New Pokemon Fan Game is Taking Players Back to Kanto and Johto

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For many fans, the first Pokemon games hold a special place in their hearts, and a new fan-made game is successfully capturing that nostalgic feeling. Originally released in the US in 1998, Pokemon Red and Blue introduced players to the Kanto region, which remains a fan favorite and has been revisited numerous times throughout the series. More recently, Pokemon Let’s Go brought this classic region to life for a new generation of players on the Nintendo Switch.

Released in 2001, Pokemon Gold and Silver established a pattern for the Pokemon series: each new game would take place in a completely new region while still referencing the original Kanto region. The Pokemon introduced in the Johto region – the setting for Gold and Silver – have become as popular as the very first 151 Pokemon. The remakes of these games, Pokemon HeartGold and SoulSilver, are still widely considered to be among the best in the entire series.

Pokemon Heart and Gold Allow Fans to Return to the Iconic Regions of Kanto and Johto

Image via Game Freak

Created primarily by one person, Pokemon Heart and Soul is a lovingly made fan game that reimagines the classic Pokemon games from the second generation. It’s both a remake of Gold and Silver and a simplified version of the later HeartGold and SoulSilver titles. Heart and Soul improves upon both older games with several modern features. While staying true to the world of the Gen 2 games, it also includes Pokemon and content from the popular third generation, Ruby and Sapphire.

The fan game Pokemon Heart and Soul introduces several changes, including replacing apricots with berries – a feature that would become common in later Pokemon games. It also removes the ability to rematch trainers using a cell phone, a feature found in the Generation 2 games. Players will find reusable TMs and HMs that don’t need to be taught to Pokemon. Other additions include rematches with gym leaders, more diverse trainer battles, and the Fairy-type Pokemon, which weren’t officially added to the series until much later. Heart and Soul also aims to make the game less frustratingly difficult than previous versions.

Image via Game Freak

Even though the Pokémon series consistently releases new games, fans have long enjoyed creating their own versions through ROM hacks and fan games, especially for older titles. Each Pokémon generation introduces changes to gameplay, how you move around, and battles, so things are always evolving. These fan-made projects let players combine their favorite elements from different generations, resulting in unique and often personalized gaming experiences.

Many fans consider the classic Pokémon games to be the best, but they can be hard to play now. While there’s talk of some older titles being re-released – something players have wanted for years – those versions haven’t appeared yet, making it tough to revisit the games that first made Pokémon so popular. Because of this, fan-made games have become a popular way for players to enjoy the Pokémon experience they love, offering new adventures while they wait for official announcements about the future of the series.

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2026-02-20 03:04