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Advance Wars: Dual Strike

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9.1 User Score:

Universal acclaim

Based on 49 critic reviews
How did we calculate this?

Based on 83 votes
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Game Info

Publisher: Nintendo

Developer: Intelligent Systems

Genre(s): Turn-Based Strategy

Players: 8

ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)

Release Date: August 22, 2005

Summary

Players lead their new Commanding Officers to fend off the Black Hole Army’s latest invasion. With massive battles that sweep across both of the DS screens, Advance Wars: Dual Strike will change the face of war forever. Use the top screen for quick-reference battle intel, or take control in battles that rage across both screens. Command a fleet of fighters high in the skies while troops clash with the enemy on the ground far below. New COs, new Tag-Team battles: Choose from new Commanding Officers, and combine their powers for incredible attacks that can turn the tide of battles. Real-time Combat mode: For a battle with a twist, players lead soldiers into a fast-paced, action-oriented battle against a storm of enemies. Easy-to-use map editor: Just grab a stylus and draw maps right on the touch screen, then send the maps to friends wirelessly. [Nintendo]

Cheat Codes & Hints: Cheat Code Central GameSpot Guide

Also On The Web: GameSpot Hands-On IGN Hands-On Official Website

What The Critics Said

All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...

100

Thunderbolt

This game has it all; the gameplay is solid and far more balanced than those of previous games, the many characters both return and make memorable debuts, and wide variety of new weapons, features and gaming modes will keep you coming back to quench your thirst for mass destruction. Accordingly, this game blows the competition out of the water.

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100

Detroit Free Press

There are campaigns that will keep you awake at night, second-guessing your tactics, long after you shut the DS off.

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100

Modojo

The in-game timer says that I have poured 33 hours into the cart so far, and I estimate that I've completed half of what the game has to offer. DS owners who opt to skip Dual Strike are missing out on the most full-featured and addictive title released for the system yet.

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100

Nintendophiles

Dual Strike has a lot to offer, and it looks and sounds better than ever. The game has the same traditional look as before but from a more isotopic perspective, which gives a nice 3D sppearance.

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100

AceGamez

I knew to expect greatness when coming into playing the game for the first time, but words simply cannot describe how blown away I am at how remarkable (and insanely addictive) this truly is.

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BonusStage

I knew to expect greatness coming into playing the game for the first time, however words simply can't describe how blown away I am at how remarkable (and insanely addictive) it truly is. Not only is Dual Strike the best DS game to date and the best strategy game of the year so far, but it’s also one of the best overall games I've played all year.

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VGPub

The pinnacle not only of its series, but also of the current North American DS library. If you have even a passing interest in the strategy, genre it will suck you in. If you have never played a strategy game, this is a great series to jump into.

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Electric Playground

In my opinion, this is the best game available for the Nintendo DS and one of the best strategy games of its generation. A must have for any DS owner and if you don't have a DS, this is a viable reason to get one.

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Games Radar UK (Pre-2006)

With amazing tactical possibilities and very simple rules and controls, Advance Wars is a fast, satisfying and brain-teasing epic that you won't be able to put down. [GamesMaster]

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Gaming Target

Dual Strike is proof that a game doesn't need to take advantage of every single unique feature of the DS to remain fun and garner rave reviews. Highly recommended.

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My Gamer

The number of unlockables is overwhelming. It will take days upon days of gameplay time to unlock everything this game has to offer.

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Game Informer

If you love strategy, it really doesn't get any better than this. [Sept 2005, p.112]

GameSpot

It's arguably the first must-have game for the Nintendo DS, and it's a perfect excuse to get the system if you haven't already.

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N-Insanity

I’m still amazed at how full that tiny little DS card is full of information. I still haven’t even explained the extra modes.

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The New York Times

With the new features and the improved interface of the DS added to the virtually perfect game mechanics that have always distinguished the series, Dual Strike is arguably the best Advance Wars game to date, although the almost perfect nature of the previous games makes that a tough call.

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Worth Playing

Dual Strike presents a slick invitation to turn-based neophytes without making the party boring for experienced strategists.

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Nintendojo

An excellent game and a great value, but not perfect. It has many improvements, but one or two of the new features cancel out some of the strides forward.

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Armchair Empire

Dual Strike does just about everything right – in fact, the only thing I can really complain about is that it sucked up (well, currently still sucking-up) huge blocks of my time.

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Game Revolution

It builds on one of the most solid foundations in recent gaming history, expertly incorporates the second screen, puts the stylus to good use, tells a decent story, and magically transforms your dust-collecting Nintendo BS into the powerful and creative Nintendo DS we had been promised all along. Talk about playing with power.

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Nintendo Power

AWDS has what "Advance Wars 2" lacked: a substantial number of new unit types. [Oct 2005, p.101]

eToychest

The game doesn't stray much from the original formula, but it certainly improves upon it in every imaginable way.

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GameZone

The number of options available in the game is incredible. The gameplay just works and will keep you going for hours upon hours.

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Eurogamer

Whether you've played it before or you're a newcomer wondering what the fuss is about, it stands out as one of the finest handheld games ever. Resistance is futile. Buy it, play it, love it.

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WHAM! Gaming

One of the best strategy game franchises gets even better with the addition of new DS-specific features and tweaks.

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Cheat Code Central

It's the epitome of turn based strategy games. I've loved AW since it appeared out of left field on the GBA and Duel Strike knocks it out of the park on the DS.

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IGN

It doesn't offer anything entirely new or unique, only enhancing what we've already experience twice before. Even with that said the game offers an amazing series on single and multiplayer challenges and retains some of the most engrossing turn-based action on the Nintendo DS system.

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1UP

A goldmine of tactical riches. The gameplay is fast (once you've dribbled past the Teen Beat dialogue) and the game looks sharp.

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PALGN

Excellent. A game that you must play at all costs. One or two concerns, but otherwise great.

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Yahoo! Games

The endless combat may smack of War Machines Week on The History Channel, but the contentious, jaunty chatter between friendly (and enemy) characters is pure Cartoon Network. Move out!

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GameSpy

With intuitive controls, tons of strategic depth, and lots of worthwhile single-player game modes, this is a seriously enjoyable game with serious legs.

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GamePro

The new real-time battle mode seems abortive at best, and the AI can sometimes seem a little too easy to manipulate, but the core turn-based gameplay can't be beat.

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games(TM)

Intelligent Systems has come good for Advance Wars fans and made its latest title arguably the best reason to own a DS so far. [Sept 2005, p.98]

NintendoWorldReport

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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GameBrink

The game has great gameplay, good graphics, nice controls using the DSs touch-screen, it has great new units, and it's just plain fun.

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Games Radar (in-house)

Tack onto all this a robust soundtrack, a comprehensive level editor and a war room filled with new maps and unlockable features and you’ve found one of the longest, most rewarding DS games out there. Put this online and it'd be damn near perfect.

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Sydney Morning Herald

The cute Japanese animation belies the tactical intricacy.

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Pelit (Finland)

Dual Strike has a very simple set of rules, which means the game is fast and addictive. Some AI would be nice, though. [Oct 2005]

Extreme Gamer

A one of kind strategy war game that brings the cute into the battlefield.

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N-Europe

Without a doubt the finest DS game in existence to date. Buy it, play it, lose days, weeks, even months of your life to it; and the best bit? You won't want them back.

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Electronic Gaming Monthly

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]

Da Gameboyz

The sheer amounts of gameplay modes both in single player and in wireless multiplayer make this one of the best DS releases in sometime.

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Stuff

Don't let the Saturday morning cartoon vibe fool you. This turn-based war game is more hardcore than Stratego, Risk and that final episode of M*A*S*H where Pierce goes insane all rolled into one.

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Siliconera

Engaging as other installments of the series, Advance Wars Dual Strike doesn't stray far from the formula. If you're looking for a complex tactics game look no further.

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Play Magazine

A remarkably deep military strategy game. [Sept 2005, p.62]

Edge Magazine

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]

G4 TV

Those who became addicted to either of the first two Advance Wars titles will surely be hooked by this one, too.

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RewiredMind

The most substantial – and perhaps the most essential - title on the DS right now, and the perfect antidote to the short-lived fun of gimmicky mini-games.

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Computer Games Magazine

Quotation forthcoming. [Nov 2005]

NTSC-uk

Those anticipating another dose of what is possibly one of the most fantastically additive games of the past few years will be more than pleased by this installment.

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What Our Users Said

The average user rating for this game is 9.1 (out of 10) based on 83 User Votes

Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.

Patrick C. gave it a9:
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.

Mr Nintendo gave it a9:
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.

Ian L. gave it a10:
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!

DJ T. gave it a5:
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.

Phil M. gave it a10:
One of the most addicting games ever. I've been playing it straight for 2 years. A must buy for the DS.

Ivan Ch. gave it a10:
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.

Penguin Ninja gave it a10:
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?

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Advance Wars: Dual Strike

Game Info

Summary

What The Critics Said

What Our Users Said

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