Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness

 GameCube
User Score
8.2

Generally favorable reviews- based on 173 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 130 out of 173
  2. Mixed: 31 out of 173
  3. Negative: 12 out of 173
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  1. SnivySomnia
    Oct 17, 2012
    10
    Outstanding. This sequel fixed all of the problems Colosseum had while keeping the fun elements of Pokémon that we all know and love. Sure, you can't catch any Pokémon you want, but I honestly like the Shadow Pokémon system. For those who don't know, the plot revolves around and evil organization called Cipher returning from the events of the first console game andOutstanding. This sequel fixed all of the problems Colosseum had while keeping the fun elements of Pokémon that we all know and love. Sure, you can't catch any Pokémon you want, but I honestly like the Shadow Pokémon system. For those who don't know, the plot revolves around and evil organization called Cipher returning from the events of the first console game and using Shadow Pokémon to accomplish their goals. Shadow Pokémon are simply Pokémon whose hearts have been sealed off allowing them to become more powerful than they were before(but with a few usage drawbacks). It's the job of the silent protagonist, Michael, to capture and purify all of the Shadow Pokémon he can and destroy the revived Cipher organization. I do believe this game is worth giving a shot: Pokémon XD, it's a different Pokémon adventure, but a damn fun one.… Expand
  2. WheelzFourReelz
    Dec 30, 2014
    7
    Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness is probably the best console Pokémon game that has a lot of fun and a lot of flaws. It has great environments, fun gameplay, and a gripping story. However, the game gets repetitive after a while and I would have liked a little bit more freedom on the exploration aspect. However, this is still a good game and worth your time.
  3. helena23
    Oct 31, 2011
    8
    ultra lengthy and visually nice but the lack of exploration hurts and the story is too simple.......still i have 120 hours so it must be good...jaja
  4. TheAverageEspur
    Apr 21, 2014
    10
    Most underrated game ever. Critics don't appreciate this game enough, and it needs love. While not the best Gamecube game, it should be an essential addition. Memorable characters, a plot that has more depth than most Pokemon games, and challenging. Plus, who doesn't love the fact that an Eevee is your starter?
  5. MazinroboX2
    Jan 27, 2018
    10
    That 64 score is extremely unfair, Pokémon XD is a brilliant game. The main character isn't as cool as the one in Colosseum, but it's a much better game than its predecessor! It fixes all the problems Colosseum had. Now Shadow Pokémon are actually powerful, as their moves are always super effective. It also features trainers with more than one Shadow Pokémon, and more than 90 ShadowThat 64 score is extremely unfair, Pokémon XD is a brilliant game. The main character isn't as cool as the one in Colosseum, but it's a much better game than its predecessor! It fixes all the problems Colosseum had. Now Shadow Pokémon are actually powerful, as their moves are always super effective. It also features trainers with more than one Shadow Pokémon, and more than 90 Shadow Pokémon! And well, purifying Pokémon with the Purification Machine is much easier and faster than the Colosseum method! It's generally much more polished than Colosseum, for example, in Colosseum you may lose the chance of catching certain Shadow Pokémon forever if you kill it, here, you don't, as a certain famous trainer will get them and you can try again as many times as you want!

    The world is fun to explore, and some of the final trainers can be very challenging. Mt. Battle is also there for a challenge. But if you really want a Challenge, try Orre Colosseum. It's one of the hardest Pokémon challenges ever created, it's tremendously tough.

    The only cons I find with this game are that the main story a bit short, though it can be played over and over with different teams and it will feel different. Also, I think they could have gone a bit deeper with Shadow Moves, as there are very few of them, it would have been cool to have a bit more of variety with them. All in all, a fantastic experience, one of the best GC games ever, it won't disappoint you. I'd give it a 9.5-9.6, but to round it, I give it a 10.    … Expand
  6. GamecubeLover
    Jul 28, 2016
    9
    Gale of Darkness is one of the best spinoffs of pokemon and one of the best gamecube games ever! Gale of Darkness is what pokemon should be not Pokemon Go DIE.
  7. Captain_Faramir
    Jan 30, 2017
    10
    Most of the flaws Colosseum had were fixed, and just another brilliant 3d Pokemon game that will forever stand out to be one of the best in the series.
  8. zuez98
    May 17, 2018
    10
    DOUBLE BATTLES FOR DAYS AND SHADO LUGIA? COUNT ME IN! really though, I've loved this game since I was a kid and will still continue to love it for the rest of my life. Would love to see a Switch sequel or port.
  9. LedgerDraven
    Aug 1, 2019
    9
    I've had this game for a LONG time and after re-playing it, I'd say it held up really well. The visuals are great, the story is good and it's overall a lot better than it's predecessor, Pokemon Colosseum. I'd definitely recommend you buy it.
  10. PoActsOfGenesis
    Jun 20, 2020
    10
    Wow! What a pleasure it was to play this game! I loved the darker twist on the "shadow Pokemon" and the villains who created them. The music is absolutely PHENOMENAL I would even argue this Pokemon game is above all the rest when it comes to the soundtrack. This is not your typical handheld Pokemon video game. Though it has similar themes, the gameplay is quite different, but don't letWow! What a pleasure it was to play this game! I loved the darker twist on the "shadow Pokemon" and the villains who created them. The music is absolutely PHENOMENAL I would even argue this Pokemon game is above all the rest when it comes to the soundtrack. This is not your typical handheld Pokemon video game. Though it has similar themes, the gameplay is quite different, but don't let that deter you from giving the game a try it succeeds at being unique!… Expand
  11. TheQuietGamer
    Jan 4, 2011
    9
    the best Pokemon game I've played, the graphics are great as is the sound, the story is really good it has some really memorable characters, and it's a challenge, add has some good Game boy hook up multiplayer, this is by far an amazing game HIGHLY recommended to any Pokemon fan
  12. Watermelon789
    Jul 11, 2011
    6
    To start with, is great if you're younger , believe me, i was and now that I'm bigger it isn't. Interesting to get all the left Pokemon that are necessary to complete the Pokedex, too unmemorable and get very boring when you keep progressing.
  13. dbzeenx
    Jul 7, 2014
    2
    Absolutely terrible. I expected it to be a 3D game like Pokemon X and Y, but it just turns out that you can't even catch Pokemon you would like without a handheld game. It sucks! Where's my Charizard?
  14. JessicaM.
    Oct 2, 2005
    10
    This game is hard-core! Viva la Pokemon!
  15. JordanC.
    Oct 2, 2005
    10
    This Game is Toltally COOL!!!!!
  16. ClairyB.
    Jul 14, 2006
    10
    Great game. I like it.
  17. MichaelP.
    Nov 7, 2005
    10
    Hello sorry to me no power download, yes to know he to add.
  18. RailenH.
    Sep 28, 2005
    10
    The reason why i chose this game is because i love all pokemon games and i will continue to love this game because and i dont care what anybody thinks of what i think.
  19. BobF.
    Jan 2, 2006
    10
    One of the best games I have! Great Graphics,Great Sound and Great Value!
  20. ChrisR.
    May 26, 2006
    6
    "It's an okay game good graphics but gameplay is a little off their bullseye."
  21. JackK.
    Apr 19, 2007
    9
    Very fun. A bit repetitive at times, but very fun, and a must-play for Pokemon fans.
  22. AdamB.
    Nov 6, 2005
    10
    Great graphics!! Very well put together!!!
  23. Ryenn
    Aug 14, 2006
    10
    Very good game very fun but i would like a gamecube pokemon game to be made that is like the GBA pokemon games.
  24. skeletonking123
    Sep 10, 2011
    8
    this a improvement over Pokemon Colosseum in the graphic department, gameplay, music department, and plot department. And having a black Lugia as one of the villains was one badass idea to think of.
  25. Bloodlustrous
    May 12, 2013
    9
    One of my favorite Pokemon games!
    This is the only console game of Pokemon I have ever played. I was very impressed with it, the models of the Pokemon were true to their design, the graphics were very good (especially considering the time this game was released.)
    I honestly don't even remember many details of the plot and whether it was good or bad, but is that really why people play    One of my favorite Pokemon games!
    This is the only console game of Pokemon I have ever played. I was very impressed with it, the models of the Pokemon were true to their design, the graphics were very good (especially considering the time this game was released.)
    I honestly don't even remember many details of the plot and whether it was good or bad, but is that really why people play Pokemon? The fighting is nearly identical to handheld Pokemon games, it does not disappoint.    … Expand
  26. MrMonado
    Jul 1, 2013
    8
    XD is a great game. It does things that a sequel to a game should do; improves mechanics, beefs up the soundtrack, adds some new variety and looks much better. The only real gripe I have is that it's much easier than Colosseum. Not to mention the fact that you still don't have too much variety in the Pokemon you can catch. But needless to say, XD is one of the Gamecube's finest titles andXD is a great game. It does things that a sequel to a game should do; improves mechanics, beefs up the soundtrack, adds some new variety and looks much better. The only real gripe I have is that it's much easier than Colosseum. Not to mention the fact that you still don't have too much variety in the Pokemon you can catch. But needless to say, XD is one of the Gamecube's finest titles and shouldn't be treated like the black sheep of the Pokemon family.… Expand
  27. Shifty526
    Dec 12, 2014
    9
    A fantastic pokemon game but with many differences to the gba or ds games. in this game you cannot catch all the pokemon in this generations pokedex witch was not a good idea, but this teaches players to use what they do have. It sucks i cant have my absol but a houndoom does work as well
  28. MotorKid
    Sep 2, 2015
    8
    Although it doesn't have the wild pokemon capture like many pokemon game, XD Gale of Darkness still brought an interesting story to the franchise and had fun moments. This game is a good title on any shelves of pokemon fans, game cube lovers, and nostalgia gamers. Also for those who had pokemon ruby,sapphire,emerald,fire red, and leaf green for game boy advance you can trade your pokemonAlthough it doesn't have the wild pokemon capture like many pokemon game, XD Gale of Darkness still brought an interesting story to the franchise and had fun moments. This game is a good title on any shelves of pokemon fans, game cube lovers, and nostalgia gamers. Also for those who had pokemon ruby,sapphire,emerald,fire red, and leaf green for game boy advance you can trade your pokemon to this game and battle with game cube 3d graphics. Now I think whats making this game not make me give a 10 out of 10 is the fact of its price now a days. I mean really 50 to 100 bucks for this game is a bit outrageous, but still if your a collector this is a must buy.… Expand
  29. Michael_Afton
    Sep 6, 2017
    10
    Love this game! It's just amazing! I love the story, love the characters (Except for Jovi!) WAY better than X and Y! I absolutely recommend this game, and in Beastprogamer's words, If you hate it, then you're as silly as Justin Bieber!
  30. Onioncreature
    Oct 8, 2020
    9
    It's kind of sad that 15 years later this is probably still the 3D Pokémon game. A very underappreciated title.
  31. Mutty99
    Jan 16, 2022
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Worthy sequel of Colosseum. This game provides more than double the pokémon, implements wild encounters (sort-of), and everything is just better, with the exception of the game' speed that has not improved that much. Miror B comes back with one of the best OST Pokémon has ever had, we have a Box Art impactful pokémon (something that Colosseum hadn't), and all models and graphics have been polished a lot.
    Truly the definitive Orre experience, and the best Pokémon home console title out there.    … Expand
  32. artninjaguy
    Feb 4, 2020
    9
    This is a great game that puts a unique spin on the Pokemon franchise. The graphics and animation hold up very well to this day and Snagging Shadow Pokemon is fun and exciting. It has very interesting locations, though I wish they were bigger with more room for exploration. Overall, a fantastic game that any Pokemon fan should check out.
  33. Onlyclassicvg1
    Feb 28, 2021
    8
    Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness is probably the best console Pokémon game that has a lot of fun and a lot of flaws. It has great environments, fun gameplay, and a gripping story. However, the game gets repetitive after a while and I would have liked a little bit more freedom on the exploration aspect. However, this is still a good game and worth your time.
  34. Epicscout548
    May 2, 2021
    10
    This game is awesome its needs more love and i hope it gets a HD remake In the future. It's worth buying it for 150 pounds and why is it so expensive
    And hard to get?
  35. KeesWagner
    Sep 30, 2020
    7
    The game is pretty to look at, and it's nice to see your favorite pokemon in 3D. The environments are nice to look at and explore. Unfortunatley, you don't spend too much time exploring, you spend much more of it battling grunts back to back which gets really old really fast. Its a shame, this game is cool but it could have been a lot better if it was more complex and varied like the main series.
  36. hector_bcn98
    Oct 31, 2022
    8
    No recuerdo las diferencias sustanciales entre Colosseum y XD, por lo que los dos lo recuerdo con el mismo cariño.
  37. NTG07
    Apr 9, 2021
    10
    Man when I first played this game on an emulator, this game was an absolute banger on the Nintendo GameCube, it’s probably the coolest/best Pokémon Home console game ever released same with Pokémon colosseum there an absolute banger to the spinoff series and way better then sword and shield sword and shield were pretty much full of **** when they were released on the market but these 2Man when I first played this game on an emulator, this game was an absolute banger on the Nintendo GameCube, it’s probably the coolest/best Pokémon Home console game ever released same with Pokémon colosseum there an absolute banger to the spinoff series and way better then sword and shield sword and shield were pretty much full of **** when they were released on the market but these 2 games Colosseum/XD Gale Of Darkness are one of the best Pokémon games ever released in the GameCube line up.… Expand
  38. makalope
    May 19, 2023
    9
    This game is a complete departure from the standard Pokemon formula. I have owned this game since 2005 and replay it every 3 or 4 years. No other pokemon game has caught my interest like this one has. The game presents a nice challenge with a compelling objective.

    Not without it's issues though. The repetitive foes falling from the ceiling can be very frustrating, the variety of    This game is a complete departure from the standard Pokemon formula. I have owned this game since 2005 and replay it every 3 or 4 years. No other pokemon game has caught my interest like this one has. The game presents a nice challenge with a compelling objective.

    Not without it's issues though. The repetitive foes falling from the ceiling can be very frustrating, the variety of available pokemon is kind of weak especially for catching wild (only 9), there is no form of customization beyond your name. I would have at least liked a female option.

    Unfortunately, being a GameCube game in short supply, good luck trying to buy this game for under $100, going on eBay for $100 - $300. So unless Nintendo releases a version for switch, emulation is very easy and offers a better gaming experience than the GameCube that could be ran on some very weak hardware, just do not max out the settings.    … Expand
  39. Fazed
    Nov 23, 2021
    10
    Amazing spin off game love the idea of shadow pokemon, good amount of options for a team. Def my favourite pokemon game.
  40. cchenders40
    Jan 5, 2023
    9
    The second best Pokemon game.

    This game is edgy. It has a good story, better characters than the rest of the franchise, and some cool new mechanics.

    My positives
    - Double battles!
    - Shadow Pokemon
    - Story.
    - Shadow Lugia
    - Location variety.
    - the battle tower thing.
  41. 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
  42. GDsReviews
    Jul 9, 2022
    1
    XD is the sequel to Colosseum and almost the same game in fashion. While they do make the Shadow Pokemon far more useful and easy to purify, they took out even more of the battling cups compared to Colosseum, you are still forced into double battles almost the entire time, and still has the same stench of laziness of using the Game Boy Cries over the realistic cries of Stadium and StadiumXD is the sequel to Colosseum and almost the same game in fashion. While they do make the Shadow Pokemon far more useful and easy to purify, they took out even more of the battling cups compared to Colosseum, you are still forced into double battles almost the entire time, and still has the same stench of laziness of using the Game Boy Cries over the realistic cries of Stadium and Stadium 2. Overall it is lacking even compared to Colosseum, with the only thing fantastic being the soundtrack.… Expand
  43. Nrnrede
    Nov 10, 2022
    6
    it was cool that pokemon on a console but would rather play the portable versions.
  44. MetaBones
    Apr 6, 2023
    7
    As a massive fan of the game during my childhood, I decided to revisit the game this time without the rose-tinted glasses. While it remained fun and enjoyable to play through the journey of the story, I felt like the replayability of the game just isn't there once the journey is done and you've saved all of the "shadow" Pokemon.

    The game wasn't bad at all but rather lacks in any scale    As a massive fan of the game during my childhood, I decided to revisit the game this time without the rose-tinted glasses. While it remained fun and enjoyable to play through the journey of the story, I felt like the replayability of the game just isn't there once the journey is done and you've saved all of the "shadow" Pokemon.

    The game wasn't bad at all but rather lacks in any scale or scope for any of the areas. There are virtually no extra content to have fun with and the game feels like it's missing some great bonus modes and features that would've made the game much better. Still, what has been done is done and executed well. In terms of other Pokemon stories where you save Pokemon from an evil gang, this is easily one of my favorites.

    The game could've just been bigger and better than Pokemon Colleseum but didn't quite live up to what it could have. It was still a great nostalgia trip that holds up moderately well.    … Expand
  45. GameMan2005
    Aug 23, 2023
    9
    The best Pokemon game bar none. Fresher than main series, less gimmicky than spin offs, and more refined than Colosseum makes it the greatest Pokemon game.

Awards & Rankings

57
#57 Best GameCube Game of 2005
6
#6 Most Discussed GameCube Game of 2005
2
#2 Most Shared GameCube Game of 2005

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
64

Mixed or average reviews - based on 27 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 27
  2. Mixed: 18 out of 27
  3. Negative: 2 out of 27
  1. AceGamez
    70
    Older gamers may find Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness simply lacks the challenge that they're used to in an RPG, meaning that this is a title best left for those youngsters that were toddlers (or not even born yet) when the series first made its mark on Japanese shores.
  2. DarkStation
    60
    With the franchise failing to replicated its handheld success on the console, XD is hampered by linear gameplay and limited options.
    Read full review
  3. Eurogamer
    40
    As far as Nintendo seems to be concerned, at least until the first DS outing, Pokémon begins and ends with the Game Boy. Pokémon XD is tedious and restrictive. The message is clear: if you want Pokémon, crack open a GBA.
    Read full review
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