Advance Wars: Dual Strike

 DS
User Score
8.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 217 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 189 out of 217
  2. Mixed: 18 out of 217
  3. Negative: 10 out of 217
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  1. Yojimbo2015
    Jun 26, 2023
    10
    Very similar to the Advance Wars games on the GBA but considering that they were pure genius, that's no bad thing. Perfectly suited to a hand held system and loads of fun.
  2. Crescent_Star
    Aug 25, 2022
    9
    Peak advance wars in my opinion. Story was fun, gameplay was spot on, and the new mechanics were definitely welcome. I love swapping between high altitude and ground in clutch situations to help the other. The dual strike mechanic was super fun to play with. Messing with different commanders to see how they play off each other was great. Sadly I doubt we will get a good follow up to this title.
  3. hocineDZ
    Nov 4, 2020
    10
    i spent so many hours on this game it's simply addictive and it is one of my favorite turned based strategy game
  4. ninjaguy454
    Jun 30, 2020
    9
    Advance wars is a handheld turn based military strategy game. It has clear roots in Japanese gameplay and has a focus on some story telling. The story is not interesting enough to engage me into it, and it is clearly a sequel within an existing franchise. Its not really my type of game, but I could see why others may like it. The graphics are more reminiscent of the GBA than the DS, but itAdvance wars is a handheld turn based military strategy game. It has clear roots in Japanese gameplay and has a focus on some story telling. The story is not interesting enough to engage me into it, and it is clearly a sequel within an existing franchise. Its not really my type of game, but I could see why others may like it. The graphics are more reminiscent of the GBA than the DS, but it has a very distinct and charming art style. The game does utilize both screens well. There are tons of game modes and things to do. So for fans of the series, I'm sure there is much to enjoy. Unfortunately I couldn't get the Multiplayer to work on the DS, but from the wealth of content and idea behind the game, I can imagine it is a blast and I look forward to revisiting the game in greater detail.… Expand
  5. Tilde_Gunderson
    Feb 22, 2016
    10
    By far, the best Advance Wars game in the series. Dual Strike added a great array of interesting weapons, new Commanding Officers, improved and fixed older CO's, added the Dual Strike feature, a great campaign, the new modes Survival and Combat (real-time fighting), an improved (and not superfluously challenging) AI, and ranks so it felt like you were working towards something.

    Days of    By far, the best Advance Wars game in the series. Dual Strike added a great array of interesting weapons, new Commanding Officers, improved and fixed older CO's, added the Dual Strike feature, a great campaign, the new modes Survival and Combat (real-time fighting), an improved (and not superfluously challenging) AI, and ranks so it felt like you were working towards something.

    Days of Ruin may be technically more sound and fair, but Dual Strike is significantly more fun.    … Expand
  6. porcodidio
    Nov 24, 2015
    9
    One of the best DS titles, and the best Advance Wars game to date. Fantastic. Would like to see a modern updated version. Skip Days of Ruin and play this one.
  7. jbarmor1992
    Jul 28, 2014
    10
    One of my most favorite games for the DS and all-time. You can tell since this review was posted nearly 9 years after its release, and I still play it from time to time! Decently long campaign, great gameplay, war room, and extra features make it worth the money.
  8. Vanpire73
    May 2, 2014
    9
    This game is like crack to a dork like me. I'd pork the hell out of it if it had a vagina. If you love turn based strategy and don't have a DS... well, go out and get a DS. An old hamburger one will do just fine. They gotta be pretty cheap by now. Any of the versions of AW are great, but I gotta go with this one as the best. 9.75 rounded down. I don't give tens.
  9. birdman3
    Jan 19, 2014
    9
    As a fan of the first 2 Advance Wars games, I was happy to get this one. I've played through the campaign and I enjoyed it. The new units are interesting, but they honestly didn't affect any of my major strategies- that could be considered the main weakness of this installment, I believe. One of the great things about this game though is its replayability. You have dozens of missions toAs a fan of the first 2 Advance Wars games, I was happy to get this one. I've played through the campaign and I enjoyed it. The new units are interesting, but they honestly didn't affect any of my major strategies- that could be considered the main weakness of this installment, I believe. One of the great things about this game though is its replayability. You have dozens of missions to choose from after the campaign is over, and you can select different CO's in order win in different ways. If you haven't enjoyed this series before, I highly recommend it now.… Expand
  10. Kirisoul
    Feb 23, 2012
    10
    Simply a timeless, amazing game. Even if your not a fan of TBS, it's a must try. The amount of options for gameplay are staggering, and the multiplayer and interesting new combat mode just sweeten the deal. Only thing missing is wifi battles, but that is included in days of ruin.
  11. Watermelon789
    Jun 9, 2011
    9
    Addictive is the main word that can describe this game, having cartoonish graphics, easy controls and gameplay is a mist own DS game, or a reason to buy a DS, yeah the 3DS is already launched but whatever, just get this game instantly.
  12. johnniedust
    Oct 6, 2010
    10
    With a level editor, multiplayer, hard/easy campaign modes, a combat mode, time/money/turns survival mode, a soundtrack mode, a gallery mode, over 20 characters and over 100 pre-made maps, it is unrivaled in the amount of content and replay value it offers.
  13. JudgeMental
    Aug 27, 2010
    7
    While fun to play, and keeping with the traditions of the Advance Wars series, I found this to be less than I expected. The GBA Advanced Wars games seemed so much better for their times.
  14. TylerJ
    Mar 27, 2009
    10
    This game leaves me speechless. As a person that just came into the series, and turn-based games in general, this game is remarkably easy to learn to play. Once you've mastered the easy campaign, the hard campaign is unlocked and that is a brutal experience. Very deep and addictive. Lost 150 hours playing this game. When I bought it, it was a choice between Metroid Prime Hunters orThis game leaves me speechless. As a person that just came into the series, and turn-based games in general, this game is remarkably easy to learn to play. Once you've mastered the easy campaign, the hard campaign is unlocked and that is a brutal experience. Very deep and addictive. Lost 150 hours playing this game. When I bought it, it was a choice between Metroid Prime Hunters or this one, and I'm glad I made the superior choice. Good job, Nintendo!… Expand
  15. PatrickC.
    Jul 21, 2008
    9
    Love this game. It brings back fond memories of my wargaming days (I started in 1968, before any of 'em were played on a computer). At first I was a little put off by the cartoonish look, but I got past that. Very interesting and challenging. Countless hours of great game play. And I especially appreciate how the game is designed to lead a beginner through the campaign. If you lose a Love this game. It brings back fond memories of my wargaming days (I started in 1968, before any of 'em were played on a computer). At first I was a little put off by the cartoonish look, but I got past that. Very interesting and challenging. Countless hours of great game play. And I especially appreciate how the game is designed to lead a beginner through the campaign. If you lose a scenario, you get strategy tips to help you win. This one's a keeper.… Expand
  16. MrNintendo
    Jul 19, 2008
    9
    Still an awesome game but if you played the first 2 games on the GBA to death, than you'll most likely not find the game to be as fun as a newcomer simply because not THAT much new stuff was brought to the table. Essentially the same graphics, few more units, dual screens and dual CO powers is basically all that's new. Dual CO powers can cheapen things at times. If you never Still an awesome game but if you played the first 2 games on the GBA to death, than you'll most likely not find the game to be as fun as a newcomer simply because not THAT much new stuff was brought to the table. Essentially the same graphics, few more units, dual screens and dual CO powers is basically all that's new. Dual CO powers can cheapen things at times. If you never played the first 2 GBA games than you'll play this game for ages. I kind of got bored however after the 21st mission where I thought it was the end but then realised it wasn't the end.… Expand
  17. IanL.
    Mar 5, 2008
    10
    By far the most deep and addictive strategy game on the DS today. The quirky characters and awesome dual CO powers make this a must-play!
  18. DJT.
    Dec 15, 2007
    5
    At first you love the strategy of it... but then you realize it becomes more of a puzzle game than anything else. And the cartoon aspect of it really SOFTENS the overal mood. Do you want a war game or another lighthearted Super Mario Game? Make up your mind. Pure strategists should look at Panzer Tactics.
  19. PhilM.
    Nov 11, 2007
    10
    One of the most addicting games ever. I've been playing it straight for 2 years. A must buy for the DS.
  20. IvanCh.
    Sep 27, 2007
    10
    This is one of the games which are itself a reason to buy a DS. Perfect for portable and also keeps you finishing the levels when you arrive at home.
  21. PenguinNinja
    Sep 17, 2007
    10
    My friend introduced me into the series with his copy of dual strike...huge mistake. To date, 9-17-07, I got it maybe a year ago, I have sunk 394 hours of my life into this game. Everything, gamplay mechanics, sound, and the storyline are absolutely AWESOME. Still...how do they make themes that you have to listen to every turn, and yet not want to turn off the sound?
  22. VonB.
    Apr 22, 2007
    10
    My recommendation for this series: Buy the first. Take time to enjoy and beat it. Buy the second one. Marvel at Black Hole and my favorite tank. Then buy this, remember where the other two are just long enough to get the extra stuff from having them, then curl up in a ball in your room and never stop playing this game. This game has infinite replay value, and is easy enough to understand. My recommendation for this series: Buy the first. Take time to enjoy and beat it. Buy the second one. Marvel at Black Hole and my favorite tank. Then buy this, remember where the other two are just long enough to get the extra stuff from having them, then curl up in a ball in your room and never stop playing this game. This game has infinite replay value, and is easy enough to understand. Don't be ashamed to search for the guide, though: some parts can get fairly hard. I'd say if you need it anytime before Crystal Calamity, you haven't practiced with the other games enough, or this isn't the series for you. For all the naysayers: Since when are graphics the final determining factor in a game? People realize Alien Hominid (from NewGrounds!) is a great game, or else it wouldn't have made it to consoles! That and The Wind Waker. Graphics were cel-shaded, for cripes' sake, but the gameplay more than made up for it! Well, in conclusion... Wait, you're still reading? Go back to the top of this post, and follow my instructions, soldier! Move out!… Expand
  23. CH
    Apr 5, 2007
    10
    Perfect graphics, game play and music (you would tend to miss the music part). Hyper addictive. Its like having command and conqure serries brought to your DS, but with a far more balanced game play that suits a handheld.
  24. Mcdope
    Mar 9, 2007
    10
    Perfect strategy fun. This game can be simple, and yet as complex or more so than chess. It is also highly addictive.
  25. TC
    Feb 25, 2007
    9
    This is from a person who has never played this series before and who has kept reading all the positive comments and reviews but never bought it due to it sounding to complex. I broke down and bought this game this weekend used and once I started it up, I did not put it down for 4-5 hours. I am NOT a heavy DS user as I enjoy the Brain Age/Academy games as well as good quick play games This is from a person who has never played this series before and who has kept reading all the positive comments and reviews but never bought it due to it sounding to complex. I broke down and bought this game this weekend used and once I started it up, I did not put it down for 4-5 hours. I am NOT a heavy DS user as I enjoy the Brain Age/Academy games as well as good quick play games like Mario Kart and Meteos. I really think that if I had played this and not had a DS, I would have gone out and bought a DS. The game is fun and is NOT simple. I did not get the manual with mine (used) so I have downloaded it and will be using it. Some games you can just guess your way through and not really HAVE to think that hard and still do ok. If you do that with this game, you will get your you know what handed to you. I was losing a mission over and over and over and FINALLY had to learn what I was doing wrong, how to correct it.. down to using the land as cover/better defense. I have never played turn-based strategy games because the thought of me do this, you do that, rinse, repeat sounded NOT fun at all. But, I never realized that if you have 15 units in the field of battle, you can get an action for EVERY one of them per turn. I can see the RTS laughing at me now but I just never played them. There is something about being a 31-year old analyst for a living and having a cartoon character whoop you on a gaming handheld that makes you want to figure out what you did wrong and come back and kick that CO's..... I enjoy my other DS games for the relaxing fun they bring me but I now also enjoy AVDS because of the strategy it required to succeed. What a great game. BTW, if you buy used and cannot find how to delete all the current information...hold SELECT, L button and Right on the D-pad WHILE you click AVDS from the main DS Window (the screen that loads the game). I was losing my mind trying to find that option IN the game.… Expand
  26. StevenL.
    Jan 20, 2007
    10
    I am amazed at how good this game is, I'm addicted to it, I do have to say some missions are hard but beatable, this is a good thing though as most DS games tend to be way too easy, Also the balancing is done really well, especialy with the megatank and bombers. Also I love the music.
  27. jcmatrixcanete
    Dec 2, 2006
    10
    Hamish B

    if you think this game is tough. think again. not as hard as "kid icarus". i beat stage nine in one sitting right stategy and tactics will do the job. stage 9 send all your air plain to combat air fortress, just let your enemies in the the desert crawl. once you destroy the airfortress make a counter. i'm sure you will will pass this level. its just a moderate level game    Hamish B

    if you think this game is tough. think again. not as hard as "kid icarus". i beat stage nine in one sitting right stategy and tactics will do the job. stage 9 send all your air plain to combat air fortress, just let your enemies in the the desert crawl. once you destroy the airfortress make a counter. i'm sure you will will pass this level. its just a moderate level game full of strategy and tactics. one of the best out there. tnx    … Expand
  28. BobG.
    Aug 16, 2006
    10
    This game will keep you occupied for quite a long time. What I dislike in this game is that they actually put a timer on how long you played the whole time so I feel bad knowing Ive played for 100's of hours, and those damn medals - I hate games that have things you can collect and will force hundreds more hours into my game.
  29. KevinR.
    Aug 8, 2006
    10
    The best game for the DS, far and away.
  30. HamishB.
    Aug 8, 2006
    6
    Advance Wars: Dual Strike starts off very well indeed, with fun, clear-cut and achievable missions, not to mention the beautiful art style and great use of the DS's features, but unfortunately (just like its predecessor Black Hole Rising) it gets far too hard, far too quickly. I am pretty much a strategy game novice, but still, getting totally stuck on Mission 8 (of about 30) is Advance Wars: Dual Strike starts off very well indeed, with fun, clear-cut and achievable missions, not to mention the beautiful art style and great use of the DS's features, but unfortunately (just like its predecessor Black Hole Rising) it gets far too hard, far too quickly. I am pretty much a strategy game novice, but still, getting totally stuck on Mission 8 (of about 30) is surely not on. It became absolutely impossible. Of course it… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

2
#2 Best DS Game of 2005
5
#5 Most Discussed DS Game of 2005
4
#4 Most Shared DS Game of 2005

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
90

Universal acclaim - based on 49 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 49 out of 49
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 49
  3. Negative: 0 out of 49
  1. Electronic Gaming Monthly
    88
    It's the expanded portfolio of vehicles and strategic subtleties and wealth of new commanding officer combos that really make this game sing... Result? Super-addictive strategy gaming. [Sept 2005, p.118]
  2. Edge Magazine
    80
    Thank heavens, then, for the brilliant Survival mode. Of all Dual Strike’s little reinventions it’s the only one to twist the template into a persuasive new shape. [Sept 2005, p.97]
  3. NintendoWorldReport
    90
    It's a pretty big step up from "Advance Wars 2," and the new dual-CO tagging system adds a new dimension to the strategy that actually works quite well. [JPN Import]
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