Over the years, we’ve seen a number of Pokemon spin-offs. Some, like Pokemon Snap, were so successful, they’ve had modern sequels or remakes. Others have been hit or miss, landing with some fans while alienating others. But, however you feel about spin-offs from the main series, there’s no denying Pokemon hasn’t been afraid to experiment. And with Pokemon Pokopia on the horizon, that doesn’t look like it’s going to change any time soon. In particular, one Pokemon spinoff for GameCube remains controversial to this day: Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness.
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Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness released in North America on October 3rd, 2005. That means the game is now officially 20 years old, and yet, fans still can’t quite agree on whether it was a good spin-off game or not. Despite the mixed reception, Gale of Darkness is on Nintendo’s shortlist for games to be added to the Nintendo Switch 2 Online library of GameCube titles. That means Gale of Darkness may soon have a second chance to impress Pokemon fans who missed it the first time around.
Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness Was a Critical Failure But a Fan-Beloved Cult Classic
Despite its slightly baffling title, Gale of Darkness was released as a sequel to the GameCube RPG, Pokemon Colosseum. That first game is now widely considered ahead of its time for blending Pokemon Stadium-style combat with RPG elements. But Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness has a more complicated legacy both with fans and with critics.
Gale of Darkness is set five years after Colosseum, bringing players a brand-new story. But though it is a sequel, it makes some significant changes compared with its predecessor, and for many, it fell short of expectations. The game’s lackluster story and lack of robust postgame led many to feel it fell short of its promise. It didn’t perform well with critics, either, with an average rating of 64 on Metacritic. For many, Gale of Darkness simply couldn’t compete with the complexity and depth of the Game Boy Pokemon games. But while the game has its critics, it also has some seriously dedicated fans.
These days, Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness is quite tricky to replay. Used copies are scarce and can be listed for anywhere from $40 to $330, depending on the outlet. But those who have played the game insist it should be more well-known than it is. Many Pokemon fans who experienced the GameCube-era RPG say that it brought unique story elements and mechanics while also delivering on a decent 3D Pokemon experience at a time when that was still novel. As a result, the User Score on Metacritic tells a very different story, landing the game at an 8.0 rating.
If you bring up Gale of Darkness and Colosseum in a room of Pokemon fans, you’re probably going to start a debate. Some say the short-lived series has well earned its cult classic status, while others feel they’re overrated and viewed through nostalgia glasses. But soon, we’re going to get a chance to test that theory by returning to the game more easily than ever before.
The GameCube Era Pokemon RPG Could Be Making a Comeback on Switch 2
During a Nintendo Direct earlier this year, Nintendo teased an expanded GameCube library for the Switch 2. And Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness is one of the confirmed games headed to the Switch 2 eventually. We still don’t have an exact release date for when the retro title will arrive on Switch 2, but it will be there eventually.
Given the scarcity of physical copies in the wild and the fact that not every gamer still has a GameCube, this could be a game-changer. Gale of Darkness will be more readily available than it has been in 20 years, and that means the game could get a second chance at charming fans. Those who remember it fondly will be able to relive the experience and see how it lives up. And those of us who missed it the first time around will be able to see what all the fuss is about.
When Gale of Darkness arrives in the Switch 2 library, Pokemon fans will be able to test that “ahead of its time” theory more easily than ever. It will be interesting to see how popular the title becomes in its second life on Switch 2, and whether fan opinions change as a result. Of course, it’s always possible that it will be overlooked yet again due to the sheer volume of new and exciting games coming out every day. But I, for one, look forward to revisiting this classic Pokemon spinoff when the opportunity arises.
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