Pokemon Colosseum

 GameCube
User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 202 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 142 out of 202
  2. Mixed: 48 out of 202
  3. Negative: 12 out of 202
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  1. CM95
    Oct 12, 2020
    8
    This game is quite underrated. The music is incredible, the location looks great and the gameplay is a refreshing change of pace from the main-series games. I'd recommend you try it.
  2. skeletonking123
    Sep 10, 2011
    7
    Its definitely not the best pokemon game ever made, and it especially isn't the best looking Pokemon game but it has fantastic music, decent gameplay, and a good amount of pokemon to catch
  3. doodlerman
    Jun 19, 2011
    4
    This is one of those games that I just plain hate, and really the gameplay isn't horrible. I have this sort of feeling about this game similar to that of the narrator of "The Tell-Tale Heart" towards the man with the hawk eye. Something about the graphics and music and repetitive battles really just annoy the crap out of me. It also could be that my brother loves this game and won't stopThis is one of those games that I just plain hate, and really the gameplay isn't horrible. I have this sort of feeling about this game similar to that of the narrator of "The Tell-Tale Heart" towards the man with the hawk eye. Something about the graphics and music and repetitive battles really just annoy the crap out of me. It also could be that my brother loves this game and won't stop playing it - and this really annoying music just keeps hammering into my head, and then when I try to turn off the volume I still see those annoying graphics. It's one thing to have the same thing happen over and over again with the gameplay (being the Pokemon battles, cuz I'm fine with it in other games), but something about this game pisses me off.… Expand
  4. Watermelon789
    Sep 6, 2011
    6
    There's almost no difference from Pokemon Colosseum compared to Gale of Darkness. The random RPG battles gets boring after a few continuos apparitions of the same trainers. From my perspective , don't play this console version, play the handheld version.
  5. carlsongt
    Mar 16, 2013
    6
    I played this game when I was 14, more than 200 hours. It amazed me, but I missed the freedom of the game boy advance versions. Characters are cool, Pokemon animations, multiplayer mode...but it's an step back coming from Pokemon Stadium of N64. Lenght of the game is ok, 25-30 hours easily, and a lot of stuff to do after you end the game.
  6. Zilcell
    Nov 6, 2011
    10
    It is a unique game in the Pokemon series. Although you can't catch Pokemon in the wild, you do have a long storyline where you can catch Shadow Pokemon from other trainers and purify them to battle with a chance to train them.
  7. Jamison12
    Jun 20, 2013
    8
    Finally! Pokemon brought to life! Although it's not exactly like the legendary games, Colosseum is as close as you can get to a console version Pokemon. It lacks some parts here and there, and in some cases is a bit too tough, it's good plot and fun gameplay overshadows those faults in this epic Pokemon installment!
  8. bowser12
    Feb 16, 2016
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Although many people dislike this game for some reason, i for one think its one of the most memorable pokemon experiences available. With a well thought out story in comparison to other Pokemon games, and very memorable battles and characters. It also has a more adult feel to it and the music is simply great. Yes perhaps it is not what you would expect from a pokemon game, but the dark atmosphere and the cast of amazing characters make this pokemon game stand out from the rest and delivered a unique experience.… Expand
  9. DarrionVale
    Aug 19, 2019
    7
    My personal rating for "Pokemon Colosseum" (GC): 7,4/10 - Good
    Gameplay: 7,5
    Video: 7
    Audio: 8
    Scope: 8
    Balance: 7
    Story: 6,5
  10. spadenx
    Dec 13, 2011
    3
    The one huge and I mean huge flaw of this game is that its so difficult and unless you put a massive grind into training then you wont get any where in this game. A lot of wasted potential here.
  11. dbzeenx
    Apr 27, 2014
    6
    I'm being generous when I give it a 6 out of pure pity. It doesn't bring anything new, except for the 3D graphics. You can catch really few Pokemon, you can't get a starter, the story is boring... God. It's mediocre.
  12. Barbanunca
    Jun 3, 2016
    10
    great game, one of the best of pokemon, now a days its still enjoyable for me and the soundtrack is amazing, genius sonority did a insane work, much better than game freak, that only copy paste game after game, if you didnt play it and u kinda like pokemon try it, really, and after that one pokemon XD Gale of Darkness, 2 best pokemon games ever
  13. VitaminYes
    Jun 2, 2017
    6
    The game is okay. The game-play is your standard pokemon game. The music is decent and the graphics are okay. However, the game is very lacking, taking out core features of the pokemon franchise such as wild pokemon and gyms. Because of this, you will be bombarded with obscene amounts of trainers sometimes reaching over a dozen in a row to make the game last longer. The story can get veryThe game is okay. The game-play is your standard pokemon game. The music is decent and the graphics are okay. However, the game is very lacking, taking out core features of the pokemon franchise such as wild pokemon and gyms. Because of this, you will be bombarded with obscene amounts of trainers sometimes reaching over a dozen in a row to make the game last longer. The story can get very confusing at times with it being difficult to understand who the main evil group is. Overall Colosseum is okay, but not a game to really search for.… Expand
  14. Rick
    Apr 20, 2004
    3
    I'll keep it short, you can tell from this game and others that pokemon is just another monkey making hungry giant, just killing the core pokemon fans..They will absolutely not spend the time or money to give the fans a prime RPG. Everything in this game could be better, from graphics, to sound and story. If you wanna pay 50 bucks for a rehash of every pokemon game that has came out I'll keep it short, you can tell from this game and others that pokemon is just another monkey making hungry giant, just killing the core pokemon fans..They will absolutely not spend the time or money to give the fans a prime RPG. Everything in this game could be better, from graphics, to sound and story. If you wanna pay 50 bucks for a rehash of every pokemon game that has came out since(gameboy-blue,yellow,red etc..) Then buy Colosseum.… Expand
  15. EricS.
    Apr 13, 2004
    4
    Although Pokemon Colosseum offers hours of relatively entertaining gameplay, you can't help but notice some of its many aggravating flaws. To start, the two player mode is horrible! Unlike the Pokemon Stadium games, you are unable to draft Pokemon into your lineup. Instead, you are required to either use the Pokemon from the game's single player mode, or link you GBA to your GC Although Pokemon Colosseum offers hours of relatively entertaining gameplay, you can't help but notice some of its many aggravating flaws. To start, the two player mode is horrible! Unlike the Pokemon Stadium games, you are unable to draft Pokemon into your lineup. Instead, you are required to either use the Pokemon from the game's single player mode, or link you GBA to your GC and transfer your team from Ruby and Sapphire. This is a major problem due to the fact that the single player doesn't offer a wide variety of Pokemon, and some people such as myself don't have a Ruby or Sapphire game. Nintendo is obviously trying to scrounge up a few extra bucks by forcing you to by old, outdated games in order to enjoy new ones to the fullest. Secondly, for some reason, Nintendo has removed the option of playing mini-games. Many remember these games fondly from the previous Pokemon stadium games and will be disappointed that it is no longer available. Finally, Nintendo claimed that PC was going to be an RPG. Unfourtunately, this is not so. Problem solving and navigation (both major components in most RPGs) is replaced with endless battles that become repetitive pretty fast. Despite these flaws, PC has some positive qualities. For one, there is definitely a major improvement in terms of graphics since the previous Pokemon games. The attacks are much more detailed and fun to watch, plus, the character models look a lot better. The Pokemon battles definitely take strategy, so you'll have to practice up on your battling techniques in order to beat the game. There are also many sidequests that make for more gameplay after you complete the story mode. Pokemon Colosseum is no masterpeice (not by a long shot), but with the recent shortage of entertaining GC games it might be worth renting.… Expand
  16. FeroJ.
    May 31, 2004
    5
    Too kiddy.
  17. B.
    Mar 24, 2004
    0
    Wanted an actual rpg.
  18. Wormoid
    Jan 8, 2011
    8
    Whilst nothing new is bought to the pokemon world, there is nothing relatively bad about the game. The gameplay on the gamecube is better than that of the Gameboy, but there are no original villians to fight, and you are unable to catch any pokemon but shadow pokemon. On the upside, at least you get to see the great hairstyles of characters like Mirror B. Worth buying, but not worthWhilst nothing new is bought to the pokemon world, there is nothing relatively bad about the game. The gameplay on the gamecube is better than that of the Gameboy, but there are no original villians to fight, and you are unable to catch any pokemon but shadow pokemon. On the upside, at least you get to see the great hairstyles of characters like Mirror B. Worth buying, but not worth playing to the end more than once.… Expand
  19. Frioniel
    Jun 6, 2013
    10
    Very different from any of the other Pokemon games (aside from maybe PC XD) Colosseum is the true Pokemon JRPG. The game has a much darker tone than the other pokemon games, and it's gameplay is much different considering all battles are double style, and you can only catch so many pre determined pokemon (admittedly probably the games biggest weak point aswell as its strong point) so theyVery different from any of the other Pokemon games (aside from maybe PC XD) Colosseum is the true Pokemon JRPG. The game has a much darker tone than the other pokemon games, and it's gameplay is much different considering all battles are double style, and you can only catch so many pre determined pokemon (admittedly probably the games biggest weak point aswell as its strong point) so they were able to develop a unique challenge they couldn't with other Pokemon games. The soundtrack is really great and all the battle themes are good enough to want to hear again and again. There are awesome locations like Mt battle where you have to fight 100 battles, winning all 100 is one of the greatest feelings, especially if you do it in a special mode where if you win all 100 in a row you get a special prize. The main characters design is great, and it's fun all the way through… Expand
  20. Celever
    Jun 11, 2014
    10
    WARNING: This review contains minor spoilers involving the Pokémon included in this game and the places you visit. No major plot details are leaked. Enjoy!

    Leading astray from popular opinion, I am actually a huge fan of this game, and would go as far as to say that it is the single greatest game in the entire Pokémon franchise. This game manages to both fit the casual and serious    WARNING: This review contains minor spoilers involving the Pokémon included in this game and the places you visit. No major plot details are leaked. Enjoy!

    Leading astray from popular opinion, I am actually a huge fan of this game, and would go as far as to say that it is the single greatest game in the entire Pokémon franchise. This game manages to both fit the casual and serious Pokémon gamers at the same time, and it does so with features that many other gamers complain about in the game.

    First of all, there are very limited options on which Pokémon you can use. However, in a single area there tends to be a wide range of Pokémon for a player to choose from. One of the very first places you go, Pyrite Town, has a battle square. Each trainer here has a shadow Pokémon. This was a clever way for the game to let you pick a Pokémon you like from a selection right from the start, or even just if you like a certain type. For example, if I prefer physical attacks, I could use the Misdreavus found in the Battle Square. If I want to use a bulky support Pokémon, I could use Noctowl, and for a Pokémon to help me catch others, Skiploom. The game also encourages you to use Pokémon that you normally wouldn't, which I personally think is a good thing. Many players will just use their favourite Pokémon in every single game, which would get stale after a while. Pokémon Colosseum helps you make new favourites.

    The story is fantastic, but I promised no spoilers, and I will fulfill that promise. The game does use Pokémon basics (such as the Elite Four) in fantastic and innovative ways, however.

    Many people focus on the story mode for this game, which I do a lot of the time as well. However, this leads to people forgetting that the "Colosseum Mode" exists. Colosseum Mode lets you basically do everything that Pokémon Stadium did, excluding the Mini-Games, and improved upon it. Do you want to battle your generation 3 Pokémon with your friends in glorious 3D? You can link your Game Boy Advances up to this game and do so! It also has Mt. Battle, which is the "Gym Leader Tower" feature from Pokémon Stadium 2, sans the Gym Leaders.

    I also disagree strongly with the annoyances at every battle in this game being double battles. It is true, but it adds layers of depth to the fights. I was never a fan of double battles on the hand-held generation 3 games, but I grew to love them because of Pokémon Colosseum. Even if you think you will hate the double battles, I would advise for you to pick this game up, as it could very easily change your mind. Having to "snag" or "catch" the Pokémon from trainers also works well because these are double battles. If they were single battles, it would be much more of a nuisance, and the game would grow stale much faster. This way you can begin trying to catch their Pokémon with one of your Pokémon's turns, while continuing to bulldoze the rest of your opponent's Pokémon with your other.

    While you may not agree with me in saying that this game is the best in the franchise, I would advise you to pick it up. Especially if you are one of the people who are growing tired of the general Pokémon formula. "Collect 8 gym badges, fight the Elite Four and Champion and then do some battling features afterwards". Pokémon Colosseum takes the formula of Pokémon and places it in a well-made, innovative and different storyline, and for this, I give it a 10/10.    … Expand
  21. Rikoyasha
    May 4, 2016
    10
    Great pokemon game on the gamecube very good quality for its time, good story, and it felt like it was for an older audience and more violent it was awesome and creative areas and designs.
  22. GamecubeLover
    Jul 28, 2016
    10
    This is better than Stadium and 2 COMBINED. The gameplay is at it's best and the gameplay isn't repetitive and the game appeals almost to anyone this game should not be hated.
  23. Captain_Faramir
    Jan 30, 2017
    10
    Probably the most underrated Pokemon game of all time and definitely my favorite. Re-playable with the "Battle Now" mode in the game besides the awesome story mode. One of the first to be 3d besides Pokemon Stadium, making it all the more appealing to any Pokemon fan.
  24. Vistrolovisto92
    Mar 14, 2018
    8
    Un juego de pokemon notable, no es de los mejores dentro de la saga, pero aún asi tiene cosas muy positivas. Las animaciones en los combates y del juego en general son muy buenas, con unos efectos que ya los querría en su momentobla competencia Ps2. La historia diferente y muy rejugable una vez te pasas la historia. Su punto negativo? Excesiva lentitud en los combates que puede llegar aUn juego de pokemon notable, no es de los mejores dentro de la saga, pero aún asi tiene cosas muy positivas. Las animaciones en los combates y del juego en general son muy buenas, con unos efectos que ya los querría en su momentobla competencia Ps2. La historia diferente y muy rejugable una vez te pasas la historia. Su punto negativo? Excesiva lentitud en los combates que puede llegar a causar repetitividad y cansancio.… Expand
  25. thejuanvisu
    Nov 20, 2018
    10
    Uno de los mejores juegos de la saga. Teniendo en cuenta cuando salió el juego tiene unos buenos gráficos además de eso la jugabilidad y la historia son buenas, además la historia varía de la típica de los juegos de Pokémon, siendo el protagonista uno de los miembros del equipo de cepo que los traicionó, no como en otros juegos en los que eres un niño que se hace entrenador. En este juegoUno de los mejores juegos de la saga. Teniendo en cuenta cuando salió el juego tiene unos buenos gráficos además de eso la jugabilidad y la historia son buenas, además la historia varía de la típica de los juegos de Pokémon, siendo el protagonista uno de los miembros del equipo de cepo que los traicionó, no como en otros juegos en los que eres un niño que se hace entrenador. En este juego no hay gimnasios, hay coliseos, que se podría decir que son un sustituto de estos. La captura de Pokémons es diferente a los anteriores juegos de la saga, no hay hierba alta ni Pokémon salvajes, tienes que encontrar a un entrenador con Pokémons oscuros y arrebatárselo para posteriormente en el juego purificarlos. La banda sonora está muy bien, una parte que me hizo gracia fue cuando ibas a por fiscal y tenía esa música de fondo, una música que no te esperas en un jefe final. Y sin alargarme más he de decir que si no es el mejor juego de la saga es de los mejores.… Expand
  26. OliRock92
    Mar 9, 2022
    8
    The first real Pokémon adventure on a home console! And it's great! Aside from the gen 1 and gen 2 Pokémon models being reused from Pokémon Stadium and Stadium 2. But the Pokémon gameplay you know and love is all here. Wild Pokémon have been replaced with stealing SOME Pokémon from your oponents. Those Pokémon are actually a new mechanic called Shadow Pokémon. The evil organisation createsThe first real Pokémon adventure on a home console! And it's great! Aside from the gen 1 and gen 2 Pokémon models being reused from Pokémon Stadium and Stadium 2. But the Pokémon gameplay you know and love is all here. Wild Pokémon have been replaced with stealing SOME Pokémon from your oponents. Those Pokémon are actually a new mechanic called Shadow Pokémon. The evil organisation creates them for their master plan. It's up to you to steal, or snag, like the game says, them from trainers in order to pufiry and save them. Your main character this time around is also not your average 11 years old. Rather, you have a slightly older protagonist who used to be part of Team Snagem (separate from the game's main villains). The game even starts up with the protagonist stealing the Snag Machine from Team Snagem and, escaping from their hideout, jump on his motorcycles as the grunts and their bosses pursues him and blows up the hideout! This game, in overall, has a much mature tone and a steampunk feeling I greatly appreciate. Graphics could've been better since it's GameCube but the art direction is pretty good. The music is awesome as well. I still hum it, all these years later! In overall, a great game any Pokémon or RPG fan will enjoy. The only downsides are the graphics and the limited number of Pokémon you can choose from (you can actually trade with the GBA game to then use any Pokémon but only after a long time in the game). I highly reccomend it. This is an underrated gem!… Expand
  27. Onlyclassicvg1
    Feb 17, 2021
    8
    I played this game when I was 14, more than 200 hours. It amazed me, but I missed the freedom of the game boy advance versions. Characters are cool, Pokemon animations, multiplayer mode...but it's an step back coming from Pokemon Stadium of N64. Lenght of the game is ok, 25-30 hours easily, and a lot of stuff to do after you end the game.
  28. N.D.P.
    Apr 4, 2004
    9
    This game is good. But the RPG Adventure was kind of short. And i also get disapointed in battle mode. But i think Pokemon Stadium games were better. This game is good but could have been better.
  29. [Anonymous]
    Apr 5, 2004
    7
    This game wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. Though its nothing to compare to its GBA titles. The game has some significant details that make it good. 1st of all all the battle include having 2 monsters on the battle feild unlike the GBA where double battles were rare. Also they fact that the pokemon actually attack the people is pretty cool. 2nd of all you won't waste your This game wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. Though its nothing to compare to its GBA titles. The game has some significant details that make it good. 1st of all all the battle include having 2 monsters on the battle feild unlike the GBA where double battles were rare. Also they fact that the pokemon actually attack the people is pretty cool. 2nd of all you won't waste your time playing multiplayer because the GBA cord connecting crap. 3rd of all, to that stupid RYAN M kid just shut the hell up with your bring the francise crap up, if the game was doing soooo bad, then why would they keep making them. If the text is sooooooo slow the njust raise it in the options moron. You know what I think i think your rating is sooooooooo !@#$ long!… Expand
  30. HW.
    Jun 20, 2004
    10
    Excellent game for pokemon fans!
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Awards & Rankings

39
#39 Best GameCube Game of 2004
8
#8 Most Discussed GameCube Game of 2004
7
#7 Most Shared GameCube Game of 2004

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
73

Mixed or average reviews - based on 37 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 19 out of 37
  2. Mixed: 18 out of 37
  3. Negative: 0 out of 37
  1. Yahoo!
    60
    Its presentation is well below par, and the battles quickly become repetitive, but there remains an oddly addictive spark beneath its problems.
    Read full review
  2. G4 TV
    60
    An announcer might have been nice, but at least we're spared any potentially awful voice performances. You'll get more out of the game if you can get your GBA in on the action, but the mini-RPG isn't a bad addition.
    Read full review
  3. Play Magazine
    67
    Just like the handheld Pokemon games, the graphics seem to be underdeveloped and the gameplay focus is really on catching, raising, and battling with the assorted critters, overshadowing the characters and story rather than supporting them. [Mar 2004, p.59]
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