Pokémon Ranger
Pokémon Ranger features a lot of unique file formats that are not seen in other games of the DS era. Thus, I had to reverse engineer the formats myself. My original aim and motivation was to reimplement Igglybuff and Unown, two Pokémon that have been cut from the final game. Curiously, their graphics are still in the game's files so I expected adding these Pokémon back to the game would not be too difficult. First, I began documenting the flatbuffer and Pokémon data formats in order to add proper configurations for these two Pokémon. This was followed by research on the game's text and more Browser data files.
Files & formats
- Compressed files: Some files are compressed using the LZ10 algorithm to reduce file size.
- Flatbuffers: Most of Pokémon Ranger's files are flatbuffers. They all share the same base structure.
- Useful data files
- Pokémon and Browser data
- pokemon_csv: Configures all Pokémon variants, their typings, abilities, attacks and much more.
- pokemon_zukan_csv: Specifies general Browser information for all Pokémon species.
- pokemon_filename: Contains the lists of sprites that Pokémon species use on their Browser page.
- pokemon_sort: Configures how to sort entries in the Pokémon Browser depending on sort criteria.
- experience_csv
- typeline_csv: A 19x19 matrix specifying type and assist move effectiveness.
- trial_csv: Configures special tutorial capture sequences and the Capture Arena challenge.
- Objects and targets
- yakumono_csv: Configures all map objects and targets.
- yakumono_zukan_csv: Specifies top-screen information for all targets.
- yakumono_sort: Contains lists for a dummied-out feature to sort targets in the Browser depending on sort criteria.
- Player and NPCs
- player_csv: Configures all NPC types and their general properties.
- global_csv: Sets all ranks and levels and their unlocked features (for example Styler HP and number of friend Pokémon).
- mychar_csv: Unknown.
- Map data
- scenario_csv: General configuration of scenarios / missions.
- map_csv: Contains the map table and global map data.
- gene_csv: Specifies Pokémon generators and the scoring table for the Grassland and Marine Challenges.
- Effects
- effect_anim_csv: Unknown.
- effect_csv: Unknown.
- effect_req_csv: Unknown.
- effect_sequence_csv: Unknown.
- Assorted
- dictionary_csv: Sets the text and graphics for each Glossary entry.
- dictionary_filename_csv: Contains the list of graphics files for Glossary pages.
- item_csv: Unknown.
- Pokémon and Browser data
- Graphics files (ObjDesc)
- Text files