a great attepmpt of a pokemon game on the gamecube

User Rating: 8 | Pokemon Colosseum GC
By seaward12 | Review Date:
A good amount of what makes the Game Boy Pokemon series so great is well represented in Pokemon Colosseum. The battle strategy, the collection management, the creature training are all a part of the RPG created specifically for the GameCube Pokemon game. But the adventure forces players down a harshly drawn path with incredibly obvious "puzzle" elements, so this design doesn't allow for the same amount of freedom as the handheld RPG series. The "snagging" element also changes things up, for good and for bad; players no longer have the ability to catch as many Pokemon as their computer can hold, since their collection is based entirely on the set number of trainers with a Shadow Pokemon in their party. No more acquiring duplicates to make trading a bit easier.

But it's definitely a great thing to see the Pokemon creatures fully evolved into 3D from their flat, pixelated Game Boy origin, and all 380-plus critters of all shapes and sizes are wonderfully rendered and animated on the GameCube. At the very least, the developers present the Pokemon in the most positive light during where they're most recognizable: in battle.

It's clear that the designers limited the direction of the GameCube's quest so as not to overshadow the Game Boy Advance design; if you want the full Pokemon experience, you're going to need a GBA system. But even with the lack of gameplay variety in its quest, Pokemon Colosseum is one hugely challenging game, and it has enough originality, not to mention a whole assortment uniquely catchable creatures, in its design to encourage both newbies and veterans alike to experience a new style of Pokemon adventure.

Presentation
Connectivity could have used a bit more focus, but overall Nintendo really knows how to show off its bazillion pocket monsters in the brightest light. 8.5/10

Graphics
Great Pokemon animation during the battles, smoothly flowing camera angles, and a wonderful art style...hurt only by some really bad human character models and some undefined textures 7.5/10

Sound
Great orchestrations during much of the battles and adventuring, but the sound effects of the creatures are a huge step backwards 7.5/10

Gameplay
The adventure's just a little too linear, but at least the battle's are designed around the excellent two-on-two structure of the GBA versions 7.5/10

Lasting Appeal
The ability to link, battle and trade with the GBA version is enough to extend this design near indefinitely. Until, of course, the next big Pokemon adventure... 9/10

Overall: 8/10

My Verdict: Rent It First

Other Helpful Reviews for Pokemon Colosseum

  • Rating:9

    By Danny_Bullit | Review Date: Mar 29, 2006 | GC

    Well, to start off my review this game is great. The graphics are good. Gameplay is excellent, because there is lots and lots of different places to visit, and you can battle other Pokemon. It is not like the GBA games f... Read Full Review

    4 of 4 users found the following review helpful
  • Rating:7.5

    You gotta have it!

    By Wolflink001 | Review Date: Nov 28, 2010 | GC

    I remember when this game was first announced for GameCube. Pokémon Colosseum really impressed me with the new style on the series story! First off the main character looked badass and I saw all 3 legendary beasts on t... Read Full Review

    3 of 3 users found the following review helpful
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