Known as the biggest fan of “Cyberpunk 2077,” Angharad is a Welsh games writer who thrives on all things digital storytelling. If a video game explores the intricacies and horrors of femininity, she’s there.
Through her previous work at GAMINGbible, GameByte, The Loadout, Game Lustre, Angharad has gained a solid understanding of the digital world and what fans expect from it and is eager to share her thoughts and expertise with readers.
Like the Pokemon The franchise is celebrating its 30th anniversary, more and more ROM hacks are coming out of the woodwork. Meant to celebrate some of Pokémon’s most iconic entries, while adding new and exciting content, quality of life improvements, and a return to some of our favorite regions, these ROM hacks are as much a part of the franchise as official Nintendo entries.
This is certainly the case for Degradation of Pokémon, a ROM hack inspired by the first four generations of Pokémon. Created by AlmAchAndAlee and put online for the first time in January 2025, Pokémon Breakdown is a fully completed project that is now available for free download, and it will be the perfect way for fans to return to four incredible regions.
Located in the Talem region, Pokémon Breakdown is “intended to give the player as much nostalgia as possible by referencing plots from older games.” The story follows the player who wakes up with no memories and soon discovers that it is up to them to uncover the truth behind the natural disasters that have targeted the Kanto, Johto, Hoenn, and Sinnoh regions. Following the disasters, the four emblematic regions have now united to form one: the Talem region.
Gameplay involves defeating eight Gym Leaders and the Elite Four while facing all the beloved characters and evil teams first introduced in the first four generations of Pokémon. As such, the map features all of the Pokémon found in the classic entries, as well as later evolutions. “For reasons of self-preservation, they had to adapt to the new environment,” the official description of the ROM hack reads. “That’s why many of them had to change their types. These Pokémon are known as Delta species.”
Pokémon Breakdown hosts 131 Delta species and 40 evolutions and pre-evolutions of pre-existing Pokémon, giving players a roster like no other. This includes new and improved versions of Gallade, Flygon, Pancus and Krikestro.
To convince you to check Pokémon Breakdown this weekend, here is the full list of features:
- Over 25 hours of gameplay
- Mechanical up to generation 8
- New Moves and Abilities
- HMs as key elements
- Customizable outfits
- Post-Game with facilities like in Emerald’s Battle Frontier
- Quality of life improvements
- Nuzlocke mode (level limits, disabled electric vehicles, infinite candies)
As mentioned, Pokémon Breakdown is now free to download. So, if you are a fan of classic Pokémon and want to immerse yourself in its magical world, don’t hesitate to check it out now.
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