Advance Wars: Dual Strike

Advance Wars: Dual Strike is a single-player and multiplayer turn-based strategy game. The story continues the conflict between the Allied Nations and the Black Hole Army, who once again threaten global stability with advanced weaponry and new commanders. Players take command of the Allied Nations’ forces, progressing through a narrative-driven campaign where each mission involves defeating enemy armies, capturing cities, and protecting vital territory.

Gameplay takes place on grid-based maps where players alternate turns moving units, engaging in combat, and managing resources. Armies are built from a variety of land, air, and naval units, with seven new unit types introduced in this entry. Additions include the stealth fighter, carrier, and the heavily armored Megatank, each of which expands tactical options and requires new counter-strategies. Standard infantry remain essential for capturing cities, factories, and headquarters to maintain supply lines and fund production.

Commanding Officers (COs) return, each with unique strengths, weaknesses, and special powers that can shift the momentum of battle. A new feature allows players to use two COs at once, switching between them or unleashing combined Dual Strike abilities that can dramatically alter the battlefield. COs also gain experience points through victories, which can be spent to enhance their skills for use in subsequent missions.

The Nintendo DS hardware is used to expand the series’ mechanics. Some missions involve two maps running simultaneously, one on each screen, with the player directing separate battles that can influence each other. The touchscreen stylus provides streamlined unit selection, movement, and custom map design, making it easier to manage large armies and complex terrain.

In addition to the main campaign, several alternate modes are included. Survival Mode challenges players to complete as many battles as possible before running out of time, funds, or turns. Combat Mode introduces real-time skirmishes where each player controls a single unit, offering fast-paced alternatives to the turn-based system. Multiplayer options support up to four players through local wireless connections or hot-seat play on a single handheld.

Advance Wars: Dual Strike also includes a map editor that allows users to create and share custom battlefields, as well as detailed statistics tracking performance across campaigns and multiplayer sessions. Unlockable content such as additional COs, maps, and challenge missions provide extended replay value beyond the main story.