Advance Wars is a turn-based strategy game released in 2001 for the Game Boy Advance, developed by Nintendo Intelligent Systems and published by Nintendo. Players take on the role of a commanding officer, leading their army to victory by strategically commanding units to defeat enemy forces. The game features a single-player campaign mode and a multiplayer mode for two to four players. Advance Wars was well received by critics and became a commercial success, with high scores from publications and comparisons to classic board games like chess. It has since become a beloved classic in the turn-based strategy genre, with several sequels and spin-offs.

Advance Wars: A Strategy Game Classic on GBA

Advance Wars is a turn-based strategy video game developed by Nintendo Intelligent Systems and published by Nintendo. It was released for the Game Boy Advance (GBA) handheld console in 2001 in Japan and North America. The game was also later released in Europe in 2002.

Gameplay

The game is set in a fictional world where two armies are in conflict with each other. The player takes on the role of a commanding officer, leading their army to victory by strategically commanding units to defeat enemy forces. Each map is divided into different terrains, such as cities, forests, mountains, and plains, each with its own effects on movement, defense, and attack range.

Players can control a range of unit types, from infantry and tanks to aircraft and naval vessels. Each unit type has its strengths and weaknesses, and it is up to the player to make the most of their abilities. Units can be upgraded to improve their abilities, such as increased movement range or better defense. Additionally, players can use special powers called CO powers, which can give their units a boost in attack, defense, or other abilities.

The game features a single-player campaign mode, where players follow the story of the conflict between the Orange Star Army and the Blue Moon Army. In addition, the game also includes a multiplayer mode that allows two to four players to compete against each other using a link cable.

Reception

Advance Wars was well received by critics and became a commercial success. It received high scores from several video game publications, with Metacritic giving it an average score of 91 out of 100 based on 29 reviews. The game’s colorful graphics and addictive gameplay were praised, with some comparing it to classic board games like chess.

Legacy

Advance Wars has since become a beloved classic in the turn-based strategy genre, with many fans considering it one of the greatest games ever made. The game has spawned several sequels and spin-offs, including Advance Wars 2: Black Hole Rising and Advance Wars: Dual Strike.

The success of the game also led to the creation of the Fire Emblem series, another strategy game franchise developed by Nintendo Intelligent Systems. The two franchises have many similarities, including turn-based gameplay and unit management. In 2022, a new game in the Advance Wars series, Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp, was released for the Nintendo Switch, featuring updated graphics and gameplay.

Conclusion

Advance Wars is a classic strategy game that has stood the test of time. Its engaging gameplay, charming graphics, and deep strategy mechanics have made it a fan favorite since its release on the Game Boy Advance. Whether you are a fan of the series or a newcomer to the turn-based strategy genre, Advance Wars is a game that should not be missed.