Direct sequel to Pokemon Colosseum, English release, Genius Sonority polishing the formula. More Pokemon, more modes, more story. Story still grown-up, battles still double. Probably the best Pokemon spin-off of the era.
Your verdict
Category
RPG1 player7+
Description
Michael battles Cipher and his XD Peons in this Nintendo GameCube Pokemon XD Gale of Darkness. Published by Nintendo, released in Europe in November 2005. 3D Pokemon RPG with Michael saving XD Pokemon from Cipher, double battles and dark Lugia purification.
Pokemon XD - Gale of Darkness review
4/5
Art direction
★★★★★
"Striking"
3/5
Music
★★★★★
"Memorable"
3/5
Story
★★★★★
"Solid"
Gameplay
"Solid"
Fun
"Pleasant"
Addictiveness
"Captivating"
Difficulty
"Balanced"
Lifespan
"Massive"
Rescuing Shadow Pokémon from Cipher's grip kicks off a 3D adventure even more fleshed-out than its predecessor, rich in double battles and patient purifications. Between the main quest, methodical catching and end-game challenges, the content holds you for a long time. That scope, rare for a home-console entry, reinforces its reputation as a generous, durable Pokémon.
Technical info
💾0,92 GB📅18/11/2005
Published by Nintendo
Pokemon XD - Gale of Darkness (GameCube) price, value & rarity
A direct sequel to Pokémon Colosseum, the multilingual European version refining the home 3D RPG formula with more creatures and modes. The last major Pokémon RPG on GameCube, it had a more measured PAL run than the handheld entries, making complete copies scarcer. Its desirability rests on that capstone status for the series on the console and fans' attachment to the Shadow Pokémon cycle.
A questionable morality
Reclaiming the enemy's Pokémon to purify them starts from a fine idea, but the method stays plain theft, a machine slung over the shoulder to wrench the creatures off other people's belts. So you build your collection by fleecing your opponents, firmly convinced you're acting for their good. A virtuous crusade waged through unabashed larceny, which the plot presents without so much as a raised eyebrow.
Is Pokemon XD - Gale of Darkness still worth playing in 2026?
A direct sequel to Colosseum, Pokemon XD pushes the console-RPG formula with its capture of Shadow Pokemon and a story centered on Michael against Cipher. The 3D double battles remain enjoyable and the hunt for purified creatures gives a singular goal, far from the handheld entries. A somewhat slow pace and content shy of the genre's heavyweights limit its reach. For a Pokemon fan after an overlooked console variant, it's a solid curiosity well worth the detour and still pleasant to revisit today.
