I do not usually give tens across the board, but this game is solid.

Entirely new dialog

The starter Pokémon selection commentary is changed, a rival trying to act a little too nice seems weird and a long-winded explanation on Poke balls took many taps to get through. After you battle the first trainer on route, it seems apparent that this game explains everything as you go along. Luckily, that is not the case.

Different Map Layout

The towns look different. The character names are all changed. I caught Paras, Vulpix, Clefairy, Zubat and Geodude right away in a southern cave. Abra also appears in the cave, but of course, you will not catch him right away. In addition, as soon as you get singing Pokémon that is fast enough to catch him, he fails to appear on six consecutive walks through the cave. Bummer. After the last trainer in the first segment of the cave, you can just walk right through some rocks dead ahead. Rockets have taken over the second part of the cave.
You have your second rival battle right outside the first gym. To make up for startling you, he heals your Pokémon for you before the battle. Pokedex seems to be the one thing that has not changed or adapted to the Rijon region. I have battled Torchic, Mudkip and Treecko, but they are not showing up on the dex. The map has not changed in the Pokémon locator function of Pokedex. That is too bad because the Rijon region is entirely different from any other game. There is some talk about upgrading to the National Dex if you talk to the right people. I hope it happens soon.

Underground Path

I found an ice heal, paralysis heal, and a potion by checking every square step in the first underground path.

Game Play

I have noticed that the minor annoyance of that horrible continuous dinging when your Pokémon's health is low is curiously absent. There is a plus. Another plus is that the first gym leader's sister gives you a Water Stone every time you go back to her route. I have ten now. I like the unfamiliar plot line and trainer battle sequence. I have not been this curious about a Pokémon adventure since I started playing the Hoenn games.

You cannot catch Caterpie before level 14 or Metapod before level 10. Kadabra will appear on the same route as Caterpie, but hits and runs before you can do anything about it. Difficulty definitely rates high for such woes as these.
The Cinnabar scientists are in the third town so I can get my fossil Pokémon quick. After beating the Nugget Pass trainers, I found that I could get back to Seashore City by heading South on the Hayward Docks. Going back to Merson Cave one more time from Gravel Town, I find many Abra in the entrance tunnel. The only problem is they always seem to know just when to wake up to foil the catch. I have been in the cave for hours. In catching an Abra, it is better to be lucky than good at it. My luck still has not lined up. When it finally does, a trainer just North of Hayward Docks will swap a Mr. Mime for an Abra.

Graphics

The picture is just as good as Pokémon Fire Red. The programmer must really know what he is doing. Even Pokémon that do not originate in Pokémon Fire Red look perfect. I hope I can catch some of those soon. Apparently, I cannot get them until I upgrade to National Dex status.

Depth

Just when I think I have figured this one out, there is another surprise waiting for me. It is exciting to be unaware of exactly what is in store, yet I know if I devote the hours, I will figure this maze world out. Every corner of Rijon seems to have a temporarily barred exit into another previously introduced land of Pokémon adventure. This game could go on forever with Rijon being the central province of the Pokémon country.

Sound

Did I mention there is no annoying bell chiming when my health is low? I did. It is possible that I have started to take that for granted. Every Pokémon compatible with Fire Red Version is here in some form (mostly opponents) and their cries programmed in flawlessly. Even Bayleef sounded like itself. The music is the best ever. I crank it.

Difficulty

It is hard to figure this one out. Getting through the game with a box full of Pokémon in their teens makes for slow progress. Having a variety in my party helps me look for the type advantage. Catching many different kinds early helped with that, but also slowed the game down because I like to raise them evenly. I feel baffled.

Addictive

You cannot get enough of this game. I have seen so many twists and turns already and I am not even at the second gym yet. Most Pokémon adventures have you traveling in a generally straight course, occasionally taking a left or right turn. I am assuming this one keeps you guessing to the end. As the story unfolds, you will find yourself getting more and more into it. Game on!

Story

The storyline follows the basic platform set forth in all Pokémon adventures. You start at your house in Seashore City and walk to Gravel Town to collect your starter Pokémon. The professor is a woman of course (and about time!) She has a nice long chat with you and your surprisingly friendly rival from Seashore City. The rival stops you for a battle on the way out of the lab. You may buy Poke balls from the post office. Your Dad becomes your first Pokémon healer. The only way past Gravel Town is through Merson Cave. There is a Pokémon centre halfway through it where you can also buy stuff. The first gym is in Merson City just beyond Merson Cave. He uses Water type Pokémon, of course. North of Merson City is a tower where you can snag an Eevee if you think it will help you.

Many trainers await you on your journey. You gain much yen, experience, strength and knowledge by defeating them. Good luck, Champ!