Publisher: Nintendo
Ages: seven and up.
Parental
Advisory:
Arcade fighting
A phenomenon that appeals mostly to young kids, Nintendo's Pokémon Colosseum offers a return to the beloved Pokémon world. Colosseum is a more involving game than past versions with its story and roleplay elements. And its battle mode, with its striking 3D Pokémon characters, doesn't disappoint.
As with all Pokémon games, the title is all about training characters and fighting them. In addition to offering a good battle mode, the title has more depth than past games with a story and roleplay elements. Here, players explore, converse with other characters and purchase equipment, as well as participate in battle.
During combat, players get to present two characters, which adds to the strategy and fun. A fun new snag capability lets players rescue damaged Pokémon from wicked trainers and bring them back to their senses. Since there are no "wild" Pokémon in this game, snagging is the main means to increase a player's stable.
Two or four players may battle the characters that they develop in the game's story mode. Players with the right equipment can also use a GameCube Game Boy Advance cable to send teams from Pokémon Ruby or Pokémon Sapphire Game Pak to the GameCube.
The game looks great with well-rendered and well-animated 3D characters--it's easily the best looking Pokémon game to date. As a Pokémon title, the game features cartoon-style fighting at its core.
The Pokémon world continues to evolve and Pokémon Colosseum offers the strongest game yet. Those smitten by Pokémon will enjoy this one. On the other hand, most over the age of twelve will probably wonder what all the fuss is about.
4/6/04 www.daytrum.com Editorial Staff
