T3h Kaiser
Jovial Fool
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- Seen Sep 4, 2012
Pokemon Zirconium Version
Developed in RPG Maker XP
Made with Pokemon Essentials
Mapping done with Kyledove's tiles
Development began over half a year ago, when I decided that there were too many low-grade fan projects in the works. I wanted to outdo them. A bigger undertaking than I imagined! Since then, alot of great ideas have taken shape... but this is the first time I've really decided to talk about it outside of our own forum. My main goal, personally, is to create a Pokemon game that feels like... well, a real game. I honestly feel as though Nintendo follows the same cookie cutter guideline for every game they make, so I want to try and break that mold. I want to infuse the Pokemon gameplay and world we all know and love with story mechanics of a real RPG. So, without further ado...Developed in RPG Maker XP
Made with Pokemon Essentials
Mapping done with Kyledove's tiles
-Story-
One of the more important aspects of Zirconium Version is the story, which may or may not appeal to all players. I am first and foremost a scribe at heart, so I hope to use the project as a way to weave an emotionally substantial storyline; something that, unlike taking down Team <Insert Eco-Terrorist Name Here> for what seems like the billionth time, players will remember fondly and come to care about.
Players fill the shoes of a young boy or girl (henceforth referred to as male) who lives within the mean streets of Nozori City, one of the larger yet strikingly more desolate cities of Kutoh. Living all your life in Nozori, you and your friend Janus have always dreamed of one day venturing out and competing in the Pokemon League. The difference between you and Janus, however, is that he has always shown an innate talent to achieve this dream. Regardless, you and your friend trained hard in hopes of one day defying the odds and leaving Nozori behind you.
Flash forward several years later, with the player late for work - as usual - at his job behind the grill of the local Burger Kingler. Unsurprisingly, the player is fired and now completely down on his luck. Things take a rather strange turn, however, when the player meets a rather unsavory character claiming to be a former Pokemon Professor. Gifting both you and Janus with both a Pokemon and a Pok'eDex, the so-called Professor hurriedly explains that the both of you need to leave the city and seek out your inner potential. Tired of waiting for his time to shine, Janus doesn't wait to ponder the strangers' advice and leaves the city immediately; with no job continuing to tie you down and being the follower that you are, you soon give chase.
But what happens when two young boys run away from home, unprepared for the harsh world outside? Perhaps Nozori wasn't so bad after all. Furthermore, what interest could this supposed Professor have in the potential of two young would-be trainers?
During the course of the game, the player will encounter a wide range of characters new and old. One of the primary focuses of the project was to believably bring together as many aspects of the Pokemon franchise as possible, weaving them together and making them all relevant to one another. The origin of Pokemon and a pantheon of Pokemon gods will be heavily involved.
Strangely, the story is also the aspect of Zirconium I find it the most difficult to talk about. Revealing too much would creep too close to spoiler territory, and that's just not good.
-Region-
The story of Pokemon Zirconium Version begins in the region of Kutoh, just north of Kanto and Johto. After several hundred years living in the shadows of bustling nations like it's neighbors, an odd handful of events has allowed Kutoh to quickly rise to prominence. What was once a harsh mountainous region has steadily adapted to a more urban and modern environment. This late blooming Industrial Revolution did not come without some complications, however...
The region of Kutoh is loosely based on the Tōhoku region of Japan. It is part mountainous, part urban; there will be a literal and figurative split that divides the region. Much of the northern part of the region will be full of forests and mountains and even snowy peaks, while the lower half is covered in cityscapes and flatlands. There will be three small islands to the southeast, one of which will contain a large city that functions as a major tourist attraction. To make up for the lack of ocean, there will be several major lakes and rivers near the southern parts of the region.
When designing Kutoh, I wanted to take special care in creating a region that felt a bit more lifelike than regions of games past. This eventually led to the creation of what is essentially a timeline for the nation of Kutoh, plotting out the rise and fall of certain culturally relevant aspects of the country. Factions that you meet within the game, such as Forte Industries and the Church of One, are all deeply rooted within the history of Kutoh. Even discussions with random, nameless NPCs will provide neat yet extraneous information about the land, for those interested.
-Features-
- 80+ New Pokemon.
- Tournament-style Elite 4
- Pokemon Contests, Bug Catching Contest and Fishing Contest!
- Housing system!
- Pok'eGear!
- Branching dialogue; choose how your protagonist develops!
- Intelligent and engaging storyline.
- Multidimensional, emotionally deep cast of characters.
- Friendships can be forged and valuable allies can be earned.
- Plenty of sidequests, before and after the Elite 4.
- A brand new region with a unique history.
Pokemon Zirconium will feature over 80 brand new Pokemon, lovingly crafted by some extremely talented artists. So many great fangames are tainted by subpar quality Fakemon, but Zirconium will not be one of those games. Major props go to my boys defno, No Limitz, RamenGaiden, WeakendArc and -Axle-. You guys are great!
Prior to competing against the Elite 4, the player will have to emerge victorious in the Pokemon League Championship; only then will he or she earn the right to face the Elite 4. Among your competition will be several story-important NPCs, as well as random and generic trainers you may have fought along the way. This is a simple feature that has been reproduced by other fangames before, but I think it's pretty neat.
Pokemon Contests and Bug Contests are great time killers in the retail games, and Zirconium will also add Fishing Contests to the mix. Fishing Contests will take place on Mardesol City, the island capital.
One thing I've always enjoyed in RPGs is housing systems; I'm a sucker for decorating and chilling in my own little virtual house. The Secret Bases introduced in the GBA era was sort of nice, but Zirconium is going to take it a step further. Sure, it doesn't really make sense for a 14 year old kid to own a house, but... realism is boring sometimes.
The Pok'eGear of G/S/C will make a triumphant return, what with the near proximity of the Johto region. There will likely be some RP-centric features added to the Pok'eGear, but that's still in the works.
Harking back to my not-so-manly love for decorating virtual houses, another thing I find myself enjoying in RPGs is Friendships. You know, the ability to improve relationships with certain NPCs within the games? Zirconium will allow the player to give gifts to certain characters and choose specific dialogue options to increase the Friendship Value with that character. Once the Friendship Value is raised high enough, that trainer may agree to follow you and assist you in combat during Double Battles. This is not only meant to assist the player via game mechanics, but opens up many roleplaying possibilities that have been unavailable in Pokemon games of old. Who knows? Perhaps some Friendships can turn into something more...
-New Pokemon-
Eukhay - Grass Starter - Grass
Arboala - Evolution of Eukhay - Grass/Electric
Medalyptus - Evolution of Arboala - Grass/Electric
Buffirio - Fire Starter - Fire
Embison - Evolution of Buffiro - Fire/Ground
Buffaloven - Evolution of Embison - Fire/Ground
Unnamed Water Starter - Water Starter - Water/Flying
Olorain - Evolution of Water Starter - Water/Flying
Irrigelle - Evolution of Olorain - Water/Flying
Kooka - Little Roach Pokemon - Bug
Racha - Evolution of Kooka - Bug/Dark
Cubacchus - Cheetah Cub Pokemon - Electric
Fangloo - Snow Wolf Cub Pokemon - Ice
Zerrost - Evolution of Fangloo - Ice
Dukylo - Fossil Pokemon - Ice/Rock
Ankylord - Dukylo Evolution - Ice/Rock
Velacer - Fossil Pokemon - Poison/Rock
Velepido - Evolution of Velacer - Poison/Rock
Cactreap - Evolution of Cacturne - Grass/Dark
Titamalus - Evolution of Tropius - Grass/Dragon
Mithreon - Metal Eeeveelution - Steel
Kaisir - Pinsir Evolution - Bug
GARfetch'd - Farfetch'd Evolution - Normal/Flying
Unnamed Jynx Evolution - Psychic/Ice (Somehow, the sketch of this got split in half... this is the top half... sorry. O_o )
Unnamed Zangoose Evolution - Normal
Hummindae - Hummingbird Pokemon - Flying/Grass
Yetee - Yeti Baby Pokemon - Ice
Himalayon - Evolution of Yetee - Ice/Fighting
Deprimidra - Depressed Dragon Pokemon - Electric/Dragon
Unnamed Hitodama Pokemon - Ghost/Fire
Ripetto Marionette Pokemon - Dark
Unnamed Taiko Drum Monster Pokemon - Normal
Pyrant - Fire Ant Pokemon - Fire/Bug
Infernant - Evolution of Pyrant - Fire/Bug
Zealant - Evolution of Infernant - Fire/Bug
Unnamed Rock Dragon Whelp - Rock/Dragon
Unnamed Rock Dragon - Evolution of Unnamed Rock Dragon Whelp - Rock/Dragon
Ankrahfer - Little Mummy Pokemon- Ghost (ignore the beaver)
Ankrahvage - Evolution of Ankrahfer - Ghost/Fighting (see above for beaver protocol)
Unnamed Pawn - Steel
Unnamed Knight Pokemon - Evolution of Pawn - Steel
Unnamed Mask Pokemon - Dark
Evolution of Unnamed Mask Pokemon - Dark
Cauldrunt - Cauldron Pokemon - Poison/Steel
Cauldrath - Evolution of Cauldrunt - Poison/Steel
Fleuret - Swordfish Pokemon - Water
Unnamed Narwhal Pokemon - Evolution of Fleuret - Water/Ice
Unnamed Sprite Pokemon - Psychic/Flying
Unnamed Little Psychic Pokemon - Psychic
Unnamed Psychic Pokemon - Evolution of Little Psychic Pokemon - Psychic
I don't even know what's going on here, I think our concept artist just got bored and drank too much Mountain Dew or something...
-Cast-
New Characters
Protagonist
Age: 14
Hometown: Nozori City, Kutoh
Title: Part time job at the local Burger Kingler; potential Pok'emon League Champion?
Physical Description Male:
Physical Description Female:
Biography: Poor and down on his luck, our protagonist is a far cry from previous Pok'emon heroes. When the game begins, our hero is an employee of the less-than-prestigious local Burger Kingler; this, however, does not last. Unlike previous heroes, Zirconium's player character has no innate talent. As he is pulled into the greatest adventure he never asked for, though, will he finally have something to be excited about? Or will he crack under pressure, longing for the days of when things were boring? This is decided entirely by the player, as the protagonist will speak only via dialogue choices. His life prior to the games' beginning will be explored several times via flashbacks.
"Professor" Joe Maple
Age: Mid - Late 50's
Hometown: Born in Saffron City, Kanto. Currently resides in Nozori City, Kutoh.
Title: Bum, former Pok'emon Professor
Physical Description:
Biography: Professor Joe Maple is a former Pok'emon Professor and a former colleague of Professors Oak and Elm. Nowadays, however, he spends the majority of his time feasting on takeout food and watching daytime television; due to an undisclosed incident, he lost both his laboratory and his reputation within the Pok'emon scientific community. Thankfully, however, he held on to several of his old gadgets, most importantly his Pok'eDexes and a certain trio of starter Pok'emon. Interestingly, he chooses to gift these to our hero shortly after meeting him; perhaps in the protagonist, he sees a chance at atoning for past mistakes? He will pop up several times throughout the story, and will hopefully prove to be a more engaging Professor character. His eccentric attitude and perverted tendencies will also hopefully be amusing.
Janus Miller
Age: 14
Hometown: Nozori City, Kutoh
Title: Rival
Physical Description:
Biography: Wealthy, trendy and optimistic, Janus is the polar opposite of his best friend, the protagonist. Always calm and understanding, he never loses his cool and always knows just what to say no matter what the situation. Despite his obvious faults, he has always stood by the protagonist ever since they were children; he served as an inspiration to the protagonist during their childhood, despite their same age. Janus has always lived the good life, but he doesn't let that come between his friendship with the hero. He idolizes his father - a famous Pok'emon trainer - despite the fact that he spends so much time away from home. Some say he simply inherited his training skills from his father, but despite this slander he embarks on a Pok'emon journey all his own at the games beginning and enjoys much success... as he always does. He will serve as the heroes rival, battling and allying with him throughout the game.
Gideon Miller
Age: Early 40's
Hometown: Unknown place of birth. Currently resides in Nozori City, Kutoh.
Title: Famous Pok'emon Trainer? Father to Janus.
Physical Description: Not sure yet, it'll depend on how Janus turns out.
Biography: Gideon is a wealthy, well known Pok'emon trainer who once went on a journey around the region with his Pok'emon team; it was here that he earned the fame and fortune that his family now enjoys. As explored in flashbacks, Gideon mentored the protagonist and Janus in Pok'emon battling during his extended stays home years prior to the games' beginning. Despite his busy schedule, the hero may end up bumping into old Gideon once or twice throughout the story...
Adelle
Age: 14
Hometown: Unknown
Title: Ally of the Protagonist
Physical Description: Braided white hair, orange eyes, super moe~ (Work-In-Progress)
Biography: Adelle is a trainer that the player encounters while battling with members of Team Discord, and due to shared interests they decide to ally together. Fond of good times and breaking the rules, Adelle has a dangerous side that is a stark contrast to her seemingly innocent and sweet disposition. While she proves to be a valuable ally against Team Discord as well as the latter foes that come about, is there more to her than she lets on?
Ray
Age: 15
Hometown: Bistre City
Title: Amatuer Trainer. Secondary Rival of the player.
Physical Description: Headphones, scarf, black hair. I'll work on this later. D:
Biography: Ray is an upstart young trainer that the player encounters several times during the game. Fun loving and never serious, Ray is always trying to break the ice with a joke no matter how inappropriate the timing. This nonsensical attitude is apparently hit or miss in his hometown, and so he eventually acquired a Pok'emon of his own to journey with in order to find better company. He will be a source of comic relief throughout the game, but that doesn't necessarily mean he's all laughs. Although a supporting character, I hope to show a different side of the token comedic character; his obsessive compulsive facetious behavior and gung-ho heroics may very well have dire consequences.
Odessa
Age: 17
Hometown: Naetle City
Title: Pok'emon Lore Specialist, Rival of Bugsy?
Physical Description: Long, lavender hair. Attractive but intimidating looking.
Biography: Odessa will be first met within the ruins of Kutoh, as you explore them with Bugsy. Despite refusing to assist the heroes, she is encountered several times and is often the one with the right directions when it comes to learning more about the lore of the land. She even displays a greater range of knowledge about the Pok'emon ruins and their history than Bugsy, which sparks a rivalry of sorts. She is best described as haughty and sharp tongued, and will often berate the player and Bugsy in humorous ways. While merely a supporting character for the majority of the game, she becomes increasingly critical to the storyline as her depth is explored and her role changes dramatically. Like her namesake, she will be a tragic character.
Wyatt
Age: Mid 20's
Hometown: Bistre City
Title: Leader of Team Discord
Physical Description: Average height, but somewhat muscular. Perhaps some piercings, typical thug regalia.
Biography: Wyatt is the de facto leader of Team Discord, and thus the primary antagonist during the early parts of the game. Unlike the other villains in the franchise, Wyatt and his band of brigands have no ulterior motives or hidden agendas; they are simply a (rather disorganized) band of thugs. United under Wyatt, however, Team Discord causes quite a ruckus. Wyatt himself is not unlike the underlings that follow him; brash, bold and rather rude. Unlike them, he is surprisingly intelligent and capable of impressive strategizing. So why allow his team to remain so unorganized? And what was his intentions when forming such a group? While he has no goals, he certainly had motivations.
Cole
Age: Early 20's
Hometown: Bistre City
Title: Wyatt's Right-Hand-Man, Lieutenant of Team Discord
Physical Description: Below average height, skinny. Nondescriptive, really.
Biography: Cole is Wyatt's right-hand-man, although he mostly forced his way to the position; Wyatt seems rather dismissive of the over-eager Discord member. Unlike his fellow gang members, Cole is rather cheerful and friendly... and also prone to accidentally leaking information. The main purpose of the character is to provide a fun villain with less depth than the rest.
Clarissa
Age: Early 20's
Hometown: Fortuna City
Title: Confidant of Wyatt, Lieutenant of Team Discord.
Physical Description: Long, auburn hair and a waist cut variation of the traditional yellow Team Discord uniform.
Biography: Sassy and confident, Clarissa is far more competent subordinate than Cole. Despite her sass, she is extremely loyal to Wyatt and his "cause"; she slowly rose the ranks, and was formerly a lowly grunt. Regardless, she has trouble dealing with Cole and his failures; she has been known to go out of her way to prevent Cole from obtaining any position of authority. They will be something of a comedic duo, with Clarissa obviously being the comic foil to Cole and his antics.
Cedric
Age: Mid-20's
Hometown: Mardesol City
Title: Lieutenant of Team Discord
Physical Description: Tall, lanky and beak nosed.
Biography: A far better fit for the likes of Team Rocket or Team Galactic, Cedric is a ruthless and cruel individual. Unlike Clarissa, Cedric rose the ranks in a remarkably short time, quickly proving he was no average grunt. When he channels his hate into one specific goal, he is a force to be reckoned with. For all their tomfoolery, with the likes of Cedric around Team Discord is a dangerous group.
Wendell Yorkes
Age: Mid 50's
Hometown: Born in Saffron City, Kanto. Currently resides in Fortuna City, Kutoh.
Title: President of Forte Industries
Physical Description: Bald and overweight, but very clean. He might have a monocle, that'd be classy.
Biography: Classy and wealthy, President Yorkes is everything you'd expect from a refined businessman. But as the president of Forte Industries, he isn't any old businessman; Forte Industries has been the backbone of Kutoh since the Industrial Revolution, and has been critical to the national economy for many years. One might expect such a famous individual to grow unapprochable after obtaining such power, but President Yorkes is known for his inviting and friendly personality... although something about him seems slightly insincere.
Tobias
Age: Mid 40's
Hometown: Naetle City
Title: Founder and Arch Bishop of the Church of One
Physical Description: Tall, tan and of no discernible racial background. White flowing robes, the works.
Biography: Tobias, like his following, is shrouded in mystery. No one truly remembers when he or his congregation first gained fame, but most agree that they have long since outlasted their stay. Claiming to be followers of Arceus, Tobias leads his church throughout Kutoh in hopes of spreading his influence. Not much is known about the man prior to his life in service of Arceus, but it is known that he has had a long standing conflict with Forte Industries. Despite the controversy surrounding him, he has remained true to his pacifistic teachings and is genuinely rather pleasant when approached.
Iris
Age: Early 30's
Hometown: Born in Saffron City, Kanto. Currently homeless, residing in Kutoh.
Title: Former Lab Assistant of Professor Maple, perpetual drunk.
Physical Description: Rather nondescriptive female. Messy hair and old, stained clothing.
Biography: When Professor Maple left Saffron City, Iris was one of the two lab assistants that followed him to Kutoh. Like Maple, Iris was unable to obtain a job due to the prior incident, and instead turned to the various bars across the region. Drowning herself in alcohol, the once talented genetic engineer is a shadow of her former self. Despite her predicament, she maintains contact with Professor Maple and is asked by him to assist the protagonist throughout his journey; while she refuses to stray too far from her favorite bars, she will reward the player with various invaluable trinkets as he fills his Pok'edex. She will be a rather minor supporting character, and her alcoholism will be presented in a mostly humorous light.
Edwin
Age: Late 20's-Early 30's
Hometown: Born in Pewter City, Kanto. Currently resides in Fortuna City, Kutoh.
Title: Genetic Engineer of Forte Industries' Scientific Research Center, former lab assistant of Professor Maple.
Physical Description: Rather nondescriptive nerdy male. Glasses and shoulder length black hair, clean lab coat; the works.
Biography: When Professor Maple left Saffron City, Edwin was one of two lab assistants to follow him to Kutoh. Unlike Maple and Iris, however, Edwin was able to obtain a job working as a geneitc engineer, something that has earned him the scorn of his fellow colleagues for multiple reasons. Now that he has found employment under Forte Industries, however, he is uninterested in keeping contact with his old friends. This type of behavior is evident throughout his dialogue, and he is generally a rude, arrogant and selfish individual. He will, however, assist the player in reviving any fossil Pok'emon that he may obtain. Very minor supporting character.
Returning Characters
Bugsy
Age: 14
Hometown: Azalea Town, Johto
Title: Azalea Town Gym Leader, Pok'emon Lore Specialist, Ally of the Protagonist.
Physical Description: Identical to G/S/C image.
Biography: When near catastrophic weather events occur all over Johto and several legendary Pok'emon sightings are reported throughout the region, Bugsy isn't the only one to get a little suspicious. He is one of the few, however, who turns to the Ruins of Alph for answers; this solution is met with much confusion and most people pass it off as part of his strange, quirky obsession with archeology. When he doesn't find the answers he seeks, he decides to volunteer to be the Johto League representative for the annual Pok'emon Association Meet in Kutoh, leaving the Azalea Gym to Bug Catcher Josh. His real reason for volunteering is, of course, to explore the famed ruins of the neighboring region. His politeness and formal speech belays his stubborn and arrogant behavior; he is also very cautious and prone to panic if his plans are ruined.
Flannery
Age: 17
Hometown: Lavaridge Town, Hoenn
Title: Lavaridge Gym Leader. Ally of the Protagonist.
Physical Description: Same as R/S/E image.
Biography: Raised by her grandfather, Flannery was left the Lavaridge Gym when he passed away. Despite a rocky start, she regained her confidence after a battle with the son of Norman. For some time after, Flannery enjoyed great success as the new gym leader, running things her own way despite initial hesitation. That all came to a screeching halt, however, when former Team Magma Admin Tabitha showed up at her door and shared with her knowledge she never thought to gain: the identity and whereabouts of her father. Despite the initial shock, she quickly resolved to pack her things and leave to find him; she volunteered to be the Hoenn League representative for the annual Pokemon Association Meet without a second thought, knowing this would bring her to Kutoh where her father was said to reside. The association was hesitant to grant her this honor due to her inexperience as a gym leader, but relented no doubt due to her grandfather's worldwide appeal. Flannery is a fiery and energetic individual, prone to rash decisions and jumping to conclusions. She is a nonconformist, and thanks to the help of Ruby she has seemingly limitless self-confidence.
Maxie
Age: 43
Hometown: Curia City, Kutoh
Title: Chief of Police, Former Team Magma Leader
Physical Description: Same general look from R/S/E, but with a police uniform on. No hat.
Biography: Maxie grew up in a family of law officials; from lawyers to police officers to judges, Maxie was considered predestined to one day enforce the law. In a surprising twist, however, he became a highly successful entrepreneur seemingly over night; without any remorse, he left his friends and family and moved to Hoenn. It was there that he used his business to fund Team Magma, only to be thwarted by the son of Norman. After somehow dodging any charges made against him, he reluctantly moved back home only to find the majority of his family dead or gone. Never considering himself much of a criminal, he took it upon himself to rebuild the essentially family run police station; after contacting Kutoh officials and supplying what little funding he could, he was made Chief of Police. He and his subordinate Looker assist the protagonist throughout the story. Has he really turned over a new leaf?
Looker
Age: Early 40's
Hometown: Unknown
Title: Investigator of the Global Police, Master of Disguise.
Physical Description: Same image as Platinum.
Biography: Looker is an eccentric detective of the Global Police Force, prone to jumping to wild conclusions and taking his job very seriously. He played a major role in shutting down Team Galactic in the Sinnoh region, ultimately taking in all but their leader into custody. While commended for his hard work, he chose not to rest after returning from Sinnoh and went straight to work on his next mission; he was sent to Kutoh to work closely with the regional police force in a special task. Despite his quirky behavior and overbearing passion for his work, he is considered to be the most skilled investigator that the Global Police has at their disposal. He is also known to have a penchant for gambling, and often visits the Game Corners of the regions he is stationed at.
----
I still have to find the rest of our Pokemon designs; they're scattered all over, so I'll have to gather them up. I'll edit this post when I find them.
If you want to support the project (harr harr), you can pimp out your sig with this awesome banner, courtesy of Blazers:
Our current team is pretty big and pretty awesome, but we could still use alot of help. Our main concern right now is spriting, so if any spriters want to get on board we'd love to have you. We're a great team and we really get stuff done, but spriting is definitely holding us back.
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