Pokémon Aaron's Low Budget Crystal

Gohan's Tips
Oct 20
2 min read

Author: aaron244.

PROGRESS: This is a demo for both Mega evolutions and Hoenn - October 13th, 2025

It is a massive, open-world reimagining of Pokémon Crystal, built on the Crystal Shire Engine. This hack transforms the classic Johto adventure into a modern, non-linear experience. From the very beginning, most roadblocks are removed, allowing you to explore the world and challenge gyms in any order you choose. The game world scales with you, as a dynamic system levels up trainers and wild Pokémon based on the number of badges you've earned. The roster has been massively expanded to 499 Pokémon, including creatures from Gen 3, later-gen evolutions, alternate forms, and even "beta" Pokémon from G/S development. With the addition of a brand new Fairy Type, the Physical/Special Split, and even Mega Evolutions (which act as permanent new forms), this is a truly modern take on a beloved classic.

🛑Features:

➡️Open World & Dynamic Level Scaling: The game is largely open-world from the start, with most roadblocks removed. A dynamic scaling system levels up the entire game world, including wild Pokémon and trainers, based on the number of badges you've earned.

➡️Non-Linear, Scaling Gyms: Gyms can be challenged in any order you choose, and the Gym Leaders will use different, more difficult parties depending on your progress. Gym Leaders can also be rematched.

➡️Mega Evolutions (as Permanent Forms): The game includes approximately 40 new Mega Evolutions. In a unique twist, Mega Evolving a Pokémon is a permanent evolution, not a temporary in-battle form change.

➡️Expanded Pokédex (499 Total): The roster is expanded to 499 Pokémon, including all of Gen 3 (minus Castform), Gen 4+ evolutions, alternate forms, and even "beta" Pokémon from Gold & Silver's development.

➡️Modern Battle Mechanics: The game has been updated with several modern battle mechanics, including the Physical/Special Split, the brand new Fairy Type, and the Frostbite condition from PLA, which replaces Freeze.

➡️Rebalanced Pokémon, Moves & Types: Many Pokémon have had their base stats, learnsets, and even types completely revamped to make more creatures viable. Many moves have also been altered, some with entirely new effects. ➡️Overworld Boss Encounters: You can find and interact with special Pokémon sprites in the overworld, leading to challenging boss battles against Pokémon with boosted stats and expanded health bars.

➡️New Hoenn Region (In-Progress): A significant portion of the Hoenn region (approximately 1/3rd) has been added to the game, including its first four gyms and several towns and dungeons.

➡️Custom Starter Selection: You can choose from different starter Pokémon options based on your chosen "origin."

➡️No More Trade Evolutions: All Pokémon that previously required trading to evolve now have new, accessible in-game evolution methods.

➡️Major Quality of Life (QoL) Upgrades: Includes Running Shoes, the ability to use HMs without teaching them, a modified EXP system to reduce grinding, an optional dynamic level cap, and a reduced encounter rate.

SCREENSHOTS