A great strategy game that offers a lot of depth (Advance Wars (DS))

Member Name: chiefo

Product:	Advance Wars (DS)
Date:	13/05/09 (4 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Graphics, Tanks, Helicopters!. Story mode. Lots of units.

Disadvantages: Maybe a little hard at times.

This game was a pleasant surprise. I hadn't heard of it before I got it for Christmas. Since then it has taken up a lot of my time. You start off as controlling Jake, a young gun who thinks he knows everything about warfare. You use him through some basic levels before getting to control other characters. Each has their own special move which is very handy in later missions. You get to control a whole range of vehicles which cause destruction. This include aircraft, ships and land vehicles such as tanks.

The campaign is pretty long and fairly hard. I am guessing it would be easier for more experienced gamer who was used to playing with tactics. Each unit that you control has a range that they can see and move in. The map is
either covered in fog "fog of war" or clear so you can see your enemies. This makes planning your attacks much easier.

The game is very good from start to finish and never really gets boring. It does get harder though throughout and the baddies get more intelligent. The game play is fast and fluid, you find yourself playing without thinking after a while. There are lots of different playing options if you don't fancy doing the main story, this gives the game a lot of replay value. The DS screens are also put to use well with the top screen showing you information on unit's, terrain, and resources. The bottom holds the map including the action.

The graphics are superb and the music does a good job. Each character that you meet has a different personality and you'll find them popping up giving you messages every so often. WiFi is a plus too if you can find a friend to play with.

4 out of 5. An overall excellent game.

Summary: A well rounded RTS game for the DS. Well worth playing.