With Generation 10 of the beloved Pokémon franchise expected to kick off next year with the launch of Pokémon Winds and Waves, it is no surprise that fans of the Nintendo saga are eager to get stuck in. However, with Pokémon Winds and Waves not to set sail for a while longer, and with the Pokémon franchise celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, there are plenty of other ways to pass the time and experience some of the best entries that you may not have heard of.
This is thanks to the dedicated fan base who have been hard at work creating ROM hacks based off some of our favorite Pokémon classics. More specifically, Pokémon Ocean Blue is one such example, as it will take us back to the iconic region of Kanto in an RPG extravaganza.
Created by YouTuber DontJoelMe, Pokémon Ocean Blue is a “definitive” take on the Kanto region that has been on quite a journey since it was first released. That is because, eight months ago, DontJoelMe completely revamped the ROM hack, taking to his YouTube channel to show off all the new changes in an expansive Question and Answer video. It was here that we discovered everything that Pokémon Ocean Blue has to offer and how it aims to revolutionize the Kanto region as we know it.
Ocean Blue aims to add all of the Pokémon and their mechanics all the way up to Generation 9. Additionally, it will feature a complete overhaul of the map and even include brand-new areas to explore, allowing you to take a different approach than you did in Pokémon Blue. Users can also look forward to a new story set in a semi-open-world. Although you are still a Trainer, who has been recruited by Oak to complete the Pokédex, DontJoelMe promises that there is “so much more to unfold now.”
Promising “deep world immersion” that you will “not find” in other ROM hacks, various quality-of-life improvements, multiple difficulty options including a customizable randomizer mode, follower ‘mons, and much more, Pokémon Ocean Blue truly is a definitive ROM hack that every Pokémon fan needs to get stuck into and luckily, you can do so for free.
As such, fans over on YouTube have been expressing their admiration for such an impressive ROM hack. “Just found this out literally 20 minutes ago and already know its peak. Thank you for putting so much effort into this project and not quitting. I think I can speak for most of us, but we very much appreciate this.”
Another agreed, adding, “Fire Red and Leaf Green are actually some of my least favorite games, but I am SO excited to play this hack. Loving the updates!”
So, if you want to experience the Kanto region like never before, make sure to check out Pokémon Ocean Blue now.