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Visitors are welcome to comment on "brain-teasers". Having a damaged brain makes processing information harder than it normally would be, so the extra mental processing power would be nice.
Ideas will be slowly added over time, bit by bit. Writing will usually be terse in brief note format.
----------
Type: decomp / disassembly
Base ROM: Emerald
Graphics: Emerald, Fire Red, Pinball (2) RAS
Gameplay: mostly same as original with significant new additions, default and optional enhancements, new mid- and post-game quests. Regions: K, J, H, Sevii Islands, limited Sinnoh. Pkmn cap at gen. 4, optionally at prev. gen., all obtainable. Sinnoh only for special events: catching availability, legendaries with expedited game lore plots, gyms, E4, new simple PokePark + Mystery Dungeon-like feature, special items, etc.. Generational moves and items available for purchase, gifts, PokePark found items. No grinding, all trainer battles are optional, clear "visitor" identity while in region. Prof. Rowan gives explicit hints on next steps for story exploration and progression.
Graphics and related to modify:
1. recreation of J region, S island, S region in RSE and FRLG graphics (primarily RSE) or wait for someone else to finish and publish. Note: currently unaware of any J, S is., S region remake maps with gen. 3-4 graphics that are of satisfactory quality. Incomplete demo by Jaizu remade S in gen. 4 / 3 graphics. jerr_whit on Reddit is working on J, maybe K tilemap remake with gen. 3 graphics.
2. edited navigation map to include 3+2 regions.
3. minor edits to some full-size sprites.
4. slightly expanded area viewing size.
5. larger text box (prob. 3 lines if bott. horiz.; fig. A) with bkg color options, simplified border, instant text speed, stationary cursor / caret, back-button function for dialogue. Might change layout to be tall vertical rectangle on right or left instead (fig. B).
6. modified interiors of some buildings to support new gameplay features¹ ² ³. Pkmn Center buildings in normal towns without special markets combines center with mart. Most NPCs found in original games. Selling only in special markets with sales clerk. *Limited to Porymaps basics, threw together what was available. Decent solution. Now single-story with trading, selve-serve healing, self-serve shop, PC, map, waiting area.
7. modified dex search function with supporting UI.
8. modified gadget functions and supporting UI⁴: dex, radio, phone, field medical recovery machine, (no laptop due to weight, size, limited Internet connection). A few more buildings with public PC: prof. labs, Lanette, Bill, gyms.
9. special events for catching and trading Pkmn with ¹supporting tilemap and graphics modifications.
10. potential creation of new UI screens and tilemaps using existing sprites and tiles to create new gameplay features if going this route,
10. a) new game corner activity with much higher quantity earnable coins, playable items (different balls, boost items), earnable mons (ones with some significance to gameplay and are rare / man-made with selectable "programmable" traits). Earnable special prizes. Slower / higher-traffic interaction elements in mini-game UX. Change catching to high-chance but not guaranteed. More pinball-catchable mons and limited mons for sale to put less emphasis on grinding for money.
10. b) new gameplay element: gadget upgrades [field research, collection],
10. c) new mid- and post-game quest: training to become gym leader. New added script, ²quiz for school edu. period, new AI battle with corresponding events and ³customizable area [education, training],
10. c. i) decide on testing school; 3 options for player to choose, 1 in each region. After exam, receive certficate,
10. c. ii) go to training school at fighting dojo master's gym. Battle other student-trainers for skill practice (with fighting-type but also focusing on other types that fighting-type is weak against). Get instructions from dojo master to shadow gym leader next door. During shadowing, dojo master instructs and supervises player to choose and give held and / or battle items to next-door gym disciples assisting in training. Takes student-trainers on field trip to other gyms, caves, parks to advise on interior appearance and how to recruit disciples. Lastly advises on finding personal training ground and a regimen,
10. c. iii) after completing training at dojo, "intern" as temp. trainee-leader at Mauville under guidance of Lt. Surge (electric-type) while Surge is semi-retired and traveling, gambling, doing physical military training, relaxing. Additional dialogue that elaborates Surge's experience in the world and battling, and loyalty of disciples and their reasons for training under Surge. Surge calls and visits to check in on progress (gives mission to beat 2 challengers in a row, use battle items, hire new disciple to replace someone leaving / retiring), provides hints, brings back souvenirs. 1st challenger: Wally. 2nd: Prof. Birch.
10. c. iv) Mauville being a big city, and Lt. Surge traveling, word gets to Blackthorn (dragon-type), further recommended by Surge. Appointed by dragon clan who always had favorable view of player to be temporary replacement for Clair while she does more training. Clan oversees leadership, gives number of rules, directions, tasks, advice. When Clair is reinstated, Lance comes by to to comment on work; mentions that Viridian gym needs a new leader, and Blue is up to something with it. 3 challengers: fisherman Tully and youngster Joey from phone list, gym leader Wallace visiting from H (gym leaders not able for re-match since gym leader prep period). If those two trainers are not on phone contact list, talking to dragon clan leader for advice, dojo master for advice, Lt. Surge for advice, or trend group for hint will suggest meeting and making connections with people on journey to battle again later, encouraging player to register more NPCs on phone for enriched gym leadership gameplay experience.
10. c. v) Mauville being a big city, and Lt. Surge traveling, and Lance and the powerful dragon clan spreading word, word gets to Blue. Asks to fill in at Viridian (no specific type) while Blue is out and not yet ready to settle down full-time at gym. Blue doesn't give as much guidance. Returns every now and then to relieve duties. 4 challengers: Cooltrainer Reena, 2 other collectors (trading) from phone list, gym leader from gym next to fighting dojo (says he heard impressive news of player's prowess in gym leadership, wanted to check out).
10. c. vii) gets called by Surge about running own gym at New Mauville (on condition of using non-electric-type; but added electricity-filled env. due to power generator). Surge says he will be nearby to offer advice. Trick master offers decor (presets by theme) and magically swift installation service to transform N.M. interior. Recruit (open: Winston family members, criminal org. members, past fellow student-trainees), choose catchphrases, battle. 5 challengers: rival. Next: randomized trainers and collectors from phone list, random gym leaders (was not able to re-battle them since gym leader prep period).
10. c. viii) Surge says N.M. location is impractical for continued business due to close proximity to his gym and inconvenient secluded location, plus long-term high-energy battling at power plant may not be safe. Trick master proposes relocating to his house, where he can continue being creative with traps and decor without having to hide in house in wait of visitors. Also offers room for shared living. Collects rent. Changeable custom gym decor with novelty traps. 6 challengers: rival, trainers and collectors on phone list, non-phone previously-battled trainers, battle tower challengers, gym leaders, Red (final challenger before other quest).
10. d) new post-game quest: day care center "development researcher / center assistant", berry master's apprentice, unlockable key items, peripheral printable novelty creation software and events [care, special R&D],
10. e) new post-game content: world-breaking end; Lanette offers assistant role to help run things in lab, get recommended to Bill, briefly help with Bill's engineering-related tasks, ending plot soon revealed [special R&D 2, end].
11. remove / replace / add to some inconsequential buildings / NPCs / furniture.
11. a) remove filler buildings without door.
11. b) trade NPCs get 2 new rarer Pkmn to trade after initial trade. Option to register phone. Show up as day care clients, gym AI battle challengers.
11. c) NPCs that give moves in houses get new moves after initial move, triggered by certain events (after every beating E4, beating gym leaders for 2nd time, winning contest category, beating battle tower). Option to register phone.
12. might edit, re-make, or selectively choose music to be all 8-bit or sound cohesive when combining music from gen 1-3, with ⁴radio station playing all original songs. Maybe include unreleased beta audio from Crystal October.
12. replace Braille with Unown.
13. receive several special battle items and more money as special-occasion gifts at start, easy difficulty until game corner where several varied mons can be obtained with some customizability. Helps avoid need for grinding and cheats, increases ideal party Pkmn for player early on.
14. enhanced TV reporter function: shows up at path of completed town areas to offer battle, interview (which automatically sets new catchphrase for trend club and bed-ridden Walda), trigger sales, summarize journey. Although Sinnoh plot is limited, due to it having TV station, reporters will be said to be from there and hint at existence of Sinnoh.
15. trend club in H offers option to reset catchphrase, tells "rumors" that hint at what to do next. Catchphrase becomes answer for bed-ridden Walda, laughs because she finds catchphrase silly. Gift is unlocking of in-game customizable PC box background maker with print function.
16. doll for copycat girl no longer at Pkmn fan club. Can use bought doll.
17. person looking for mail incrementally requests every other mail. After full collection, suggests writing notes for self as reminders, gifts custom mail decorator "software" that appears in PC.
18. can fly to all towns and routes across all regions without having to walk to region first, except underwater locations (incl. Sootopolis).
19. after discovering Sootopolis and Pacifidlog, talking to Mr. Briney in-person triggers new script about his interest in sailing out further and exploring. Asks player about directions to Pacifidlog. Says thanks, will have his boat transported there. After player leaves city, Briney calls to say the move was finished and he used player as reference when he requested special navigation system for his boat from Devon Co.. Can now use boat to auto-pilot navigate from Pacifidlog to Mossdeep, Mossdeep to Lilycove, or routes in between with on-screen route map. Do not encounter Pkmn except when stopped and using fishing rod.
20. battle tents in normal towns removed, might keep one in K if existing.
21. H Safari Zone replaced with "virtual pinball" arcade machine in Mauv. game corner. Can use PokeBlocks to change pre-set types and regions. Default catching ball is Safari Ball.
22. H SZ layouts re-purposed as PokePark in Sinnoh.
23. cruise ship and / or railway gets upgraded later to allow traveling to H (south, as is Kyushu), J (central, southwest of K, as is Kansai), K (central, northeast of J, as is Kanto, JP), S Is. (east, east of K and J, as are Izu and Bonin is.) and S (north, as is Hokk.). If train, by additional connections, implied by different train appearances during transition scene animation.
----------
Current consideration ("brain-teaser"):
- start in Johto or Hoenn? Not open-world. Need to modify story to fit starting place, offering choice of starting region not viable.
-- what are the differences between RBY and GSC that account for different starting regions and character role? Another factor for decision: which regional version games would benefit more with having HMs already in possession, and which would benefit more with requiring unlocking of HMs (perhaps the newest and most advanced region)?
-- option 1: start in J, follow pre-established two-region story progression and add H storyline including original "moving" intro plot of RSE. Make it make sense to revisit certain places. Sense of "middle" geographic location between other two regions.
-- option 2: start in H, reverse-chron. order. Minor edit to original story for "10.c" part. Can make sense for progression timeline of ending bonus story. Might have addit. benefit of providing planned summary and hint features via trend club and TV reporter earlier on throughout entire game.
- text box bottom horizontal or side vertical? Probably unviable to implement both as options for user.
Ideas will be slowly added over time, bit by bit. Writing will usually be terse in brief note format.
----------
Type: decomp / disassembly
Base ROM: Emerald
Graphics: Emerald, Fire Red, Pinball (2) RAS
Gameplay: mostly same as original with significant new additions, default and optional enhancements, new mid- and post-game quests. Regions: K, J, H, Sevii Islands, limited Sinnoh. Pkmn cap at gen. 4, optionally at prev. gen., all obtainable. Sinnoh only for special events: catching availability, legendaries with expedited game lore plots, gyms, E4, new simple PokePark + Mystery Dungeon-like feature, special items, etc.. Generational moves and items available for purchase, gifts, PokePark found items. No grinding, all trainer battles are optional, clear "visitor" identity while in region. Prof. Rowan gives explicit hints on next steps for story exploration and progression.
Graphics and related to modify:
1. recreation of J region, S island, S region in RSE and FRLG graphics (primarily RSE) or wait for someone else to finish and publish. Note: currently unaware of any J, S is., S region remake maps with gen. 3-4 graphics that are of satisfactory quality. Incomplete demo by Jaizu remade S in gen. 4 / 3 graphics. jerr_whit on Reddit is working on J, maybe K tilemap remake with gen. 3 graphics.
2. edited navigation map to include 3+2 regions.
3. minor edits to some full-size sprites.
4. slightly expanded area viewing size.
5. larger text box (prob. 3 lines if bott. horiz.; fig. A) with bkg color options, simplified border, instant text speed, stationary cursor / caret, back-button function for dialogue. Might change layout to be tall vertical rectangle on right or left instead (fig. B).
6. modified interiors of some buildings to support new gameplay features¹ ² ³. Pkmn Center buildings in normal towns without special markets combines center with mart. Most NPCs found in original games. Selling only in special markets with sales clerk. *Limited to Porymaps basics, threw together what was available. Decent solution. Now single-story with trading, selve-serve healing, self-serve shop, PC, map, waiting area.
7. modified dex search function with supporting UI.
8. modified gadget functions and supporting UI⁴: dex, radio, phone, field medical recovery machine, (no laptop due to weight, size, limited Internet connection). A few more buildings with public PC: prof. labs, Lanette, Bill, gyms.
9. special events for catching and trading Pkmn with ¹supporting tilemap and graphics modifications.
10. potential creation of new UI screens and tilemaps using existing sprites and tiles to create new gameplay features if going this route,
10. a) new game corner activity with much higher quantity earnable coins, playable items (different balls, boost items), earnable mons (ones with some significance to gameplay and are rare / man-made with selectable "programmable" traits). Earnable special prizes. Slower / higher-traffic interaction elements in mini-game UX. Change catching to high-chance but not guaranteed. More pinball-catchable mons and limited mons for sale to put less emphasis on grinding for money.
10. b) new gameplay element: gadget upgrades [field research, collection],
10. c) new mid- and post-game quest: training to become gym leader. New added script, ²quiz for school edu. period, new AI battle with corresponding events and ³customizable area [education, training],
10. c. i) decide on testing school; 3 options for player to choose, 1 in each region. After exam, receive certficate,
10. c. ii) go to training school at fighting dojo master's gym. Battle other student-trainers for skill practice (with fighting-type but also focusing on other types that fighting-type is weak against). Get instructions from dojo master to shadow gym leader next door. During shadowing, dojo master instructs and supervises player to choose and give held and / or battle items to next-door gym disciples assisting in training. Takes student-trainers on field trip to other gyms, caves, parks to advise on interior appearance and how to recruit disciples. Lastly advises on finding personal training ground and a regimen,
10. c. iii) after completing training at dojo, "intern" as temp. trainee-leader at Mauville under guidance of Lt. Surge (electric-type) while Surge is semi-retired and traveling, gambling, doing physical military training, relaxing. Additional dialogue that elaborates Surge's experience in the world and battling, and loyalty of disciples and their reasons for training under Surge. Surge calls and visits to check in on progress (gives mission to beat 2 challengers in a row, use battle items, hire new disciple to replace someone leaving / retiring), provides hints, brings back souvenirs. 1st challenger: Wally. 2nd: Prof. Birch.
10. c. iv) Mauville being a big city, and Lt. Surge traveling, word gets to Blackthorn (dragon-type), further recommended by Surge. Appointed by dragon clan who always had favorable view of player to be temporary replacement for Clair while she does more training. Clan oversees leadership, gives number of rules, directions, tasks, advice. When Clair is reinstated, Lance comes by to to comment on work; mentions that Viridian gym needs a new leader, and Blue is up to something with it. 3 challengers: fisherman Tully and youngster Joey from phone list, gym leader Wallace visiting from H (gym leaders not able for re-match since gym leader prep period). If those two trainers are not on phone contact list, talking to dragon clan leader for advice, dojo master for advice, Lt. Surge for advice, or trend group for hint will suggest meeting and making connections with people on journey to battle again later, encouraging player to register more NPCs on phone for enriched gym leadership gameplay experience.
10. c. v) Mauville being a big city, and Lt. Surge traveling, and Lance and the powerful dragon clan spreading word, word gets to Blue. Asks to fill in at Viridian (no specific type) while Blue is out and not yet ready to settle down full-time at gym. Blue doesn't give as much guidance. Returns every now and then to relieve duties. 4 challengers: Cooltrainer Reena, 2 other collectors (trading) from phone list, gym leader from gym next to fighting dojo (says he heard impressive news of player's prowess in gym leadership, wanted to check out).
10. c. vii) gets called by Surge about running own gym at New Mauville (on condition of using non-electric-type; but added electricity-filled env. due to power generator). Surge says he will be nearby to offer advice. Trick master offers decor (presets by theme) and magically swift installation service to transform N.M. interior. Recruit (open: Winston family members, criminal org. members, past fellow student-trainees), choose catchphrases, battle. 5 challengers: rival. Next: randomized trainers and collectors from phone list, random gym leaders (was not able to re-battle them since gym leader prep period).
10. c. viii) Surge says N.M. location is impractical for continued business due to close proximity to his gym and inconvenient secluded location, plus long-term high-energy battling at power plant may not be safe. Trick master proposes relocating to his house, where he can continue being creative with traps and decor without having to hide in house in wait of visitors. Also offers room for shared living. Collects rent. Changeable custom gym decor with novelty traps. 6 challengers: rival, trainers and collectors on phone list, non-phone previously-battled trainers, battle tower challengers, gym leaders, Red (final challenger before other quest).
10. d) new post-game quest: day care center "development researcher / center assistant", berry master's apprentice, unlockable key items, peripheral printable novelty creation software and events [care, special R&D],
10. e) new post-game content: world-breaking end; Lanette offers assistant role to help run things in lab, get recommended to Bill, briefly help with Bill's engineering-related tasks, ending plot soon revealed [special R&D 2, end].
11. remove / replace / add to some inconsequential buildings / NPCs / furniture.
11. a) remove filler buildings without door.
11. b) trade NPCs get 2 new rarer Pkmn to trade after initial trade. Option to register phone. Show up as day care clients, gym AI battle challengers.
11. c) NPCs that give moves in houses get new moves after initial move, triggered by certain events (after every beating E4, beating gym leaders for 2nd time, winning contest category, beating battle tower). Option to register phone.
12. might edit, re-make, or selectively choose music to be all 8-bit or sound cohesive when combining music from gen 1-3, with ⁴radio station playing all original songs. Maybe include unreleased beta audio from Crystal October.
12. replace Braille with Unown.
13. receive several special battle items and more money as special-occasion gifts at start, easy difficulty until game corner where several varied mons can be obtained with some customizability. Helps avoid need for grinding and cheats, increases ideal party Pkmn for player early on.
14. enhanced TV reporter function: shows up at path of completed town areas to offer battle, interview (which automatically sets new catchphrase for trend club and bed-ridden Walda), trigger sales, summarize journey. Although Sinnoh plot is limited, due to it having TV station, reporters will be said to be from there and hint at existence of Sinnoh.
15. trend club in H offers option to reset catchphrase, tells "rumors" that hint at what to do next. Catchphrase becomes answer for bed-ridden Walda, laughs because she finds catchphrase silly. Gift is unlocking of in-game customizable PC box background maker with print function.
16. doll for copycat girl no longer at Pkmn fan club. Can use bought doll.
17. person looking for mail incrementally requests every other mail. After full collection, suggests writing notes for self as reminders, gifts custom mail decorator "software" that appears in PC.
18. can fly to all towns and routes across all regions without having to walk to region first, except underwater locations (incl. Sootopolis).
19. after discovering Sootopolis and Pacifidlog, talking to Mr. Briney in-person triggers new script about his interest in sailing out further and exploring. Asks player about directions to Pacifidlog. Says thanks, will have his boat transported there. After player leaves city, Briney calls to say the move was finished and he used player as reference when he requested special navigation system for his boat from Devon Co.. Can now use boat to auto-pilot navigate from Pacifidlog to Mossdeep, Mossdeep to Lilycove, or routes in between with on-screen route map. Do not encounter Pkmn except when stopped and using fishing rod.
20. battle tents in normal towns removed, might keep one in K if existing.
21. H Safari Zone replaced with "virtual pinball" arcade machine in Mauv. game corner. Can use PokeBlocks to change pre-set types and regions. Default catching ball is Safari Ball.
22. H SZ layouts re-purposed as PokePark in Sinnoh.
23. cruise ship and / or railway gets upgraded later to allow traveling to H (south, as is Kyushu), J (central, southwest of K, as is Kansai), K (central, northeast of J, as is Kanto, JP), S Is. (east, east of K and J, as are Izu and Bonin is.) and S (north, as is Hokk.). If train, by additional connections, implied by different train appearances during transition scene animation.
----------
Current consideration ("brain-teaser"):
- start in Johto or Hoenn? Not open-world. Need to modify story to fit starting place, offering choice of starting region not viable.
-- what are the differences between RBY and GSC that account for different starting regions and character role? Another factor for decision: which regional version games would benefit more with having HMs already in possession, and which would benefit more with requiring unlocking of HMs (perhaps the newest and most advanced region)?
-- option 1: start in J, follow pre-established two-region story progression and add H storyline including original "moving" intro plot of RSE. Make it make sense to revisit certain places. Sense of "middle" geographic location between other two regions.
-- option 2: start in H, reverse-chron. order. Minor edit to original story for "10.c" part. Can make sense for progression timeline of ending bonus story. Might have addit. benefit of providing planned summary and hint features via trend club and TV reporter earlier on throughout entire game.
- text box bottom horizontal or side vertical? Probably unviable to implement both as options for user.
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