Pokémon Master Version is one of those GBA ROM hacks that actually feels like a proper upgrade—way more polished than most fan-made stuff. You start with all three classic starters (Bulbasaur, Charmander, Squirtle) right off the bat, which is awesome because I always hated having to pick just one. The level curve’s smoother, wild Pokémon are way more varied early on, and some of the later gym leaders will actually make you sweat if you’re not careful.

It’s still Kanto, but with little tweaks everywhere—new areas, better sprites, and even some post-game content that wasn’t in the original. If you’ve played FireRed a million times like me, this’ll feel familiar but fresh enough to keep you hooked. Just don’t underestimate Misty’s buffed-up Starmie.