Summary
ThePokemonseries has gained a reputation for inspiring countless fangames, andPokeRogueis the latest one to turn the original gameplay on its head. Taking a cue from the roguelike genre,PokeRogueblends the beloved monster collecting game with new mechanics, creating a version ofPokemonthat fans never knew they wanted so badly.
In recent years, the roguelike genre has grown to become a powerhouse in gaming communities.The best roguelike gamesall share a common gameplay loop: play, die, grow, repeat. By incorporating player deaths into the gameplay equation, roguelikes let players learn from their previous runs and collect different items or powers to use in the future. ThePokemongames have always been lenient when it comes to losing, allowing players to return to the Pokemon Center to heal and get right back on the trail. But inPokerogue, losing means death, and this completely changes the strategy of the game.
In PokeRogue, The Journey Begins Often
Everything that players love aboutPokemonis present inPokeRogue, just in a new format. This is clear from the beginning, as players select a starter Pokemon, incorporating every Pokemon released to date. Initially, players can select only from the original starters, but do have access toevery generation’s starter trio. Each time they catch a new Pokemon, it will be added to the list of starters they can choose in their next run. Every Pokemon is given a value from 1 to 9, and players can start with as many as they want, as long as the total value doesn’t exceed 10. This means that as soon as a player is able to capture a legendary Pokemon, they unlock it forever, but it will have a high value, balancing how powerful a party can be.
One part of thePokemonformula is given a much more important role inPokeRoguethan in the normal game. IVs, or individual values, dictate how a Pokemon’s stats will change as it grows. In the main games, this is usually only important to competitive players, butPokeRogueputs it up front and center. The higher IVs a Pokemon has, the more powerful it will become. To help the player get more powerful starters, every time they catch a new copy of the same Pokemon, the starting version gains the highest valued IV the player has caught thus far.The importance of Pokemon IVsis much greater inPokeRogue,because the player needs the strongest Pokemon in order to survive. This encourages players to still collect Pokemon they have already captured, reinforcing the collection aspect of the core games.
Bringing Battles to the Forefront
After selecting starters,PokeRoguebecomes entirely about battles. Each level of the game consists of 10 consecutive battles, some of which are with other trainers, a rival, and eveniconic gym leaders from the original games. This is also when players are able to capture wild Pokemon. By focusing on battles,PokeRoguecuts away the excess elements of the corePokemongames, most notably, shops and Pokemon Centers. Players can still obtain items, being offered their choice of 3 random ones after each battle, including held items, healing items, and pokeballs, to name a few. Potions and revives are also purchasable. With these items being the only way to heal and revive Pokemon, it places extra emphasis on the strategy of keeping Pokemon healthy. After each 10 battle gauntlet, all the player’s Pokemon are revived and fully healed to tackle the next one.
PokeRogue is an unofficial fan-made game. It is not for profit, and has no affiliation with Game Freak or Nintendo. It can be playedhere.
Even without proper gyms or towns, hard-fought wins are still rewarded. In-game money is always rewarded when the player defeats a trainer, and the rival grants an Exp share on defeat, allowing Pokemon to level up faster. When a gym leader is defeated, rather than a badge, the player is rewarded with a ticket to be used in egg gacha machines. These represent one more way to collect Pokemon. Tickets are good for anywhere from 1 to 25 eggs, which will hatch after a certain number of battles. Every time the player hatches a new Pokemon, they also become available as a starter, and grant specialegg moves that Pokemon can learnonly by breeding.
Though it is anunofficial fan-made game,PokeRoguehas gained quite a following, and Game Freak are sure to be paying attention. Fans are captivated by new ways to play their old favorites, and with any luck, official games may incorporate lessons they have learned from their legion of fans.
Pokemon
Pokemon is a franchise that needs no introduction. One of the most successful media empires in history, Pokemon spans games, television, films, manga, merchandise, music, and more.
