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. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. ChrisR.
    May 26, 2006
    6
    "It's an okay game good graphics but gameplay is a little off their bullseye."
  4. 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.
  5. Nrnrede
    Nov 10, 2022
    6
    it was cool that pokemon on a console but would rather play the portable versions.
  6. 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

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

All reviews »
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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