"What happened?!"

What the heck happened?!
Wheres Andy? Where'd Eagle fly off to, only to leave me stuck with some idiot Waylon?!
While the lack of previous COs is a major down for me, there are some good things they did in this game

+Pluses+
Gameplay: The gameplay is much more challenging now. The CO powers were nurfed, making the game more strategic than previous installments, where you could win in instantaneously basically. Also, being able to load COs into units, making them buffer is a major plus, as well as the CO zones. Also, the increased scoring range makes it easier to get an S-rank.

Music: The music is actually pretty good with the exception of Isabella. I HATE her music.

Units: With the subtraction of the uber tanks (aka Neotanks and Megatanks) and other annoying units (ooziums), the battleground has become that much more fun. Also, battleships have been modified to this godly sea unit that can move AND shoot. all in the same turn. And can anyone say seaplanes ftw? Seriously, they rock. The APC new building ability is really useful in battles, and I love anti-tanks.

And now, for the minuses

-Minus-
Gameplay: What happened to being able to use 2 COs? What happened to dual screen battles? What happened to the War Room?! The Battle Maps?! Hachi's shop is gone too! There's really no incentive to unlock any of the trial maps in campaign mode since you can just play them in the free battle mode. I can't really say I miss the combat mode since I wasn't very good at it, but the fact that this game lacks extra modes somehow pisses me off.

Look: Everything in this game is basically a variation of gray. Seriously, the background during battle animations is all gray: Gray concrete, gray buildings, gray grass, gray everything! Also, the landscapes are even more depressing, since they're all basically gray, dark brown, or some color portraying depression. Very unlifting.

Characters: I HATE THEM. I cannot express this fact enough. All of them are really cliched. Will- hopeful survivor who looks up to his savior. Brenner: Moral commander. Lin: Rational soldier, etc etc etc. They have no real personality behind them. Also, the color variations suck.

All in all, its an ok game. If this wasn't an advance wars game, I'd like it a whole lot more. But just the fact that this is a huge step down from Dual Strike is just disappointing. While I would still recommend people buy it since it is a great turn-based strategy game, fans should only buy it just because they're a loyal fan and feel that it should have a rightful spot on their shelves next to the other 3 BETTER games. (a.k.a. Advance wars, Advance Wars 2, Advance Wars: Dual Strike)

Reviewer's Score: 6/10, Originally Posted: 02/19/08

Game Release: Advance Wars: Days of Ruin (US, 01/21/08)