Pokémon Ash Gray (ROM)

Ever wanted to play as Ash Ketchum? Follow Ash’s journey step by step? Ever wanted to catch all the legendary Pokémon in one game (the first season, of course)? Well, you can. Let us introduce you to a ROM called Pokémon Ash Gray. In the style of Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen, Ash Gray allows you to catch every Pokémon that Ash ever caught and play his adventure while still making it your own.

Ash Gray follows the first season of Pokémon and the Orange Islands while being true to the series. Just like the show, the game starts with Ash waking up late and arriving at Professor Oak’s lab, missing out on choosing any of the starters. As we all know, he ends up with Pikachu. As you go through the game, you end up meeting Misty and Brock. But it's not only the sub characters; you also have to deal with Team Rocket and other side story characters.

What makes this game stand out are the little details that the developers have included, one of them being the bond between Ash and his Pokémon, especially Pikachu. What Ash Gray does is allow the player to create a greater bond with their Pikachu, whether you win or lose. When it comes to other Pokémon behavior, Charmander (Charizard) can be seen as a frustrating experience. Those of us who have played any Pokémon game before know that you cannot simply level up your Pokémon to level 30 at the beginning of the game because they will ignore you. But in Ash Gray, Charmeleon and Charizard will forever ignore you throughout the game. I know the game is trying to follow the anime, but that's something the developers could have left out. It just seems like a waste of a Pokémon.

There are also some other highlights that we would like to share for those who are going to play the game. Although the game is supposed to follow Ash and the Pokémon he catches in the series, you are still able to catch other Pokémon (including the Spearows that attacked them in the first episode). Which is great because we all know that Dragonite is an awesome Generation One Pokémon. Also, unlike the series, you do not have to release Butterfree, so feel free to train with it all you want.

As mentioned before, the developers really wanted you to follow Ash’s journey, and they really meant all. Three of the most popular banned anime stories appear in the game. Beauty and the Beach, Electric Soldier Porygon, and The Legend of Dratini are all part of the gameplay. That means you’ll be able to catch a Dratini, a bunch of Tauros, and a Porygon.

Although we only wrote about the positives of Ash Gray, there are some things that you need to know. As we mentioned before, this is a ROM and an unofficial Pokémon game, which means that it comes with some bugs. One of these bugs is eggs showing up in your storage box that never hatch. Another glitch is that your Pokémon will disappear when you first battle Jessie and James. But if you search online, it seems like the biggest complaint is the cutscenes that have been added. Many times the game gets stuck, and you have no other choice but to restart the game.

Pokémon Ash Gray offers fans an immersive experience, allowing them to step into the shoes of Ash Ketchum and relive his iconic journey through the Kanto region and beyond. With attention to detail and nods to the beloved anime series, this ROM captures the essence of Pokémon adventure while offering new twists and surprises. Despite some minor bugs and glitches, the opportunity to catch 'em all and explore banned anime storylines adds depth and excitement to the gameplay. So, whether you're a seasoned Pokémon trainer or a newcomer to the franchise, Pokémon Ash Gray promises an unforgettable journey filled with nostalgia, challenges, and the timeless bond between a trainer and their Pokémon. Get ready to embark on an epic adventure and become the very best, like no one ever was!