I returned to RPG Maker, then I got interested in creating a Pokemon-like game for RPGM, but then I found a post in some forum which said that Pokemon hacks were better, that made me mad so I decided to try a rom hack again and I got Baro's Quartz,
<Zel> It was good, so I researched again, and found Pokecommunity once again ,
<Zel> this time, GBA hacking was getting developed, and out of the hacks available, I got a liking to GSC remakes, and that's when I decided to officially become a rom hacker.
<Darthatron> Interesting.
<Darthatron> ROM Hacking has improved alot since you first saw it.
<Zel> It's only natural.
<Darthatron> Indeed.
<Darthatron> Your hack is definately loved by many, but do you sometimes feel that it can be a bad thing?
<Zel> I really cant do anything about that. I'm conscious that there'll be always people on both sides, liking and hating what I do. That's why I remain calm about the bad effects of doing something popular
<Darthatron> Indeed. But having people not like you can be a good thing. If everyone loved you, life would be no fun.
<Zel> It's not like I pay a lot of attention to both sides, anyway >.<
<Zel> As long as I'm happy with what I'm doing...
<Darthatron> True.
<Darthatron> When you first posted Shiny Gold on PC you suggested that you would try to do everything by yourself. Have you had much help?
<Zel> Most of the help comes from the graphical aspects of the game, since it's not an area I'm very good with. And lately I'm getting musical help.
<Zel> Not to mention the help from Mastermind_X, which is always very helpful.
<Zel> They cover areas that I dont think I'll ever learn to cover on my own.
<Darthatron> Indeed. Graphics is definately something you need to be naturally good at. But ASM, and the music, aspects can be mastered with hard work.
<Zel> Yeah, but I lack musical talent -_-
<Darthatron> Me too.
<Darthatron> Well, enough about SG. More about you.
<Darthatron> What do you think of the members of the Hacking Community at the moment?
<Darthatron> And the Community in general.
<Zel> Let's see... Except for a reduced number of people, the rom hackers seem to be struggling at the time of being able to progress with their rom hacks for a long period of time. I think they need more perseverance, or, more planning before actually starting a hack.
<Zel> The community in general, not like I've been around that often, but I guess we have a lot of new hackers coming, they need to learn a few things from the older ones, and the community will start to get a lot of good hacks once again.
<Darthatron> Indeed.
<Darthatron> What do you think on the newer people who have no idea what Hex is, and have no will to learn about it? Do you frown upon them?
<Zel> Each person is free to take rom hacking as they want. It's not like you cant do a good hack without hex, but it will certainly make you a better rom hacker if you were to expand your knowledge about all the aspects of hacking
<Darthatron> Right.
<Darthatron> What do you think the most important aspect in a hack is? (Maps, Graphics, Scripts, a good story)
<Zel> ...Everything? O.o
<Zel> Alright, I think that scripting (a scripter saying scripting is the most important, how obvious) because it is what makes a whole new game, with new events. An interesting story with good scripts to implement it is my definition of a "good hack".
<Darthatron> I couldn't agree more.
<Darthatron> Would you like to recommend a hack?
<Zel> I guess all the hacks I've been liking were already recommended, so I'll just recommend you to play every hack, no matter the platform. But I guess that nobody can skip Prism and Marble, because I think they are made by guys who really take rom hacking to another level.
<Darthatron> Well, I think that's it, then.
<Carlos> You should skip Shiny Gold, it's made by a pathetic guy...
<Zel> You stay away from my interview!!!
Interview by Darthatron

[css-div="font-weight: bold; font-size: 120%; border-bottom: 1px solid SteelBlue; color: SteelBlue; width: 40%;"]Tips and Tricks[/css-div]A cool new trick that you may not have known about

So, last week we learned how to edit the moves that the Move Tutor's can teach. And this week will be a continuation on that. Today I'm going to tell you how to edit which Pokemon can learn which moves from the Move Tutor's. =)

[css-div="border: 1px dashed #9E7141; background-color: rgb(245, 239, 208); padding: 3px; margin: 5px; width: 60%; text-align: left;"]Fire Red English - &H459B7E
Leaf Green English - &H459B9E[/css-div]

So open up whatever offset you want in a Hex Editor and you should see this: [ 0000 9A40 9A40 9A40 FF60 FF60 FF60 FD40 ... ]

These are the "Binary Switches" which tell the game which Pokemon can learn what moves. So... First things first, get value #1 (9A40) which is Bulbasuar, and flip the Bytes.

So now it should be 409A.

Next, open up Window Calculator. (Make sure it's in Scientific Mode) and then click the "Hex" option button. Then, put in our next flipped bytes. (409A)

Then, we need to click the "Bin" option button. Now, you should get the binary value of that hex number, which is: 100 0000 1001 1010

Right... Now, these values are kind of like flags (in scripting). They can either be 1 (On) or 0 (Off). So, what we want to do is work backwards starting from the far right, and make a list of what the values all mean.

[css-div="border: 1px dashed #9E7141; background-color: rgb(245, 239, 208); padding: 3px; margin: 5px; width: 60%; text-align: left;"]0 = Off
1 = On
0 = Off
1 = On
1 = On
0 = Off
0 = Off
1 = On
0 = Off
0 = Off
0 = Off
0 = Off
0 = Off
0 = Off
1 = On[/css-div]

Get it? Good. Because I can't explain it any better... Now, you might be wondering why we had to make the list backwards... This is because the list of moves is read backwards by the game. (Substite first, Mega Punch last.)

So, simply put this is what all those values mean...

[css-div="border: 1px dashed #9E7141; background-color: rgb(245, 239, 208); padding: 3px; margin: 5px; width: 60%; text-align: left;"]0 = Mega Punch can't be learnt.
1 = Swords Dance can be learnt.
0 = Mega Kick can't be learnt.
1 = Body Slam can be learnt.
1 = Double-Edge can be learnt.
0 = Counter can't be learnt.
0 = Seismic Toss can't be learnt.
1 = Mimic can be learnt.
0 = Metronome can't be learnt.
0 = Softboiled can't be learnt.
0 = Dream Eater can't be learnt.
0 = ThunderWave can't be learnt.
0 = Explosion can't be learnt.
0 = Rock Slide can't be learnt.
1 = Substitue can be learnt.[/css-div]

And that's it, do the same for every other pokemon, and then you're done. =D Have fun haxxing.
Tip donated by Darthatron


[css-div="font-weight: bold; font-size: 120%; border-bottom: 1px solid SteelBlue; color: SteelBlue; width: 40%;"]Closing Notes[/css-div]Some house keeping

Hope you guys enjoyed that, I know it was missing some stuff but hopefully it was a decent size. That article by Visual was supposed to be in the newsletter 3 weeks ago. Somehow it just disappeared from my PM box.

So as always keep your comments coming in. Make sure you vote in HotY as well!
Closing by Thrace
[/css-div][css-div="text-align: center; background-color: #eaeaea; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-top: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid grey;"][css-span="font-size: 8pt; color: grey;"]CSS design and graphics by Thrace. Ask for permission if you want to use them![/css-span][/css-div][/css-div]

[Zeikku™]

Nice issue, I liked the ending of the interview with carlos butting in. xD
Overall very nice issue, it had enough info to keep me reading. Great job!

[TB Pro]

Great job! The interview made me Lol, with Carlos in the interview and what not. The tips and tricks was very nice, it'll surely help a lot of people out. Keep it up, Luck~

[/Circa]

Visual doesn't exist anymore ;o!
I liked the issue this week, I know this is going to be said over and over, but Carlos interfering was funny xD.

pssst, I reckon RHN needs a new main colour ;<.

[Surf]

Damn you Thrace Aussies have one more week of school
(and i have an after school detention)
a nice issue and my knowledge of Hex editing grows
(good on ya carlos)

[thethethethe]

Damn you Thrace Aussies have one more week of school
(and i have an after school detention)
Depends what year you are in.
@TB Pro!
Where on earth do you find 90 hours a week to hack? That's like 13 hours per day, more than half the week. Do you sleep? :\

[Surf]

Depends what year you are in.
@TB Pro!
Where on earth do you find 90 hours a week to hack? That's like 13 hours per day, more than half the week. Do you sleep? :\

Damn it thethethethe!
How on earth can you find 90 hours!!!!!!

Edit:
It's not drati it's Drati
I found the first mistake
I wanna cookie

[TB Pro]

Depends what year you are in.
@TB Pro!
Where on earth do you find 90 hours a week to hack? That's like 13 hours per day, more than half the week. Do you sleep? :\
Haha. Sometimes I sleep, and sometimes not. I may have exaggerated that a bit(or a lot). I probably hack more like 60 hours in a good week. It's probably like 50 hours on an average week. Idk what I was thinking when I told him that =P

[destinedjagold]

zel and Carlos...
What a perfect combination. xD

anyways, I like the issue this week.
late, but I don't care. ;)

though I still feel it's a bit short, but meh~

Continue the great work, RHN team~

[Ninja Caterpie]

50? 60? You guys have WAY too much spare time. I get 10-15 at most. O.o

psst. The colour stays~

[Νιτραμ]

Aww, I was expecting to see my work in. Let's hope for next issue...

Good work, by the way. Keep it up.

[Lady Berlitz]

I found Issue 14 of RHW incredibly interesting, although I focused mostly on the interview with Zel.
I really enjoyed reading this newsletter, please continue to write more.

[TB Pro]

50? 60? You guys have WAY too much spare time. I get 10-15 at most. O.o

psst. The colour stays~
Uhm...Being on PC counts =P You are on PC more than 10-15 hours a week. Don't lie =P There are 168 hours in a week. Most people are preoccupied between the hours of 10 P.M. to 3 P.M. that leaves 7 hours of free time. That means if you have nothing else to to the rest of that week(weekdays only) you have 35 free hours right there. On the weekends, you don't have school, so you're probably preoccupied from 11(or later or earlier) P.M. to 8(or later/earlier) A.M. which leaves 14 hours of spare time. If you have no other things going on that leaves you with 28 hours in a given weekend. Add that up and you have 63 free hours there. That is if you have nothing going on. That's why I said I had 60 on a good week, where I have nothing going on. I usually stay up till 11 P.M. or later every weeknight and 1 A.M. or later on the weekends. That is how I have that much free time. This week I have only had about 3 free hours so far, been swamped with homework x_x, so it all depends on what I have going on that week.

[Ninja Caterpie]

Uhm...Being on PC counts =P You are on PC more than 10-15 hours a week. Don't lie =P There are 168 hours in a week. Most people are preoccupied between the hours of 10 P.M. to 3 P.M. that leaves 7 hours of free time. That means if you have nothing else to to the rest of that week(weekdays only) you have 35 free hours right there. On the weekends, you don't have school, so you're probably preoccupied from 11(or later or earlier) P.M. to 8(or later/earlier) A.M. which leaves 14 hours of spare time. If you have no other things going on that leaves you with 28 hours in a given weekend. Add that up and you have 63 free hours there. That is if you have nothing going on. That's why I said I had 60 on a good week, where I have nothing going on. I usually stay up till 11 P.M. or later every weeknight and 1 A.M. or later on the weekends. That is how I have that much free time. This week I have only had about 3 free hours so far, been swamped with homework x_x, so it all depends on what I have going on that week.
I sleep at 9:30. Then, I get home at 4:30 after school. 5 hours of time not at school a day on weekdays. At least half of that is used up in dinner and homework. Well, I'm not allowed to play computer on weekdays anyway. And now that I got a terrible test result, no Pokemon at all. :( Anyway, my holidays are limited. My parents won't let me play that much... x.x I've had about 25 minutes of gaming time all week, all of it in the morning sneaking. :( Even in a good week, I only get around ten hours. In the holidays, I can probably churn out 2-5 hours a day...so...about 20 a week?

And I'm meant to be doing homework right now. Better get back to work.

[Dratii]

I sleep at 9:30. Then, I get home at 4:30 after school. 5 hours of time not at school a day on weekdays. At least half of that is used up in dinner and homework. Well, I'm not allowed to play computer on weekdays anyway. And now that I got a terrible test result, no Pokemon at all. :( Anyway, my holidays are limited. My parents won't let me play that much... x.x I've had about 25 minutes of gaming time all week, all of it in the morning sneaking. :( Even in a good week, I only get around ten hours. In the holidays, I can probably churn out 2-5 hours a day...so...about 20 a week?

And I'm meant to be doing homework right now. Better get back to work.
Now that basically sums up my week aswell

[Thrace]

[css-div="width: 80%; background-color: white; color: #5B5B5B; border-color: grey; border-width: 1px; border-style: solid; margin: 0; font-family: "Tahoma"; text-align: left;"][css-div="text-align: center; background-color: LightSteelBlue; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-top: 5px; font-size: 28pt; font-variant: small-caps; border-bottom: 1px solid SteelBlue; color: White;"]Rom Hacking Newsletter
[/css-div][css-div="text-align: center; background-color: #eaeaea; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-top: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid grey;"][css-span="font-size: 8pt; color: grey;"]Issue 15 - Sunday, 7 December 2008[/css-span][/css-div][css-div="padding: 10px; color: black; font-size: 8pt;"][css-div="font-size: 120%; font-weight: bold; border-bottom: 1px solid SteelBlue; color: SteelBlue; width: 40%;"]Introduction
[/css-div]Opening words

It sucks when you're busy in the holidays. Yeah, its late, in fact it'll probably be Monday when you're reading this. I guess I just haven't been organised. So yeah, thats my excuse.

RHN has lost a couple of members so we may, possibly, maybe not, be looking for more staff. You know where to apply (the team thread in the Team Discussions Forum). Also, HotY Round Two yearns for more votes. If you haven't voted already, why not do so now?
Opening by Thrace


[css-div="font-weight: bold; font-size: 120%; border-bottom: 1px solid SteelBlue; color: SteelBlue; width: 40%;"]Hacking News[/css-div]Staying current with the rom hacking scene

New IRC Channel for Rom Hacking
Theres a chat room for Rom Hackers now that everyone should join. The notification underneath PC's banner will tell you all you need to join it. I'll be online most of the time so feel free to join and chat.

Genesis Restart
Thats right, I've decided to restart Genesis. I'm not starting completely from the beginning. The region, names etc. will be the same, as will the story, although it'll be developed much earlier. The maps will be much better, the scripts will be polished and overall it'll just be better. A new thread will be made once I catch up to where I left off.

Hack Rating System
RHN will follow a standardised rating system similar to that of IGN, ratings and their meanings are described below.
10.0 to 9.0 - Masterful
Its almost impossible to make a hack that is perfect, but ratings in this range get pretty close. These hacks are flawless in all aspects of hacking, they are innovative and engaging.

8.9 to 8.0 - Impressive
Hacks that we feel are outstanding and are exceptional in at least one aspect will receive ratings in this range. Hacks that we feel are worthwhile and that everyone will find enjoyable. You'd need to put in a lot of effort to get this rating.

7.9 to 7.0 - Good
An excellent hack that is let down by a one or two major problems. Above average in all aspects but just missing a few things it needs to be great. Not amazing but has potential.

6.9 to 6.0 - Passable
Hacks that are just above average. Nothing to really get excited about. Nothing particularly horrible about the hack but nothing all that great either.

5.9 to 5.0 - Mediocre
A hack that provokes no emotion, standard, run-of-the-mill whatever you want to call it, these hacks are as average as they come.

4.9 to 4.0 - Lackluster
Hacks that do not have enough effort put into them. Probably not worth the attention for the time being. Has some potential to be better, but not enough to become something spectacular.

3.9 to 3.0 - Poor
Hacks that are flawed in all areas, most likely caused by inexperience by the author rather than effort. Not worth checking out regularly, will probably be cancelled the next week.

2.9 to 2.0 - Bad
Hacks that we recommend you avoid, not worth playing. Might have a few interesting ideas but ultimately is just very poorly executed. Major flaws in all aspects.

1.9 to 1.0 - Terrible
A hack we believe should not have had its thread accepted. These hacks are not even worth browsing over. These hacks are usually made by people trying to achieve internet stardom.

0.9 to 0.0 - Abysmal
Hacks that are not even truly hacks, more like edits. A few small changes to the original game, achievable in mere minutes.
Compiled by Thrace


[css-div="font-weight: bold; font-size: 120%; border-bottom: 1px solid SteelBlue; color: SteelBlue; width: 40%;"]HOTW Winner[/css-div]Spotlight on the Hack of the Week

http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk126/example_02/screen11.png Pokémon Fallen [Link (http://www.pokecommunity.com/showthread.php?t=161579)]
Hack Author: ~element
Reviewed By: Thrace

After 15 weeks of reviewing the HotW winner, I rarely get excited by what I find when I review them. This hack, sadly, was no different.

As usual, there is the paragraph length story. A standard list of features. A couple of scripts and the driving force behind the hack; a couple of nice looking maps. The new palettes give the hack a really grungy feel which for me is really off-putting. The hero OW which is designed very well somehow looks awkward and out-of-place. The maps appear to be made very well. Certainly not my kind of mapping but I'm sure it appeals to others. My biggest issue with that kind of mapping is how it makes playing the hack annoying as you have to weave in and out of trees and bushes. Its fine occasionally, say in a forest or dungeon but it shouldn't be used everywhere.

The script where you find your dad dead is made very well. Although its not overly complicated its executed well and it tells a story. Your dad being shot in the world of Pokemon seems excessively violent to me. But perhaps thats what we need? With all these boring, generic, innocent stories perhaps something a little more adult is what we need.
Article by Thrace


[css-div="font-weight: bold; font-size: 120%; border-bottom: 1px solid SteelBlue; color: SteelBlue; width: 40%;"]Map of the Week[/css-div]A review of the weeks MOTW winner

Map Author: Stealth
Map of: Fire Red
Rating: 9.5/10
Mapshot: Chick Here! (http://i446.photobucket.com/albums/qq184/Stealth3218/RedMountain.png)

Wow. When I first look at this map, I notice all the intracate weavings of the mountains. The mountains are so amazingly placed I can't comprehend it. They wind in such an amazing pattern it astounds me. They look like a maze, luckily the player is not forced to wind through them.

The next thing I noticed is the river that cuts through the middle of the map. This is not a badly done river...at all! It is full of curves, and all the mountain/shore tiles are correctly placed, which is a great addition. The rocks are scattered around in it wonderfully, and he alternated them quite wonderfully. The waterfalls are also done correctly, which isn't often seen.

I love the way Stealth placed the caves, and the number of them he added. The color coordination dots are a nice addition, however I'm not adding that in the rating(that would be pointless). I like how he put the caves in the depressions of the mountain, it adds a realistic feel.

The trees are placed nicely, and Stealth used the shadows correctly. You don't see that much. The trees add to the curvy feel of the map, which is a plus in my book.

Overall, This map is wonderful. This is one of the best maps I have ever seen. There are no errors that I could spot, and The map has a great shape. Everything is placed wonderfully, and the map is stellar. Congratz Stealth.
Article by TB Pro!


[css-div="font-weight: bold; font-size: 120%; border-bottom: 1px solid SteelBlue; color: SteelBlue; width: 40%;"]The Forum Revamp: Another Perspective[/css-div]A report on the hacking community

When looking at a play, you'll notice it's divided into parts. First, divided into an "act"; next, divided into a "scene." You don't say, "the one with such-and-such in it." You say, "Act 2, Scene 2." This is very similar to what's happening with the forum revamp.Think of it another way! In the science world, some form of life is divided into kingdom, phylum, class, etc. down to species. It's just another way of organizing, and organization is key!

The forum revamp was done to keep the forum clean and organized. I honestly, can't see how that would be a bad thing. Especially since it helps make more threads viewable at a time. Think about it (and use simple mathematics). Compare one forum to three. With the one, you have nine pages and fifteen threads viewable per page. With the three, you have three pages each with 15 threads viewable per page. You'd still have nine pages, but they're divided in a way that allows more threads to be viewable on the first pages of those forums. It's difficult to explain, but works in practice.

It's also a good way of separating the threads into competitive groupings. When battling Pokémon competitively, you use "ubers" to battle "ubers", and "underuseds" to battle "underuseds." It keeps thinks competitive, so a hack that's just starting out doesn't have to compete for attention with a hack like ShinyGold.

Finally, it's a good way to make the user find a hack they're looking for easier. If you want something playable right then, look in the "Hacks Showcase." If you're looking for a development or help thread, check the "Scrapbox". This also gives the creator a sense of promotion when their hacks are moved to a better forum. Motivation wise, the revamp would make people want to try harder to get into the "Hacks Showcase" now that the standards are higher.

Overall, I think the revamp will make the community better, as a whole, when people start to take advantage of the new forums (and prefixes [wink, nudge]).
Article by Kawaii, Inc.


[css-div="font-weight: bold; font-size: 120%; border-bottom: 1px solid SteelBlue; color: SteelBlue; width: 40%;"]Beginner's Corner[/css-div]Tips for new hackers
http://img178.imageshack.us/img178/6761/treeshadowtutjg8.png
Article by Punk Rocker

[css-div="font-weight: bold; font-size: 120%; border-bottom: 1px solid SteelBlue; color: SteelBlue; width: 40%;"]Interview[/css-div]An in-depth chat with...
<Darthatron> So, gabe_k... Some call you the king of D/P hacking, but I just call you nub.
<Darthatron> How did you first get into Pokemon Hacking?
<E-Bag> And I call you a nub
<E-Bag> so it's cool
<E-Bag> anyway
<E-Bag> i got into pokemon hacking when i was about 8
<E-Bag> when i first discovered emulation, one of the first roms i found was pokemon aqua
<E-Bag> after that i discovered gold map and pokemap and that stuff
<E-Bag> so i mostly used tools for a few years
<E-Bag> so then i decided
<E-Bag> "ima hack dp"
<E-Bag> so i did
<Darthatron> I see... So you kind of skipped the whole "GBA Generation"?
<E-Bag> i hacked gba for about 3 months
<E-Bag> during which i didn't have an internet connection
<E-Bag> then after that i decided to move onto dp
<E-Bag> because of how annoyingly limited gba was
<Darthatron> Interesting...
<Darthatron> Was that when you started the infamous "PokeSpam" hacking team?
<E-Bag> pretty much
<E-Bag> it started out as me and virtual chatot trying to hack dp
<E-Bag> then we got you and gff
<E-Bag> and things actually started happening
<Darthatron> Indeed.
<Darthatron> How do you feel when people call you the person who basically started D/P Hacking?
<E-Bag> like that person is an idiot has not considered all the facts
<Darthatron> I see...
<Darthatron> So, you've pretty much moved away from the Pokemon scene now, am I correct?
<E-Bag> yeah, i pretty much lost intrest when the xbox 360 CON resigner was released
<Darthatron> You spend most of your time hacking the 360 now, but do you ever think you'll come back to PC?
<E-Bag> I'll come back when I get unbanned to see how people do with DP hacking, until then I'm being a good boy and not evading my ban
<Darthatron> If you were really a good boy, you wouldn't be banned.
<E-Bag> I'm a good boy because I dump my own roms
<E-Bag> that's more then can be said for 99% of the pokemon hacker
<E-Bag> those evil pirates
<Darthatron> Yes, evil.
<Darthatron> Anyway... Would you like to reccomend a hack?
<E-Bag> Pokemon Aqua
<E-Bag> it's a blue hack as i recall
<E-Bag> maybe red
<Darthatron> Ok.
<Darthatron> And would you like to tell the members of the PC Hacking community what you really think of them? And how they might be improved?
<E-Bag> I think the hacking community is pityful. I think that the way to improve it would be if people took the time too figure out how to do stuff on their own
<E-Bag> before asking about it
<Darthatron> Said like a true poet.
<E-Bag> Thank you
<Darthatron> Well, I guess that's about it. Thanks for the interview E-Bag/gabe_k/nub.
<E-Bag> No...
<E-Bag> U
Interview by Darthatron

[css-div="font-weight: bold; font-size: 120%; border-bottom: 1px solid SteelBlue; color: SteelBlue; width: 40%;"]Closing Notes[/css-div]Some house keeping

I'm well and truly starting to run out of stuff for the Tips and Tricks segment now. If you've got any ideas at all, even if you don't know how to do it, but want to know how to, PM with your idea.

I'd also like to mention thethethethe, who recently left ROM hacking, even though he won't see this. thethethethe has been one of, if not the most reliable member of the RHN team. He was one of the first people to join the team and he has consistently provided me with quality articles. Not to mention all he's done for the ROM hacking community in general. Gosh, I'm making it sound like he's died or something aren't I? Anyway, thanks for everthing thethethethe, you'll be missed.
Closing by Thrace
[/css-div][css-div="text-align: center; background-color: #eaeaea; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-top: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid grey;"][css-span="font-size: 8pt; color: grey;"]CSS design and graphics by Thrace. Ask for permission if you want to use them![/css-span][/css-div][/css-div]

[~Teh Panda~]

Amazing issue! I love the review and it really sparked me up to try that hack :)

[GKS]

The newsletter is pretty good, but it needs more to it.

[Ripper]

The newsletter is pretty good, but it needs more to it.

Easier said than done my friend.

Sorry I've been away Thrace, I don't think I told you :( I'll get some reviews and stuff done for the next issue guaranteed.

[Ninja Caterpie]

I'd also like to mention thethethethe, who recently left ROM hacking, even though he won't see this. thethethethe has been one of, if not the most reliable member of the RHN team. He was one of the first people to join the team and he has consistently provided me with quality articles. Not to mention all he's done for the ROM hacking community in general. Gosh, I'm making it sound like he's died or something aren't I? Anyway, thanks for everthing thethethethe, you'll be missed.
Say what? But it IS like he's died!

Hmmm... Good one this time...and it's pretty interesting...although...I can't think of a tip. xP

[destinedjagold]

things are really getting busy and many are leaving lately... it makes me sad...

Anyways, nice new issue as usual.
A bit short but it was still nice.

Keep things up, RHN Team~

[interdpth]

Gabe lies, he downloads the ROMs I've seen it!

[Thrace]

[css-div="width: 80%; background-color: white; color: #5B5B5B; border-color: grey; border-width: 1px; border-style: solid; margin: 0; font-family: "Tahoma"; text-align: left;"][css-div="text-align: center; background-color: LightSteelBlue; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-top: 5px; font-size: 28pt; font-variant: small-caps; border-bottom: 1px solid SteelBlue; color: White;"]Rom Hacking Newsletter
[/css-div][css-div="text-align: center; background-color: #eaeaea; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-top: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid grey;"][css-span="font-size: 8pt; color: grey;"]Issue 16 - Sunday, 14 December 2008[/css-span][/css-div][css-div="padding: 10px; color: black; font-size: 8pt;"][css-div="font-size: 120%; font-weight: bold; border-bottom: 1px solid SteelBlue; color: SteelBlue; width: 40%;"]Introduction
[/css-div]Opening words

The promised new layout will be coming soon! Its actually already been made by Darthatron (hopefully I saved it somewhere) it just needs a few tweaks here and there. All I'm going to say is that it'll look more like an official part of the PokeCommunity.

The new PC chat is really thriving! So don't be shy to visit, theres always people there who are up for a chat.
Opening by Thrace


[css-div="font-weight: bold; font-size: 120%; border-bottom: 1px solid SteelBlue; color: SteelBlue; width: 40%;"]Hacking News[/css-div]Staying current with the rom hacking scene

interdpth's interactive tutorials
interdpth held a tutorial today (or yesterday depending on your timezone) on various aspects of Rom Hacking which were very useful and enjoyable. It was held in PC's new Rom Hacking IRC channel. If you missed it you can check out the log on his thread here (http://www.pokecommunity.com/showthread.php?t=162734). There should be another being held next week. I'm not sure on the time or day but just check his thread regularly so you don't miss out.

Hack Rating System
RHN will follow a standardised rating system similar to that of IGN, ratings and their meanings are described below.
10.0 to 9.0 - Masterful
Its almost impossible to make a hack that is perfect, but ratings in this range get pretty close. These hacks are flawless in all aspects of hacking, they are innovative and engaging.

8.9 to 8.0 - Impressive
Hacks that we feel are outstanding and are exceptional in at least one aspect will receive ratings in this range. Hacks that we feel are worthwhile and that everyone will find enjoyable. You'd need to put in a lot of effort to get this rating.

7.9 to 7.0 - Good
An excellent hack that is let down by a one or two major problems. Above average in all aspects but just missing a few things it needs to be great. Not amazing but has potential.

6.9 to 6.0 - Passable
Hacks that are just above average. Nothing to really get excited about. Nothing particularly horrible about the hack but nothing all that great either.

5.9 to 5.0 - Mediocre
A hack that provokes no emotion, standard, run-of-the-mill whatever you want to call it, these hacks are as average as they come.

4.9 to 4.0 - Lackluster
Hacks that do not have enough effort put into them. Probably not worth the attention for the time being. Has some potential to be better, but not enough to become something spectacular.

3.9 to 3.0 - Poor
Hacks that are flawed in all areas, most likely caused by inexperience by the author rather than effort. Not worth checking out regularly, will probably be cancelled the next week.

2.9 to 2.0 - Bad
Hacks that we recommend you avoid, not worth playing. Might have a few interesting ideas but ultimately is just very poorly executed. Major flaws in all aspects.

1.9 to 1.0 - Terrible
A hack we believe should not have had its thread accepted. These hacks are not even worth browsing over. These hacks are usually made by people trying to achieve internet stardom.

0.9 to 0.0 - Abysmal
Hacks that are not even truly hacks, more like edits. A few small changes to the original game, achievable in mere minutes.
Compiled by Thrace


[css-div="font-weight: bold; font-size: 120%; border-bottom: 1px solid SteelBlue; color: SteelBlue; width: 40%;"]HOTW Winner[/css-div]Spotlight on the Hack of the Week

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm104/GOLDENRIOLU/pk_fire_red_pyp_usav_17.png Pokémon Sentra Journeys [Link (http://www.pokecommunity.com/showthread.php?t=157620)]
Hack Author: Lucario 9
Reviewed By: Thrace

Yet another hack by Lucario 9. This hack seems to have quite a bit of progress behind it but does it have what it takes for Lucario 9 to stick with it?

Unfortunately it doesn't. A good story is central to a hacker's determination to finish their hack and Sentra Journey's doesn't even have one. One thing that really ticks me off about this hack is the lack of attention to detail in scripts. The hack just doesn't look polished. Everything about this hack is mediocre and its sad to see because Lucario 9 has the skills to make an excellent hack.

The Alpha although lengthy (for an Alpha) seems rushed. Theres a few good maps and some interesting scripts here and there but it just gives the impression that the creators were really lazy. Theres many easily avoidable bugs and tile errors and the dialouge is really boring. The dialogue! Urgh! It made everyone in the hack seem so lifeless. The mapping in many places restricted the player's movement which became very irksome. It wasn't exciting to play through really, it seemed more like a chore. You're probably thinking this review was too harsh, right? Well, after someone has made as many hacks as Lucario 9 has I don't think it is unreasonable to expect something at least a little out of the ordinary.
Article by Thrace


[css-div="font-weight: bold; font-size: 120%; border-bottom: 1px solid SteelBlue; color: SteelBlue; width: 40%;"]Hack Review[/css-div]Hacks in review

http://i34.tinypic.com/2wn8eao.pnghttp://rijon.nintendo-net.com/rijonadventures/images/screenshots/people-sheral01.png Pokémon rijonAdventures [Link (http://www.pokecommunity.com/showthread.php?t=158324)]
Hack Author: Haruki Hanai
Reviewed By: Ripper
Reviewer's Rating: 8.0

Another long serving hack to the Community is Rijon Adventures, the third game in the ‘Rijon Trilogy’. Rijon Adventures serves as an Advanced redo of the first game Pokémon Brown, in that it is set in the same region, and features many characters seen before in previous Rijon games.

What’s great about the current Rijon Adventures is that it provides enough game play to be enjoyable, for a long period of time. Were one to play RA without using a speed up function they’d get a good six or seven hours out of the game, and that’s without any form of level grinding. Rijon Adventures introduces to the player a protagonist who, in reality, will spend much of their time living up to their father (a legendary trainer) and brothers’ (the presumed League Champion) high reputations. As your journey begins you meet up with your close friend and head off to Professor Jen’s lab to receive your first Pokémon, and Pokédex. What this climaxes in is an enjoyable journey through the heart of the region of Rijon (catchy isn’t it?).

Haruki Hanai has done an amazing job with the all forms of hacking within RA. The scripting is nigh perfect, the maps are well interpreted advances on those featured in Brown, and overall the experience is wonderfully enjoyable. From updating letterboxes to frequent rival battles Rijon Adventures provides a little bit of everything for everyone. Along with characters from previous Rijon games, RA is filled with original, interesting characters in the form of Gym Leaders. Each Leader (as shown on the RA site [link (http://rijon.nintendo-net.com/rijonadventures/)]) has their own back story, and history, and it’s great to know that plenty of time has been put into Rijon Adventures to ensure there aren’t any strange loopholes.

It’s hard to find gripes with Haruki Hania’s creation; the only real negative points come from the fact that many of the Pokémon featured early on are very similar to those featured in Fire Red. I’m sure many of you out there will find the Pokémon adequate, but damn it I want my Houndour! The tiles have been left untouched, but it’s better to have good looking FR tiles than chunky looking created ones. The final negative point surrounding Rijon Adventures is that, one way or another, it does seem similar to Fire Red, structure wise. I could guess lots of the time what I would be faced with next, specifically regarding the Silk Tunnel. This is partly due, however, to the game being based off Pokémon Brown, a game made from the base of the original Game Boy games.

Overall, Rijon adventures would have to be one of the greatest Advanced hacks created. It contains a bit of everything, to cater to the needs of any budding gamer. It is well deserving of its place in the HotY nominations (everyone get voting!).
Article by Ripper


[css-div="font-weight: bold; font-size: 120%; border-bottom: 1px solid SteelBlue; color: SteelBlue; width: 40%;"]Tips and Tricks[/css-div]A cool new trick

This tip isn't very useful but it can be used to make your hack more original. In fact, it's really easy.
There is a command called "braille". It converts anything you write into braille format. Braille has only one parameter and its one that points to the offset of the sentence you want to convert to braille.

This is how it is used:
[css-div="border: 1px dashed #9E7141; background-color: rgb(245, 239, 208); padding: 3px; margin: 5px; width: 60%; text-align: left;"]braille @offset [/css-div]

But there are three things need to notice:
1.Command braille must follow a message command. (Both Yes/No and Normal are ok)
2.The braille sentence should be written like this:
[css-div="border: 1px dashed #9E7141; background-color: rgb(245, 239, 208); padding: 3px; margin: 5px; width: 60%; text-align: left;"]#org @braille
#braille ABC[/css-div]
3.After using the command braille, there must be a waitkeypress, or the braille won't show.

Here is an example in XSE:
[css-div="border: 1px dashed #9E7141; background-color: rgb(245, 239, 208); padding: 3px; margin: 5px; width: 60%; text-align: left;"]#dynamic 0x[your offset]
#org @start
lock
faceplayer
msgbox @3
boxset MSG_NORMAL 'Must be a msgbox!
braille @4
waitkeypress
release
end

#org @3
= There is something strange on the stone...

#org @4
#braille something 'the braille words [/css-div]
Tip donated by liuyanghejerry


[css-div="font-weight: bold; font-size: 120%; border-bottom: 1px solid SteelBlue; color: SteelBlue; width: 40%;"]Beginner's Corner[/css-div]Tips for new hackers

Okay, a lot of people are going around saying that they can't change the name of a map they just inserted (and if they do, Pallet's name changes too). I'll show you how to fix that problem. I'm changing the SS. Anne entrace map, by the way

1. Go to the header of the map you've inserted and click the dropdown box for the names.
http://img229.imageshack.us/img229/869/step1ri1.png

2. Click on a useless-looking one. The ones called "Sevii Island 6", "Sevii Island 7", "Sevii Island 8" and "Sevii Island 9" are useless unneeded maps so you can replace those. Also, "Sevii Isle 22-24" are useless.

3. Change that in the text box, save and reload the ROM.
http://img229.imageshack.us/img229/907/step2qo9.png

4. Look for the map that you changed. It should be under the right name now.

5. Voila! You changed an area's name without changing anothers!
http://img229.imageshack.us/img229/1148/testingtownut8.png
Article by Ninja Caterpie

[css-div="font-weight: bold; font-size: 120%; border-bottom: 1px solid SteelBlue; color: SteelBlue; width: 40%;"]Interview[/css-div]An in-depth chat with...
<Darthatron> Hello Coolboyman, the creator of one of the most known hacks of all time, and the sequal.
<Coolboyman> Hi there.
<Darthatron> I guess the thing most of the people at PC want to know is how did you first get into Pokemon Hacking?
<Coolboyman> Well it was a long time ago when I was surfing the web and I discovered a nifty program called "Pokemap", that actually let me edit the maps in Pokemon Red and Blue
<Coolboyman> I fiddled around with it a bit and grew attached.
<Coolboyman> I hacked other games before Pokemon, but Pokemon just had something special to me.
<Darthatron> I see... You've been working on Pokemon Brown for a few years now, correct? Was that the first hack you've done?
<Coolboyman> Nah, I did other hacks before Brown. My first one was of Super Mario Bros.
<Coolboyman> Although it was no good... I was just experimenting back then.
<Darthatron> Of course, that's how many hackers start out.
<Coolboyman> Yeah, it's a good series to start out on just to test things out.
<Coolboyman> I see lots of Super Mario World hacks that are obviously made by newcomers in the hacking business.
<Darthatron> Indeed.
<Darthatron> You have many interesting features in your hacks, such as the ability to change the players clothes mid-game in Prism. Did you do all the work by yourself, or did you have a few people giving you a helping hand?
<Coolboyman> Well "The Dude" helped me with the complicated ASM stuff. To be honest, I'm not much of an ASM man, I'm more of a game designer than a programmer. He did stuff like choosing your gender, repointing the type effects table to another bank, and the ability to change your sprite. I basically did everything else.
<Darthatron> Oh, ok. You seem to like the older generations (RGBY/GSC), but do you think you might start hacking the GBA games, or even DS in the future?
<Coolboyman> Well it depends if I want to do another Pokemon hack, which probably won't happen. I have my eyes on another game which I won't mention right now that I want to hack once I'm done with Prism. If I were to make another Pokemon hack, I'd change the concept completly, as in you wouldn't just be another trainer trying to get a certain number of badges and become the master of a league or that sort of thing.
<Darthatron> Fair enough. So after Prism is finished you don't think you'll be staying with Pokemon Hacking? Will you leave PC aswell?
<Coolboyman> I'll probably still play Pokemon hacks, and I'll tell people of my new hack on PC.
<Darthatron> Well that's good.
<Darthatron> What are your thoughts on the Hacking Community?
<Darthatron> Does the fact that less and less people know how to Hex Edit now, or even want to learn, annoy you?
<Coolboyman> Well yeah it does annoy me, because programs are limiting what a person can do. With hex, you could do everything that the programs won't let you do. People would have to figure out how the game is put together and how the data is stored, and I can't see many hackers of any game trying to figure it out.
<Coolboyman> People need to figure out how to do things for themselves when hacking, not rely on other people all the time. I admit I need help here and there, but the problem is many of these "hackers" can't do anything with the game without a tutorial or a program.
<Coolboyman> Newcomers need to also slow down, I know it's exciting when you're making your first hack, but the reason you should slow down is because it's your first, and it's probably going to suck. I see countless "hacks" from several different games being released so quickly that are obviously bad and the person didn't even try.
<Coolboyman> People need to actually play popular hacks to understand what makes a good hack.
<Darthatron> I couldn't agree more.
<Darthatron> So, the new rule for the ROM Hacking section (the new forum "Progressing Hacks"), what do you think about that? Good or bad idea?
<Coolboyman> I think it's a good idea. Progressing hacks gives people time to build up on their hack before having it in the "main ROM Hack forum". It's basically a step above "Idea forum" (Scrapbox) but below a presentable version forum (Showcase). It's more of a "Working on it". Anyone can get into Hacks Showcase if they put time into their hack, test it many times and iron out all the glitcfhes that they
<Coolboyman> see, and overall have some new features that weren't presented in the original Pokemon games.
<Darthatron> Indeed.
<Darthatron> Would you like to give our readers some information about the new version of Brown?
<Coolboyman> Well it's going to be an update of Brown where the text is fixed up, glitches eradicated, some brand new areas, and most importantly, new Pokemon. This will be the first Pokemon Red hack that has new Pokemon, and there will be about 70 of them. Of course, there will be some other extra goodies. I'm hoping to get this out by the end of December, but if not you'll be sure to see it in January.
<Coolboyman> I'm really happy to do this, mostly because my hacking skills were obviously not as good as they are now. Throughout the years, I've wanted to do an update to Brown, mostly because whenever I see Brown, I sigh at what I could have done better, and now I have that opportunity to improve it.
<Darthatron> That's cool.
<Coolboyman> So make sure to give it a try once it's released.
<Darthatron> Did you get "The Dude" to repoint the Pokemon Table? And of course I will try it.
<Coolboyman> Well the pictures for the new Pokemon wouldn't be possible without him, so make sure to thank him.
<Coolboyman> and after I'm done with this, I'll return to Prism
<Darthatron> That's good.
<Darthatron> Would you like to recommend a hack?
<Coolboyman> I haven't played many hacks recently, so that's up to you guys. Everyone should try out many hacks on the forums, and decide for themselves what they like best.
<Coolboyman> Alright then
<Darthatron> Would you like to give a tip to our readers?
<Coolboyman> Yeah, don't be afraid to experiment and try to implement your ideas. Just remember to try, and of course, if you're the first person to do something, that means you will have to figure it out, mostly likely without help from others
<Coolboyman> Try to make your hack different as you can from the Nintendo games. Be in the players shoes, imagine how he or she would feel experiencing new ideas introduced into a Pokemon game.
<Darthatron> Good tips.
<Darthatron> Thanks for the interview Coolboyman. I hope we see the new Brown soon.
<Coolboyman> Thanks, and keep up the good work with the newsletter!
Interview by Darthatron

[css-div="font-weight: bold; font-size: 120%; border-bottom: 1px solid SteelBlue; color: SteelBlue; width: 40%;"]Closing Notes[/css-div]Some house keeping

The end of another RHN, this time delivered on time! Yay! I always have no idea what to say for this part. Its always something stupid and useless, maybe people will avoid reading it altogether eventually? I might just merge this and the Opening words because theres really no need for the two. Anyways you'll see what I decide on in the next issue.

Oh, also, could everyone take some time to read the rules please? It doesn't take long and it'll be well worth your time if you do. They aren't as obvious as you might think in some cases. And if you're thread isn't accepted and you can't work out why, take a look at the threads that already exist in that section.
Closing by Thrace
[/css-div][css-div="text-align: center; background-color: #eaeaea; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-top: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid grey;"][css-span="font-size: 8pt; color: grey;"]CSS design and graphics by Thrace. Ask for permission if you want to use them![/css-span][/css-div][/css-div]

[Darthatron]

Nice Hack Review (Tip). Very informative. I can't wait until we get an issue without an error. :'D

[TB Pro]

Nice guys. Sadly, this issue had some errors(a lot(DON'T RIP OFF MY HEAD ;_; )), but that's mmk. Keep it up. Luck~

[Ninja Caterpie]

Yay, that was great! Mainly because I had some sort of input, but meh

A new layout eh? Woot! I can steal the old one!

G'luck in the future!

[destinedjagold]

although a bit short, I am surprised that CBM was being interviewed this week and I liked it. ^^
But one thing is still questioning me about CBM though, for last year(when I joined PC), CBM was er, scary, but still was nice, but this year, he's a nice guy now, without the 'scary' part... :P

Oh well...
Thanks for this week's issue.
Keep things up, RHN team. ;)

[Neti]

I enjoyed reading it, keep up the good work!

[Ripper]

CBM has some interesting things to say...

I doubt we'll ever see a completely mistake free issue. Readers have to rememeber that this 'magazine' is being made by students in their spare time.

[Chimchar 9]

Hmmm..Thace i think you was abit harsh on me there,it seems i have failed another hack again.
what you could of done is put some nice things in there instead of all bad.
you would of gave the rate of the hack:Bad.

p.s - that review has just put me off hacking now !!

[Ikwaylx]

Hmmm..Thace i think you was abit harsh on me there,it seems i have failed another hack again.
what you could of done is put some nice things in there instead of all bad.
you would of gave the rate of the hack:Bad.

p.s - that review has just put me off hacking now !!
It allows you to aim higher! Bad comments can be good sometimes too.

Anyway, great issue. I enjoyed the review with Coolboyman and the RJ review. Quite an informative review so I'm pleased with it.

[Thrace]

Nice Hack Review (Tip). Very informative. I can't wait until we get an issue without an error. :'D
HUR HUR. >:[

Nice guys. Sadly, this issue had some errors(a lot(DON'T RIP OFF MY HEAD ;_; )), but that's mmk. Keep it up. Luck~
*rips of head*

Hmmm..Thace i think you was abit harsh on me there,it seems i have failed another hack again.
what you could of done is put some nice things in there instead of all bad.
you would of gave the rate of the hack:Bad.

p.s - that review has just put me off hacking now !!
You're quitting because of one person's opinion? ;_;

[Darthatron]

Hmmm..Thace i think you was abit harsh on me there,it seems i have failed another hack again.
what you could of done is put some nice things in there instead of all bad.
you would of gave the rate of the hack:Bad.

p.s - that review has just put me off hacking now !!

"Everything about this hack is mediocre and its sad to see because Lucario 9 has the skills to make an excellent hack." - If that's not nice, I don't know what is. >_>

[Thrace]

[css-div="width: 85%; text-align: left; font-size: 8pt;"][css-div="text-align: center; padding: 0px;"][css-div="padding: 0px;"]ROM Hacking Newsletter[/css-div][/css-div][css-div="text-align: center; padding: 0px;"]Issue 17 - Tuesday, 23 December 2008[/css-div][css-div="background-color: #FFFFFF; color: #111111; padding: 14px; text-align: left;"][css-div="font-size: 15px; font-weight: bold; background-color: #4682B4; color: #FFFFFF; width: 95%;"]Introduction[/css-div][css-div="font-size: 10px; color: #555555; width: 95%; background-color: #DDDDDD;"]Opening Notes[/css-div][css-div="width: 94%; padding: 4px; background-color: #FEFEFE; text-align: left; "]Yup, the new layout is here. Made by Darthatron and given a few little tweaks here and there by me. So, what do you think? Post your comments here. Anyway very short newsletter today, I've just been too busy with Christmas and Genesis to work on a proper sized one. Next week I won't be here to do RHN, I'll be leaving Darthatron in charge and hopefully we'll have a decent sized issue to make up for this one.
Opening by Thrace[/css-div]

[css-div="font-size: 15px; font-weight: bold; background-color: #4682B4; color: #FFFFFF; width: 95%;"]Hacking News[/css-div][css-div="font-size: 10px; color: #555555; width: 95%; background-color: #DDDDDD;"]Keep up with the latest in the ROM hacking scene[/css-div][css-div="width: 94%; padding: 3px; background-color: #FEFEFE; text-align: left;"]End of Hack of the Year
I planned on having a whole article for this but theres really not much point. HotY has ended this year with, thankfully, very little drama as opposed to last years. Congratulations once again to Haruki Hanai for winning HotY, I can't think of any other hack that deserved to win it. Next year there will be a different format to this years, hopefully one that'll make it easier for both the voters and the organisers.

Hack Rating System
RHN will follow a standardised rating system similar to that of IGN, ratings and their meanings are described below.
10.0 to 9.0 - Masterful
Its almost impossible to make a hack that is perfect, but ratings in this range get pretty close. These hacks are flawless in all aspects of hacking, they are innovative and engaging.

8.9 to 8.0 - Impressive
Hacks that we feel are outstanding and are exceptional in at least one aspect will receive ratings in this range. Hacks that we feel are worthwhile and that everyone will find enjoyable. You'd need to put in a lot of effort to get this rating.

7.9 to 7.0 - Good
An excellent hack that is let down by a one or two major problems. Above average in all aspects but just missing a few things it needs to be great. Not amazing but has potential.

6.9 to 6.0 - Passable
Hacks that are just above average. Nothing to really get excited about. Nothing particularly horrible about the hack but nothing all that great either.

5.9 to 5.0 - Mediocre
A hack that provokes no emotion, standard, run-of-the-mill whatever you want to call it, these hacks are as average as they come.

4.9 to 4.0 - Lackluster
Hacks that do not have enough effort put into them. Probably not worth the attention for the time being. Has some potential to be better, but not enough to become something spectacular.

3.9 to 3.0 - Poor
Hacks that are flawed in all areas, most likely caused by inexperience by the author rather than effort. Not worth checking out regularly, will probably be cancelled the next week.

2.9 to 2.0 - Bad
Hacks that we recommend you avoid, not worth playing. Might have a few interesting ideas but ultimately is just very poorly executed. Major flaws in all aspects.

1.9 to 1.0 - Terrible
A hack we believe should not have had its thread accepted. These hacks are not even worth browsing over. These hacks are usually made by people trying to achieve internet stardom.

0.9 to 0.0 - Abysmal
Hacks that are not even truly hacks, more like edits. A few small changes to the original game, achievable in mere minutes.
Compiled by Thrace[/css-div]

[css-div="font-size: 15px; font-weight: bold; background-color: #4682B4; color: #FFFFFF; width: 95%;"]Hack of the Week Review[/css-div][css-div="font-size: 10px; color: #555555; width: 95%; background-color: #DDDDDD;"]Spotlight on the HOTW winner[/css-div][css-div="width: 94%; padding: 3px; background-color: #FEFEFE; text-align: left;"]http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd251/hockeypanda32/Picture13copy.png Pokémon Oblivion [Link (http://www.pokecommunity.com/showthread.php?t=162632)]
Hack Author: TehTehTehTeh
Reviewed By: Thrace

Now I very rarely get excited about hacks these days. Even when I see a thread with nice screenshots and a beautiful thread layout I barely notice. There was a time when I would play each and every hack available here at PC. Anyway, my personal problems aside, lets get to the review.

This hack has one of the most epic sounding storylines I've seen for a long time. It reads exactly like a movie and its understandable why people would get excited over this. The graphics too are by-and-large very nice. I especially love the new grass tile, its unique but it doesn't look awkward and out-of-place like most others. The paths for the city... well I'm not so sure about. I get that its in a city and will therefore logically have roads but to me it just doesn't look good. That Giratina building looks strangely two dimensional too.

On the scripting side, theres not much to talk about. The scripts shown are ok, nothing particularly impressive. Its a good idea to have a script that is mildly impressive at the beginning of the game to get people interested. There are some good ideas though. They seem to have neglected the text colour conventions which in my books is pretty unforgivable considering how easy it is to implement. They do have an excellent team with some very talented hackers. I can see this hack going pretty far if they're determned to stick with it.
Article by Thrace[/css-div]

[css-div="font-size: 15px; font-weight: bold; background-color: #4682B4; color: #FFFFFF; width: 95%;"]Tips and Trick[/css-div][css-div="font-size: 10px; color: #555555; width: 95%; background-color: #DDDDDD;"]An interesting Tip or Trick that you may not know[/css-div][css-div="width: 94%; padding: 4px; background-color: #FEFEFE; text-align: left;"]This weeks tip will teach you how to change the players overworld.
Ok, So open VBA and make sure you're in a place you can see the hero. Go tools > Memory Viewer.
Now a new window should appear called Memory Viewer. In the top right corner, there is an empty box next to the Go button. Type "2020648" there and press Go.
At the first line it should give you A0 00 3A 08. Reversing this gives us 083A00A0, the 08 is to show its pointing somewhere in the rom.
Let's say I inserted my new sprite at, 3A0420 (Ruby Brendan Sprite). Reversed that, and add 8000000. 20 04 3A 08.
Now overwrite the A0 00 3A 08 with 20 04 3A 08 in Memory Viewer, and go back to the game.
Has the overworld changed into a Brendan sprite with the wrong palette? YAY, Now you can edit the sprite to whatever you want in the overworld editor or repoint to empty space and insert a new OW.

For this to be useful in a hack we'll need to be able to use it in a script. The writebytetooffset command will edit bytes in the Memory Viewer. Below is an example of the script.

[css-div="border: 1px dashed #9E7141; background-color: rgb(245, 239, 208); padding: 3px; margin: 5px; width: 60%; text-align: left;"]#org 0x16582F
checkflag 0x851
compare LASTRESULT 0x1
if 0x1 goto 0x8166917
msgbox 0x817F723 '"Would you like to transform?"
callstd 0x5
closeonkeypress
compare LASTRESULT 0x1
if 0x0 goto 0x801EE9E
setflag 0x851
writebytetooffset 0x20 0x2020648
writebytetooffset 0x4 0x2020649
end

'-----------------------
#org 0x166917
msgbox 0x817D80D '"Want to stay transformed?"
callstd 0x5
closeonkeypress
compare LASTRESULT 0x1
if 0x1 goto 0x801EE9E
writebytetooffset 0xA0 0x2020648
clearflag 0x851
writebytetooffset 0x0 0x2020649
end

'-----------------------
#org 0x1EE9E
end
[/css-div]

Tip donated by Darthatron/X-Buster, thanks to Sebbe for the article[/css-div]

[css-div="font-size: 15px; font-weight: bold; background-color: #4682B4; color: #FFFFFF; width: 95%;"]Interview[/css-div][css-div="font-size: 10px; color: #555555; width: 95%; background-color: #DDDDDD;"]An in-depth chat with...[/css-div][css-div="width: 94%; padding: 4px; background-color: #FEFEFE; text-align: left;"]<Darthatron> So, Zeikku. Thanks for taking time out of your busy life to have an interview with me.
<Zeikku> it's alright, It's an honor, really
<Darthatron> THIS STUPID MOTHER ****ER DOESN"T SHUT UP
<Zeikku> haha rofl
<Darthatron> anyway...
<Darthatron> You've recently "quit" Pokémon ROM Hacking, yet you still come on PC alot. What's that all about?
<Zeikku> well, to be honest, I don't think I ever could just quit. For me it's not that easy. I'm a part of too many hacks mainly as a spriter. The main thing keeping me on PC was Liquid Crystal. I hate letting people down.
<Darthatron> I see... So you still work on Liquid Crystal, and some other hacks. How much longer do you think you can keep your "help everyone" attitude before you finally throw in the towel?
<Zeikku> I've been doing it for a while now, so I'm kind of unsure. I think 09 will be a year to make a lot of decisions, of who to help and not. Mainly because liquid crystal should be done in 09.
<Darthatron> Indeed. Liquid Crystal is getting pretty big. Do you think it could out-shine Shiny Gold, popularity wise?
<Zeikku> Hmm, Both games have obviously made an impact. Shiny gold being the most consistant remake one. Liquid Crystal being the event driven hack. Shiny gold is what a remake should be. But I feel Liquid crystal adds some originality to the remake. It may take a while but I see liquid crystal becoming popular. but seeing as shiny gold has been out for ages now. I doubt it could beat the popularity of it.
<Darthatron> I see...
<Darthatron> How did you first get into Hacking, and when did you first find PC?
<Zeikku> well, I had just hacked PC and was actually looking for roms to play... I stumbled across pokemon brown and grew intriuged. I then discovered an interesting gold remake called "shiny gold", after youtubing "pokemon gold hacks". A link took me to PC where I learned to hack. Rijon adventured was the first hack I played actually. mainly because I was a fan of brown. Shiny gold was downloaded after.
<Zeikku> beta 3.5 i believe..
<Darthatron> Wow, beta 3.5. I thought you would have joined alot earlier than that. You have a pretty big reputation, for someoen so new.
<Darthatron> Have you ever made a hack by yourself?
<Zeikku> yes, Super Luigi 64, Clear Diamond but I stopped those. because I have a lot of stuff to do for people on PC and in real life. I'm actually working on a hack called pokemon steel...progressing very slowly though. Yunghoves my scripter, co owner and my only staff member for it. but everything's made by me and him only.
<Darthatron> Does Steel have a plot yet? If so, what is it?
<Zeikku> well steels plot is: you wake up and your father is taken away. you actually see him being escorted out of the hero/ heroines house. your starter choices are hidden in your own house. Your dad wanted to keep them for emergencies. You go to the next town where you learn more about what has happened. I can't really say much cos everything will have a twist eventually.
<Darthatron> Good plot.
<Darthatron> The "your father gets kidnapped" thing is a bit over used now-days, though.
<Zeikku> yeah I know. but I don't think any in showcase or in progressing hacks have them right?
<Darthatron> I don't know.
<Darthatron> Do you think you will get this hack finished?
<Zeikku> eventually yes, will take forever though, I have very little time working on it. once a beta's out, it'll be hotter than katy perry kissing girls
<Darthatron> That's hot.
<Darthatron> Would you like to recommend a hack?
<Zeikku> hmm, I'll recommend 2, Rijion adventures being HOTY winner and being the first hack I played. Liquid Crystal Because A lot of people have worked hard on it.
<Darthatron> And perhaps a tip for our readers?
<Zeikku> I have a few, Never skateboard drunk, Don't drink n drive. use a condom, when getting lucky. Do these things and you'll be the next "pounder" on PC XD
Interview by Darthatron[/css-div]

[/css-div][css-div="text-align: center; padding: 0px;"][css-div="padding: 0px;"]CSS by Darthatron[/css-div][/css-div][/css-div]

[Neti]

Wow that trick is extremely useful in my opinion^^
pretty short one this time^^
but still nice
i like the new layout

[destinedjagold]

I like the tips and tricks...
may be useful for LoG. :P

thanks for the tips and tricks.

anyways, yeah, too short but still okay.
keep it up, RHN team.

btw, nice new layout~

[Blitzballer]

About the new layout...I...LOVEEEE ITTTT! =)

It looks perfect and matches PokeCommunity to make it more "official". And, I completely understand the whole "busy for X-Mas" thing. I'm running into the same problem!!

Anyway, I'll try to write an article for next week, so it'll be just as good as if you were here!

[Zeikku™]

haha...it says I "hacked PC" I think i ment my PSP..oh well :P
Nice issue. Like the new layout too :)

[Surf]

Oh great issue Thrace
The layout is great
And the tips and tricks sertinaly will help with my hack
How did Darthatron do the layout so that it matches the one that people are using?
Anyway Merry Christmas

[Ninja Caterpie]

Uaah. Am I the only one NOT liking the layout today? Well, it's not bad, in that sense, but...it will when my theme changes from the Christmas one. :\

Anyway, great issue, although it felt a little shorter. :\

[diegoisawesome]

[css-div="width: 80%; background-color: white; color: #5B5B5B; border-color: grey; border-width: 1px; border-style: solid; margin: 0; font-family: "Tahoma"; text-align: left;"][css-div="text-align: center; background-color: LightSteelBlue; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-top: 5px; font-size: 28pt; font-variant: small-caps; border-bottom: 1px solid SteelBlue; color: White;"]Rom Hacking Newsletter
[/css-div][css-div="text-align: center; background-color: #eaeaea; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-top: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid grey;"][css-span="font-size: 8pt; color: grey;"]Issue 5 - Sunday, 29 September 2008[/css-span][/css-div]
[css-div="padding: 10px; color: black; font-size: 8pt;"][css-div="font-size: 120%; font-weight: bold; border-bottom: 1px solid SteelBlue; color: SteelBlue; width: 40%;"]Introduction
[/css-div]Opening words

Argh, damn it! I was hoping to get it in before Monday but its 12:33 PM as I'm typing this. Lol, I just realized daylight savings started today, I made it! I've decided to keep the rating descriptions in all issues from now on for easy reference. For the time being they will be in the Hack News section. We've got our first ever actual report courtesy of Visual this issue so make sure you check that out.

This weeks interview turned into a sort of one sided debate which gave me an idea. How about having a debate via IM on things in the hacking community? I think it would be quite interesting. For example we could discuss the pros and cons of making teams/rom bases/tools etc. It'll be quite difficult to pull of I think. Please post your comments.
Article by dshayabusa




[css-div="font-weight: bold; font-size: 120%; border-bottom: 1px solid SteelBlue; color: SteelBlue; width: 40%;"]Hacking News[/css-div]Staying current with the rom hacking scene

Production of Pokémon: Tree of Peace Slowed
Due to school being too hectic during the week, production has been slowed to weekends only on Tree of Peace. Kawaii, Inc. assures that he will continue to work on the hack at every available opportunity on such days.

Pokemon: The Dragon Lineage makes a comeback
Most people won't remember since the thread was closed a couple of days after making it but I have another hack in the works. The Dragon Lineage will be based around Lance and Claire. It is no longer set in Johto. It is completely different to the ideas I had before. If you want to see the first town take a look in the Map Rating Thread. I'll open the thread sometime this week.

Hack Rating System
RHN will follow a standardised rating system similar to that of IGN, ratings and their meanings are described below.
10.0 to 9.0 - Masterful
Its almost impossible to make a hack that is perfect, but ratings in this range get pretty close. These hacks are flawless in all aspects of hacking, they are innovative and engaging.

8.9 to 8.0 - Impressive
Hacks that we feel are outstanding and are exceptional in at least one aspect will receive ratings in this range. Hacks that we feel are worthwhile and that everyone will find enjoyable. You'd need to put in a lot of effort to get this rating.

7.9 to 7.0 - Good
An excellent hack that is let down by a one or two major problems. Above average in all aspects but just missing a few things it needs to be great. Not amazing but has potential.

6.9 to 6.0 - Passable
Hacks that are just above average. Nothing to really get excited about. Nothing particularly horrible about the hack but nothing all that great either.

5.9 to 5.0 - Mediocre
A hack that provokes no emotion, standard, run-of-the-mill whatever you want to call it, these hacks are as average as they come.

4.9 to 4.0 - Lackluster
Hacks that do not have enough effort put into them. Probably not worth the attention for the time being. Has some potential to be better, but not enough to become something spectacular.

3.9 to 3.0 - Poor
Hacks that are flawed in all areas, most likely caused by inexperience by the author rather than effort. Not worth checking out regularly, will probably be cancelled the next week.

2.9 to 2.0 - Bad
Hacks that we recommend you avoid, not worth playing. Might have a few interesting ideas but ultimately is just very poorly executed. Major flaws in all aspects.

1.9 to 1.0 - Terrible
A hack we believe should not have had its thread accepted. These hacks are not even worth browsing over. These hacks are usually made by people trying to achieve internet stardom.

0.9 to 0.0 - Abysmal
Hacks that are not even truly hacks, more like edits. A few small changes to the original game, achievable in mere minutes.


[css-div="font-weight: bold; font-size: 120%; border-bottom: 1px solid SteelBlue; color: SteelBlue; width: 40%;"]HOTW Winner[/css-div]Spotlight on the Hack of the Week

http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg19/Mecharatchet/caRboon_10.png Pokémon Distant [Link (http://www.pokecommunity.com/showthread.php?t=153540)]
Hack Author: Disturbed
Reviewed By: dshayabusa

Pokemon Distant is a hack by Disturbed aka Maraudah from the Map Rating Thread. This hacks main appeal is by far the mapping. Marudah is a great mapper but his maps seem to be hindered by his choice of tiles. Don't get me wrong, Don Patch's tiles look great but if you're going to use his tiles you have to adapt to them. It doesn't just mean new palletes you'd also need to develop a different style of mapping. If you look at the maps made my Don Patch his mapping is very unique, not even close to what Nintendos looks like yet very professional.

According to the credits, Megiddo has done the scripts so far. Megiddo is a great scripter but it would be nice to see Disturbed making his own scripts. The story is quite interesting, the start certainly is unique and executing it will be easy yet very effective. There are also going to be 3 starters instead of one, its an interesting idea and I'll reserve judgement until the first beta. Most of the other features are pretty standard. It still needs some work but I can tell it'll be quite interesting hack to watch.
Article by dshayabusa




[css-div="font-weight: bold; font-size: 120%; border-bottom: 1px solid SteelBlue; color: SteelBlue; width: 40%;"]Hack Review[/css-div]Hacks in review

http://i38.tinypic.com/s5v8fq.pnghttp://img84.imageshack.us/img84/9774/neverbweng11fo2.png Pokémon Black and White [Link (http://www.pokecommunity.com/showthread.php?t=129650)]
Hack Author: ҳ̸ҲRichie
Reviewed By: thethethethe
Reviewer's Rating: 9.1/10

I'm usually a bit uneasy when looking at Spanish hacks. They usually have amazing graphics, average scripts, fail in the English Translation and have a bland storyline. Never Black and White shattered almost all of my previous perceptions on Spanish Hacks.

Graphics is Spanish hacks seem to always be impressive. I don't know how, but they seem to always have the most amazing sprites with near perfect palettes to get a highly visually appealing hack. I'd rate this hack as one of the most beautiful hacks I've ever seen.

The storyline is somewhat reminiscent of the Final Fantasy games. The player is searching for his lost identity and many plot twists only make this more difficult. Working together with the storyline, the scripting is consistent. When I look at hacks, the scripting is what I tend to enjoy looking upon the most. From what I saw the scripts don't show anything totally outstanding. They only do just enough to compliment the storyline. I'd be much happier, even if it's pointless, is just to see one script that blows me away. Just something that stands out from the rest, and is an unforgettable event.

The thing I was overjoyed to see was that the text was not lost in translation. Many translated hacks seem to lose their point in their translation to English, and the storyline therefore becomes hard to follow. This hack did not fall into that category. In fact the translation was near perfect. I'm not sure how it appeared in Spanish, but in English, the text appeared almost of a Shakespearian dialect, which is the perfect fit for the storyline. We have text in the style of the cryptic language of Shakespeare working together with the search for the unknown identity found in the storyline. It just shows how well thought out this hack really was.

This is a remarkable hack which is truly worth playing. This is one hack you can't afford not to play.
Article by thethethethe




[css-div="font-weight: bold; font-size: 120%; border-bottom: 1px solid SteelBlue; color: SteelBlue; width: 40%;"]CSS Cool?[/css-div]An insider's report by Visual

CSS Designs, we all love them, we all have them, but whats the point behind them? Most of us just want a fancy presentation that looks nice and simple, some just want to copy others. First, lets get to know what CSS is a bit. CSS is a type of code, just like HTML but it is allowed in threads and signatures because theres no danger behind it. It's nice and easy to understand, basically you create layers on top of layers, first off you would start with a background, add a border and some text and you have a CSS box. Which is where the rest is developed from. But it does look quite appealing.

Modern day hacking has made a sudden jump into CSS, requesting it from other people or just taking it from their threads. I do find it funny though, hackers have spent so much time learning how to script and change tiles but cannot be bothered to learn some simple CSS. But it doesn't matter that much, it still all appeals to us, we still find it nice, but it does seem to be becomming more un interesting.

CSS is evolving like our whole civilization, months ago you wouldn't find it anywhere, whenever you did you thought someone had hacked into their signatures and added those boxes, now they're in everyones signatures and threads and still dramatically increasing. But pretty soon something new will be discovered and people will start using that instead, and while that new discovery increases CSS will slowly fade away, but i'd pay to see that happen.


Article by Visual




[css-div="font-weight: bold; font-size: 120%; border-bottom: 1px solid SteelBlue; color: SteelBlue; width: 40%;"]Tips and Tricks[/css-div]A cool new trick that you may not have known about

This weeks tips come from HackMew. This time its all about msgboxes. Below is a description, script example and in-game shot of the different msgbox types.

0x2Description:
This is the msgbox used for normal people. Using this type means that you don't need to use the lock, faceplayer or release commands.

Script:
[css-div="border: 1px dashed #9E7141; background-color: rgb(245, 239, 208); padding: 3px; margin: 5px; width: 60%; text-align: left; font-family: Courier New;"]#org @start
msgbox @hello
boxset 0x2
end

#org @hello
= Hello my name is dshayabusa.[/css-div]

In-Game:
http://i36.tinypic.com/2hi73nm.png
0x3Description:
Used for signs etc. No Lock or faceplayer effect. Only shows the sign textbox when used on an actual sign.

Script:
[css-div="border: 1px dashed #9E7141; background-color: rgb(245, 239, 208); padding: 3px; margin: 5px; width: 60%; text-align: left; font-family: Courier New;"]#org @start
msgbox @sign
boxset 0x3
end

#org @hello
= You are here[/css-div]

In-Game:
http://i34.tinypic.com/2z9mb80.png
0x4Description:
A normal msgbox except for the fact that it does not close. Command 68 must be used to close it. No lock or faceplayer effect.

Script:
[css-div="border: 1px dashed #9E7141; background-color: rgb(245, 239, 208); padding: 3px; margin: 5px; width: 60%; text-align: left; font-family: Courier New;"]#org @start
msgbox @hello
boxset 0x4
end

#org @hello
= Hello, my name is dshayabusa.[/css-div]

In-Game:
http://i37.tinypic.com/erj2c5.png
0x5Description:
Used for Yes/No questions. No Lock or Faceplayer effect.

Script:
[css-div="border: 1px dashed #9E7141; background-color: rgb(245, 239, 208); padding: 3px; margin: 5px; width: 60%; text-align: left; font-family: Courier New;"]#org @start
msgbox @question
boxset 0x5
end

#org @hello
= Is this statement false?[/css-div]

In-game:
http://i36.tinypic.com/24yvihy.png
0x6Description:
Normal textbox. Has no Lock or Faceplayer effect.

Script:
[css-div="border: 1px dashed #9E7141; background-color: rgb(245, 239, 208); padding: 3px; margin: 5px; width: 60%; text-align: left; font-family: Courier New;"]#org @start
msgbox @Hello
boxset 0x6
end

#org @hello
= Hello, my name is dshayabusa.[/css-div]

In-game:
http://i37.tinypic.com/erj2c5.pngTip donated by HackMew



[css-div="font-weight: bold; font-size: 120%; border-bottom: 1px solid SteelBlue; color: SteelBlue; width: 40%;"]Interview[/css-div]An in-depth chat with... Megiddo
(3:11:48 PM) Malin: So what first attracted you to hacking?
(3:12:20 PM) Adam: The commonly heard shiny gold. I think I first saw it on youtube.
(3:13:22 PM) Malin: And did you immediately think, I want to do that too?
(3:14:14 PM) Adam: Yep and my love of video games also influenced me.
(3:14:51 PM) Malin: Interesting.
(3:15:01 PM) Malin: What aspect of hacking do you find most enjoyable?
(3:15:17 PM) Adam: Scripting.
(3:15:38 PM) Malin: I see, and what do you find most challenging?
(3:16:09 PM) Adam: Getting the perfect graphics.
(3:16:38 PM) Malin: Ah yes thats always a challenge.
(3:17:51 PM) Malin: You've been in many hacking teams before, what in your opinoin is most effective? Hacking in a team or individually?
(3:19:00 PM) Adam: I believe hacking individually is most effective. There's not the issue of waiting on someone else. You also learn much more and gain experience.
(3:20:39 PM) Malin: Good point, its always frustrating when you have to wait for someone to finish something before you can start.
(3:23:34 PM) Malin: What are your opinions on the rom hacking community today?
(3:25:31 PM) Adam: I think that there are a lot of original hacks out there. Whether they be on pc or elsewhere. The community is large and diverse. Although, I think some people should wait to post their hacks until they have done a substantial amount of things.
(3:26:42 PM) Adam: The programmers do a great job with their tools, which really helps everyone.
(3:27:13 PM) Malin: But aren't tools sometimes the cause of problems in the community?
(3:27:51 PM) Adam: Only in parts, though perhaps we should create a new system to control the flames.
(3:29:12 PM) Adam: I know this is an issue in pokemon hacking.
(3:30:25 PM) Adam: It would take awhile to make a map in hex.
(3:30:43 PM) Adam: or manually create a sprite
(3:31:57 PM) Malin: True, what about rom bases though?
(3:33:56 PM) Adam: Rom bases dock off originality, but provide newbies a good start. I don't find them that bad. It's a personal choice and not something that speeds things up exponentially.
(3:34:19 PM) Adam: They're less usefull than tools.
(3:38:30 PM) Malin: What do you think about the vast amount of tutorials that are available now? Doesn't it prevent creative thinking if everything its already written out for you?
(3:40:34 PM) Adam: I agree it does do that. A scripting tutorial is needed as it's not the easiest to learn without any sort of explanation on usage and what not
(3:41:03 PM) Adam: Once you learn some scripting it's easier to figure out unknown things without a tutorial.
(3:41:14 PM) Adam: But in the beginning
(3:46:06 PM) Malin: What attracts you most to a hack when you're browsing PC?
(3:47:03 PM) Adam: At first glance there is only the name and posts. Out of the two the name usually catches me most.
(3:47:50 PM) Malin: By posts do you mean the number of posts or the people who have posted?
(3:51:02 PM) Adam: The last poster and the number.
(3:51:23 PM) Malin: Interesting.
(3:51:41 PM) Malin: Is there a hack you'd like to recommend for our readers?
(3:52:20 PM) Adam: I enjoyed playing Liquid Ocean.
(3:54:01 PM) Malin: Who wouldn't?
(3:54:05 PM) Malin: Any last words?
(3:54:27 PM) Adam: Good luck to all.

The guest recommendation this week goes to Liquid Ocean:
http://i37.tinypic.com/o7k2g1.pngInterview by dshayabusa



[css-div="font-weight: bold; font-size: 120%; border-bottom: 1px solid SteelBlue; color: SteelBlue; width: 40%;"]Closing Notes[/css-div]Some house keeping

This segment is starting to become redundant. I actually have nothing to say. If you have anything you would like the rest of the community to know about PM me and I'll put it in the Hack News segment. I think having 1 or 2 reviews per issue is best, anymore will cheapen the concept of it. Uhh, yeah, so thats it. Oh, also thanks to whoever changed the name of the thread, if you could just do that whenever you have the time that'd be great. It would save me having to PM you and you having to read it each time.
Article by dshayabusa
[/css-div][css-div="text-align: center; background-color: #eaeaea; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-top: 2px; border-bottom: 1px solid grey;"][css-span="font-size: 8pt; color: grey;"]CSS design and graphics by dshayabusa. Ask for permission if you want to use it![/css-span][/css-div][/css-div]

Can I use the Tips and Tricks section of this post for an XSE tutorial?

[Ripper]

I'm pretty sure it's okay, these Tips afterall are for helping the Community.

[Liquid Shadow]

I have a question... writebytetooffset... you have 0xA0, 0x0, 0x20, and 0x4 right after the command before writing the offset. Why is that? Also can you change palettes using writebytooffest?

[X-Buster]

The 0x20 and 0x4 is the offset we're writing, The offset we're doing is
0x 3A0420
Then we plus 0x8000000, For telling it points to the rom.
We reverse it, Which gives us 0x20043A08
We'll have to replace the
A0 00 3A 08 with
20 04 3A 08
As you can see the 3A and 08 is the same, which is why we only edit 20 and 4.
writebytetooffset <New Byte we want to set> <Offset we want to set it too>

So we could also write:
writebytetooffset 0x20 0x2020648
writebytetooffset 0x04 0x2020649
writebytetooffset 0x3A 0x202064A
writebytetooffset 0x08 0x202064B
The last two lines wouldn't change any thing though...

For the Palette thing, I'll do a bit research now...
By the way, Merlin edited out that this was for fire red, Please keep that in mind too!
Happy X-Mas...
Sebbe


sonsebbe ask me to post this since his too busy with something, i guess..

btw, MERRY X-MAS TO ALL PC MEMBERS...

[Heart's Soul]

Why does the newsletter say the 23rd of December? I check the date of that post and it says 22nd! :\ Also, did Zeikku hack PC or something else? Just wondering?

EDIT: Never mind, I checked Zeikku's post, it was PSP.

[Darthatron]

[css-div="width: 85%; text-align: left; font-size: 8pt;"][css-div="text-align: center; padding: 0px;"][css-div="padding: 0px;"]ROM Hacking Newsletter[/css-div][/css-div][css-div="text-align: center; padding: 0px;"]Issue 18 - Sunday, 28 December 2008[/css-div][css-div="background-color: #FFFFFF; color: #111111; padding: 14px; text-align: left;"][css-div="font-size: 15px; font-weight: bold; background-color: #4682B4; color: #FFFFFF; width: 95%;"]Introduction[/css-div][css-div="font-size: 10px; color: #555555; width: 95%; background-color: #DDDDDD;"]Opening Notes[/css-div][css-div="width: 94%; padding: 4px; background-color: #FEFEFE; text-align: left; "]Well, last week Thrace asked me to do this weeks RHN, but anyone who knows me at all knows I hate a really bad memory. So today I've been in a super rush to get everything done. But, oh well. It's my own fault... Does anyone know where Thrace went? D: Also, sorry there will be no Hack Of The Week review this week. Hopefully there will be 2 next week. :\ Anyway...

I hope you all had a good Christmas and got what you wanted off of Santa. :)

Now... On with this weeks newsletter!

Opening by Darthatron[/css-div]

[css-div="font-size: 15px; font-weight: bold; background-color: #4682B4; color: #FFFFFF; width: 95%;"]Hacking News[/css-div][css-div="font-size: 10px; color: #555555; width: 95%; background-color: #DDDDDD;"]Keep up with the latest in the ROM hacking scene[/css-div][css-div="width: 94%; padding: 3px; background-color: #FEFEFE; text-align: left;"]HackMew's Toolbox - Updated!
That's right. This week HackMew released a new tool and updaed 2 old ones! What a great Christmas gift! A-Trainer is the best trainer editor, hands down. It has some great new features, but I'll let you look and them, and not spoil the surprise. :D XSE has been updated with some great new features and a few small (brilliant) scripting changes. And of course, FSF has been made faster, and bug fixed.

All in all, some great tools! Check them out!

Hack Rating System
RHN will follow a standardised rating system similar to that of IGN, ratings and their meanings are described below.
10.0 to 9.0 - Masterful
Its almost impossible to make a hack that is perfect, but ratings in this range get pretty close. These hacks are flawless in all aspects of hacking, they are innovative and engaging.

8.9 to 8.0 - Impressive
Hacks that we feel are outstanding and are exceptional in at least one aspect will receive ratings in this range. Hacks that we feel are worthwhile and that everyone will find enjoyable. You'd need to put in a lot of effort to get this rating.

7.9 to 7.0 - Good
An excellent hack that is let down by a one or two major problems. Above average in all aspects but just missing a few things it needs to be great. Not amazing but has potential.

6.9 to 6.0 - Passable
Hacks that are just above average. Nothing to really get excited about. Nothing particularly horrible about the hack but nothing all that great either.

5.9 to 5.0 - Mediocre
A hack that provokes no emotion, standard, run-of-the-mill whatever you want to call it, these hacks are as average as they come.

4.9 to 4.0 - Lackluster
Hacks that do not have enough effort put into them. Probably not worth the attention for the time being. Has some potential to be better, but not enough to become something spectacular.

3.9 to 3.0 - Poor
Hacks that are flawed in all areas, most likely caused by inexperience by the author rather than effort. Not worth checking out regularly, will probably be cancelled the next week.

2.9 to 2.0 - Bad
Hacks that we recommend you avoid, not worth playing. Might have a few interesting ideas but ultimately is just very poorly executed. Major flaws in all aspects.

1.9 to 1.0 - Terrible
A hack we believe should not have had its thread accepted. These hacks are not even worth browsing over. These hacks are usually made by people trying to achieve internet stardom.

0.9 to 0.0 - Abysmal
Hacks that are not even truly hacks, more like edits. A few small changes to the original game, achievable in mere minutes.

Hacking News by Darthatron[/css-div]

[css-div="font-size: 15px; font-weight: bold; background-color: #4682B4; color: #FFFFFF; width: 95%;"]Hack Review[/css-div][css-div="font-size: 10px; color: #555555; width: 95%; background-color: #DDDDDD;"]A review of a hack?[/css-div][css-div="width: 94%; padding: 3px; background-color: #FEFEFE; text-align: left;"]http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x218/foullump/WhiteVersion_19.png Pokemon Old White [Link (http://www.pokecommunity.com/showthread.php?t=142585)]
Hack Author: Foullump
Reviewed By: Disturbed

Ah, the famous Old White by Foullump. This hack looks great in every aspect. It has a unique start, which is the player, engaging in the final day at West Academy. This is probably the least generic start of a hack I have ever seen, which is a very good thing! Foullump incorporated marvelous ideas and scripts that I have never seen in a hack before. Foullump mapped everything very professionally, and gave each and every map done a unique touch to it. Everything is natural, and flows quite well, which is uncommon in hacks these days. Sure, it is a rip off of every tile and overworld in Shiny Gold, but who says getting a good head-start on a hack isn’t good?

Foullump is balanced as a mapper, and scripter in my opinion. His ideas used in maps, and the way he maps, as to the thought added to the scripts, and the overall script performance is equally balanced. He also made a steady level of difficulty increase the more you play the hack, meaning that it would be much harder at the end of the beta, than at the beginning, or even the middle.
All in all, Foullump put a solid amount of effort into this hack, and I definitely hope to see more of it soon.

Article by Disturbed[/css-div]

[css-div="font-size: 15px; font-weight: bold; background-color: #4682B4; color: #FFFFFF; width: 95%;"][a id]tip[/a id]Tips and Trick[/css-div][css-div="font-size: 10px; color: #555555; width: 95%; background-color: #DDDDDD;"]An interesting Tip or Trick that you may not know[/css-div][css-div="width: 94%; padding: 4px; background-color: #FEFEFE; text-align: left;"]Today I'm going to show you how the new message boxes work in XSE. As a few people have asked me on MSN to explain it. Pretty much all that has happened is the "boxset" & "callstd" functions don't need to be used anymore. The "msgbox" now has that included as it's last parameter. So...

If your old script was:
[css-div="border: 1px dashed #9E7141; background-color: rgb(245, 239, 208); padding: 3px; margin: 5px; width: 60%; text-align: left;"]#dynamic 0x800000

#ORG @main
lock
faceplayer
msgbox @blah
boxset 0x6
release
end

#ORG @blah
= BLAH![/CSS-DIV]

Your new script would be:
[css-div="border: 1px dashed #9E7141; background-color: rgb(245, 239, 208); padding: 3px; margin: 5px; width: 60%; text-align: left;"]#dynamic 0x800000

#ORG @main
lock
faceplayer
msgbox @blah 0x6
release
end

#ORG @blah
= BLAH![/CSS-DIV]

You see? It's not too complicated. All HackMew has done is remove the need for the boxset/callstd functions by including it in the msgbox/message function. =)

Tip donated by Darthatron[/css-div]

[css-div="font-size: 15px; font-weight: bold; background-color: #4682B4; color: #FFFFFF; width: 95%;"]Beginner's Corner[/css-div][css-div="font-size: 10px; color: #555555; width: 95%; background-color: #DDDDDD;"]Tips for new hackers[/css-div][css-div="width: 94%; padding: 4px; background-color: #FEFEFE; text-align: left;"]Have you been saving bytes? Why do we need to if we can resize the ROM? Right? No, we need to save bytes... Here are some tips on how to save them..

1. Importing Stuff
- Do use the same script again and again.. Try using 1 script and repointing to it every time you use it... It's like this, do you need three printers just because you have three computers at home? No. Why not just connect the three computer to the one printer... So, instead of compiling the same script, why not just use one script and point to it in your new scripts? The same goes with images. Instead of importing the same image, why not just import one and repoint it? Also on maps.

2. Searching for Space
- How do you search for space? Like opening your ROM in hex editor and look for a bunch of FF? Or starting with 0x800000? That's not the best ways to search, try Free Space Finder.. And before you start searching, always use 1 as the interval so you don't skip bytes.. Also, always search from the beginning of the ROM...

Tip donated by X-Buster[/css-div]

[css-div="font-size: 15px; font-weight: bold; background-color: #4682B4; color: #FFFFFF; width: 95%;"]Interview[/css-div][css-div="font-size: 10px; color: #555555; width: 95%; background-color: #DDDDDD;"]An in-depth chat with...[/css-div][css-div="width: 94%; padding: 4px; background-color: #FEFEFE; text-align: left;"]<Darthatron> Hello Disturbed. Thanks for taking time out of your busy life to let me interview you.
<Disturbed> Hey
<Darthatron> So, what got you interested ikn hacking Pokemon games?
<Disturbed> The ability to put my thoughts into something that people can enjoy.
<Darthatron> I see. How did you find out about the hacking community at PC?
<Disturbed> Well, I'm not gonna say Shiny Gold like most people.
<Disturbed> I was actually interested in the (sometimes) funny jokes people did to Pokémon games, and I asked somebody one time where they found out how to do all of that, and linked me to PC.
<Disturbed> Back in '06
<Darthatron> That's different.
<Disturbed> Isn't it.
<Darthatron> It is.
<Disturbed> It wasn't like one of those things CBM made fun of in his video either
<Darthatron> You are (arguabley) one of the best mappers at PC, at the moment. Do you prefer mapping over the other areas of hacking?
<Disturbed> To be honest, no.
<Disturbed> I actually think scripting is more important.
<Disturbed> I just find mapping more exciting, and generally fun, which is why I do it a lot more than scripting.
<Darthatron> I see.
<Darthatron> You came third in this years HotY awards. Are you agrovated that you didn't win?
<Disturbed> Nope. I'm agrovated that I got in there.
<Disturbed> Distant did not have a single script done when it was nominated high enough to be in the finals.
<Disturbed> There are countless amounts of other hacks that deserved it more than Distant did.
<Darthatron> Hmm. Then why not have told Thrace that, so maybe another hack could have had a chance?
<Disturbed> I did tell him that.
<Disturbed> Apparently, other people think different.
<Disturbed> People voted for Distant mainly because of the mapping, story, and titlescreen. =/
<Darthatron> Hmm.
<Darthatron> Do you think that next year to be nominated you must have a beta, perhaps?
<Disturbed> Definetely.
<Disturbed> For all we know, all the things that the hacker tells us could be completely false.
<Darthatron> Indeed. Even more so, considering how mature most of the community is.
<Disturbed> Is that sarcasm?
<Disturbed> I can't tell =/
<Darthatron> Yes.
<Darthatron> Are you still working on Distant?
<Disturbed> Of course!
<Disturbed> I changed the storyline to a more epic capturing plot, but still the same, nonetheless.
<Darthatron> I see.
<Darthatron> Would you like to tell our readers on what you think of the Hacking Community, today?
<Disturbed> Gladly.
<Disturbed> I'm actually getting very sick of people hacking today. It's always either, a thread where you can easily tell that the hack will get absolutely nowhere, or a hacker that can't stick to one hack for their life.
<Disturbed> It really irritates me, that whenever I go into the scrapbox, it seems there are 10 more hacks that, are either made by a user that has 5 active hacks, or somebody who thinks they can hack because they have A-Map, and A-Text.
<Disturbed> Even progressing hacks is getting things like that, just not as much
<Darthatron> So, you hate 99.99% of the community?
<Disturbed> Exactly.
<Disturbed> well, no.
<Disturbed> I don't hate them.
<Disturbed> They just bug me.
<Disturbed> I can't hate a person unless I know them personally.
<Darthatron> Well, you can't really hate anyone from PC, then.
<Darthatron> Due to it being on the internet.
<Disturbed> I don't. I dislike people because of their behavior on the internet, though.
<Disturbed> But I can't say I hate someone unless I know them outside of the cyberworld.
<Darthatron> I see..
<Darthatron> I really can't think of anything else.
<Darthatron> Would you like to recommend a hack?
<Disturbed> I actually recommend Top Secret, by Megiddo.
<Disturbed> It's one of the few hacks recently, that I actually found enjoyable.
<Darthatron> Cool.
<Darthatron> Perhaps a tip for some of the less awesome hackers?
<Disturbed> Generic tip
<Disturbed> No matter how unpopular your hack is, do not give up on it. If you stick with one, and only one hack, people won't lose interest and think you'll just give up on it
<Darthatron> v-nice.
<Disturbed> I like people who don't have popular hacks at all, but they still keep it going, for months.
<Darthatron> Fair enough.
<Darthatron> Well, thanks for the interview
Interview by Darthatron[/css-div]

[css-div="font-size: 15px; font-weight: bold; background-color: #4682B4; color: #FFFFFF; width: 95%;"]Conclusion[/css-div][css-div="font-size: 10px; color: #555555; width: 95%; background-color: #DDDDDD;"]Closing Notes[/css-div][css-div="width: 94%; padding: 4px; background-color: #FEFEFE; text-align: left; "]So, this weeks Newsletter may be missing a few things, but that's what you get when nobody sends in any articles on time. :\ Oh well, maybe next week will have all that this weeks is misisng, and what it's not. I can't think of anything else to say... So...

HAPPY NEW YEAR! I hope you all have a good new year, and get even better at hacking. I'll be learning new things, and I hope you all do, too. :)

Goodbye.
__________________

"Candy. It takes like chicken... If chicken was a candy." - Toki Wartooth, Not A Bumblebee.

Closing by Darthatron[/css-div]

[/css-div][css-div="text-align: center; padding: 0px;"][css-div="padding: 0px;"]CSS by Darthatron[/css-div][/css-div][/css-div]

[Tropical Sunlight]

Just put it on the first page...
btw, Why doesn't Old White have a rating?

[destinedjagold]

a bit short but it was still nice. :)
good work Darthy~

get used to it if Thrace is too busy with life! :badsmile:
good work with the RHN team. Keep it up~

[Disturbed]

Strange, I did give a rating to Old White... I guess Darth never wanted to include it.

Who woulda guessed I was so freakin cool xD?
Lots of spelling errors (off with my head please) ;D

[Binary]

Short and sweet, what else can I say?
Anyways the trick was useful or I'd still be writing those old 'boxsets'.

[Eeveon]

I enjoyed the interview, and I love the tip of the week! ^^

Disturbed, you really made me laugh about the interview, because everything you said is obviously true! XD

Anyways, great job, Darcy~

[Disturbed]

I enjoyed the interview, and I love the tip of the week! ^^

Disturbed, you really made me laugh about the interview, because everything you said is obviously true! XD

Anyways, great job, Darcy~
Damn. One of the few times I actually tried to be serious... I make someone laugh.. at my honesty!?
And everything I said was true? I fail as a hacker than, I state the obvious =D

Well, I can't remember if the post above said I was going to be the official interviewer... but, yeah. I am the interviewer for RHN now =O

[Neti]

Damn. One of the few times I actually tried to be serious... I make someone laugh.. at my honesty!?
And everything I said was true? I fail as a hacker than, I state the obvious =D

Well, I can't remember if the post above said I was going to be the official interviewer... but, yeah. I am the interviewer for RHN now =O
Your words are fun somehow, but i didnt laugh because theyre so true!
The community can be really annyoing these days, ive written sth about that in your vms

[hi sir tomato my password is syvniti]

<Disturbed> I can't hate a person unless I know them personally.
This is actually very smart... I really could learn from that... Nah..

[Thrace]

Since its a new year, I think we should have a new thread for RHN. I'll keep this here for archival purposes.

Closed