[Question] Is it possible to program alternate paths?

[Shadow Light Master]

Hi, I wanted to ROM hack for the first time, but I heard this program is better than ROM hacking. I wanted to know if this idea I had is possible to implement in either Pokemon Essentials or in ROMs.

Basically I want alternate paths. Depending on choices you make, certain areas get locked out, or change in terms of landscape or what Pokemon are available. I also want characters to have alternate dialogue based on choices you made in the past.

I also wanted to set up some kind of relationship system, where certain dialogue choices earn you a "point" with that character. Certain choices earn you points, some lose you points. Get enough points, and they become your friend or girlfriend, and you can trade Pokemon with them or they give you items.

Is something like that possible to program in Essentials or in ROM hacking?

 

[mej71]

All of these are possible in Essentials. No idea about ROM hacking.

 

[KillerMapper]

For multiple paths depending of choices, yes you can do that with global switches.
Example : you need to choose between 3 starters (fire, grass, water), you can create 3 switches (pickedGrass, pickedWater, pickedFire; you can choose the name your want, I'm just giving examples).
Then in a map you can make events visible if a switch is enabled or not. For example, rocks that are here unless you picked up the grass starter.

For relation system, you can use a variable for that. And use it for events too (example : a NPC blocking a door if the variable is under 10 points).

All of this is just variable and switch use in events.

 

[DL Kurosh]

All of this are possible in Essentials and ROM hacking.

 

[DrimerDS]

Of course, it's possible in both.

 

[TBM_Christopher]

Hi, I wanted to ROM hack for the first time, but I heard this program is better than ROM hacking. I wanted to know if this idea I had is possible to implement in either Pokemon Essentials or in ROMs.

Better? Not necessarily. Easier to start with? Definitely so. (And I'm the curmudgeonly guy who says that you darn kids should be picking other engines based on your needs)

Basically I want alternate paths. Depending on choices you make, certain areas get locked out, or change in terms of landscape or what Pokemon are available. I also want characters to have alternate dialogue based on choices you made in the past.

Basic stuff, really. Imagine it like flipping a switch, and then asking the program to look at what position the switch is in. If ___ then ____.

I also wanted to set up some kind of relationship system, where certain dialogue choices earn you a "point" with that character. Certain choices earn you points, some lose you points. Get enough points, and they become your friend or girlfriend, and you can trade Pokemon with them or they give you items.

Also basic stuff in theory. It gets a little trickier because you're talking about things on a spectrum, but still not too difficult.

Is something like that possible to program in Essentials or in ROM hacking?

Yes to both. I'd really suggest you start with something linear, though, and then make that branch, rather than design with branching in mind from the start. For starters, you will NEED to be familiar with the engine you're using, whether that's a rom base or Essentials or (curmudgeonly moment again) any other engine.