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. HW.
    Jun 20, 2004
    10
    Excellent game for pokemon fans!
  2. G.H.
    Jan 3, 2005
    10
    Pokemon coloseum must beat stadium and he will.
  3. gcgamer
    Jun 20, 2007
    10
    Pokemon colliseum: good game great gameplay nice battles good graphics! now thats a game and a half.
  4. AlexS.
    May 28, 2004
    10
    It's the best Pokemon game I've ever played!
  5. 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.
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. 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.
  9. 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
  10. 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.
  11. 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.
  12. 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
  13. omniface
    Mar 7, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. a flawless game for another time

    pokemon c only for console

    pros
    amazing graphics for a very old game
    fantastic gameplay
    not too hard
    kid friendly
    reference to the future shadow mewtwo in pk tourny
    unique style of gameplay

    cons
    less than zero    … Expand
  14. Fazed
    Nov 23, 2021
    10
    Such a good pokemon game love the idea of shadow pokemon, really great just wish there was more options of team building but its amazing other than that fact.
  15. Daniel1516
    Feb 7, 2023
    10
    un juego que la verdad se requiere en estos dias una exelente calidad en todos los aspectos tal vez la historia no es de las mejores pero es al mas maduro que lo de costumbre en lo personal le pongo esa nota por que me encanto
  16. Cloud_cipher
    Nov 29, 2022
    10
    The best pokemon protagonist hands down. For once you don't have to be the new kid in town. Instead you get to be a choatic netruelist terroist
  17. 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.
  18. JayK.
    Mar 25, 2004
    9
    I'm rating this for my son, 9 years old. He loves it. All I hear about is "Dad, check this out.", "Dad, look at this cool pokemon.", "Dad, I just got Pokemon X!". From his perspective, it's a 9, since he said it isn't as good as the Zelda:WW game.
  19. Karimchii
    Mar 31, 2014
    9
    By far the best game I owned on my GameCube, I have replayed this game over 10 times and it just doesn't get boring. Everything from the characters, the awesome levitating bike that the main character rides, to the Pokemon in the game, to the graphics, to the storyline is perfect. A little off topic but if they make a sequel to this and XD: Gale of darkness on the wii U, I will gladly buyBy far the best game I owned on my GameCube, I have replayed this game over 10 times and it just doesn't get boring. Everything from the characters, the awesome levitating bike that the main character rides, to the Pokemon in the game, to the graphics, to the storyline is perfect. A little off topic but if they make a sequel to this and XD: Gale of darkness on the wii U, I will gladly buy that console.

    This was the best 3D pokemon game that has ever come out !    … Expand
  20. 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
  21. Mithoslax
    Jun 28, 2020
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. De lo mejorcito que hay en gamecube desde entonces ningun pokemon tuvo esa escala ni ofrecio nada similar,banda sonora para el recuerdo y un pokemon box gratis el primer banco pokemon… Expand
  22. Marioipod13
    Sep 5, 2023
    9
    Excellent game, but mostly for pros and experts. There is a story mode and a battle mode, where you can get extra Pokemon, challenges and prizes for Pokemon Ruby and Sapphire.

    I strongly recommend however that you get Pokemon Ruby and/or Sapphire plus maybe FireRed/LeafGreen/Emerald before trying this game. It is significantly harder in Story Mode plus the Battle Mode is designed to be    Excellent game, but mostly for pros and experts. There is a story mode and a battle mode, where you can get extra Pokemon, challenges and prizes for Pokemon Ruby and Sapphire.

    I strongly recommend however that you get Pokemon Ruby and/or Sapphire plus maybe FireRed/LeafGreen/Emerald before trying this game. It is significantly harder in Story Mode plus the Battle Mode is designed to be used with these forementioned other Pokemon games. If you're used to the newer games I recommend trying one of the GBA games and seeing if you like it before buying Pokemon Colosseum. Also, if you're adapted to Let's Go Pikachu/Eevee, get 1,000,000 times more skilled before even considering Colosseum.

    Overall, very good game, I recommend it to the correct audience. If you've played the GBA games and like them this game might be fun for you.    … Expand
  23. SolomonR.
    Oct 4, 2007
    8
    when i first saw the preview i had my first insperation! nothing then would stop me from getting that game, it's like a 3d story mode of ruby and sapphire, with a great story line. and it has another mode from just story mode and yes the original battle your friend using the GBA via gamecube link. and mt. batlle 100 is one of the most challenging things on that game as well as when i first saw the preview i had my first insperation! nothing then would stop me from getting that game, it's like a 3d story mode of ruby and sapphire, with a great story line. and it has another mode from just story mode and yes the original battle your friend using the GBA via gamecube link. and mt. batlle 100 is one of the most challenging things on that game as well as getting through all the coloseums which get progressively harder as you go along. the fact that this is a challenging game makes this game worthwhile for a while.… Expand
  24. 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
  25. Rishino
    May 12, 2020
    8
    Replayed this after the atrocious entry that is Sword & Shield. If you want a home console Pokémon experience then this and Gale of Darkness are the only worthy titles. Mt. Battle alone is worth the entry fee and it is one of the only Pokémon games that will actually pose a bit of a challenge. It definitely has some flaws, but this wasn't made by GameFreak. The best game if you wantReplayed this after the atrocious entry that is Sword & Shield. If you want a home console Pokémon experience then this and Gale of Darkness are the only worthy titles. Mt. Battle alone is worth the entry fee and it is one of the only Pokémon games that will actually pose a bit of a challenge. It definitely has some flaws, but this wasn't made by GameFreak. The best game if you want correct model scaling and battle animations… Expand
  26. 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!
  27. Ismael10
    Feb 5, 2022
    8
    Bastante infravalorado en su propuesta jugable, grafica y concepto de lo que es un pokemon, es un juego que bien es diferente en el concepto que en este caso se tienen que liberar a pokemons de un aura oscura que podría decirse que los corrompe, si bien el concepto es así de sencillo la forma de ejecutarlo conlleva a ir por varias ciudades e investigar el paradero de estos, un tantoBastante infravalorado en su propuesta jugable, grafica y concepto de lo que es un pokemon, es un juego que bien es diferente en el concepto que en este caso se tienen que liberar a pokemons de un aura oscura que podría decirse que los corrompe, si bien el concepto es así de sencillo la forma de ejecutarlo conlleva a ir por varias ciudades e investigar el paradero de estos, un tanto difícil y lleva mucho tiempo de juego, gráficamente es muy bueno como juego de Gamecube, jugablemente fácil y atrapante, a pesar de tener sus virtudes solo se podría sacar de negativo que el aspecto de sentir que estés en un mundo abierto es un tanto limitado pero eso no quita que el nivel exploratorio de cada ciudad sea corto, un juego divertido con una propuesta arriesgada, muy recomendado. Anexando un poco al igual es un juego que aprovecha muy bien la concetividad con Gameboy advance y los juegos de pokemon Ruby y zafiro hace mucha ilusión ver a esos pokemon con mejores graficos y en batallas usando tu GBA.… Expand
  28. 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
  29. ToboeArticWolf
    Nov 20, 2019
    8
    Was made in 2003 and still has better battle animations than Pokémon Sword and Shield. And it's not a "battle exclusive" Pokémon game.
  30. 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
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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

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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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