Fire Red Backward

Fire Red Backward: A Creative Pokémon Hack with a Twist

Fire Red Backward (also known as Der Erif) is a unique hack of Pokémon FireRed that offers players a fresh and challenging experience. With its flipped gym order and numerous gameplay modifications, Fire Red Backward takes the classic Pokémon adventure and turns it on its head. 

Reversed Gym Order

The most striking feature of Fire Red Backward is the reversed gym progression. Unlike the original FireRed, where players start in Pewter City and move on to Viridian last, this hack forces players to challenge gyms in a completely different order. Players begin in Cinnabar Island and work their way through Fuchsia, Saffron, Celadon, Vermillion, Cerulean, Pewter, and finally Viridian. This unexpected change requires new strategies and offers a refreshing twist to the familiar game.

Buffed Pokémon and New Typings

In Fire Red Backward, many Pokémon have been buffed, especially bug-type Pokémon, making them formidable opponents. Trainers will find that battling has become more challenging, as even previously weak species are now a serious threat. Some Pokémon typings have also been altered, offering new tactical possibilities and forcing players to rethink their approach.

Adjusted Moves and TMs

To prevent players from becoming overpowered too early, the hack changes some gym leader TMs. Moves like Surf now have lower base power, while Cut has been reworked into a Steel-type move with higher base power. These tweaks help to balance the gameplay, ensuring that players must rely on a wider variety of moves and strategies.

Trainer and Wild Pokémon Overhaul

Every trainer's lineup has been adjusted, and wild Pokémon encounters now feature a broader selection from Generations I to III. This variety adds to the overall challenge and ensures that no two battles feel the same. Players will encounter Pokémon in puddles, a feature borrowed from Gen V, making wild encounters more visually appealing and immersive.

The "Teleport" Rework

One of the more interesting changes is the rework of Teleport, which is now a Psychic-type Explosion. This alteration adds a new layer of strategy to the game, turning a familiar escape move into a high-risk, high-reward option.

Game Controls for Fire Red Backward

• Arrow Keys: Move the character in different directions (Up, Down, Left, Right).
• Z: Confirm selection, interact with NPCs, open the menu, or choose moves during battles.
• X: Open the Pokémon menu or cancel actions.
• A: Confirm or use items in the bag.
• S: Open the bag or interact with objects in the environment.
• Spacebar: Speed up the gameplay (useful when grinding or traveling).
• Enter: Pause the game.
• Esc: Open the emulator's menu or exit the game.