Product Description

Don't let the cartoon-like graphics and easy-to-use controls deceive you--Advance Wars is a seriously addictive strategy game. Already a huge hit in Japan, the game ramps you up and then wages an all-out war. Even after playing several campaigns and deploying an impressive array of armaments, don't be surprised if the game's extremely shrewd AI sneaks up on you. The multiplayer mode links up to four players in a variety of riveting scenarios designed to stretch your strategy skills.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #6207 in Computer & Video Games
• Brand: Nintendo
• Released on: 2002-01-11
• ESRB Rating: Everyone
• Platform: Game Boy Advance
• Subtitled in: German
• Dimensions: .22 pounds

Amazon.co.uk Review
You don't have to be a military genius to recognise that Advance Wars is one of the best strategy war games for any console. The game pits four fictional city-states in a battle for territory; your job as commanding officer is to defeat the enemies in turn-based combat over land, air and sea. Advance Wars has a stiff learning curve, but its interactive tutorials can turn the greenest GI into a great leader of pixelated men. The game also offers many multiplayer options, including the ability to play against a friend by passing the GBA back and forth, and to extend the possibilities you can also create new battlefields and trade them with others. Despite cutesy visuals, this is a very deep game that is also accessible. For GBA generals looking to flex their tactical muscles or anyone looking for a simply great GBA game, look no further. --Mark Brooks

NGC Magazine
"A frighteningly addictive, super-challenging masterpiece that'll hook anyone experiencing it. Frankly, one of the best games we've ever played."

Manufacturer's Description
Advance Wars This means war! As turn-based strategy comes to Game Boy Advance. Command ground, air and naval forces in your battle for victory! Choose from 114 battlefields or expand the possibilities by creating your own. Fight through the Campaign Mode or ally yourself with a friend in Link Mode using the Game Boy Advance Game Link Cable (sold separately). Advance Wars brings turn-based strategy to a depth never seen before on a handheld console.

Customer Reviews

Best GBA Game!!
This is definitely the best GBA game I have played so far. It's a great strategy game with loads of levels, a great campaign mode which gives you different missions depending on your choice of C.O., plus when you complete it you can play through a special campaign which is harder. It doesn't stop there though; you can design your own maps and there are dozens and dozens already available, which you can play against an AI opponent or against a friend even if you don't have another GBA available.

The game itself is a turn-based strategy game where you take control of the standard range of military units like submarines, bombers, choppers, infantry, tanks, artillery etc. Where competing C.O.'s battle for territory, i.e. cities, factories and airbases which they capture using infantry. There are neat little battle sequences and a lot of different terrain types each with their own defense, movement and visibility factors. There are even weather effects and ammo/fuel supplies which you need to take advantage of if you want to win.

Also, there are four graphical variations of each units; these are merely eye candy, but each unit is different in the battle animation for each of the 4 nations.There are also several unique C.O.'s, which have their own disadvantages and advantages, and even a C.O. power they can use to repair their units, make them more powerful, move faster etc, depending on which C.O. they're using. Some C.O.s have a better artillery range, while some excel in air combat, which adds a layer to the strategy you must use against them.

Overall, a very good have with almost infinite replayability thanks to its map editor and varied units, terrain and C.O.'s.

Gameplay: 4/5, may get boring for some, but still good

Graphics: 4/5, not really breakign any boundaries, but the battle animations are nice.

Replayability: 5/5, There's a map editor, 'War Room' (skirmish) mode, extended campaign and multiplayer..

Sound: 4/5, each C.O. gets their own theme music and the battle sounds are ok, but the music can get irritating.

Overall: 5/5, replayability tips the balance, I would have given it 6/5 if I could.

Cons: umm.. Well it eats up batteries

Best GBA game so far!
This game is fantastic. It's a turn based strategy game with land, sea and air units to command. Each unit has its own strengths and weaknesses. Some units can only attack land targets, whereas others can attack land and sea, and so on. Each unit has a defense, speed, range of sight, attack range and damage rating. It is important to know what each unit is capable of, because the game is very strategic in later levels.

There are three player characters to choose from, each with their own unique special ability. These abilities can only be used by charging up your power. This is done by causing the enemy enough damage.

Depending on how well you perform in each mission, you are awarded a varying amount of money. This money can be used to buy additional game maps for both single player and multiplayer. There are also other surprises to unlock.

Multiplayer adds an entirely different experience to the game. Firstly, there are three different multiplayer methods. The game can be played using multi game packs, one game pack or taking turns on one GBA. The thing that makes multiplayer so different to single player is fog of war. You can only see what is within the sight range of each of your units. This is also affected by the terrain. There are several types of terrain; grass, road, forest, mountain and water. Each has different strategic advantages and disadvantages, and not all units can go on all types of terrain.

To top it all off, there is also a map editor, which allows you to create custom maps. You can save these maps, and trade them via gamelink with your friends.

This is easily the best GBA game I've played so far. It's easy to get into, and highly addictive. Great replayability. I highly recommend it.

The Perfect Game
Advance Wars is quite simply a hybrid Command and Conquer with chess. With three versatile multiplayer modes requiring just one GamePak, an involving single player experience, colourful graphics, great sound, superb gameplay , it is gaming at its best. Advance Wars is deep, addictive and easy to learn, and contains a level of replay rarely witnessed in handheld gaming. Nintendo and Intelligent Systems have created the greatest consummate handheld strategy sim and an instant classic which should appeal to all gamers alike. Strategy fans, buy this immediately.

If that has not convinced you otherwise, the unanimous reviews on the web should,
CVG:9/10, Gamespot:9.1/10, IGNpocket:9.9/10, AdvanceGB:10/10, GBadventure:10/10, GamecubeAdvanced:9/10, GBAcentral:10/10, N-Sider:29/30