Advance Wars - Gameboy Advance

Advance Wars is a single-player and multiplayer turn-based strategy game. The campaign is set in a modern military world where players take the role of a commanding officer in the Orange Star army. Through a series of linked missions, the player faces rival nations across varied battlefields, gradually learning the strengths and weaknesses of both their own forces and those of the enemy. Each mission introduces new units and tactical challenges, while the larger narrative follows shifting alliances and the growing involvement of multiple armies.

Gameplay takes place on grid-based maps where units move and attack in alternating turns. The game features a wide range of military hardware, including infantry, tanks, artillery, helicopters, aircraft, warships, and submarines. Combat outcomes are determined by unit type matchups, terrain advantages such as forests or mountains, and remaining health points of the units involved. Capturing neutral or enemy cities, airports, and factories provides income, which can be used to produce reinforcements and repair damaged troops. Victory is usually achieved by destroying all opposing units or seizing the enemy headquarters.

A key feature of the game is the use of commanding officers, each with unique abilities and special powers that can influence the flow of battle. These powers may strengthen attack and defense, extend unit movement, or otherwise alter tactical conditions. Choosing the right commander for each mission or multiplayer match adds an additional layer of strategy.

Beyond the story campaign, Advance Wars includes several additional modes. Versus mode allows up to four players to compete on a single system by passing the Game Boy Advance between turns, or by linking systems together with the Game Link Cable. War Room mode challenges players to earn high scores on standalone maps, encouraging efficient play and replayability. A map design tool lets players create custom battlefields that can be shared with friends.

⭐ Series Note

Advance Wars is part of the long-running Wars series, which began with Famicom Wars on NES. Intelligent Systems would later apply many of these design ideas to Fire Emblem, making Advance Wars an important pillar of Nintendo’s strategy lineage.

Product Details

Japanese Title: ゲームボーイウォーズアドバンス (Game Boy Wars Advance)
Platform: Game Boy Advance (NTSC-U)
Genre: Turn-Based Strategy / Tactical
Players: 1–4 players (link cable multiplayer)
Language: English
Developer: Intelligent Systems
Publisher: Nintendo
Release Year: 2001 (North America)

Compatible with Game Boy Advance, GBA SP, Game Boy Player, and Nintendo DS systems.