Pokémon Battle Revolution, released in Europe on December 7, 2007 for the Wii, is the heir to Stadium and Colosseum: a 3D Pokémon battling game linked to the fourth-generation Nintendo DS games. The first Wii game compatible with the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection, it bet heavily on online play. With no adventure and little solo content, it disappointed some fans.
Pokétopia, the island of Colosseums
The game takes place on Pokétopia, a tourist island covered in Colosseums. Each has its own setting, rules and Leader: you must beat their trainers to unlock the next one, from the Gateway Colosseum to the Stargazer Colosseum. Battles are fought with Battle Passes, teams of six Pokémon, either rented or transferred from Diamond, Pearl or Platinum.
3D battles
Fourth-generation Pokémon are modeled and animated in 3D, in spectacular arenas. A commentator provides the play-by-play, and you can battle using the Wii Remote. DS Battle mode even lets up to four people play, each commanding their Pokémon from their own Nintendo DS.
Little solo content
The main criticism is the solo mode: no adventure like in Colosseum or XD, just a series of Colosseums to conquer, then the Master Challenge. The game relies heavily on multiplayer and online play, now gone with the shutdown of the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection in 2014. Trainer customization, with many accessories bought with PokéCoupons, adds a bit of interest.
Is it worth playing today?
To see your Pokémon from Diamond, Pearl or Platinum in 3D, or to play with friends using Nintendo DS systems, yes. Everyone else will prefer Colosseum or XD, which are richer in solo content.
Our verdict
A fine playground for fourth-generation battles, but too thin in solo to convince in the long run.
What we like
- Fourth-generation Pokémon in 3D
- Varied, spectacular Colosseums
- DS Battle mode for up to four players
- Trainer customization
What we like less
- No solo adventure
- Solo content runs out quickly
- Online play shut down since 2014
