Is every single hack like this?

[KuroShinki]

Sigh... I've actually "defected" back into Pokemon. Every single Touhoumon edit is a huge pain to play through.

You can always try Moemon if you want to change a little: no differences aside for the sprites.

I agree with the part of the pain tough. If I really want to play a nice and relaxing Touhou RPG, I'll go with Pocket Wars. It doesn't have every character, but at least is much more forgiving and easier (but it isn't balanced at all, there are some OP character there too).

[AngelG No. 55]

If I really want to play a nice and relaxing Touhou RPG

Between my indecision and my instability, I'm playing Touhoumon Blue again - the Zeph version, that is. It was just a bit grindy due to my playstyle but I've actually found it more fun than vanilla Emerald (2hus > pokeymangs).

You can always try Moemon if you want to change a little: no differences aside for the sprites.

Hmmm, a cursory Google reveals several such patches. How can I tell which ones just change sprites?

[KuroShinki]

If I really want to play a nice and relaxing Touhou RPG

Between my indecision and my instability, I'm playing Touhoumon Blue again - the Zeph version, that is. It was just a bit grindy due to my playstyle but I've actually found it more fun than vanilla Emerald (2hus > pokeymangs).

You can always try Moemon if you want to change a little: no differences aside for the sprites.

Hmmm, a cursory Google reveals several such patches. How can I tell which ones just change sprites?

I use this one, since it's the best looking one, and you can easily change the evolution method (like trade or day/night):

https://forums.pokemmo.eu/index.php?/topic/40418-ips-moemon-fire-red-revival-project-updated-4-1-2015/

There is a Emerald one too, with the same sprites:

https://forums.pokemmo.eu/index.php?/topic/44698-ipsmoemon-project-revival-rse-10514-update/

They do nothing aside changing sprite (Blastoise is my favourite: so badass). I usually use them with a randomizer ^_^

Offcourse, I suggested Moemon if you don't mind girl that cosplay Pokèmon. Some can find this disturbing or hilarious.