While CFRU is famous for adding modern mechanics (Physical/Special split, Fairy type), its optional graphics component is a hidden gem. It cleans up the font, smooths out the Pokemon party icons, and reprograms the lighting engine to allow for dynamic day/night colors without breaking the original art style.
For those looking to breathe new life into the classic Kanto region, several free graphics patches offer everything from subtle quality-of-life (QoL) improvements to complete modern visual overhauls. Top Graphics Patches & Overhauls Pokémon Aesthetic Red
Load the new file created by the patcher into your emulator (VisualBoyAdvance, mGBA, or MyBoy).
Check out these showcases to see these visual overhauls and narratives in action: