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Introduction
Hello Pokécommunity, my name is Skeli and this is my one and only ROM Hack. I began ROM Hacking seriously in 2016, and since then I've written various ASM routines, created the Dynamic Pokemon Expansion for FireRed, and created the Complete FireRed Upgrade alongside ghoulslash.
After much time, I am proud to announce that Pokemon Unbound is finally ready. There are now two fully-featured versions available:
The first is the main game, a story-driven game with complex puzzles designed to test the limits of your patience and perseverance. Once you clear the main campaign, there is also a significant amount of post-game content to enjoy for weeks to come.
The second, known as the Battle Frontier Demo, showcases Unbound's battle engine by granting unrestricted access to the Battle Frontier. This version was created in the format of a mobile game; meaning daily rewards, monthly distributions, and unlimited playtime. If you enjoy battling, then you'll find no shortage of things to do with the over 100 different possible battle combinations. For a fair battling experience, I recommend this version over the main game's Insane difficulty - a difficulty designed around unfair challenges.
With that being said, enjoy Pokemon Unbound!
Story
Welcome to Borrius, a region rich with history. Centuries ago, the Borrian people were enveloped in a great war with a foreign land. When all seemed lost, the Borrian king summoned a powerful force to help turn the tide of battle. Unfortunately, the war ended in defeat when the king of the foreign land unleashed a devastating weapon. Disgruntled, the Borrian army returned home.
The people, now enraged against the Borrian king, attempted a coup by manipulating the dark force summoned during the war. The Borrian king was able to seal away its power, however, and the coup was thwarted.
Many years later, an organization known simply as the "Shadows" seems bent on releasing the dark force once again. Are they after the destruction of the Borrius region, or is there something else at play? It's up to you to stand in their way!
Features
A Powerful Engine: Pushing the Complete FireRed Upgrade to its maximum potential, Pokemon Unbound contains a custom battle engine on par with Gen 8, as well as many quality of life features that improve the gameplay experience just waiting to be found. Enjoy catching all of your favourite Pokemon, from Gen 1 up to Gen 7, while using all of your favourite moves and abilities from each of these generations!
QOL Galore: Pokemon Unbound is also chock full of quality-of-life features to enjoy, such as Unlimited Bag Space, Auto-Run, the DexNav, Daily Raids and much more!
A New HM System: Have access to all of your favourite HMs without the hassle of carrying HM slaves! As long as your Pokemon can learn an HM, they will be able to use it in the overworld, and once you purchase the brand new key item - the ADM in the post-game, enjoy battling with all six Pokemon from your favourite team regardless of the HMs they can learn!
Updated Graphics: Sporting Gen 4 graphics in the overworld and Gen 5-esqe interfaces, in addition to a dynamic day and night system, Pokemon Unbound has a brand new, yet familiar feel! You're not in Kanto anymore!
Difficulty Modes: Choose from up to four different difficulty modes! Ranging from Easy to Insane, you can either sit back and relax or get your teeth kicked in by a completely brand new AI system!
A Unique Mission System: Pokemon Unbound contains over 80 unique Missions to complete! Mission progress can be tracked using the new Mission Log, in addition to extra details, such as which items have been found in collectathons!
Character Customization: Choose from up to 300 different combinations of skin tones, hair colours, and outfit colours! Unleash your fashion sense!
Daily Events: There are plenty of events all over Borrius, many of which can be experienced daily, and some can only be found at certain points in the day! Play throughout the day to experience them all!
Exciting Mini-Games: Play exciting mini-games such as Cloud Burst, Safari Sniper, and Underground Mining!
Challenging Puzzles: Put your brain to the test, and find ways to solve many of the unique and complex puzzles littered throughout Borrius!
A Rich Post-Game: Spend hours after the main campaign battling in Pokemon Unbound's battle facilities, completing Missions, mining in the KBT Expressway, catching Legendary Pokemon, and so much more!
A Custom OST: Enjoy over 180 original songs composed for Pokemon Unbound, each as brilliant as the last! And if you're left wanting them for yourself, you can download them all here!
Screenshots
Videos
Special Thanks
• Golche for sprite work, feedback, music, bug testing, and all around good work.
• Theharth for many things such as testing, Trainer text, menial labour, and just being a good friend.
• Lixdel for helping with a ton of stuff, including move animations, data insertion, and thorough bug testing.
• Nex for great sprites, great tiles, and the amazing title screen background.
• Criminon for plenty of great sprites, UI designs, and pouring hours into the costume system.
• Kwenio for several stellar character redesigns, including the main characters.
• Pascal van den Bos for taking on the role of Sound Director and ensuring the Unbound OST was phenomenal from start to finish.
• Rowyn Berlan, Jose Villanueva, Humanly, and Blanders for a huge chunk of the astounding OST.
• CyanSMP64 for helping save ROM space and making the OST even higher quality.
• Maria Panaiotti for the great redesign of the logo.
• U.Flame for the underwater tileset, as well as several tile and map improvements.
• Dr. Fuji and Hillsy13 for great tileset and mapping work.
• SevenK for always doing a great job tracking down bugs, being a huge asset in fixing them, and almost all of the custom shiny palettes.
• HnzMtthw for a great job bug testing and designing concept art.
• Patrickz for Frontier bug testing and AI suggestions.
• Deneb and Elgathar for testing and helping create challenging teams.
• Doctordoak for several balance suggestions and revamping almost all of the Battle Frontier spreads.
• Gail for helping test the CFRU in its infancy and plenty of bug testing afterwards.
• Strudelmuffin for coming up with some great late-game puzzles.
• Noodlewhiz for handling bug reports and his research into the correct mining implementation.
• Achromatic for the CSS Template used as a base for this thread.
• PRET for their astounding work with the decomps, a large reason Unbound is where it's at today.
All of the bugs and changes from the official games are listed in the attached readme file. If you find a bug not mentioned, please report it in the hack's Discord channel.
FAQ
Spoiler:
Gen 8?
Just battle mechanics. There are more than enough Pokémon in the game without them.
Is there documentation regarding collectable locations?
Any collectables (such as Zygarde Cells, Legendary Portals, TMs, etc.) have their details recorded in the Mission Log when you find them. Talk to other people who've played the game, and they may be able to help you out with the ones you're missing.
Which difficulty mode should I play?
• Vanilla: More in line with official game difficulty. Play this if you like over leveling or just want to play a game without worrying too much about the battles.
• Difficult: You're looking for something slightly harder than default Pokémon games, and don't mind losing boss battles once or twice to force you to rethink your strategy with the same team.
• Expert: If you're running a fully EV trained team, this is probably going to be as hard as Difficult early on. You also probably won't need to change up your team in between major battles. Late game will get harder, though, but still nowhere near as hard as Insane.
• Insane: This should be the hardest hack you've ever played. Period. Items can't be used in Trainer battles, and bosses all have a team with competitive movesets and full EVs. If you're ready to rage quit after the first Gym, this difficulty is NOT for you. It was designed to be inherently unfun for most players.
How does Exp. work in this game?
• The game uses the BW scaled experience system. Meaning, if your Pokémon is a higher level than the Pokémon it defeats it will earn less Exp., and if it's at a lower level it will earn more.
• The Exp. Share is enabled by default and can be disabled in the Options Menu.
• Because of the Exp. Share totally screws up the level curve, the game uses a dynamic levelling system (based on the relative strength of your entire team) for both Trainers and wild bosses (if you're playing on Easy, just wild bosses). This ensures that random Trainers always stay a few levels behind you (assuming you're ahead of the base level curve), and Gym Leaders' or Boss' strongest Pokémon will always be one level higher than your highest. However, there's a certain threshold from your strongest Pokémon that your team members are only taken account of if their level falls within this threshold. Because of this, it's unwise to try and power through with only one Pokémon, since that Pokémon alone will determine the level curve.
Where are all the Z-Crystals?
Most of the type-specific Z-Crystals are given out in the post-game by the Gym Leaders and Elite 4 at the Magnolia Café. The remaining 5 (Icium Z, Firium Z, Poisinium Z, Psychium Z, Rockium Z) are mostly obtained in the post-game through a variety of different methods. The Icium Z is the only one of these that can be obtained in the main game, it is just extremely difficult to obtain. The signature Z-Crystals are mainly found behind tablets, but the Pokémon they apply to either can't be obtained in the main game or are only obtained extremely late in the game. Any signature Z-Crystals not found behind tablets can be obtained from various NPCs in the post-game.
Why are most of the Z-Moves reserved until the post-game? Why not replace the Gems obtained in the Gyms with the Z-Crystals? Why can't you use Dynamax in Gym battles?
First of all, having Mega Evolutions, Z-Moves, and Dynamax available in Gym battles is just a bad idea. There's way too much going on in one battle. Second, both mechanics just aren't properly balanced. Using Z-Crystals is basically the same thing as strapping a nuke to a Pokémon, while Dynamax was not balanced at all for single battles. For these reasons, they are relegated mainly for bonus content. In terms of the main game story, you don't ever need to worry about encountering these mechanics (although, the Gym Leaders do use Z-Moves if you're playing on Insane mode).
The Dowsing Machine keeps disappearing every time a textbox opens! How can I use it quicker?
For this exact reason, the L-Button Mode2nd Reg Item was included. The best thing to do would be to set the Motorcycle as the first registered item, set the Dowsing Machine as the second, and change your L-Button Mode in the Options Menu to the aforementioned.
How can I Dive underwater?
Once you clear the game, purchase an ADM from Captain Davy in Seaport City's shipyard. It costs $500000, so explore the Tomb of Borrius first to find the Relic Items. If you sell those Relic Items to the Billionaire Maniac in Gurun Town, you'll have more than enough money to purchase an ADM.
How can I mine for treasure?
You need an ADM (see above). Once you have one, set your R-Button Mode to Mining Scan, and press R while running up and down the KBT Expressway, exploring underwater, or exploring the side room on the left in Crystal Peak.
Am I actually expected to stand there and save 100 times?
No. Missions like these are meant to reward you for playing the game. I guarantee that if you turn on saveprompts and save with them often, you'll hit that 100 in no time at all, without even breaking a sweat.
Why is the DexNav not given out first thing? In ORAS it's given out almost right away.
In ORAS, the DexNav did not allow you to search for Pokémon before you caught them. Additionally, it was significantly harder to encounter Pokémon in those games. Because of the changes made to the DexNav for the CFRU, it is inherently bad game design to give it out first thing. For example, if the DexNav was given out earlier, you could use the DexNav to encounter a Pikipek with Brave Bird on Route 2, and then obliterate the first Gym with minimal effort. Usually, items like this (such as the Poke Radar) are reserved for the post-game, so I think just before the 3rd Gym is more than a fair compromise.
I have a question about the DexNav.
Everything you need to know about the DexNav is explained in-game. Talk to Nat Log's assistant in Blizzard City and he will explain it to you.
What's unobtainable as of now?
The following Pokémon are still missing:
• Mewtwo
• Genesect
• Marshadow
• Poipole & Naganadel
• Meltan & Melmetal
The following Mega Stones are still missing:
• Mewtwonites
The following Z-Crystals are still missing:
• Incinium Z
The following locations cannot be accessed:
• Cube Corp.
WHERE TO GET ASH-GRENINJA???
Haha, good luck ;)
Where are the Isle of Armor move tutors?
They haven't been implemented yet. See the README for Pokémon that learn these moves now through level-up.
Can I use Pokemon Unbound as a Rom Base?
Just use the CFRU.
What's the difference between the dark and light stories?
Dark is the same general story with more violence. Call it the "edgy" version if you will. There is no blood shown at all, but in general, it's not for younger audiences, so avoid this on lets plays.
Where can I change natures, IVs, and Abilities?
NPCs can do all of these for you at the Battle Frontier in the post-game.
- In the main game, you can earn a single nature change by completing a relatively easy Mission.
- If you bring Bottle Caps to a rich woman in Seaport City after 7 PM, you can have her change IVs for you. Bottle Caps will sometimes be given out as Mission Rewards, but higher star Raid Pokemon will drop them rarely.
- As for Abilities, the Ability Capsule isn't obtainable until the post-game, but there are a couple of opportunities to give your Pokemon Hidden Abilities in the main game.
- In New Game + there are NPCs to facilitate changes IVs, EVs, and Natures in Crater Town until the game is cleared.
Where are the rest of the options in the Options Menu?
Press L & R to see more options.
Is any emulator supported?
For the most part, all emulators except No$GBA should be supported. I know there have been issues with the Eclipse emulator and other CFRU hacks, so avoid that as well. The game works properly on real hardware, so feel free to use a virtual console inject! Do note that for now (this has been fixed for the next release) the game will not work with a bios loader (the GameBoy Advance start screen), so avoid emulators that use that.
Fog... really?
Yes, it's the Gym puzzle; it's there to get you to think. Welcome to the world of problem-solving! You can either solve it (ie. figure out how to work around it) and have a fairly easy time, or you can try to brute force it and suffer at the hands of the RNG in possibly the hardest Gym for you. This second option is obviously not the ideal way, and unless you're playing on easy, you probably won't be able to do it in one shot. There are plenty of NPCs in the early game that'll help you out, so take your time looking everywhere.
My emulator's controls make it hard to do the stealth puzzles.
If your emulator is giving you trouble, just use your emulator's built-in speed-down settings. You may not be used to using it, but it will increase the amount of time you're given to react.
Where are the rare Evolution Stones?
Finite methods include exploring these areas (many times with HMs):
• Dawn Stone: Frozen Heights, Route 7 (Hidden), Route 10, Route 14,
• Shiny Stone: Route 7 (Hidden) Frost Mountain, Vivill Warehouse, Route 17, Crystal Peak
• Dusk Stone: Cinder Volcano, Frost Mountain, Frost Mountain (Hidden), Route 11 Caves, Thundercap Mt. (Hidden), Ruins of Void
• Ice Stone: Blizzard City Mart, Frozen Forest, Icicle Cave (Hidden), Victory Road (Hidden)
How do I start a New Game +?
Complete the game on any version and clear the post-game story in the Ruins of Void. Once you've done that, back up your save file and just start a New Game. The option will be offered to you. Any relevant explanations of the feature are provided by selecting Info on the prompt.
How do I play with the randomizer and/or Scalemons?
It's the same unlock criteria as NG+ (see above). You don't need to select NG+ to play with these, but it can be helpful to play on. If you really don't want to play through the game before trying this, I don't encourage it, but just ask for someone else's save file.
How do I enable the level cap?
On the Battle Options page of the Options Menu, set Exp. Gain to Capped Share.
Are Pokemon stats or types changed in this game?
In general, beyond what's in the README, no. I wouldn't expect to read docs just to learn the new changes. However, if you decide to play a Scalemons run of the game, most fully evolved Pokemon will have their BST scaled up to 600, so that's a potential option if you're into changed stats.
Unbound 2.1.1.1 Original Release Date: December 20, 2021 Update Date: November 8, 2022 Completion: This is the completed version of Pokemon Unbound. Cube Corp.'s interior is still missing, but all Pokemon can be obtained one way or another, and all Missions can be completed. Update: Hotfix for Rival battle crash.
Unbound Battle Frontier 2.0.1 Original Release Date: August 21, 2022 Update Date: August 26, 2022 Completion: This is a demo version that allows you to play exclusively in the Borrius region's Battle Frontier. It contains five battle facilities enjoy, as well as Raid Battles and a Safari Zone demo. Update: Ring Challenge, New Key Items, Less Time-Based Events, + More (See changelog)
Unbound 1.1.3.1 Original Release Date: December 1, 2020 Update Date: January 20, 2021 Completion: This is the completed version of Pokemon Unbound. A couple of areas from the post-game are still missing, but there is plenty to do in the meantime.
Unbound Battle Frontier 1.4.5.1 Original Release Date: July 1, 2019 Update Date: August 3, 2020 Completion: This is a demo version that allows you to play exclusively in the Borrius region's Battle Frontier. It contains four battle facilities enjoy, as well as Raid Battles and a Safari Zone demo.
Unbound Alpha 1.2.5 Original Release Date: December 1, 2016 Update Date: September 10, 2017 Completion: This is a demo version that ends once you enter Valley Cave. It contains two gym badges.
Special Distributions
January's special distribution is an ancient puffer fish! If you're playing the main game, once you defeat the Pokemon League, talk to the green deliveryman on the second floor of any Pokemon Center to enter the password to receive this Pokemon! If you're playing the BFD, head south of the Battle Frontier and talk to the green deliveryman after travelling to the Cable Club.
You must be on 2.1.0 or higher to claim this gift! Password: 3ER7BX8CA5WR Revealed On: January 3, 2022 Will be Hidden After: January 31, 2022
December's special distribution is an ancient "Weavile"! If you're playing the main game, once you defeat the Pokemon League, talk to the green deliveryman on the second floor of any Pokemon Center to enter the password to receive this Pokemon! If you're playing the BFD, head south of the Battle Frontier and talk to the green deliveryman after travelling to the Cable Club.
You must be on 2.1.0 or higher to claim this gift! Password: 7AX2WN9UN4BJ Revealed On: January 3, 2022 Will be Hidden After: January 31, 2022
As part of v2.1.1's release, you can now receive a special Zarude! Obtaining this Zarude, saving, and reloading the game will allow Gen 8 mons to start being detected randomly by the DexNav. If you're playing the main game, once you defeat the Pokemon League, talk to the green deliveryman on the second floor of any Pokemon Center to enter the password to receive this Pokemon! If you're playing the BFD, head south of the Battle Frontier and talk to the green deliveryman after travelling to the Cable Club.
You must be on 2.1.1 or higher to claim this gift! Password: 3YT4BV7PH4UT Revealed On: November 8, 2022
Awards
• HOTY 2019: Most Graphical Appeal
• HOTY 2019: Best Gameplay
• HOTY 2019: Fan Favourite
I don't see how that is a problem. That is an entirely different kind of hack than mine. And anyways, my hack name has been in my signature for a while now.
Holy Crap! The hack is half way done? Thats insane! I honestly love the plot of the story and the mapping and graphics and sprites really match the region itself. So much attention to detail with the weather and style of clothing for the male and female protagonists! Not gonna lie though, but the female protagonist kinda looks like flannery but it really doesn't bother me. I wish you the best👌👌!
Inverse battles are a special type of battle introduced in X&Y where type matchups are reversed.
I don't see how that is a problem. That is an entirely different kind of hack than mine. And anyways, my hack name has been in my signature for a while now.
Of course! Beta testers and bug fixers are always welcome. I'll let you know when a testable version is ready.
