Advance Wars
Introduction
When gamers think of grand-scale strategy, they often envision high-end PCs and complex interfaces. However, in 2001, Intelligent Systems and Nintendo proved that a deep, high-stakes tactical experience could fit perfectly in the palm of your hand. Advance Wars arrived on the handheld scene with a vibrant aesthetic that belied its punishing depth, instantly capturing the hearts of armchair generals everywhere. Just because this battle fits in a small device doesn't mean the stakes are small; on the contrary, it delivers an all-or-nothing fight that demands every ounce of your tactical wit.
Story & Setting
In the world of Advance Wars, players find themselves thrust into the middle of a conflict involving various warring factions across a landscape known as Cosmo Land (and later Macro Land). As a tactical advisor for the Orange Star Army, you work alongside various Commanding Officers (COs) to defend your home and reclaim a world that has been fragmented by incessant conflict. While the narrative starts as a territorial dispute with neighboring nations like Blue Moon, it eventually evolves into a larger struggle against a mysterious and manipulative shadow threat. In certain regions, the game is also known by the descriptive title 陆海空大战, reflecting the massive land, sea, and air operations that define its theater of war.
Gameplay
At its core, Advance Wars is a turn-based strategy game where the battle map is essentially a grid. Moving units is much like moving chess pieces on a board; each unit, from basic infantry to massive tanks and bombers, can move a specific number of spaces within the grid and can only attack at certain distances from specific enemies. Success requires a mastery of weaponry of all sorts, including guns, grenades, and launchers, while managing terrain bonuses and fog of war.
Beyond simple combat, the game features a robust economic system where players must capture cities and bases to generate funds and deploy new units. With more than 115 maps to master, a comprehensive map editor for creative players, and a head-to-head play mode via link cable, the replayability is nearly endless. For those new to the genre, the game includes an easy-to-understand tutorial mode that eases beginners into the complexities of unit matchups and CO Powers.
This game was released on several platforms, including the Game Boy Advance and the Wii U Virtual Console.
Legacy
Advance Wars is often credited with proving that turn-based strategy games could be commercially successful in Western markets. Its success paved the way for the localization of the Fire Emblem series, another Intelligent Systems franchise that had previously stayed exclusive to Japan. The game's perfect balance of "easy to learn, hard to master" mechanics has ensured it remains a benchmark for the genre. Critics praised its balance, its charming yet professional art style, and its incredible depth, leading to several sequels and a modern reimagining on the Nintendo Switch.
Fun Facts
- Despite being developed by a Japanese studio, the game's release in Japan was famously delayed for years due to the proximity of its original launch date to the September 11 attacks.
- The map editor was so advanced for its time that fans used it to recreate entire campaigns from other strategy titles.
- Each Commanding Officer has a unique "CO Power" that can completely turn the tide of battle, such as Andy’s ability to repair all units or Sami’s specialized infantry boosts.
- The game's soundtrack is highly regarded for its catchy, character-specific themes that reflect the personality of each army's leader.
