Why Gen1Recomp Is Not a ROM Hack
Gen1Recomp is not itself a ROM hack. A ROM hack changes a ROM image so that the modified game can run on compatible hardware or an emulator. Gen1Recomp instead uses a hand-written Lua/LÖVE2D engine and imports data from a supported user-supplied ROM.
“Native recreation” is the most precise short label. “Fan remake” and “port” can describe part of the idea, but both need qualification.
Key terms compared
| Term | Basic meaning | Fit for Gen1Recomp |
|---|---|---|
| ROM hack | Modified ROM intended for original-compatible hardware or an emulator | No |
| Fan remake | Unofficial new implementation of an existing game | Broadly, but less technically precise |
| Native port | Software adapted or rewritten for a target runtime | Broadly, with LÖVE2D qualification |
| Source port | Port built by adapting available original or reconstructed source | Incomplete label; runtime is hand-written |
| Native recreation | New engine that recreates earlier behavior | Best current fit |
| Mod | Add-on loaded by a host project | Fits DramaticShapeVoxelMod |
Where Gen1Recomp fits
The project consulted and credits the pret/pokered disassembly, but its packaged importer says it does not download or invoke that disassembly. The runtime engine is hand-written, and the compatible ROM supplies data.
Calling it a source port without explanation could suggest that the original source was simply recompiled. Calling it a remake could suggest that the package distributes newly recreated Pokemon assets. Neither is a complete description.
Why VoxelMod is a mod
DramaticShapeVoxelMod loads through Gen1Recomp’s mod platform and depends on the host engine. It changes rendering and presentation rather than acting as a modified cartridge image.
It is therefore a Gen1Recomp mod, not a ROM patch and not a standalone remake.
ROM-hack compatibility is unverified
The approved research found no current primary statement promising that arbitrary Gen 1 ROM hacks work. Creator interest in making something possible is not the same as maintained compatibility.
Until the official importer documentation says otherwise:
- do not claim support for arbitrary ROM hacks;
- do not list individual hacks as compatible;
- do not publish patching instructions;
- do not treat one community experiment as official support.
The supported input record currently covers canonical US Red, Blue, Yellow, Gold, Silver and Crystal versions; Crystal revisions 1.0 and 1.1 are accepted. See Supported Games.
How Project Type Affects Files and Compatibility
Accurate labels help users understand:
- what file the project expects;
- whether the original program is executed;
- where a problem should be reported;
- whether a visual add-on is optional;
- whether a compatibility claim has evidence;
- which copyrights and software licenses apply.
They also reduce misleading search language such as “download Pokemon remake,” which can wrongly suggest that a complete game or ROM is being distributed.
Frequently asked questions
Can Gen1Recomp run any Gen 1 ROM hack?
Unknown. Arbitrary ROM-hack support is not verified.
Is VoxelMod a ROM patch?
No. It is a mod loaded by Gen1Recomp.
Is Gen1Recomp a fan remake?
That broad label is understandable, but “native Lua/LÖVE2D recreation” explains the architecture more accurately.
Is it a source port?
Only with qualification. It uses reference material from a disassembly project, but its runtime is documented as hand-written and imports data from the ROM.