DJTiKi's MEGA-HUGE Guide To Planning Your Awesome Rom Hack! The Guide For Everything Pokemon!

DJTiKi said:

Hey, look an update again. Looks like this is on Vanilla Trainers. How come I haven't updated in like a week? Let me tell you a funny story.

So my computer crashed and I lost all my data on it(not like it was unexpected though, it was on the verge). So I didn't invest alot of time on trying to rewrite it. So I came at crossroads, and decided to do the rest of it when I get a new one. BUT I then remembered that I write all the updates on Google Drive. So I came to the ultimate decision of writing all my updates on my tablet of all things. Just saying, it is a little more easier. Thanks Google Drive, you aren't completely useless. :)

So how are you guys doing in hacking and other stuff? Took a break too? Got any new ideas for more hacks? Let us hear it, I'm sure it is good.

Click to expand...

Darkrai Lv.1000 said:

Sorry about the crash bro. Reminds me of the time my old desktop completely fried on me back in 2010, and I lost everything pertaining to a rom hack I was working on at the time (I can't believe I didn't think to back it up...). From what I remember of it, it wasn't that good, but some things that were planned for it I'm putting in the one I'm working on now (complete with multiple backups!).

I'd say I'm progressing pretty well in hacking, and my hack in general. Haven't taken any breaks from it, because I'm so determined to finish it. I'm currently spriting all the characters, which is pretty tedious (especially since this is my first time spriting, and I have a lot of characters to create), but kinda fun. After that, I'll start mapping, which is the most fun part IMO. :3

Click to expand...

Lady Prixy said:

This might be a bit too off topic but...

You and I have different ideas of fun. Spriting was by far the worst part of making my last hack, and mapping would be a close second, if ever there was one lol.

I think that writing the story is the best part. Coming up with interesting plot twists that are both enticing and soulful. Then again, I've always been a weird one lol.

Click to expand...

Darkrai Lv.1000 said:

Storywriting is definitely my close second. That's always the first thing I do before I even start hacking, and the one thing I want to be good. Even if the whole hack itself fails, I want the player to think "well, at least the story's good." And I've always had an affinity with wanting to create good-looking maps (me being a slight perfectionist doesn't help though, just makes me take longer xD)

I think the worst part for me is running into snags and taking days to figure out the problem. xD

Click to expand...

Lady Prixy said:

I totally understand! I'd rather have a terrible game with a difficulty curve that is just broken (either too easy, or far too hard) with a great story than a hack with great mechanics and a stale story. It's like playing the originals again.. and removing Vulpix from every game. Grr, just thinking about it gets me mad.

Completely off topic: I've been up for over 30 hours now.. for no apparent reason. Not babysitting today, no work or school or anything like that.. Just couldn't sleep last night.. Weird.

Click to expand...

Darkrai Lv.1000 said:

-Note to self: Do not remove Vulpix from your hack-

Click to expand...

Off-topic response to the off-topic part: I once stayed up for 4 days straight just to see if I could. I then fell asleep in the middle of the day and slept for 16 hours. xD

Click to expand...

My attempt to get back on topic: Every game has some form of transportation for the player. In the main games, this is always the running shoes, the bike, and more recently, roller skates. Does anyone have an opinion on including transportation other than a bike in a rom hack? Examples being cars, skateboards, riding Pokemon, etc.

Click to expand...

Prixy said:

LOL! Thanks! It'd be nice if she was 100% female and had slightly stronger base stats, with no evolution as well. Ninetails can be removed and replaced with some Fakemon if needed. Hey, why not give Vulpix the base stats that Ninetails has and replace Ninetails with Celetic? (Celebi's theoretical evolution)

Also, where is your hack? I don't think I've seen it. Got a link in your signature? If so, I'm just blind. If not, gimme link pl0x.
Last night I slept for over 14 hours.. Woke up thinking it was still yesterday evening, turns out it was 11 AM. I had a "Who-The-What?" moment when I looked at the clock. (I saw 11:14 and looked out the window thinking "Umm, I think the sun is broken.. It's almost midnight!" then I saw the AM light on...)
I don't like the idea of cars, just seems weird to have a car in a lot of areas, maybe a cab system for main cities? Ooh, that sounds good!

Skateboards, please no. I'd rather not even think about this again.

Running Shoes: Please add these in EVERY game. Even Gen I and II hacks please. And please let me run in buildings.

As for Riding Pokemon... I'd like to see it done before I pass judgement. (Never played X/Y)

Planes: There was a hack I saw that never made it to Beta that used Planes to fly from one area to the next, but also allowed the player to view the entire overworld while in the plane. A cross between Final Fantasy 8 (while controlling Balamb Garden) and the SS Anne, which was a wonderful idea, but the dev never made it that far into development. I'd like to see another Plane based system and see how it works. Your thoughts?

Teleport becoming Fly - This is an idea I've had since the first time I saw Teleport in action back in Gen I. What if Teleport could be used just like Fly? I really like this idea, since it wouldn't need any spriting, and the code is (or should be) pretty simple, even for a novice like me. Your thoughts?
Note: When I say "Your thoughts?" I'm not addressing Darkrai specifically. I want everyone's opinions on these matters. Just wanted to make that clear. xD

I can't really think of any other transportation methods at the moment, but I also had to go AFK twice while typing this post up, so I had to re-read and try to figure out what I was talking about twice. xD

Click to expand...

While Generation 3 is easy to understand, in my opinion, it's boring and kinda standard, but alot of tools support it. But DS games are harder to hack, but looks ALOT better than its 3rd generation counterpart.

Click to expand...

Rival:

Oh geez, this topic. Okay, every hack NEEDS a rival. One who is always pestering you, in the most inapporiate moments. One who is always your equal. "A sound rival rests within a sound region, and a sound plot, which makes for a sound game".

Click to expand...

AHMYLEGS said:

This guide really caught my eye. I like how it kept with the For Dummies format of keeping everything as simple as possible, and it really helped me out. There, I said something positive. Now I'm going to attack your guide mercilessly. We all win!
I'm no expert, but doesn't more tools result in more possibilities and variety? Creating a complete hack of 4th gen would mean less stuff is possible. Hacking tools that add stuff like day/night cycles add more to 3rd gen games and so their possibilities are ever-increasing.
I disagree with this but since you made the first statement I guess I should allow you to explain your position. Why does every hack need a rival? I've been writing the plot for mine and I haven't even thought to include a rival since I didn't see a reason I needed to.

Seriously though, this is a decent guide. Some of the stuff in it is...questionable but I started tips that stuck out the most for me. I use some of your character development tips for unrelated projects already. And I couldn't find much fault with your current gameplay balancing guide. Though I will say one thing; when you post the next part to it there is almost certainly going to be people who disagree with it. For instance I prefer trying to discourage grinding as much as possible but there is certainly a huge market for that. This isn't really something I can debate with people for it will eventually fall down to personal preference. Not saying writing a balancing guide isn't a bad thing, since it will at least give me a new outlook on the subject.

Click to expand...

DJTiKi said:

YEAH, another update! Now with 800% more Gym Leaders! Sorry it took so long, this was by far the hardest part to make, simply becuase of Writer's Block. and me making more threads. Hopefully, it's as good, as the other updates.

Click to expand...

So if you were to change a Pokémon's data makeup, who would it/they be? Why?

Click to expand...

pedrogab said:

Hi, I'm slowly learning about hacking Pokémon games (and the computer I'm using doesn't have enough resolution to open RPG Maker XP, so I'm kind of stuck with ROM hacking, but it doesn't bother me anyway), and this guide is really good, thanks for it! :)

Regarding transportation methods, I'd love to see a region with a fully-developed train/subway system connecting all the major cities and some towns, which would help the player of a hypothetical hack where you can battle the Gyms at any order you want*. You could buy tickets, battle trainers for Exp while on board, buy supplies like Fresh Water (I really like how Unova has a lot of drink machines through the region), and even look at the window and enjoy the views during the travel. (Some core games have trains, but they only connect the player to a small and/or post-game area.)

* This would need some changes from the core formulae, like: HM usage in the overworld connected to the number of badges you have, not from having a specific one; Routes having more areas to explore once you have more HMs accessible; Gym Leaders' teams changing levels/members/movesets according to the number of badges you have; etc. (Probably someone already had this idea for a hack, but I humbly think it's a good one nonetheless.)

Click to expand...

DJTiKi said:

Glad this guide is working out for you. :) I, too wanted to work with RPG Maker XP, but now, I like hacking more.

That would be an awesome way for transportation. Perhaps in the trains, battles can take place, while you wait. Just another reason to use them. You can also get a prize for beating a certain amount. I always liked how Unova was bombarded by soda machines, made potions a lot less painless to buy.

Also about your idea.....yeah I kinda have that idea in the works at the moment. So sorry if you wanted to try this out, but doesn't mean stop it, two views on the same sort of game will be nice. Good luck to you. Great minds think alike.

Click to expand...

pedrogab said:

Regarding transportation methods, I'd love to see a region with a fully-developed train/subway system connecting all the major cities and some towns, which would help the player of a hypothetical hack where you can battle the Gyms at any order you want*. You could buy tickets, battle trainers for Exp while on board, buy supplies like Fresh Water (I really like how Unova has a lot of drink machines through the region), and even look at the window and enjoy the views during the travel. (Some core games have trains, but they only connect the player to a small and/or post-game area.)

* This would need some changes from the core formulae, like: HM usage in the overworld connected to the number of badges you have, not from having a specific one; Routes having more areas to explore once you have more HMs accessible; Gym Leaders' teams changing levels/members/movesets according to the number of badges you have; etc. (Probably someone already had this idea for a hack, but I humbly think it's a good one nonetheless.)

Click to expand...

DJTiKi said:

That would be an awesome way for transportation. Perhaps in the trains, battles can take place, while you wait. Just another reason to use them. You can also get a prize for beating a certain amount. I always liked how Unova was bombarded by soda machines, made potions a lot less painless to buy.

Click to expand...

DJTiKi said:

Mind the double post. Just wanted inform you guys that I have updated. The Basics of Making A Difficulty Hack is now up for business! Bit on the short side, but honestly, I have my reasons. :)

Anything from other ROM Hacks you wanted to adapt in your hack?

Oh and while you are at it, how are you guys? Been very busy lately and this weekend should really cool down some. Which means more guide :DD. If I don't get Gameplay and Balance finished by then, well something happened to me.

Click to expand...