Pokémon Red++ Review: Is It Worth Playing?
Pokémon Red++ is absolutely worth playing if you want a heavily upgraded version of Pokémon Red that keeps the spirit of classic Kanto while adding modern mechanics, better graphics, more Pokémon, quality-of-life features, bug fixes, and a more complete-feeling adventure.
The most important thing to know is that there are two Red++ branches players may see online. The current main Red++ repository is for the upcoming v4 project, but that version is marked as work-in-progress, on hold, and not playable. The playable version most players should look at is Red++ v3, which is archived, complete, and no longer being updated.
That distinction matters. If someone says “Pokémon Red++,” they may be talking about the complete v3 release or the future v4 project. For a normal player who wants to actually play the game today, this review is focused on the complete playable Red++ v3.
Quick Verdict: Is Pokémon Red++ Worth Playing?
Yes. Pokémon Red++ is worth playing if you enjoy Pokémon Red but want it to feel smoother, fuller, and more modern without completely abandoning the original Kanto structure.
Red++ takes the basic idea of Pokémon Red and rebuilds it with major improvements. The v3 feature list includes full color, updated graphics, a Crystal-style audio engine, physical/special split, Dark, Steel, and Fairy types, newer moves, new evolution methods, updated move pools, berry trees, Wonder Trade-style offline trading, smarter AI, item descriptions, move tutors, a move relearner, a move deleter, and more.
This makes Red++ feel very different from vanilla Pokémon Red. It is not just a bug-fix patch. It is closer to a “what if Pokémon Red had been rebuilt with years of later Pokémon improvements?” kind of hack.
Pokémon Red++ at a Glance
| Feature | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Base Game | Pokémon Red |
| Platform Style | Game Boy Color-style upgraded Kanto |
| Playable Version to Use | Red++ v3 |
| Current Main Repo Status | v4 is WIP/on hold and not playable |
| Main Focus | Modernized Pokémon Red |
| Region | Kanto, with added areas |
| Pokémon Count | 208 Pokémon included in v3 |
| Difficulty | Normal and Hard versions exist |
| Best For | Players who want a modernized Gen 1 experience |
| Not Ideal For | Players wanting a brand-new region or purely faithful vanilla Red |
Red++ is not as conservative as Shin Red or PureRGB, and it is not as modern as a GBA hack like Radical Red. It sits in the middle: still very much Kanto, but with enough changes that it feels like a major upgrade instead of a light polish pass.
What Is Pokémon Red++?
Pokémon Red++ is an updated and modernized version of Pokémon Red. The complete v3 repository describes it as a version that fixes many bugs from the original Red and Blue while adding new features. It also explains that the v3 source builds two versions: a Normal version and a Hard version, with the main difference being the level curve.
The easiest way to understand Red++ is to imagine Pokémon Red rebuilt with features from later generations while still using Kanto as the foundation.
You still travel through Kanto. You still fight Gym Leaders. You still work toward the Pokémon League. You still get the classic Red adventure.
But around that adventure, the game is much more modern.
You get updated typing, newer battle mechanics, more Pokémon, better movement, improved graphics, stronger battle systems, and several features that make team building less frustrating.
Red++ is especially appealing for players who love Kanto but have a hard time going back to original Generation 1 mechanics. Vanilla Red is charming, but it has a lot of old problems: strange bugs, limited move data, no physical/special split, no Dark or Steel types, clunky item management, slow movement, no running shoes, and many battle mechanics that feel awkward today.
Red++ fixes or improves many of those issues while still feeling like a Kanto game.
What Changed From Pokémon Red?
Pokémon Red++ changes a lot from the original Pokémon Red.
Some changes are obvious immediately. The game is in full color, the graphics are improved, movement is faster, and the general presentation feels closer to a Game Boy Color-era upgrade than the original monochrome Red experience.
Other changes affect the battle system more deeply. The v3 features include the physical/special split, Dark, Steel, and Fairy types, newer moves, Gen 6-inspired move data, updated Pokémon move pools, and modernized type matchups.
That means old Pokémon Red battle knowledge does not always apply perfectly.
In vanilla Red, move categories are based entirely on type. In Red++, individual moves can be physical or special. That single change makes many Pokémon much more usable because their best moves can finally match their actual attacking stats.
Major Red++ Changes Compared to Pokémon Red
| Area | What Changed |
|---|---|
| Graphics | Full color and updated visuals |
| Audio | Crystal-style audio engine |
| Battle System | Physical/special split and modernized move behavior |
| Types | Dark, Steel, and Fairy types added |
| Pokémon | More Pokémon included beyond the original 151 |
| Movement | Running Shoes, faster Surfing, faster Bicycle |
| Evolution | New evolution methods added |
| Movesets | Updated move pools based on later games |
| AI | Smarter AI for bosses or all trainers depending on version |
| Quality of Life | Repel prompts, larger bag, move tutors, move relearner, move deleter |
| Extra Content | New areas, event locations, breeding, offline Wonder Trade-style feature |
The v3 FAQ says all 208 Pokémon included in the game are available without needing another player or abusing Wonder Trade.
That makes Red++ feel far more self-contained than the original Red. You are not stuck needing trades or another version just to experience the full roster the hack includes.
Trainer Teams, Stats, and Moveset Changes
Pokémon Red++ changes the way trainer battles feel, especially compared to vanilla Red.
The v3 feature list says the Normal patch gives smarter AI to boss trainers, while the Hard patch gives smarter AI to all trainers. It also says trainers have individual names, new trainer classes were added, and behind-the-scenes trainer data became more flexible, including custom movesets and trainer-specific DVs.
That matters because original Pokémon Red trainer design is often simple. Many trainers use weak teams, limited moves, and AI that does not fully understand the game.
Red++ makes battles feel more intentional.
It does not turn every fight into a modern competitive challenge, but it gives the game more structure. Important trainers are more capable, and the Hard version can make the overall journey more demanding.
Pokémon themselves also change because of updated movesets, newer moves, new evolution methods, and newer type interactions. The v3 feature list says Pokémon move pools are updated based on modern games when possible, while still not being exact copies of XY or ORAS learnsets.
That means some Pokémon that felt limited in vanilla Red are more practical here.
For example, Pokémon that suffered from bad Gen 1 movepools can gain better coverage. Pokémon that were held back by the old type-based physical/special system can benefit from the split. Pokémon that evolve through trade or later-generation methods may have more practical evolution options.
This is one of the biggest reasons Red++ works. It does not just add more Pokémon. It makes the existing roster feel better.
Useful Quality-of-Life Features, Including the Move Reminder
Red++ adds a long list of quality-of-life improvements that make old Kanto much easier to replay.
The v3 features include Running Shoes, faster Surfing, faster Bicycle speed, BW-style Repel prompts, a larger bag, item descriptions in Mart and bag menus, HM moves that can be used without manually selecting them from the party menu, Flash changed from an HM to a TM, move tutors, a move deleter, and a move relearner.
That is a major upgrade over original Pokémon Red.
Classic Kanto can feel slow today. Red++ speeds up movement, improves menus, reduces friction, and gives players more ways to fix their team without restarting or wasting limited resources.
Where Is the Move Reminder in Pokémon Red++?
In the complete v3 version, the FAQ says the Move Relearner is in the same house as the Move Deleter, and the Move Deleter is located in the house between Fuchsia City’s Gym and Pokémon Center.
That is useful because move relearning is one of the most important quality-of-life features in a hack with updated movepools.
In older Pokémon games, missing a move could permanently hurt a Pokémon’s usefulness. In Red++, the Move Relearner makes experimentation safer. You can evolve Pokémon, adjust movesets, and recover from mistakes without feeling like one bad choice ruined a party member.
Best Quality-of-Life Changes in Red++
| Feature | Why It Helps |
|---|---|
| Running Shoes | Makes Kanto much faster to navigate |
| Faster Surfing and Bicycle | Reduces travel time |
| BW2-style Repels | Saves menu time while exploring caves/routes |
| Larger Bag | Reduces item management frustration |
| Unlimited-use TMs | Encourages experimentation |
| Move Relearner | Lets Pokémon recover missed moves |
| Move Deleter | Makes HM and move management easier |
| Move Tutors | Expands team-building options |
| Item Descriptions | Helps players understand items without outside reference |
| HM Shortcuts | Makes field movement smoother |
These changes are especially important because Red++ is still built around an old-school game. The quality-of-life features make it much easier to enjoy the adventure without constantly being reminded of 1990s design limitations.
Normal Version vs Hard Version
Red++ v3 includes a Normal version and a Hard version. The repository README says the source builds both versions, with the only difference being the level curve. It identifies “pokered.gbc” as the Normal version and “pokeblue.gbc” as the Hard version.
For most first-time players, the Normal version is the better choice.
Red++ already changes enough from vanilla Red that a first playthrough should be used to learn the new Pokémon, movesets, mechanics, evolution methods, and available features.
The Hard version is better for players who already know Kanto well and want the upgraded battle system to push back harder.
Which Version Should You Play First?
| Player Type | Recommended Version |
|---|---|
| First-time Red++ player | Normal |
| Casual Kanto fan | Normal |
| Experienced Pokémon player | Normal or Hard |
| Challenge-focused player | Hard |
| Nuzlocke player | Normal first, then Hard later |
| Player returning after beating v3 | Hard |
The Hard version is a nice option, but it is not necessary for Red++ to be enjoyable. The biggest appeal of the hack is modernization, not punishment.
Is Pokémon Red++ Complete?
The playable v3 version of Pokémon Red++ is complete and no longer being updated. The v3 repository is archived, and its README says the repo is for Red++ v3, that it is considered complete, and that it is no longer being updated.
The confusion comes from Red++ v4.
The main Red++ repository is for v4, but the README clearly says that the code there is a work in progress for the upcoming v4 release and is not playable. It also directs players looking for the playable v3 release to the v3 backup repository.
So the answer is:
| Version | Status |
|---|---|
| Red++ v3 | Playable, complete, archived |
| Red++ v4 | Work in progress, on hold, not playable |
For a normal player, this means you should play v3 unless the v4 project eventually receives a playable release.
For Rom Professor publishing, this distinction should be stated clearly because players searching for Red++ may land on the newer GitHub repo and think the hack is unavailable or unfinished.
Is Red++ Good for Beginners?
Yes, Pokémon Red++ is good for beginners who already understand basic Pokémon gameplay.
It is not as simple as vanilla Red, but it is also not as overwhelming as Radical Red, Elite Redux, or Inclement Emerald. The core journey is still Kanto, so players who know Red, Blue, Yellow, FireRed, or LeafGreen will understand the basic progression quickly.
Red++ is beginner-friendly because:
- Kanto is familiar.
- The game adds many quality-of-life improvements.
- Movement is faster.
- Pokémon options are better.
- TMs are more flexible.
- Move relearning reduces permanent mistakes.
- The Normal version is approachable.
- All included Pokémon are obtainable without external trading.
However, it is less beginner-friendly if someone expects a perfectly vanilla experience. Red++ adds modern types, newer moves, changed movesets, new evolution methods, extra Pokémon, and optional mechanics. That means old Gen 1 habits may not always work.
Red++ is a good first ROM hack if you want a modernized classic. It is not the best first ROM hack if you want a completely faithful Red experience.
How Long Pokémon Red++ Takes to Beat
Pokémon Red++ should take longer than vanilla Pokémon Red for most players because there are more Pokémon to catch, more features to explore, new areas, optional facilities, and stronger reasons to experiment with team building.
A practical estimate looks like this:
| Playstyle | Approximate Time |
|---|---|
| Main story only | 20-30 hours |
| Main story with exploration | 30-40 hours |
| Main story plus added content | 40-55 hours |
| Pokédex-focused run | 60+ hours |
| Hard version or Nuzlocke | Highly variable |
Players who already know Kanto can move through the story quickly. Players who stop to catch the added Pokémon, explore new areas, use Wonder Trade, breed, try move tutors, and build different teams will spend longer.
Red++ is not as large as Pokémon Unbound or Glazed, but it is much larger than a simple bug-fix patch.
Pros and Cons
Pros
It modernizes Pokémon Red without completely replacing Kanto.
Red++ keeps the classic structure while making the game feel much smoother and deeper.
The quality-of-life improvements are excellent.
Running Shoes, Repel prompts, larger bag space, item descriptions, HM shortcuts, move tutors, move deletion, and move relearning all improve the experience.
The battle system feels much better than vanilla Red.
The physical/special split, modern move effects, Dark/Steel/Fairy types, and updated move data make battles feel far less dated.
More Pokémon are available.
The complete v3 release includes 208 Pokémon, all obtainable without another player.
Normal and Hard versions give players options.
Casual players can use Normal, while players wanting a tougher level curve can choose Hard.
It has a strong classic-modern balance.
Red++ feels old-school enough for Kanto fans but modern enough to avoid many vanilla Red frustrations.
Cons
The version situation can be confusing.
The main v4 repository is not playable, while v3 is complete and archived. Players need to know which one they are looking at.
It is not a faithful vanilla Red experience.
Players who want only bug fixes may prefer Shin Red, PureRGB, or another more conservative enhancement.
It is still Kanto.
If you want a brand-new region, Red++ is not built for that.
Some features depend on which version you mean.
v3 and v4 have different status and feature expectations, so guides should specify the version being discussed.
It may be too changed for Gen 1 purists.
Fairy type, modern move data, physical/special split, and newer Pokémon are great for many players, but not everyone wants them in Pokémon Red.
Is Pokémon Red++ Good for Nuzlockes?
Yes, Pokémon Red++ can be a very fun Nuzlocke, especially because it gives players more team variety and smoother mechanics than vanilla Red.
The updated Pokémon roster, modern movesets, physical/special split, and quality-of-life features make Nuzlockes more interesting. The Normal version is a good starting point, while the Hard version can offer a more demanding run for experienced players.
Red++ also includes an optional Nuzlocke mode in its feature list, which makes it especially relevant for challenge players.
For a first Red++ Nuzlocke, use this setup:
| Player Type | Recommended Setup |
|---|---|
| First-time Nuzlocker | Play Normal version without extra rules first |
| Casual Nuzlocker | Normal version |
| Experienced Nuzlocker | Hard version |
| Blind player | Normal version, expect changed mechanics |
| Hardcore player | Hard version with level caps and Set mode |
The biggest Nuzlocke warning is that Red++ is not vanilla Red. Do not assume every Pokémon has the same type, move behavior, or matchup value. The modernized mechanics make the game fairer in many ways, but they also mean old strategies may not work exactly the same way.
Who Should Play Pokémon Red++?
You should play Pokémon Red++ if you:
- Love Pokémon Red but want it modernized.
- Want a more complete Kanto experience.
- Like full color Game Boy-style hacks.
- Want the physical/special split in a Red-based hack.
- Enjoy Dark, Steel, and Fairy types.
- Want more Pokémon than the original 151.
- Appreciate quality-of-life improvements.
- Want a classic game with modern convenience.
- Want a good Kanto Nuzlocke option.
You may want to skip Red++ if you:
- Want a totally faithful vanilla Red experience.
- Dislike later-generation mechanics in Gen 1.
- Want a brand-new region.
- Prefer GBA or DS graphics.
- Want an ultra-hard difficulty hack.
- Do not want to deal with version confusion between v3 and v4.
Red++ is best for players who like the idea of Pokémon Red but do not want to deal with all of Pokémon Red’s age.
Final Recommendation
Pokémon Red++ is one of the most interesting ways to replay Kanto.
It is not a purist restoration. It is not a small bug-fix patch. It is a major modernization that takes the original Pokémon Red structure and adds the kinds of features many players now expect: better graphics, faster movement, more Pokémon, modern types, physical/special split, newer moves, improved movepools, better AI, more quality-of-life tools, and self-contained Pokémon availability.
The only real caution is the version split. Red++ v3 is the complete playable version. Red++ v4 is the newer work-in-progress project, but the main repository currently says it is not playable and is on hold.
Once you understand that, the recommendation is easy.
Play Pokémon Red++ v3 if you want a bigger, smoother, more modern version of Pokémon Red that still feels rooted in Kanto. Skip it only if you want either a totally faithful Gen 1 experience or a completely new adventure.
For players who want classic Kanto with modern comfort, Pokémon Red++ is absolutely worth playing.
