Pokemon Brown 2009 (red hack)

Introduction: Pokémon Brown 2009 is a fan-made ROM hack of the original Pokémon Red for the Game Boy. Created by Koolboyman, it is one of the earliest and most influential complete hack projects, predating many modern tools. The game is set in the new region of Rijon, which connects to the familiar Kanto in its post-game. Visually, it uses the standard Generation I Game Boy style but with entirely new maps, sprites, and a custom tileset.

Gameplay & Mechanics: The player begins in Silph Town and chooses one of three starters: Bulbasaur, Charmander, or Squirtle. The difficulty is higher than the original Red, with tougher trainer battles and Gym Leaders, but it is not specifically designed as a Nuzlocke hack. It retains the core Generation I mechanics, meaning there is no Physical/Special split, no Fairy type, and no day/night cycle. Key mechanical changes are instead found in its expanded world and new progression.

Key Features:

• A completely new region with Rijon featuring eight new Gyms, followed by a post-game journey through the altered Kanto region with four additional Gyms.
• The introduction of many Pokémon from Generations II and III, such as Scizor, Houndoom, and Mudkip, integrated into the Rijon dex, which expands the available roster beyond Gen I.
• Original story elements, including a new criminal team named Team R, and the ability to obtain the GS Ball to encounter Celebi.

This hack is a foundational piece of ROM hack history that offers a classic, challenging adventure within the original Game Boy engine.