Advance Wars

 Game Boy Advance
Advance Wars Image
Metascore
92

Universal acclaim - based on 28 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 166 Ratings

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  • Summary: The battle lines have been drawn, and an elite group of sly strategists are massing troops at your borders. You'll have to command ground, air and naval forces if you hope to survive the coming wars, and it won't be easy. With 114 maps to battle on and both Single-Pak and Multi-Pak linkThe battle lines have been drawn, and an elite group of sly strategists are massing troops at your borders. You'll have to command ground, air and naval forces if you hope to survive the coming wars, and it won't be easy. With 114 maps to battle on and both Single-Pak and Multi-Pak link modes, Advance Wars brings turn-based strategy to a depth never before seen on a handheld!… Expand
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 27 out of 28
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 28
  3. Negative: 0 out of 28
  1. Into Liquid Sky
    100
    One of the best aspects of Advance Wars is the sheer amount of things you can do. If you choose not to play the Campaign mode, you can still fight and earn battlefields in the War Room, or can get friends together and play multiplayer on either one GBA or link up to four GBAs at one time.
  2. Yahoo!
    100
    Handheld game or not, the depth and complexity of Advance Wars is astonishing.
  3. GBA Central
    100
    From trying to unlock every CO to buying all the War Room and Vs. maps to trying to earn the best rank possible, there are enough features in this game to make three games. Advance Wars is pretty much perfect in every category.
  4. Games Radar
    92
    Frighteningly addictive.
  5. Nintendophiles
    90
    The replay value is great and this game will last forever.
  6. Gamer.tv
    90
    In terms of sheer depth and pure gameplay, there really is nothing else on the GBA to touch Advance Wars.
  7. Electronic Gaming Monthly
    73
    I never had so much fun NOT playing a game. You see, whether you share one GBA or link several up, you don't get to do anything when it's not your turn. [Oct 2001, p.156]
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See all 28 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 34 out of 40
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 40
  3. Negative: 1 out of 40
  1. JoeT.
    Aug 14, 2007
    10
    A highly addictive, yet extremely complex game for the GBA. This game perfectly fits the mold of 'easy to learn, hard to master'.
  2. sitebender
    Apr 19, 2019
    10
    The art style always scared me away, but wow I love this game. Even more than the sequel, but that's probably because I sank all my time intoThe art style always scared me away, but wow I love this game. Even more than the sequel, but that's probably because I sank all my time into this one and replayed it and gave it that investment. It's a fun turn based strategy, but the real downfall is the mandatory tutorial.… Expand
  4. DanielW.
    Mar 25, 2003
    10
    This game is a must buy, just turn off the speakers while you play, the audio sucks. Visually it's great, along with the gameplay. Sucks This game is a must buy, just turn off the speakers while you play, the audio sucks. Visually it's great, along with the gameplay. Sucks that you have to watch the computer when it's not your turn though. And finally, the make your own map future rules!… Expand
  5. theprotagonist
    Jan 25, 2023
    10
    One of the best strategy games ever made, and a timeless classic. The playtime and the amount of enjoyment you can get out of all of theOne of the best strategy games ever made, and a timeless classic. The playtime and the amount of enjoyment you can get out of all of the featueres is insane.… Expand
  6. SteveS.
    Oct 13, 2002
    9
    Single Player is, simply put, the best of any Gameboy game out there. Multiplayer on the other hand, is severely lacking, especially if you Single Player is, simply put, the best of any Gameboy game out there. Multiplayer on the other hand, is severely lacking, especially if you have only one cartidge. Graphics: 9. Control: 10. Replayability: 9. Overall Fun Factor - Single layer: 10, Multiplayer: 4.… Expand
  7. Cakiws
    Apr 30, 2023
    9
    A wonderful tactic tank troops game, I really liked it, has so many types of units and the game is challenging, worth to play, the game isA wonderful tactic tank troops game, I really liked it, has so many types of units and the game is challenging, worth to play, the game is kinda addictive, but really knows how to handle situations.… Expand
  8. TT64
    May 11, 2023
    2
    While appearing to be a strategy game on the surface, Advance Wars frequently devolves into trial and error. In maps with fog of war, enemyWhile appearing to be a strategy game on the surface, Advance Wars frequently devolves into trial and error. In maps with fog of war, enemy unit locations are expected to be memorized through repeated playthoughs of the same map. Repetitive and unrewarding, Advance Wars pads out a small modicum of content with clunky and slow missions, bafflingly full of lifeless storytelling and cringeworthy writing. A poor effort all around.… Expand

See all 40 User Reviews

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Awards & Rankings

3
#3 Best Game Boy Advance Game of 2001
3
#3 Most Discussed Game Boy Advance Game of 2001
2
#2 Most Shared Game Boy Advance Game of 2001