r/theperfectpokemongame

I always wanted to play a Pokémon game set in the Orange Islands.

The problem is that most fan games based on the Orange Archipelago seem focused on recreating the anime's story and events. While I love the anime, that's not the experience I'm looking for. I want to explore the Orange Islands as a living region and experience my own adventure there.

So I'm building my own version of the Orange Archipelago.

The game keeps many of the mechanics I love from classic Pokémon games while introducing a few new systems that I'm scripting from scratch. My goal is to create a semi-open world filled with exploration, optional routes, hidden caves, secret dungeons, and places that reward curiosity. Modern Pokémon games often feel like they're missing that sense of discovery, and I want to bring it back.

Features planned:

• Four unique starting locations – Begin your journey from one of four distinct towns, each offering its own backstory and set of starter options. With 18 Pokémon to choose from, your adventure truly begins your way.
• An "Open World" map – No road-blocking events. Go wherever you want, as long as you can reach it.
• A story shaped by you – The islanders offer a "main story" with multiple-choice decisions, for you to make it your own!
• Ride, surf, dive, climb, and fly on YOUR Pokémon – No HMs, no Poké Rides. Use your own Pokémon to traverse the world.
• Daily, mini, and side quests – Bored of the main story? Caught everything already? Playing on a potato PC that can only run this game? Enjoy never-ending quests to keep you entertained.
• Dynamic & Seasonal Weather Effects – Sunshine, rain, fog, or snow. Every season brings surprises. Pack a raincoat and sunscreen, just in case.
• Pokémon Bonding Mechanics – The better your Pokémon know you, the better they fight. Pet them, play with them, or just share a coconut under the stars.
• Island Reputation System – Every island remembers. Help, hinder, or just vibe. Your choices shape how the locals treat you.

One thing that's very important to me is the tone. I don't want to make a dark, edgy, world-ending story. I want a light-hearted adventure with memorable characters, a living world, and the kind of journey you'll look back later with good memories.

If you were making an Orange Archipelago game:

• What features or mechanics would you consider essential?
• How would you handle the need for Surf in a region made almost entirely of islands? Would you give the player access to the HM very early, or would you gate exploration in another way?
• Would you prefer ferries, ride Pokémon, or a personal boat as the main way of traveling?
• Should the Pokédex focus primarily on Generation I Pokémon, or should it include species from later generations?
• Should the Orange League remain faithful to the anime, or be redesigned as a full regional challenge?
• What would you expect from a modern Orange Islands adventure that the anime never had the chance to explore?

I'm curious to see what ideas other fans would bring to the region.

Sorry for the AI in my last post, I'm no artist. If anyone wants to help with visuals, you're welcome to join.