Publisher: Nintendo
Ages: six and up.
Parental
Advisory:
None
Offering more of what made the Pokémon series such a success, this time on the GameCube, Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness offers a roleplay activity where, no surprise, players collect creatures and nurture and fight them. The game, (the "XD" stands for "extra dimension") takes place five years after the events in Pokémon Colosseum. Players become a young Pokémon Trainer named Michael who has to overcome the evil plans of an organization that plans to use Shadow Pokémon-most notably, Shadow Lugia-to take over the world.
In this world, Shadow Pokémon are corrupted Pokémon that have powerful moves and tend to disobey their masters. As trainers, players use an aura reader to identify Shadow Pokémon, and then use a Snag Machine to swipe and rescue them.
As in the past games, if players keep a Pokémon in their party long enough, they're "purified." But there's a new and convenient Purify Chamber that quickly cleans-up multiple Pokémon (up to nine) at a time. Compared to past Pokémon titles, it's now easier to purify shadow Pokémon. Unlike past Pokémon titles, the emphasis here is on catching and converting Shadow Pokémon and not wild ones.
The game serves involving 3D Pokémon action and there are fun two-on-two segments against the bad guy's toughest goons. The single-play adventure offers lots of challenges and is fairly lengthy, and there's an entertaining versus mode that allows players to battle head-to-head. Players can also import Pokémon from their GBA Pokémon games and fight them in full 3D.
Almost by definition, a Pokémon title such as Gale of Darkness appeals most to younger players-adults are often left scratching their heads as to what this world is all about. But Pokémon fans will enjoy this one. While the emphasis is on fighting, the title is bloodless and mostly harmless. Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness is fine for the kids.
-Wayne N. Kawamoto
