I never thought this would happen but, for the first time in a Pokémon game, I actually enjoyed and cared about the story.
Seriously, I'm taking this game's plot as canon from now on, because not only the FRLG plot makes a lot more sense, but the absolute flat cartoonish characters from the main games also gain a lot more depth and become much more interesting. I mean, Rocket Edition made me like Blue, what on earth is this miracle?
I'm also surprised at how the writing was handled, it has depth, it's smart and has sense of humor, it tells things correctly without over explaining, and without getting ultra edgy or melodramatic.
Gameplay-wise... well, it's pretty rough and outdated in some areas (although at least it does have some Gen 4-6 moves and Gen 6 type chart), but I get that the main focus here was on the story and character building, which was done greatly.
Also liked how the ability to steal Pokémon was implemented, and how it's up to the player to go full thief or to play more nice (getting access to different rewards depending on the chosen path). Side missions were also cool (whish they were some more)... it's funny to realize as the story unfolds that Giovanni and Team Rocket are more than just the bad guys... and in fact they're actually the lesser evil.
how do i get to the johto region/postgame stuff i saw vids of people on like the johto region in this rom hack but whenever i finish the kanto region i get sent to prison anyways
This "Rocket Edition" by Colonelsalt doesn't have Johto. You've probably seen videos from the Spanish rom hack "Team Rocket Edition" by Dragonsden.