The WhatsNext verdict
If you enjoy turn-based tactics built around positioning, unit matchups, and planning several moves ahead, Dual Strike offers a particularly content-rich handheld version of that loop. Choose it for its variety and replayability, but expect the normal campaign and Tag Powers to soften the challenge.
What it does best
Turn-based battles reward careful positioning and sequencing
A remarkable amount of strategy content for a handheld
A deep tactical loop that keeps pulling you into another map
What might put you off
Tag Powers and CO combinations can undermine balance
The campaign is often too easy for experienced strategy players
The setup
What you are walking into
Advance Wars: Dual Strike is the third installment in the Advance Wars series (first on DS media). Advance Wars is the international title of the Wars video game series, which dates back to the Family Computer game Famicom Wars in 1988. The storyline is a continuation of the previous series and is set in the new location of Omega Land. Black Hole has returned under the leadership of a new commander who seeks to give himself eternal life by draining the energy of Omega Land. The Allied Nations struggle to overcome this threat and are eventually joined by several former Black Hole commanding officers in an effort to save the land.
Where it lives
Genre
Vibe
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