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I must admit, I was getting a bit tired of playing the same old Pokemon games. Yes, they are fun, but it’s always the exact same thing. Are you a boy or a girl? Boy? Great, here is your monster, now go defeat 8 gym masters, beat a Team Rocket Clone on the way and become a Pokemon master. This is why I decided to try this challenge. As far as I understand it, the challenge was thought of by Ruby, the owner of the Nuzlocke Comics blog. He decided to play Pokemon Ruby with this set of rules and drew a comic while doing it. The name Nuzlocke came from a character in the comic (heavy Lost references). Anyways, his, and the other challenge comics he collects are really fun to read, so I heavily recommend those.

There are many variations to the rules of the Nuzlocke Challenge, some easier and some harder. Being new to this, I decided to try one of the easier set of rules:

  • Can only catch one Pokemon per route
  • All floors of the same cave count as one area
  • If a wild Pokemon faints before I catch him, I forfeited that area
  • After I get the first Pokeball, I have to catch the first Pokemon I encounter on every route. No rerolls.
  • Once a Pokemon dies, I need to either release him or put him in one of the PC Boxes, never to be used again.
  • Pokemon from trades or acquired by methods other than catching in the wilderness are not allowed

The game that I decided to try this set of rules on is Pokemon Fire Red. I prefer the first set of Pokemon and the graphics in this remake are a major improvement from the original. Also, since I am playing this on an emulator, I plan to use the fastf orward feature heavily to save time on loading and battle scenes. The rewind feature is, of course, disabled. After saying all this, I think it’s time to start the game.

Pokemon Fire Red Cover

Let’s get it on!

Session Start 15.6.2010, 00:15

I named my trainer Red in the style of the original comic, and my rival Dick for the fun of it. As my starter, I chose Charmander and nicknamed it Libby. Following the regular story, I went to the next town to get a parcel for professor Oak and got it back to him. He gave me the Poxedex. I got 5 Pokeballs and caught Rattata on Route 1. I named it Kate.

I decided to train both Kate and Libby to level 8 before continuing. This included lots of trips to the Pokemon Center, but thanks to this, Kate learned Quick Attack which will be really useful. I proceeded to route 2 and, what a surprise, I caught another Rattata. This was another female, so I named it Clare. I trained her to level 8 as well.

Next, I proceeded to Viridian forest where I caught a Kakuna, which I named Rousso. All that Rousse knew was Harden, so there was really no point training it for now. In the forest, I raised Kate and Clare to level 10 and Libby to level 14. Arriving to Pewter City, Rousso was level 6.
Pewter City is the location of the first, Rock type gym. I foolishly decided to just go for it and lost Libby and Rousso. They will both be mourned deeply (well, more Libby than Rousso). May they rest in peac

It was time to move on to the next town. I proceded through Route 3 and Mount Moon, catching a Pidgey called Missy and a Zubat called Sally on the way, respectively. As you can see, it was here that I quit with the Lost naming scheme because I was getting an unusual amount of females. I wish it was the same in real life. Being quite late in the night, or early in the morning, depending on how you look at it, I decided to end my session here.

Session End 15.6.2010. 00:59

Session Start 15.6.2010. 10:55

Starting this session, I have cleared Mount Moon completely and got the Dome fossil. Proceeding on Route 4, I caught another Rattata, this time a male and named it Charley. I was finally in Cerulean city. This is where I unexpectedly stumbled into Dick and was forced to battle him. Sadly, I lost Clare in the battle.

Pokemon - Rattata

I was sure to get this one.

Being shaken up by this, I decided to do some training. I trained Missy and Sally to 22. Sally evolved to a Golbat. This being Fire Red, for now this was the final stage of her evolution. Bolstered by training I went on to defeat the second gym leader, Misty, a water trainer. I suffered no losses and earned my second badge.

I proceeded to Route 24 where I caught a Catterpie. I forgot to name it, but it doesn’t really matter because, even though I evolved it to a Beautifly lightning fast, I also lost it lightning fast in a regular trainer battle due to a critical hit. At the end of Route 24 I’ve found Bills house, the creator of the PC system. After helping him with a teleportation issue, he gave me his ticket for a boat. I proceeded to Route 5, where I caught a level 15 Pidgey named Rodger (yes, typo, I know). I decided to put Charley in the Day-Care center because I’m getting swamped with Rattatas. I caught another Pidgey on Route 6. This one was level 16 and I decided to name him Mark.

I arrived to Vermilion City, where I boarded the S.S.Anne. I fought a bunch of trainers on the ship, including Dick again and I helped the ship Captain, who then gave me HM01 Cut in return. I left the ship early, not knowing it would leave, so I missed a few trainer battles. Cut was taught to Kate, so now I could enter Gym 3. This one was an Electric type and was won with no casualties.

I proceeded to Route 9 where I accidentally killed a level 9 Rattata with a critical Quick Attack. As far as I care, good riddance. I just hope I won’t lack any Pokemon later. Later on Route 10, I caught an Ekans and called him Paul. Next was Rock Tunnel where I caught a Geodude and called it Anna.

Session End 15.6.2010. 11:44

Session Start 15.6.2010. 15:45

I switched Rodger out for Anna, thinking a rock type would be way more useful. I arrived at Lavender town where I bought a bunch of Great Balls and restocked on other consumables. Lavender town is the location of the Pokemon Tower, which is a Pokemon graveyard. I encountered Dick again, but managed to defeat him with no casualties. After exploring most of the Pokemon tower, I encountered a ghost who wouldn’t let me proceed. I guess I need an item to clear this area.

It was time to leave Lavender Town for now. On my way through routes 8 and 7, I caught a Pidgey named Adolf and a Meowth named Mietzi. I arrived at Celadon City. While exploring it, I managed to get a Coin Case and acquire an Evee. Since I can’t use Pokemon not caught in battle, I stored it in the PC.

The Gym 4, a Grass type gym was located in Celadon City. I defeated the leader, Erika easily thanks to Missy. After this I proceeded to Route 16 where I managed to kill a Doduo with Quick Attack again. Also, Missy evolved. Somewhere along the way, I managed to get HM02 Fly and taught it to Mark. I’ve also found the secret hideout of Team Rocket where I fought and defeated Giovanni and got the Sylph Scope.

With the Scope, I went back to the Pokemon Tower and managed to catch a level 16 Ghastly who I named Casper. I calmed the Ghost at the top and it turned out it was a Marowak. Team Rocket was holding Mr. Fuji on the top so he gave me the Pokemon Flute for saving him. An old lady in Celadon City gave me some tea, which I then handed to one of the guard blocking the road to Safron city. He said he would share it with the other four guards so now all the routes are open.

Pokemon

Gotta catch ’em all, right?

The Safron City gym was blocked by Team Rocket, but there was a fighting dojo next to it, which I also managed to clear and got a Hitmonlee in the process. Of course, I had to send it to the PC. After all this, I went to Sylph Co. which was also being controlled by Team Rocket. I fought them for a while, but I decided it was still too dangerous for me, so I got out. I used the Flute to awaken a Snorlax, which opened another route for me. On Route 18, I lost another Doduo to Quick Attack.

I managed to get to Fuchsia city, which was the home of the Safari Zone. I decided catching Safari Pokemon was against the rules, since it doesn’t include a real battle. Fuchsia City was also the home of another Gym, this time a Poison type. It was a really tough battle, which forced me to use most of my potions, but in the end, I managed to win it with no casualties.

Session End 15.6.2010. 17:34

Session Start 15.6.2010. 20:07

Since I got my fifth badge, I decided I was brave enough to tackle the Sylph Co. building. This is a huge building with, I think, 12 floors weirdly connected with various teleporters and stairs. In the end, I managed to do it, defeated Giovanni again and also got the Master Ball.

Next I got to Gym 6 and defeated the psychic, Sabrina, also with no losses. Wing attack is an awesome attack! Since I had to learn Surf to proceed, I had to go to Safari Zone to get it. I did catch a few Pokemon just for my Poxedex, but they all instantly went to the PC. Since none of my Pokemon can learn surf, I have to catch one on a water route I haven’t been to yet.

Session End 15.6.2010. 22:37

Session Start 16.6.2010. 12:45

The water route in question was Route 19 and I caught an awesome Pokemon, Krabby, which I then named Rick. I’m not sure where exactly I managed to get the Good Rod to catch it, but I was probably a fisherman in some random house, like all other Pokemon games. I trained him to 28 and he evolved to a Kingler.

Next I went to the Seafoam Islands cave, where I caught a Psyduck named Erica. I explored the cave for a bit, but I think I need the Strength HM to continue so I got out. On Route 21 I killed a Tangela with curse. I Tried 3 Ultra Balls, but I didn’t manage to catch it before it died. Eventually I arrived at Cinabar Island.

There was a laboratory on the island so I left my Dome Fossil there to get resurrected. Next up was Pokemon Mansion, which was a tough area. I caught a Growlithe in there and named it Jessica. After the mansion, it was time to go to Gym 7, where I defeated a fire leader. I must say, Rick was an awesome asset here.

Pokemon - Kingler

Krabby/Kingler is kind off an underdog of the anime.

Outside the gym, Bill was waiting to take me to One island. For now I could visit the One, Two and Three islands. I managed to help some people there, but I also failed to catch any Pokemon, killing them by accident instead. Since all of this was for nothing, I decided to go back to Veridian city to tackle the final Gym.

This was a ground type gym so Rick was very awesome again. I won with absolutely no difficulties. This means I have 8 badges now, so it’s time to go to the Pokemon League. First stop – Victory Road.

Off course, before all that, I had to fight stupid Dick again. I beat him with no casualties, but his Blastoise was pretty tough. After solving lots of puzzles, I finally managed to get out of Victory Road and got to the League area. Since I can now fly from here and back, I decided I have to train my Pokemon before I tackle the elite four. First I tried grinding at Victory Road, but that got boring really fast. Then I decided to use the VS Seeker to do repeat battles with trainers I’ve fought before, but I couldn’t find any that were high enough level. Still, I explored a bunch of routes and areas I haven’t visited before, and caught a few nice Pokemon. Still, none of them were good enough to replace anyone from my main team. Among other things, I got a bunch of levels and evolved Casper. Also, Rick learned his Crabhammer attack.

Session End 15.6.2010. 17:13

Session Start 17.6.2010. 13:31

At this point, I was really short on time because exams were closing in so I decided to just go for the Elite Four. As it turns out it wasn’t that hard. I had a bunch of Potions, Ethers and status restoring items, so, with Rick being level 75, I managed to go through all four with no major issues. I was so happy about this I forgot that I also need to kick Dick’s ass for the last time. He wasn’t that hard either, at least for the first 5 of his Pokemon. Blastoise, though, was a bitch. I managed to lose two of my team members before Rick finally managed to finish him with the last of his strength. I entered my team into the Hall of Fame and Professor Oak managed to give a major scolding to Dick for, well, being a dick. I waited through the credits so I can save my game, but the emulator crashed at that point, I guess I won’t be playing the after game.

Session End 15.6.2010. 13:58

Final Words

Well, as you can see, I managed to complete my first Nuzlocke Challenge, and it wasn’t hard at all. I guess I will have to try some tougher rules next time, but for now, I can add this one to my completed list. I must say, playing the game this way was really fun. If you want to spice up your Pokemon sessions, I really recommend you to try this. Also, I promise to keep a more detailed log of my journey on my next attempt at a challenge like this.

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Instead of Pokémon, for which I was mostly to sleepy, I decided to play this one during my train rides. I finished Breezin’ during a single ride, and then proceded to complete Cruisin’ over the course of the next two. I also managed to unlock the first bonus song. I was a bit rusty, but you remember this game fast, so I’m now steadily progressing through the Sweatin’ difficulty.

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This one is free for a while due to a celebration of a Mac release. I downloaded it as soon as I found out, because I want the achievements. I completed it in one evening, again, and it’s still as fun as it always was. I got a few of the achievements, but I still have loads to go.

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The protection was finally removed so I, erm, got this game. It seems more polished than the first one, but I didn’t really get the chance to play it due to exams. I managed to complete the first sequence (I think that’s what they call chapters in this game). It looks nice, but I seem to have some audio issues. Whenever there’s an echo or anything similar, the game stutters a bit.

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The Olivine city gym leader was having a problem with a Pokémon at the local lighthouse, and asked me to get him a cure from the next town. While there, I also defeated the local gym leader (my grass starter still wasn’t useful). The cure did wonders for the Pokémon, so the gym leader could battle me. It was a steel type gym though, so I decided to try and catch a more suitable Pokémon.

I went past the gym five town and traversed the route to the Pokémon Safari. I caught a Vulpix and a Krabby on the way there, but I also decided to make a round through the Safari Zone to catch a few more random Pokémon. This got my catch count to about 25.

Next I tried to train Vulpix and Krabby, but it took too long so I just cleared the gym with my existing Pokémon. It wasn’t too hard but it wasn’t easy either. This is where I stopped playing. After all of this, I can surf and fly so I guess Lake Rage and Mahogany town are next.

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The Spire Fortress lies on the path to the Abyss. It was under bandit control so I had to clear those out. I’ve found the emissary from the dragon inside and he said that there is another dragon servant somewhere in the Abyss and he is the one that has the message for me. I also killed a bat demon there.

I went to the Abyss, first did a few side quests in Spire and then went to Baghra. The warlord there has a few screws loose and doesn’t let anyone out of town. Even the farmers can only work on their farms and are forced to sleep in town. I’ve found out from townspeople that he is holding the dragon servant captive somewhere outside of town. I managed to find the prison, free him and kill a bunch of guards on my way out.

Everything else in the Abyss seems a bit too difficult so I brought the message back to the cycle to get deciphered. While this is being done, I got three new missions in northern Avernum, around Silvar and Cotra. This is where I will be going next.

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I’ve fully explored the Western Reaches and then went to the Eastern Gallery. On the way through Almaria I solved a few side quests and met a trainer that trains Gymnastics, Melee weapons and some other useful stuff. I think I will use his services a lot.

When I got to the portal, I realized I was assigned to serve under my old commander from the Castle Food Depot. I was supposed to handle the flow of refugees through the portal. It didn’t go well. After letting two refuges through, one of the crystal pylons that held the portal together cracked and demons invaded through it. I was forced to escape and watch my commander die.

I went back to report to the caster and got reassigned to my previous commander who sent me on three different missions in the Eastern Gallery and the Great Cave. I was to solve a hostage crisis in Almaria, help with a situation at the Tower Colony and help with an ogre problem in a new fort inside the Western Reaches. After doing all of these, I got myself promoted and was to serve under a higher ranking officer. He sent me to meet with an envoy of a dragon in the Abyss.

Before doing all of this, I decided to explore the Eastern Gallery some more. I did some quests in Mertis, at the Undead Spiral and explore most of the Honeycomb. Then I went back to the Great Cave and did some of the quests I was too weak for before, including one of the quests for Gladwell and the quest with the Blessed Athame. Gladwell sent me to do another quest, but I don’t think I will. He wants me to break one of the seals that keep the Undead Spiral in check.

Right now, I’m in Fort Safron, getting ready to go to the Abyss. Hopefully, it won’t be too hard.

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After doing some minor side quests with what little time I had yesterday, I decided to progress the main quest a bit today. I went to Patrick’s tower, where the archmage Soldberg is trying to develop a strain of mushrooms that would be immune to the plague. After exploring the tower as much as I could, I went to the levels bellow, where the new mushroom strains are being bred. I had to kill a strange fungal creature and release the blight in the area to see if the mushrooms are resistant. This failed, so the solution of the problem will have to be found elsewhere. When I reported this to Soldberg, he mysteriously said that “it’s time”. Time for what, I do not know.
After returning to the castle, the commander had a new mission for me. I was to go past the blockades in Almaria and solve a problem with the Great Portal. I decided not to do this yet, as I still have to help Gnass. Before doing that though, I decided to explore the rest of the Great Cave. I managed to stumble into a lair of giant rats near Patrick’s tower. The magic from the tower caused the rats to mutate so I had to kill their hive queen and stop her from hatching more rats. Yes, hatching. I said the magic caused them to mutate.
Anyways, now I’m off to explore a mine that I bought from a guy near Darnham.
EDIT: The mine will have to wait. There is a ghost in there that, when killed, splits into three vengeful shades and another ghost. I managed to kill him 3 times and he split every time. In addition to that, the shades hit like a train.
After escaping the mine of doom, I decided to go save the son of Gnass’ chieftain. It wasn’t that hard because my party was way overleveled for that area anways. Also, I did a few side quests and explored pretty much the entire area of the Great Cave. All that’s left is the area west of Fort Remote. Anything other than that is still too hard for my party, so after checking the place out, I will go to the Eastern Gallery where the next part of the main quest is.