Happy New Year Everyone!

As I write this I've just finished pushing one of the more painful commits in my coding career: changing the copyright text in Pokémon Master Version from ©2020-2024 to ©2020-2025.

Changing this number has become something of a ritual these past few years. When I started this project back in 2020, I really didn't think it would take this long to complete. While I haven't worked on it consistently or exclusively through these four years, I still thought I'd have it out and be onto something else long before now. My time certainly hasn't been idle, though: since starting development on this game I've...

• Participated in a game jam
• Completed tons of sprites and foundational code for my upcoming project, Clown World
• Been promoted at my day job
• Moved homes several times

...and somewhere in there I got engaged to my longtime girlfriend, Grace (whom some of you may remember from the OneShot episodes of LakenDaCoda's streams).

I'm not making this post to gloat about achievements or excuse my lack of progress. Truth be told I was feeling quite disappointed in my inability to release this game by the end of the year, and changing this copyright text served as a painful reminder that I still haven't delivered what I'd hoped to years ago. I wanted to take this time to reflect on how busy this development cycle has been—as well as to acknowledge that my life will always be busy and I should strive to push myself further despite that.

The fact is: this ROM hack is nearing completion, and I want to get it out there for everyone to enjoy. There are a few key items left before I can release it:

• Completing the Safari Zone battle engine
• Adding a few odds and ends to the region (locations for new TMs, held items, hidden content, etc.)
• Implementing trading in the most compatible way possible (ideally works with Gen 1/2 games and doesn't explode if connected to Stadium 2)
• Delivering a brand new postgame experience!

That's really all there is left aside from writing up documentation for the game. The entire main storyline is entirely playable if you're careful not to interact much with Safari Zone battles. In theory, if I completed those first two points, I could release an early version for people to get their hands on, but I would only do that if I could guarantee with 100% certainty that I wouldn't be making any further changes that could jeopardize the compatibility of save files with future updates.

I'm nothing if not detail-oriented. I started this hack because I didn't see anything out there that created quite the "Gen 1 in Gen 2" experience I was looking to play. I want to capture my original vision as accurately as possible, and that requires a great bit of detail in the implementation. If getting it just right takes time, then I'll gladly change a 4 to a 5 just as I did a 3 to a 4, a 2 to a 3, and a 1 to a 2.

Honestly, after sitting with it a bit, the 5 doesn't look half bad... probably because Game Freak drew it :)

Wishing everyone a great start to an amazing year!

- Nick

Hello everyone! I was off most social media/internet stuff over the weekend to celebrate my anniversary with my fiancée. I hopped back on this afternoon to discover I was named User of the Day yesterday! This is a huge honor and I'm so happy to receive this kind of support. I'm getting started working on some special art to celebrate.

I thought a bit about it and came up with something pretty fun that would fit my brand as well as honor Newgrounds as a platform. I think you guys will love it. I'll be sure to keep my nose to the grindstone and work extra hard to get some more jams up here for you guys. Howdy to all my new followers and thanks again for all the support!

⚠ CLOWN DISCOVERY BULLETIN ⚠

Professor Joke has presented his most recent findings to the Foundation for the Understanding of Clown-kind (F.U.C.K.). Four new species of Clown were discovered and contained during the Professor's latest sabbatical.

Before we get to these recent findings, we must first discuss three previously identified species:

Fire Clown:

A conceited Spicy-type, this pyromaniac Clown is a natural prodigy in all things flame! In every Fire Clown is a raging spark ready to ignite; each victory further inflates the Fire Clown's ego, making his flames burn even hotter!

Scream Clown:

Don't sneak up on this Loud/Spooky-type Clown, or he'll shatter your eardrums in retaliation! Prof. Joke has been wearing earplugs around the lab ever since he got one of these in containment, but the Scream Clown's wails just keep getting louder. If you see a Scream Clown, keep your distance! They're extremely shy and territorial and will scream bloody murder until left alone.

Snow Clown:

This adorable Cool-type is a wintry fellow who loves bathing in the warm sunlight and the smells of summer flowers. Snow Clowns make great companions but must be kept in a cool climate; don't let them fool you into thinking otherwise!

Newly discovered specimens!

Potted Clown:

A dim-witted Camp-type, the Potted Clown thinks he's cleverly disguised as a houseplant. Walk by one without paying any mind and he'll be tickled pink thinking he’s fooled you! If you make it clear that you've seen through his deceptions, however, the Potted Clown will double down on the ruse, chanting, "Plant! Plant!" until you give up your pursuit.

Inflation Clown:

This big, bad, beefy Clown is a Balloon/Fat-type. The good professor struggled to capture an Inflation Clown because of their ability to shoot around at incredible speeds by releasing gas from their rectums. When angered or threatened, they Burst into bits creating a devastating explosion!

Ass Clown:

He's crude, he's crass, he's ASS! This offensively aromatic Clown is a Gross/Loud-type. Prof. Joke keeps his Ass Clown locked in a special containment unit to keep himself safe from the Clowns smells and sounds. If you see an Ass Clown in the wild, confine it in the nearest lavatory and contact F.U.C.K. authorities immediately. Watch out for his nauseating Brap Blast!

Sexy Clown:

The professor was very adamant that this Girl/Spicy-type beauty be named the "Sexy Clown". Her alluring appearance is used to bait foes into range where she then blinds them with Pepper Spray and knocks them unconscious with a Purse Smack! Don’t be fooled into letting your guard down just because of her good looks and flirtatious disposition!

Conclusion:

The Clown outbreak is yet to be contained, but know that the proud members of F.U.C.K. are determined to contain and analyze these mysterious beings until we discover the truth of their origin. Please be sure to report any Clown activity in your local areas to F.U.C.K. authorities using our toll-free hotline.

P.S. Professor Joke felt it pertinent to state that his research is fueled by something he calls “funny dust” and as such his findings should be treated as “subject to change before the final release”. We’re not really sure what that means, but he’s the only man ballsy enough to continue this life-threatening research so we shall continue to fulfill his wishes. Be sure to follow for further updates as we uncover more information on the Clown outbreak!

Sincerely,

The Foundation for the Understanding of Clown-kind (F.U.C.K.)

Hello everybody! I've been neglecting my Newgrounds presence for a while, but after thinking about it I've decided this is the place where my creations really belong. Twitter and YouTube are too restrictive and are slowly leaning into dystopian nightmare territory, and all the while Newgrounds remains a wonderful hub of creativity and freedom. So, whether you found this page through my presence on other sites or through Duck Crossed the Road, I look forward to interacting with you and providing updates on all my latest jams!

Speaking of which: here's a summary of what I'm currently getting into:

• Clown World: a Pokemon parody game where you enslave clowns and force them to do battle. Conquer the Grand Circus and become the Ultimate Clown Wrangler!
• Pokemon Master Version: A ROM hack where I essentially port Gen 1 of Pokemon into Pokemon Crystal's engine with a goal of creating a "definitive edition" that strikes a balance between feeling like the original and functioning closer to how the developers seemed to intend it to. This is a huge passion project created from my love for Gen 2 and my desire to see Gen 1 without its mechanical shortcomings and odd sprite art (charming though it may be).
• Livestreams: Recently started streaming on YouTube. Planning to stream a wide variety of things, with a focus on playing games and drawing pixel art. Just did the first one last week where I played Pokemon Stadium with my brother. Check it out here!
• Videos: More info to come, but I'm looking to start uploading more to my YouTube channel. If I have any updates on projects where I want to show something off they may pop up there.
• Smaller Projects: I'm planning to make some more small projects on the side. These would be similar to Duck Crossed the Road; quick ideas that I put some effort into to create a fun bite-sized experience. If any of them do particularly well I'd be open to expanding them into larger projects.

Looking forward to meeting new people and sharing my creations with you all!

-Nick