Advance Wars for GameBoy Advance is a standout title among 90s handheld consoles, offering a unique blend of strategy and fun.. Released in 2001, this is a fun game to play with its engaging gameplay mechanics and retro style graphics.
In this review of Advance Wars, we will look at its interesting story, attractive graphics, and smart gameplay that have made it a favorite among many players.
Whether you're a retro gaming enthusiast or a newcomer, this game promises an exciting experience.
🎮 TL;DR – Advance Wars GBA Review: A Tactical Gem Worth Playing
- Originally a Japan-only title, Advance Wars found unexpected success in North America in 2001.
- Gameplay combines cartoon visuals with deep turn-based strategy—easy to learn, hard to master.
- The storyline cleverly mixes war themes with humor and personality-driven COs.
- Still fun and accessible today, the GBA classic is also available on the Nintendo Switch.
Interestingly, Advance Wars has a unique release history. Initially intended as a Japanese exclusive, Nintendo was hesitant about how Western audiences would respond to TBS (turn-based strategy) games.
The game was surprisingly released in North America on September 10, 2001. This launch helped it achieve great success in a new market.
The Table of Contents
Advance Wars GBA Release Date, Delay & Global Impact
The release history of Advance Wars is notable because it came out only one day before the
tragic events of September 11, 2001.
Because of those events, the releases in Europe and Japan were pushed back. Advance Wars was released in Europe a few months later, in January 2002. Surprisingly, this title originally intended for Japan wouldn't reach its home market until three years after its initial release.
Despite Nintendo’s initial uncertainty about Western reception, critics like IGN immediately praised the game, calling it “Nintendo's positively stunning turn-based strategy title” and “an absolute must-have for the GBA.” [IGN Review, 2001]
Cultural Impact and Legacy of Advance Wars
I also discovered that Advance Wars is part of a larger series known as Famicom Wars, which has roots going back to the original Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). The series, often referred to as Nintendo Wars, has 12 games that were released from 1988 to 2008. It mainly targets players in Japan.
Since the 2008 release of Advance Wars: Days of Ruin for the DS, the series has gone relatively quiet. The ongoing popularity of Intelligent Systems' turn-based strategy game, Fire Emblem on GBA, indicates that many fans still enjoy this genre. As I look at the impact of Advance Wars for the Game Boy Advance, I see how it helped Western gamers enjoy turn-based strategy games. It has made a lasting impact on retro gamers.
Advance Wars GameBoy Advance Storyline Review
As I explore the narrative in video games like Advance Wars, I quickly enter a colorful world of conflict. The nation of Orange Star is at war with its neighbor, Blue Moon, after a sudden
invasion. The story grows as new problems come up with Green Earth and Yellow Comet. These problems come from mix-ups, which make the situation more interesting.
A significant twist is revealed as I learn that Sturm, the commander of the Black Hole army, has been using a lookalike of Orange Star's Commanding Officer (CO), Andy, to launch attacks on the other nations. This clever trick makes them think that Orange Star is the one attacking. This belief makes their alliances weaker and allows Black Hole to gain control.
As the story goes on, the four nations come together: Orange Star, Blue Moon, Green Earth, and Yellow Comet. They use their special skills as Commanding Officers to fight against Sturm and his soldiers. Even though the setting is about war, the mood stays cheerful. It highlights the big personalities of the characters and the funny aspects of misunderstandings between countries.
Advance Wars GBA Graphics & Soundtrack Review
As I dive into the graphics and sound of Advance Wars GBA, I am immediately struck by its iconic cartoonish style. This design choice makes it one of the most accessible turn-based strategy (TBS) games, perfect for newcomers to the genre. Advance Wars reduces violence in its story and graphics. This makes the game kid-friendly, which helps parents feel good about buying it for their children.
The bright and cheerful colors, based on the main colors of the fighting nations, add to the fun feeling of the game.The soundtrack is also very important in making my gaming experience better. The music, though not very memorable, has a lively beat that creates an energetic feel. It fits well with the gameplay.
The music in Advance Wars isn’t the main reason to play, but it adds to the experience. It creates a nice background that helps you enjoy the game without being distracting. The mix of great graphics and an exciting soundtrack makes Advance Wars a fun game that I really enjoy.
Advance Wars GBA Gameplay Review: Fun Meets Strategy
As I delve into the gameplay of Advance Wars, I'm immediately struck by its exceptional quality. Initially, I shared the concerns of some gamers who believed that the cartoonish design might imply a simplistic or easy experience. However, I quickly discovered that the game's strategic depth and mechanics challenge those assumptions.
How Advance Wars Balances Strategy and Simplicity
Advance Wars opens up with simple foundational mechanics, alongside a groundbreaking "while-you-play" tutorial that gradually introduces more complex systems. This thoughtful design made
it easy for me to familiarize myself with the game without getting lost in a lengthy manual. I recognized that in 2001, this approach was new and helped Advance Wars appeal to more young and adult gamers.
What I found particularly rewarding is how Advance Wars balances accessibility with depth. Learning the basics was simple for me. However, mastering the gameplay needed smart thinking and careful planning. As I moved through the levels, I understood that to do well in the later stages, I needed to learn strategies and manage my units properly.
Otherwise, I often found myself in frustrating battles of attrition, where making progress felt slow and uncertain. Overall, the gameplay of Advance Wars offers an exciting and enjoyable experience that kept me interested. The mix of deep strategy and easy-to-learn rules makes it easy to pick up and play for both new players and experienced turn-based strategy fans like me.
Advance Wars GBA Units, COs, and Replay Value
The gameplay in Advance Wars is very fun, which helps me forget the times when battles take a bit too long. Unlike Intelligent Systems' other classic turn-based strategy (TBS) series, Fire Emblem, where units are individual characters with their own storylines and relationships often faced with permadeath, Advance Wars takes a different approach.
Here, the characters are the Commanding Officers (COs), while the on-field units consist of land, sea, and air forces that I can tactically deploy against enemies.
This design allows me to play more freely, taking risks with my units, since the stakes are lower. If a unit is lost in battle, it doesn't carry the same weight as losing a beloved character in Fire Emblem. This motivates me to try different strategies and keeps the gameplay interesting and fun. The fun and strategy in Advance Wars keep me returning for more, making each battle exciting.
Advance Wars GameBoy Advance Combat & Terrain Strategy
In Advance Wars for the Game Boy Advance, the game mechanics are designed to handle unit losses well. Units can gradually lose strength, starting from a full strength of 10. This feature adds an intriguing layer of strategy, as I must carefully assess what losses are acceptable during battles.
Advance Wars GBA Terrain Use & Base Capturing Explained
I often think about how to use the terrain to outsmart my equally matched opponents. The game's great level designs make each challenge feel new and exciting.
The battlefields have towns and bases that I need to take over and retake. These will serve as important points for future battles. This requirement adds another layer of strategy that makes Advance Wars different from Fire Emblem.
Fire Emblem makes me feel like an adventurer leading a team of strong fighters. In contrast, Advance Wars puts me in the role of a general. I have to realize that losing some battles can be important for winning harder ones.
Embracing the realities of warfare keeps the gameplay exciting, as I learn to adapt my tactics after setbacks. The mix of strategy and challenges in Advance Wars makes my experience exciting. The turn-based gameplay is always interesting and keeps me engaged.
Advance Wars GBA Final Verdict: A Must-Play Strategy Gem
We rate Advance Wars for Game Boy Advance a 9.0 out of 10 — a brilliant ★★★★½ on our retro strategy scale.
I wholeheartedly recommend Advance Wars for Game Boy Advance to any turn-based strategy (TBS) fan, even in the 2020s. Even though this classic game is over 20 years old, it still offers a
great retro experience that people can enjoy today. I enjoyed playing Advance Wars on a Game Boy Advance console, and you can also find it on the Nintendo Switch Virtual Console as well.
What truly stands out for me in this Advance Wars review is the single-player experience. Advance Wars GBA showcases Nintendo's excellent gameplay design, featuring engaging mechanics and strategic depth that have endured over time.
This game is a great option for experienced retro gamers, fans of turn-based strategy, or kids who want a fun game that isn't too difficult to play. It has more depth than typical kid-friendly games like Super Mario Bros.
Whether it's my first time playing or I'm revisiting it for nostalgia, I know I can always rely on Advance Wars for an exciting and strategic gaming experience that lasts.
Advance Wars GBA FAQ: Tips, Versions, and Where to Play:
How do you reset Advance Wars on GBA?
- Turn off the power on your Game Boy Advance console.
- Press and hold the "A" and "B" buttons.
- While holding the buttons, turn the system back on.
- Continue holding until the game starts to load.
Who made Advance Wars?
- Advance Wars was developed by Intelligent Systems, a Japanese game studio also known for the Fire Emblem series.
- It was published by Nintendo and released on the Game Boy Advance in 2001.
How many missions are in Advance Wars 1?
- There are around 18 main story missions in Advance Wars for the Game Boy Advance.
How long does it take to beat Advance Wars GBA?
- It took me about 17 hours to complete the main story of Advance Wars on the GBA.
Which Advance Wars game is the best?
- Personally, I prefer the original Advance Wars on GBA.
- However, many fans consider Advance Wars 2: Black Hole Rising to be the best in the series due to refined mechanics and expanded content.
Can you play Advance Wars on the Nintendo Switch?
- Yes — Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp, a full remake of the first two games, is available on the Nintendo Switch.
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