Pokemon Colosseum

Game Overview

Pokémon Colosseum is set in the arid Orre region and stars Wes, who deserts Team Snagem and teams up with the girl Rui to stop the criminal organization Team Cipher. Unlike traditional Pokémon games, there are no wild encounters; instead, players use a Snag Machine to steal (“snag”) Shadow Pokémon from other Trainers during battles. Shadow Pokémon have closed hearts and must be purified through battle, walking, and special items before they can be fully restored at the Relic Stone in Agate Village. The story emphasizes double battles and progresses through cities such as Phenac City, Pyrite Town, and Agate Village. A separate Battle Mode allows single-player challenges or multiplayer matches using either the story team or Pokémon transferred from Game Boy Advance games (Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald, FireRed, and LeafGreen). The game features progressive-scan support and serves as a console counterpart to the third-generation handheld titles.

Quick Specifications

• Platform: Nintendo GameCube
  
• Genre: Role-Playing Game (RPG)
  
• Developer: Genius Sonority
  
• Publisher: Nintendo / The Pokémon Company
  
• Director: Manabu Yamana
  
• Composer: Tsukasa Tawada
  
• Release Dates: Japan – November 21, 2003; North America – March 22, 2004; Europe – May 14, 2004; Australia – June 24, 2004
  
• Players: 1 (Story Mode); 1–4 (Battle Mode)
  
• Rating: ESRB E (Everyone) – Mild Fantasy Violence; PEGI 3
  
• Media: GameCube Optical Disc
  
• Features: Progressive scan support, Game Boy Advance connectivity
  
• Japanese Title: Pokémon Colosseum (ポケモンコロシアム)

Key Features

• Story Mode set in the Orre region focused on snagging and purifying Shadow Pokémon
  
• Snag Machine that converts Poké Balls into Snag Balls for capturing Pokémon from other Trainers
  
• Double battles as the primary combat format
  
• Purification system using the Heart Gauge, walking, battling, and the Relic Stone in Agate Village
  
• Battle Mode supporting local multiplayer with up to four players via Game Boy Advance link cables
  
• Transfer of Pokémon between Colosseum and Generation III Game Boy Advance games
  
• Progressive-scan 480p support
  
• Starters Espeon and Umbreon, plus 48 snaggable Shadow Pokémon
  

Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)

What are Shadow Pokémon?

Shadow Pokémon are Pokémon whose hearts have been closed by Team Cipher, turning them into emotionless fighters. They can enter Hyper Mode during battle and must be purified before they regain normal moves and experience.

How does snagging work?

During a battle against a Trainer with a Shadow Pokémon, players use the Snag Machine to turn a Poké Ball into a Snag Ball and throw it. If successful, the Pokémon is captured and added to the party or PC.

How do you purify a Shadow Pokémon?

The Heart Gauge is reduced by walking with the Pokémon, battling with it, calling it out of Hyper Mode, or using special Scents. Once the gauge is empty, the Pokémon can be purified at the Relic Stone in Agate Village. A rare Time Flute can also trigger instant purification.

Is there multiplayer?

Yes. Battle Mode supports local multiplayer for up to four players. Full multiplayer requires Game Boy Advance systems, link cables, and Generation III Pokémon games.

Can you transfer Pokémon to the Game Boy Advance?

Yes. Pokémon from Colosseum can be transferred to Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald, FireRed, and LeafGreen (and vice versa) using the GameCube–Game Boy Advance link cable.

Are there wild Pokémon encounters?

No. The only way to obtain new Pokémon in the story is by snagging Shadow Pokémon from other Trainers. Traditional wild encounters do not exist in Orre.

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