Advance Wars

 Game Boy Advance
User Score
8.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 166 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 148 out of 166
  2. Mixed: 13 out of 166
  3. Negative: 5 out of 166
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  1. Vectis99
    Oct 26, 2018
    7
    A cute and simple strategy game which presents a variety of intriguing challenges alongside a fun learning curve. Advance Wars is especially notable for its unique "round table" multiplayer which is executed very well, especially for friendly and informal groups. Advance wars is a little bit slow-paced and built around some very old, tired grid-strategy game-design principles, but it isA cute and simple strategy game which presents a variety of intriguing challenges alongside a fun learning curve. Advance Wars is especially notable for its unique "round table" multiplayer which is executed very well, especially for friendly and informal groups. Advance wars is a little bit slow-paced and built around some very old, tired grid-strategy game-design principles, but it is still fun nevertheless.… Expand
  2. 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'.
  3. RobertT.
    Mar 24, 2003
    10
    Best war game since starcraft.
  4. Gamer
    Dec 13, 2002
    8
    I agree with Electronic Gaming Monthly you do not do anything when its not your turn. other than that it is an awesome game.
  5. JeffreyW.
    Dec 14, 2005
    10
    This game was the best. It had all kinds of things to make a game the best, I can not put it down.
  6. Dperks
    Feb 22, 2021
    7
    Advance wars is an enjoyable if a little monotonous strategy game. The art style and general presentation still holds up 20 years later. And the music while good gets way over used and kind of lacks variety. The gameplay is fun and I really enjoyed the strategic elements that go into playing it. But the game I feel does tend to get very repetitive after a while of playing but as a handheldAdvance wars is an enjoyable if a little monotonous strategy game. The art style and general presentation still holds up 20 years later. And the music while good gets way over used and kind of lacks variety. The gameplay is fun and I really enjoyed the strategic elements that go into playing it. But the game I feel does tend to get very repetitive after a while of playing but as a handheld game it does work for just picking up and playing for short bursts. And while I liked the many characters in the games campaign the story is rather barebones and underwhelming. But still a fun experience non the less… Expand
  7. sebastianali
    Feb 26, 2020
    6
    El problema con Advance Wars esta en su curva de dificultad, volviéndose bastante difícil rápidamente con el paso del tiempo. Por lo que es bastante normal quedarse atascado durante horas o incluso días en un solo nivel. También el juego presenta problemas en la IA, ya que la IA a veces se queda a veces salteándose turnos de manera infinita hasta que vos hagas algo que "atraiga suEl problema con Advance Wars esta en su curva de dificultad, volviéndose bastante difícil rápidamente con el paso del tiempo. Por lo que es bastante normal quedarse atascado durante horas o incluso días en un solo nivel. También el juego presenta problemas en la IA, ya que la IA a veces se queda a veces salteándose turnos de manera infinita hasta que vos hagas algo que "atraiga su atención". Y por ultimo, no olvidemos que esto es un "juego de estrategia". En un juego de estrategia medianamente decente como por ejemplo Age Of Empires, empiezan ambos bandos con recursos igualados y tropas, sin embargo, en este juego empiezas siempre con desventaja y esto es un problema en los niveles con niebla de guerra, ya que la IA abusa de la artillería. Tu no puedes ver al enemigo incluso si no se ponen en un bosque pero ellos si a ti a no ser que te escondas! Por que?! La música, la idea principal y los gráficos me encantaron, y hubiera sido uno de mis juegos de GBA favoritos si no hubiera sido por sus problemas bastante graves. No hay nada mas frustrante que quedarse 2 horas en un nivel para luego perder y tener que comenzar de cero. Si, es innovador lo se, pero recuerden esta pequeña frase: "Innovación no quiere decir calidad". Los juegos que han hecho historia por sus mecánicas nunca antes vistas pueden no ser tan buenos de jugar a día de hoy por no haber envejecido bien. Son muy pocos los juegos que realmente siguen siendo joyas para los estándares actuales...… Expand
  8. wesker2012
    May 28, 2012
    8
    Very addicting game.
  9. pienpien
    Apr 25, 2014
    9
    WiiU owners: get it now! The game is great, simple but it works so well. Many different modes, in depth strategy. If you love the genre, you'll love this game.
  10. Char
    Jul 25, 2002
    5
    A moderate war game but it lacks the intensity of other GBA war games like Zone of the Enders.
  11. StapledYeti
    Mar 15, 2011
    9
    oh t joy on my face when it arrived from amazon, yay i have it. Well worth it as you will probably spend hours on end figuring out the later puzzles. I enjoyed it even more as i picked it up for a fiver!
  12. SCB92
    Oct 27, 2011
    10
    First time I chose to play a game with a different genre in a while; IGN made me get this game for giving it their highest score for a GBA game (9.9/10), and I thank them; the first time I played this, I was hooked; the tutorial mode is definitely essential; what really makes this game worthwhile is it's so long, and has so many maps to play on; you can play multiplayer in one system,First time I chose to play a game with a different genre in a while; IGN made me get this game for giving it their highest score for a GBA game (9.9/10), and I thank them; the first time I played this, I was hooked; the tutorial mode is definitely essential; what really makes this game worthwhile is it's so long, and has so many maps to play on; you can play multiplayer in one system, taking turns, which is great; it is definitely an intense game and one of the best games ever made… Expand
  13. Eithi007
    Mar 30, 2014
    6
    Look i love fire emblem and this is just fire emblem but with tanks and war it has a battle sister so deep that i just kept loosing units because i didn't know it very well but after learning the tutorial that has a story yes a tutorial with story i didn't know what to do i checked vs mode but i didn't liked it it is really good the game has a fire emblem style but it lacks things like aLook i love fire emblem and this is just fire emblem but with tanks and war it has a battle sister so deep that i just kept loosing units because i didn't know it very well but after learning the tutorial that has a story yes a tutorial with story i didn't know what to do i checked vs mode but i didn't liked it it is really good the game has a fire emblem style but it lacks things like a story mode. a good game but needed more modes.… Expand
  14. le-weirdo
    Jun 28, 2014
    10
    one of the finest GBA games i have ever played in my life. the controls work perfect, there is much taught put into the story and the music is one of the best one the system. i love it!
  15. AKthaBeast
    Aug 31, 2018
    9
    Such an excellent game that you will love playing if you like turn based strategy games...
  16. yitus
    Feb 6, 2020
    10
    Juegazo como una casa!!!

    Marco un antes y un después en los juegos de estrategia en "tablero". Desde el 2001 que salió este juego hasta el año pasado, no habian sacado prácticamente ningún juego de esta temática y de tal calibre, pero gracias al Wargroove esto a cambiado, y podemos disfrutar de un nuevo juego estilo Advance Wars actualmente. El Advance Wars es tan famoso no solo    Juegazo como una casa!!!

    Marco un antes y un después en los juegos de estrategia en "tablero".
    Desde el 2001 que salió este juego hasta el año pasado, no habian sacado prácticamente ningún juego de esta temática y de tal calibre, pero gracias al Wargroove esto a cambiado, y podemos disfrutar de un nuevo juego estilo Advance Wars actualmente.

    El Advance Wars es tan famoso no solo porque fue una revolución cuando salió (igual que el golden Sun), sino porque tiene una historia muy buena (simple, pero buena), una dinámica fácil de pillar, buenos controles, buenos gráficos pixel-art, y creo que podría seguir diciendo un sinfín de cualidades positivas de este juego.

    Si aún dispones de una Game Boy Advance por casa y tienes la oportunidad de jugarlo, no te lo pienses y juegalo, no te arrepentirás. (AVISO: engancha mucho!!!!)    … Expand
  17. Red_Spectre
    Feb 7, 2020
    10
    Couldn't be any more satisfied with a video game. Hand helds are great and this game is one of the reason it was so.
  18. 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 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.
  19. Renardeau
    Feb 19, 2020
    10
    One of the best game ever
    And we should have a sequel please please please.
  20. Razor1138
    Nov 22, 2020
    10
    The 1st real tactics game that got me into tactic game. So great and also has awesome sys link play.
  21. Lani337
    Nov 29, 2022
    9
    Legendary game. Sadly it's just a bit worse that AW2 and DS, so there is no reason to play this game anyomore (Except for Advance Campagin, but seriousely, you should enjoy your live)
  22. JamesD.
    Mar 18, 2003
    10
    Really cool game. I have been playing strategy games since the C64 days and this is one of the most addictive I have ever seen. The graphics are a plaesent change of pace from the "over the top" realism seen in some other recent offerings. Kudos to Nintendo on a job done well once again!!
  23. MikeS.
    Sep 1, 2004
    10
    So awesome ....excuse me why'll I get back to beating it....
  24. AndrewD.
    Oct 6, 2005
    10
    I think this game was amazing i just wonder why they stopped making it i was gunna buy it..... but then i couldnt find any.
  25. Chachisan
    Aug 13, 2005
    10
    If you've never played this game before, do yourself a favor and buy it, play it, and experience it. It doesn't matter if you're a Nintendo lover or hater. This is one of those games that will exercise your brain while you're having fun. You'll ride the local train instead of the express to get in more playtime. You'll think about spending some of your lunch If you've never played this game before, do yourself a favor and buy it, play it, and experience it. It doesn't matter if you're a Nintendo lover or hater. This is one of those games that will exercise your brain while you're having fun. You'll ride the local train instead of the express to get in more playtime. You'll think about spending some of your lunch break playing. And when you're winding down for bed you'll want to sneak in a quick move or two as you fall asleep. This game pretty much consumed all of my free time when I first got a GBASP early last year. I haven't played Advance Wars 2, but I'm going to skip it and go for Advance Wars DS as soon as I tire of Meteos and Super Mario 64 DS.… Expand
  26. 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 have only one cartidge. Graphics: 9. Control: 10. Replayability: 9. Overall Fun Factor - Single layer: 10, Multiplayer: 4.
  27. [Anonymous]
    Sep 4, 2002
    10
    A very good game.
  28. KevinG.
    Apr 30, 2004
    10
    A great game that keeps you on your toes.
  29. ReubenL.
    Jul 29, 2004
    10
    This game is the second coolest game ever advanced wars 2 being better.
  30. BobD.
    Jan 22, 2005
    10
    Second only to Black Hole Rising.
  31. Aceallways
    Jan 7, 2003
    10
    The best on the gameboy advance and the best in any stragety game i've ever played, who would think a hand held strategy could be so in depth.
  32. EricC.
    Feb 9, 2003
    9
    What's so addicting about this game is that it mimicks a game of chess. Well thought moves using a variety of units to achieve victory by either total defeat, capturing of the HQ, or some other task. Not doing anything when it's your turn is merely a part of the gameplay, and I'm surprised some see it as a negative. Sometimes, I found this game to be too addictive and I What's so addicting about this game is that it mimicks a game of chess. Well thought moves using a variety of units to achieve victory by either total defeat, capturing of the HQ, or some other task. Not doing anything when it's your turn is merely a part of the gameplay, and I'm surprised some see it as a negative. Sometimes, I found this game to be too addictive and I couldn't stop playing for hours. What makes this game great is the variety of strategy used in the battlefield. I would highly recommend this for any GBA owner.… Expand
  33. 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 that you have to watch the computer when it's not your turn though. And finally, the make your own map future rules!
  34. AlisonR.
    Jan 6, 2005
    10
    An absolutely 'must-have' title for all GBA owners. A marvellous strategy game for all ages, it has great replay value.
  35. 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, 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 andWhile 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
  36. 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 the featueres is insane.
  37. Yojimbo2015
    Jul 5, 2023
    10
    Military-style strategy game that's easy to pick up and play but challenging to master. Engrossing, addictive and the turn-based format lends itself perfectly to portable gaming. One of the very best strategy titles you can buy.
  38. PanchaMiguela
    Mar 4, 2023
    8
    I like this game more than Fire Emblem, although some failing in the AI and how unbalanced it is, it brings it down a little bit, also I think the game thinks it's funnier than it actually is, except with the interactions of Olaf and Grit, those were consistently hilarious.
  39. 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 is kinda addictive, but really knows how to handle situations.
  40. VLG
    Aug 23, 2023
    10
    One of my favorite games of all time. I discovered my love for military strategy thanks to this wonderful game.

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

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
92

Universal acclaim - based on 28 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 27 out of 28
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 28
  3. Negative: 0 out of 28
  1. 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.
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  2. Total Video Games
    90
    For a handheld, the AI of your computer-controlled opponents is surprisingly diverse and complex.
    Read full review
  3. Nintendorks
    90
    It's brilliant and fun turn-based strategy with more replay value than you could possibly ask for. This isn't boring turn-based strategy where you spend 15 turns setting up your troops to fight the inevitable battle, no sir.
    Read full review
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