New Pokémon Release Finally Lets You Play As Team Rocket
Pokémon fans can show Jessie, James, and Meowth how it's done in a new release where you play as the RPG series' villain
Underneath the classic narrative of Pokémon games, where players assume the role of the valiant hero, a new adventure is about to flip the script. Introducing Team Rocket Evolved, an innovative fan project for Pokémon Emerald, that puts the notorious Team Rocket in the spotlight. While the traditional game revolves around capturing creatures and becoming a champion, this innovative spin allows players to take up the mantle of the mischievous Team Rocket team.
The metamorphosis in gameplay is pronounced. Players must now engage in the daring act of stealing other trainers' Pokémon. With success, opponents may even surrender without a fight. Even the innocent Joey and his six Rattata will find themselves in hot water. The locals won't take kindly to your behavior, so expect hostile encounters.
Traditional Pokémon Centers will only become available after you've taken control of an area and defeated the gym leader. Healing your Pokémon will be a costly and scarce endeavor, using an alternate resource not commonly encountered in other games.
An added twist is the option to call for reinforcements from Team Rocket's larger organization. The game's objective is a clear departure from the usual narrative, with the aim of transforming from a lowly Team Rocket grunt to an esteemed admin. The creators, EricTurner3 and his wife, have taken a hands-off approach, avoiding AI in the creation process.
Despite this, they are pouring their creativity into the fan game, promising a comprehensive experience that includes every generation of Pokémon, Mega Evolutions, and Dynamax Evolutions. The game also introduces new trainer types to meet. For trainers seeking companionship, Pokémon can still follow you in this hack, just as they do in Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver.
However, caution is advised when dealing with Pokémon you've stolen – they might not exhibit the same loyalty as the ones you trained yourself.
The Team Rocket Evolved project remains in the development phase, but the creators are open to fan input and requests. You can participate in shaping the game by sharing your ideas or requests on the official subreddit.
Written by urgent.news from Polygon's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
