Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness

Game Overview

Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness takes place in the Orre region several years after the events of Pokémon Colosseum. Michael, the son of Professor Krane, sets out from the Pokémon HQ Lab with his partner Eevee to stop Cipher’s renewed efforts involving Shadow Pokémon, including the specially engineered Shadow Lugia known as XD001. As in the previous game, players snag Shadow Pokémon from Trainers using a Snag Machine rather than catching them in the wild. New features include three Poké Spots where wild Pokémon can be lured and captured, a Purification Chamber at the HQ Lab that accelerates the purification process, and the ability to re-encounter missed Shadow Pokémon through Miror B. The story focuses on double battles and progresses through familiar and new locations in Orre. A separate Battle Mode supports local multiplayer, and the game maintains full connectivity with Generation III Game Boy Advance titles. Additional mini-games such as Battle SIMs and Battle Bingo are also included.

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 – August 4, 2005; North America – October 3, 2005; Australia – November 10, 2005; Europe – November 18, 2005
  
• Players: 1 (Story Mode); 1–4 (Battle Mode)
  
• Rating: ESRB E (Everyone) – Cartoon Violence; PEGI 3
  
• Media: GameCube Optical Disc
  
• Features: Progressive scan support, Game Boy Advance connectivity
  
• Japanese Title: Pokémon XD: Whirlwind of Darkness, Dark Lugia (ポケモンXD 闇の旋風ダーク・ルギア)

Key Features

• Sequel story set in Orre featuring Michael and the starter Pokémon Eevee
  
• Expanded roster of 83 Shadow Pokémon, including the Shadow Lugia XD001
  
• Purification Chamber at the Pokémon HQ Lab for faster purification
  
• Poké Spots that allow wild Pokémon encounters in the Orre region
  
• Miror B. encounters that provide second chances to snag missed Shadow Pokémon
  
• Double battles as the primary combat format
  
• Battle Mode with local multiplayer support via Game Boy Advance link cables
  
• Full connectivity with Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald, FireRed, and LeafGreen
  
• Additional modes including Battle SIMs and Battle Bingo
  

Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)

What is XD001?

XD001 is the codename for the Shadow Lugia created by Cipher. It is a central plot element and appears on the game’s box art. Purifying it requires specific conditions in the Purification Chamber.

How does purification work in XD?

Players can purify Shadow Pokémon either by reducing the Heart Gauge through normal means and visiting the Relic Stone in Agate Village, or by using the new Purification Chamber at the Pokémon HQ Lab, which speeds up the process based on type matchups.

What are Poké Spots?

Poké Spots are three locations where players can leave bait to attract wild Pokémon. This introduces traditional wild encounters to the Orre region for the first time in the Colosseum series.

What is the role of Miror B.?

Miror B. is a former Cipher admin who can appear with Shadow Pokémon the player failed to snag earlier. The Miror Radar alerts the player to his location, providing second chances to capture missed Shadow Pokémon.

Can you transfer Pokémon to Game Boy Advance games?

Yes. Pokémon can be transferred between Pokémon XD and the Generation III Game Boy Advance titles using the GameCube–Game Boy Advance link cable.

Is there multiplayer?

Yes. Battle Mode supports local multiplayer for up to four players. Full multiplayer functionality requires Game Boy Advance systems and compatible Pokémon games.

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