Advance Wars: Days of Ruin

 DS
User Score
8.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 127 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 101 out of 127
  2. Mixed: 19 out of 127
  3. Negative: 7 out of 127
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  1. Ztride
    Dec 21, 2011
    8
    This is essentially the Advance Wars series perfected. In terms of gameplay, it is not such a major difference, but all the details are nailed and it is easily the best balanced game in the series, and the best turn based strategy game ever made, for that matter. Too bad they don't release it for iPhone, as I have essentially outgrown DS.
  2. JamesK
    Jul 15, 2009
    10
    Soooooo good, amazing in every way. These are exactly the kind of gameplay changes that I was desperate for in AW 2 and 3, but now they've done it in an awesome post-apocalyptic setting.
  3. ChrisL.
    Jan 25, 2008
    10
    Finally! the adult visual upgrade to the series the little kid inside all of us has been secretly wishing for , my eyes have never been happier sure its missing a few fun elements from dual strike but all that can be forgiven instantly when u jump on wifi an play advanced wars with people all around the globe simply a must buy for any ds owner young or old.
  4. WillB.
    Jan 27, 2008
    10
    Better graphic, better info display, no more overpowered co-power, good story line, love the commander boarding system. definitely an improvement of Advance Wars Dual Strike.
  5. TwoBitNews
    May 7, 2008
    9
    Story: In the plot department, Days of Ruin (DOR) is a dramatic departure from the familiar "let's all band together for good" storylines of the last three Advance War games. In place of those bunny-loving, rainbow-admiring themes, we have a dark, gritty, post-apocalyptic world where everyone is fighting for survival. Some are just looking to band with other survivors in the Story: In the plot department, Days of Ruin (DOR) is a dramatic departure from the familiar "let's all band together for good" storylines of the last three Advance War games. In place of those bunny-loving, rainbow-admiring themes, we have a dark, gritty, post-apocalyptic world where everyone is fighting for survival. Some are just looking to band with other survivors in the interests of finally getting a chance to score, while others are taking advantage of the chaos (also with the ultimate goal of scoring in mind). Meteors have rained down from space, leaving most of the world dead and spicing up the lives of morticians everywhere. In this world there is betrayal, death and greed. Among this mess, you follow a military student named Will. This young man is saved by Captain Brenner, whose goal is to rescue survivors, forge a bright future, and find a way to beat that ridiculously difficult X-men game for the Sega Genesis without cheating (good luck, cap'n). Gameplay: Those who are familiar with the Advance Wars series will feel right at home in DOR. Little has changed overall, but things have been tweaked to make the game a little faster paced and more balanced, likening it to sex on a tightrope. The change you will notice right off the bat is Commanding Officers … Expand
  6. PassaC.
    Jan 28, 2008
    10
    Awesome game, Advance Wars fans will be very pleased. It's a 100+ hour package.
  7. BarryB.
    Jan 30, 2008
    10
    This game improves on the gameplay of Dual Strike (which was nearly perfect) and gives the game a more grownup twist to try and interest casual browsers. Stop browsing and get this game. It is VERY good.
  8. RolLeger
    Apr 28, 2008
    10
    As a big fan of the Dual Strike game, this follow-up is a standout game... One of the best in the DS library! I've now spent more than 100 hours+ on this game (trying to get the elusive "S" medal on every level) and have many more hours of fun on the way. A keeper!!
  9. T.G.
    Jan 20, 2008
    10
    I don't know how they could have made Dual Strike better, but somehow they didnt just make it better, they made it probably the best game on the DS right now. Tons of units, amazing new art direction (I liked the old style too, but this is different and just as good) improved on a ton of features and included online wifi with up to four people. If you own a DS you must own this game, I don't know how they could have made Dual Strike better, but somehow they didnt just make it better, they made it probably the best game on the DS right now. Tons of units, amazing new art direction (I liked the old style too, but this is different and just as good) improved on a ton of features and included online wifi with up to four people. If you own a DS you must own this game, even if you hate advance wars. it's that good.… Expand
  10. SteveS.
    Jan 24, 2008
    10
    AW:DoR has more balanced units, better AI, and online/wi-fi games are easy to set up. The game delivers 100%. Best game on DS.
  11. JamesR.
    Jan 25, 2008
    10
    One thing that most of these reviews fail to mention, is that this is a sequal to the NES version, "Famicom Wars" and doesn't follow the Advance Wars storyline we know and love. That being said, this stands out as the best portable game I have played since first picking up Advance Wars 1 for GBA. Purists be warned: This game is unit oriented- NOT CO Power-oriented like AW:DS. It One thing that most of these reviews fail to mention, is that this is a sequal to the NES version, "Famicom Wars" and doesn't follow the Advance Wars storyline we know and love. That being said, this stands out as the best portable game I have played since first picking up Advance Wars 1 for GBA. Purists be warned: This game is unit oriented- NOT CO Power-oriented like AW:DS. It makes for a harder game, but well rewarding. The music will blow you away and will keep you sucked in. The soryline... Very matured for an Advance Wars game. People who have been playing this series from the git-go will appreciate the maturity that each game gives in it's progression. This follows that in spades. I don't want to spoil much, but I have had more fun with this $35 game than shelling out $70 for Mass Effect:CE. Pick it up. Oh, you can play online too!… Expand
  12. MattE.
    Feb 5, 2008
    10
    Advance Wars: Days of Ruin is exactly what I wanted and expected from the new iteration: A game that was true to it's roots, and still had enough change in it to be truly new. I find the changes to be extensive and extremely well placed, while not overwhelming. The actual changes to the game play were in my opinion one thing that needed fixed about this game. Certain units have been Advance Wars: Days of Ruin is exactly what I wanted and expected from the new iteration: A game that was true to it's roots, and still had enough change in it to be truly new. I find the changes to be extensive and extremely well placed, while not overwhelming. The actual changes to the game play were in my opinion one thing that needed fixed about this game. Certain units have been repriced. (MD Tank, slightly worse but cheaper and more economically viable.) Others have been rehashed. (Neo Tank and Mega Tank turned into War Tank... Which isn't overpowered or insanely overpriced.) There is a multitude of other changes as well, and naval combat has gone from being slow and tedious to high stakes and deadly, where everything can end in one clean stroke. Advance Wars: Days of Ruin is amazing because it has fixed the game in my opinion. Ever since the original, it's all become about higher firepower, this game reduces that element and creates a more balanced game. And who could seriously say this new look doesn't suit the game? And what of WiFi abilities? The fact that balance has been restored to the game makes WiFi amazing.… Expand
  13. ChrisW.
    Feb 9, 2008
    9
    This game is by far the best game you may see on the DS platform. It takes a great formula for turn-based action and makes it perfect. If you are planning to buy this game then you are spending your money wisely. But alas! For this game has flaws... Some of the units in this game might have been extremely broken and no based on what they are actually meant to do. Helicopters can not This game is by far the best game you may see on the DS platform. It takes a great formula for turn-based action and makes it perfect. If you are planning to buy this game then you are spending your money wisely. But alas! For this game has flaws... Some of the units in this game might have been extremely broken and no based on what they are actually meant to do. Helicopters can not attack certain air-born units, anti-air vehicles are extremely overpowered(They can take down many units solo), and most of the units are spammed heavily online. One of the most common spam that I have seen is War Tank rushing. A player creates 20 War Tanks and then rushes you with an inevitable doom. Infantry spam and Anti-tank spam along with anti-air spam has been commonly seen online. But never less, great game. Map maker is perfect, storyline will keep you busy, and online battles are fun with the use of voice chat to communicate with your rival. I would have to say this game is an overall 9.5.… Expand
  14. StevenC.
    Mar 20, 2008
    8
    As said by quite a few, I'd still regard Dual Strike as a better game, with the giant array of CO's, the hours of unlockable content, the great feeling when you rip apart an army with a dual strike, there's just alot more reward to the game for a single player. That being said, the multi-player in days of ruin is a lot of fun, and the map making ability is alot more As said by quite a few, I'd still regard Dual Strike as a better game, with the giant array of CO's, the hours of unlockable content, the great feeling when you rip apart an army with a dual strike, there's just alot more reward to the game for a single player. That being said, the multi-player in days of ruin is a lot of fun, and the map making ability is alot more advanced in this game too. So in short, unless you're a wi-fi nut, Dual strike is alot more fun and rewarding, and has better longevity!… Expand
  15. SomeGuyFromAZoo
    Mar 25, 2008
    9
    It's a fun game, can get excruciatingly difficult at some points, and map maker is a lot of fun. If you have multiplayer that's supposed to be fun, i haven't been able to play multi. Plus if you enjoy the soundtrack there's a music room, as well as your current amount of (enemy name here) destroyed, of course this is all my opinion, i personally prefer this over Dual It's a fun game, can get excruciatingly difficult at some points, and map maker is a lot of fun. If you have multiplayer that's supposed to be fun, i haven't been able to play multi. Plus if you enjoy the soundtrack there's a music room, as well as your current amount of (enemy name here) destroyed, of course this is all my opinion, i personally prefer this over Dual Strike, mainly due to it's darker and more suitable theme for a war game.… Expand
  16. IanL.
    Mar 5, 2008
    9
    The strategy is as deep and fun as ever, but it seems like the game takes a few small steps backwards with the removal of the (somewhat overpowered) CO abilities and powers from the previous games. A standout title nonetheless.
  17. BrendanM
    Jan 20, 2009
    10
    I learned of this game by reading a gaming magazine over someone's shoulder and I, owning the first Advance Wars on the GBA and enjoying it greatly, started to drool. Game reviews should be about what was achieved in the game we're actually talking about, not the company's changes from one story in the game world to another. I never played Dual Strike so maybe I'm not I learned of this game by reading a gaming magazine over someone's shoulder and I, owning the first Advance Wars on the GBA and enjoying it greatly, started to drool. Game reviews should be about what was achieved in the game we're actually talking about, not the company's changes from one story in the game world to another. I never played Dual Strike so maybe I'm not as "impartial" as most of you, but Days of Ruin was (and still is) definitely a ten out of ten in all aspects. Gameplay: a welcome change was making the tactics more unit-based, don't get me wrong, I loved my old Advance War game on the GBA but I often (more often then not) found myself using the CO's that were more neutral (like good ole Andy) than the others. The CO powers have to be earned in Days of Ruin where in the previous titles all you have to do is play and use them (more tactics involved, a plus) I also like the tutorial being built into the campaign mode so you can start plying for the first time and not have to do those cute little tutorial modes. Music: awe inspiring, the best music for Advance Wars (no longer annoying).… Expand
  18. MrNintendo
    Dec 19, 2008
    10
    A welcome change. While Dual Strike was and still is an awesome game, it wasn
  19. ThisGuy
    Jan 22, 2008
    10
    Think of it as Advance Wars with an over-clocked Kick-Ass chip. You will not be disappointed.
  20. TC
    Jan 25, 2008
    9
    I am only 6 battles in which means I have not made it to the really mind-bending battles. With that said I have played Dual Strike and I like Days of Ruin better. I like the sound better, everyone is not so happy and cheesy. It's war folks. I may have been missing something but the menu layout on this version seems more intuitive. I would say to take the time to read the manual toI am only 6 battles in which means I have not made it to the really mind-bending battles. With that said I have played Dual Strike and I like Days of Ruin better. I like the sound better, everyone is not so happy and cheesy. It's war folks. I may have been missing something but the menu layout on this version seems more intuitive. I would say to take the time to read the manual to at least understand your assets and what they can/cannot do. I HATED AWDS because of the Dual Strike aspect of the game so if you liked that you may miss it. I, however, am stoked that is gone as I often felt like the AI was cheating Puzzle Quest-style. EXCELLENT game if you like turn-based-strategy and fans of AW will not be disappointed in my opinion.… Expand
  21. AxewhipeS.
    Jan 25, 2008
    8
    A great strategy game, The last Advance Wars game I played before this was Advance Wars for the GBA. In this you can play either with the stylus or without. The units are different from the last time I played & they got rid of the old happy art style and made a more feeling of war. The story seems believable & I like the graphics. It has WiFi & when you play a friend you can use a mic. A great strategy game, The last Advance Wars game I played before this was Advance Wars for the GBA. In this you can play either with the stylus or without. The units are different from the last time I played & they got rid of the old happy art style and made a more feeling of war. The story seems believable & I like the graphics. It has WiFi & when you play a friend you can use a mic. Overall its a good game & can get frustrating. 8.5/10… Expand
  22. LukeM.
    Jan 26, 2008
    10
    Much more adult game, faster combat ( but all seems more stationary than before), much darker story line with artwork to match, the removal of the stupid tag powers that basically broke duel strike (they were fun tho!) and the co powers themselves beign a lot more tactical and having to plan ahead ot use them, lots of tactical depth here, hence the score The main complaint i have is Much more adult game, faster combat ( but all seems more stationary than before), much darker story line with artwork to match, the removal of the stupid tag powers that basically broke duel strike (they were fun tho!) and the co powers themselves beign a lot more tactical and having to plan ahead ot use them, lots of tactical depth here, hence the score The main complaint i have is simply why oh why did they have to rename it for the EU release, days of ruin is a much cooler title than dark conflict! Also the other problem is not with the game but with certain reviews saying that the war room has been removed, but there is a free battle mode that is effectivly this games war room AND you get the trial maps during the campaign as well (obviously Joe A hasn't spotted this :p )… Expand
  23. MattA.
    Feb 12, 2008
    9
    The reason that i'm giving this game a 9 is because it is an Advance Wars game. And that is my favorite thing. However, i have grown attached to the old characters over the years, and miss the querky attitude of the older games. Sure, i did enjoy the darker look, but i didn't care about the characters as much as i had in the last game. i hope that one day the creators will bring The reason that i'm giving this game a 9 is because it is an Advance Wars game. And that is my favorite thing. However, i have grown attached to the old characters over the years, and miss the querky attitude of the older games. Sure, i did enjoy the darker look, but i didn't care about the characters as much as i had in the last game. i hope that one day the creators will bring back the old characters... I just felt that the game could have used more diverse COs and perhaps a War Room mode, and unlockables. This would have greatly increased the replay value. Although, Free play is unlimited in itself, it's just more fun unlocking things.… Expand
  24. SwoopTrust
    Nov 10, 2011
    10
    This game is very fun, the music is great and the difficulty, while high, manages to please. The story and setting also get a little more darker, which in this case isn't a bad decision at all, and it actually benefits the game. Characters are also likeable, and villains are detestable. Perfect!
    For TBS fans, this should be a must play. It's really awesome.
  25. JoJomonkey
    May 23, 2011
    8
    This a really good ds game but somtimes gets boring and slow but most of the time it's fun it has good graphics for ds and there's so many classes and they all have good and bad things but it's a fun game overall!
  26. biscuitboy46
    Dec 16, 2011
    9
    Probably the best Turn based game for the DS I've ever played. One of the only reasons why I have a DS in the first place besides Pokemon. The post - apocalyptic change was pretty cool, it really adds more flavor to the game. Very good game overall.
  27. Kirisoul
    Aug 5, 2014
    10
    A nice evolution of Advance Wars. Intelligent Systems took a huge risk here and completely overhauled the Visual and even strategic nature of the game. While some may argue that the new gameplay elements are for the worse, I think that is largely just nostalgia talking. As someone who has played every AW released in the US, I think the new CO system is amazing, and the game overallA nice evolution of Advance Wars. Intelligent Systems took a huge risk here and completely overhauled the Visual and even strategic nature of the game. While some may argue that the new gameplay elements are for the worse, I think that is largely just nostalgia talking. As someone who has played every AW released in the US, I think the new CO system is amazing, and the game overall disposes of the clutter and imbalance issues that dual strike had.

    For once in an AW, there is a serious story. And it's actually fairly compelling, I would say even on the level of a good JRPG story. Days of Ruin takes war seriously, and recognizes the repurcusions of it, which is a nice change of pace from the fun and games of previous AWs. The difficulty is also set pretty high for the last few missions (I mean really really high) so the campaign lasts a good while, and S ranking the campaign is harder than ever.

    Overall, definitely rivals, if not bests previous AWs in quality and value. Excellent game.    … Expand
  28. riferrari
    Sep 18, 2012
    10
    I think it was a great step foward for the franchise, the campaing mode contain an amazing story and I found the combat more balanced than the past advance wars games, I really liked the way CO power works and there is just no need for 50 COs in it (just as dual strike did). So, I think thats it, my dream of a more hardcore advance wars came true.
  29. orangesya
    Dec 23, 2012
    9
    The story was brilliant, I enjoyed the living dickinson out of it. The gameplay was great, and everything about it was great... BUT the difficulty was quite weird. The level, "A Hero's Farewell" is one of the hardest (if not the hardest) things I have ever done in a game. The final level is a cakewalk compared to it. But this game is still just fantastic, and one of my favorite DS games.The story was brilliant, I enjoyed the living dickinson out of it. The gameplay was great, and everything about it was great... BUT the difficulty was quite weird. The level, "A Hero's Farewell" is one of the hardest (if not the hardest) things I have ever done in a game. The final level is a cakewalk compared to it. But this game is still just fantastic, and one of my favorite DS games. 9.25/10 BAM… Expand
  30. LumpyPotato23
    Feb 18, 2013
    10
    Bottomline: Overall this is just the kind of reboot this series needed. There is so much to explore in this game, which makes the game so interesting and, what makes this game really amazing is how, they add all these new dimensions without damaging the core mechanics in advance wars that players have come to love. There was something truly interesting about Advance wars days of ruin thatBottomline: Overall this is just the kind of reboot this series needed. There is so much to explore in this game, which makes the game so interesting and, what makes this game really amazing is how, they add all these new dimensions without damaging the core mechanics in advance wars that players have come to love. There was something truly interesting about Advance wars days of ruin that stuck with me long after I put down my D.S and that was how much they explore in the game. There is a lot of depth to be explored in this game and while many players might enjoy the more cute and colorful experience of this game's predecessor there was so much about this game that truly caused players to explore the darker side of war. Players get to explore topics like post-apocalyptic worlds, unregulated science, charismatic megalomaniacs, how individuals select role-models, the dark side of being a soldier, fear, hope, mercenaries, governments, etc. all wrapped up in a turned based platform long-time fans of the series will love and is quick to learn for new players.

    In terms of game play there is a significant decrease in the number of commanders you get to choose from in multi-player mode, each commander holds little advantage over other commanders and Co-powers are less dominant in this game then in other games that share the advance war title. However, there is a major benefit to this new design and that how the playing field is leveled, which means players need to better major their resources in order to achieve a strategic advantage in battle against friends and AI enemies.    … Expand
  31. sfn27x
    Dec 16, 2020
    10
    El mejor juego de estrategia que he jugado.
    Te exige mucho y te castiga mucho cada error, pero al pasar cada misión te hace sentir que tienes capacidad de estrategia y planeación. El sentimiento de pasar la última misión por uno mismo no tiene comparación.
    La música es una delicia para los oídos, si eres nuevo, seguramente dejaras pasar un buen rato cada turno para escuchar cada tema.    El mejor juego de estrategia que he jugado.
    Te exige mucho y te castiga mucho cada error, pero al pasar cada misión te hace sentir que tienes capacidad de estrategia y planeación. El sentimiento de pasar la última misión por uno mismo no tiene comparación.
    La música es una delicia para los oídos, si eres nuevo, seguramente dejaras pasar un buen rato cada turno para escuchar cada tema.
    Visualmente no es una maravilla, pero eso pasa de lado cuando te diviertes tanto en idear estrategias para vencer a tu rival.
    El balance del juego es muy bueno, la mayoría de personajes esta balanceado, quizá solamente Tabitha sea OP, pero es satisfactorio vencerla.
    He jugado Fire Emblem y Advance Wars, simplemente no entiendo porque Nintendo no permite a Intelligent Systems dejar sacar un nuevo Advance Wars, este último es mucho mas complejo, mas rejugabilidad, exige mas estrategia, es de mayor duración, es un vicio, una pena que dejen morir a la franquicia cuando todos sus juegos tienen puntuación alta. Ojalá Nintendo recapacite, es sin dudas, la mejor franquicia que he jugado.    … Expand
  32. TharosTheDragon
    Apr 24, 2018
    10
    One of the best games on the DS. The main story is fairly easy to get through and for those seeking a challenge there are a ton of extra challenge maps, each with their own gimmick. There were two that were too hard for me at first but I liked the game so much that I came back months later to beat those maps. My only complaint is that I had to look up how the scoring system works becauseOne of the best games on the DS. The main story is fairly easy to get through and for those seeking a challenge there are a ton of extra challenge maps, each with their own gimmick. There were two that were too hard for me at first but I liked the game so much that I came back months later to beat those maps. My only complaint is that I had to look up how the scoring system works because that's not explained in the game at all.… Expand
  33. Mangrove
    Mar 6, 2022
    9
    Solid release in this starved title. I still play it in 2022 and have over 70 hours into the game. Very replayable, addictive and a good followup to the Older AW games. Prefer the single CO over the Dual Strike version, and I like the implementation of the CO in vehicle+unit leveling a lot. For my personal enjoyment I'd give it a solid 10, but I do have to admit the story is nothingSolid release in this starved title. I still play it in 2022 and have over 70 hours into the game. Very replayable, addictive and a good followup to the Older AW games. Prefer the single CO over the Dual Strike version, and I like the implementation of the CO in vehicle+unit leveling a lot. For my personal enjoyment I'd give it a solid 10, but I do have to admit the story is nothing incredible (which is not what I play this game for at all) and I do miss the connection between the older games a little bit storywise (guest appearances would be cool, at least for the maps which by the way have also been added to this game). If you can pick this up second hand, it's worth your money.… Expand
  34. Moglebaum
    Jul 6, 2022
    8
    I played through the game and its dark and not cozy. However, its not what I expected but still fun. I hope for another part of advance wars which is colorful again!
    One minus: Fog of war is just a bit too random in this game, giving you as the player an unfair disadvantage as the ai sees everything. You need to replay matchups over and over to remember, where the enemies will attack or    I played through the game and its dark and not cozy. However, its not what I expected but still fun. I hope for another part of advance wars which is colorful again!
    One minus: Fog of war is just a bit too random in this game, giving you as the player an unfair disadvantage as the ai sees everything. You need to replay matchups over and over to remember, where the enemies will attack or have their units placed.    … Expand

Awards & Rankings

3
#3 Best DS Game of 2008
6
#6 Most Discussed DS Game of 2008
29
#29 Most Shared DS Game of 2008

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
86

Generally favorable reviews - based on 55 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 54 out of 55
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 55
  3. Negative: 0 out of 55
  1. Nintendo Power
    85
    If there were anything like the gaming equivalent of comfort food, Advance Wars would be it. [Feb 2008, p.86]
  2. IGN
    86
    Nintendo has removed some previous features and added a few new ones, but when it's all added up I miss the old more than I like the new. Days of Ruin still delivers the fun, though, and strategy fans will once again have their hands full.
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  3. 1UP
    85
    Days of Ruin offers plenty new, but it's possible it got rid of too much of the old. But just like with our ol' buddy Jake, we're OK with trading up all those bonus modes in Dual Strike for more tactically oriented units and real online play (though it'll still take us some time to get used to this new CO gameplay). Advance Wars has finally advanced.
    Read full review
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