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ShockSlayer's open-world ROM mod that creates a free-form gaming experience for Pokemon Crystal without storytelling

ShockSlayer's open-world ROM mod that creates a free-form gaming experience for Pokemon Crystal without storytelling

Vote: (53 votes)

Program license: Free

Developer: ShockSlayer

Version: 1.3.b

Works under: Windows

Vote:

Program license

(53 votes)

Free

Developer

Version

ShockSlayer

1.3.b

Works under:

Windows

Pros

  • Contains an expanded open-world version of Pokemon Red, Blue, Yellow, Gold, Silver and Crystal all in one
  • Players can earn gym badges in any order they prefer, and they can still battle Gym Leaders after defeating them
  • The entire roster of 251 Pokemon is available internally, so trading is no longer needed to fill your collection

Cons

  • Many of the story's elements had to be deleted for the open-world concept to work
  • A lack of power-level scaling means players will encounter highly overcharged wild Pokemon
  • There are few options available in terms of character customization

Pokemon Crystal Clear is an invaluable add-on for ROM versions of Pokemon Crystal. This useful mod is a total game-changer that is designed to enable an open universe within the title. By removing the developer's original built-in blockades, players are given the opportunity to explore the entire map right from the start.

Since this is a Generation II title, all 251 of the original Pokemon are available. In addition to capturing the first seven starters, this means that you have the chance to catch the first two sets of legendary and mythical Pokemon. In an unprecedented feat, no trading is necessary to complete your Pokedex, because every single one of the lovable pocket monsters is included. As such, Pokemon Crystal Clear marks the the most complete version of the vintage Pokemon world.

This helpful ROM hack also greatly expands the options for starting Pokemon, and it lets you pick whether you want to start in Kanto or Johto. Furthermore, the Gym Leaders do not have to be battled chronologically, so badges can be accumulated in any order. Another fun bonus is the newfound ability to challenge each Gym Leader an unlimited number of times.

While this open world layout is a dream come true for Pokemon fans, it's not without its shortcomings. Primarily, the removal of this game's linear progression unfortunately required the elimination of a coherent plot. Ultimately, the loss of a logical storyline is a very small price to pay for the unfettered exploration this app enables.

Another challenge is that the levels of wild Pokemon are not scaled back to adjust for the increased freedom. This means that trainers will run into vastly overpowered creatures well before they are equipped to face them. Luckily, this issue only applies to untamed Pokemon; meanwhile, trainers and gym associates are tailored to match your current level regardless of when you initiate a duel.

This maxed-out Game Boy emulation unlocks the true potential of the Pokemon franchise. The choose-your-own-adventure approach provides the series with a much-needed revitalization, and it breathes new life into the original Nintendo releases. By removing plenty of the inherent restrictions found in the source code, Pokemon Crystal Clear reveals the true expansiveness of Nintendo's most comprehensive series. Gamers finally have a chance to truly catch them all!

Pros

  • Contains an expanded open-world version of Pokemon Red, Blue, Yellow, Gold, Silver and Crystal all in one
  • Players can earn gym badges in any order they prefer, and they can still battle Gym Leaders after defeating them
  • The entire roster of 251 Pokemon is available internally, so trading is no longer needed to fill your collection

Cons

  • Many of the story's elements had to be deleted for the open-world concept to work
  • A lack of power-level scaling means players will encounter highly overcharged wild Pokemon
  • There are few options available in terms of character customization