Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness

"The Newest GameCube Pokemon game is a great catch!"

Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness is a great game for any Pokemon fan or anybody who's never played it before. The game offers plenty of tutorials, meaning you don't have to be a hard-core fan to pick it up and play it right away. The fans will have a nice time with this game, due to all of its cool features.

Story-9/10
The story is darker than that of any other Pokemon game. As a criminal syndicate called Cipher is going around capturing Pokemon and turning them into Shadow Pokemon, ones that have had the doors to their hearts shut. As a young trainer, you're thrown into the fray after one of your scientist friends is captured. That leads to a great turn of events and plot twists.

Gameplay-9/10
The gameplay is very easy to use. It's also not a very intense RPG, meaning you can relax and take your time doing your options. The Pokemon and their attacks are all very easy to use, which is why you don't have to be an expert to be able to play this game.

Sound-9/10
The sound in this game goes beyond expectations. The soundtrack is one of the greatest I've ever heard on the GameCube and the sounds made by the Pokemon are all from the Game Boy versions. The water and wind sound effects also sound very realistic.

Graphics-9/10
The graphics for this game are crisper and brighter than Colosseum. The attacks also have new looks, which are all very cool. The water and lava look really realistic, and in one town, you can actually see the bottom of the ocean floor!

Difficulty-9/10
Despite its easy controls, XD is a challenging game. The Story Mode is long and filled with 83 Shadow Pokemon that you have to Snag from the bad guys. You'll definitely have bragging rights if you can get them all. The best contribution to difficulty is the insanely difficult Orre Colosseum. Some moments will have you tearing out your hair in frustration!

Overall-9/10
The game is a great one. If you're a Pokemon fan, go out and try this game out right now. You'll find a great challenge and some fun elements underneath. Overall, it'll keep you satisfied.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 11/27/06