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[Ranger X]

Sounds good sounds good. One week waiting.

 

[Nexus Zero]

I can't wait for this, it's going to be my first IS strategy game. Day one.

 

[Gamecocks625]

A review from Nintendo Power was posted over at Gamefaqs

Review Title: Apocalypse Wow

Rating: 8.5/ 10

Summary:
*Game is comfortingly much the same as before, few surprising innovations.
*The story in DoR is much better than those in previous games. Details about plot not included in this review because they would require massive spoilers.
*Battles are more approachable than before, but gameplay is not overly simplified nor too complex.
*It feels as though the DS was made for the AW franchise.
*Frustrating touch screen control aspects of AW: DS are gone, control is much smoother.
*Wi-Fi battles are a great addition to the game.

Review written by Chris Shepperd

Nintendo Power, Volume 225, February 2008

 

[Insaniac]

A review from Nintendo Power was posted over at Gamefaqs

and how did it get an 8.5? Sounds great!

 

[OliveJuice]

I can't find one of these anywhere. Any suggestions?

I'm pretty sure the regular ones work as well, but yea I wouldn't use this for the Wii. When I bought this I didn't have wireless cards on my computers. Now that I do have wireless, I can't go online with the DS because of WPA, and I'm too lazy to change it to WEP everytime...so I guess the dongle can be useful for the DS.

I would recommend getting a wireless router, but get the dongle if you don't want to switch to wireless.

 

[Hootie]

A review from Nintendo Power was posted over at Gamefaqs

Any word on the negatives in the review? They gave it a 8.5/10 but it sounds like it's a 9.5/10.

 

[Koren]

*Battles are more approachable than before, but gameplay is not overly simplified nor too complex.

I must say I'm scared... AW: DS was awfully simple in advance campaign, and 90% of the warroom was also not challenging at all.

 

[Little Green Yoda]

I can't find one of these anywhere. Any suggestions?

According to some CAG members, some Wal-Marts have it on clearance for less than $9. But a wireless router is probably your best bet, judging from the accounts I've heard about the dongle.

And a freakishly easy single player mode would certainly be disappointing and would temper my excitement greatly. There's always WiFi battling but the single player experience is just as important to me.

 

[Kobun Heat]

Big interview -- well, basically a monologue! -- with NOA localization guy, amazing speaker of Japanese, and Advance Wars lover Tim O'Leary about AWDS' story and mechanics.

http://blog.wired.com/games/2008/01/interview-ninte.html

 

[traveler]

Big interview -- well, basically a monologue! -- with NOA localization guy, amazing speaker of Japanese, and Advance Wars lover Tim O'Leary about AWDS' story and mechanics.

http://blog.wired.com/games/2008/01/interview-ninte.html

Read's like their trying to make Cormac McCarthy's Advance Wars: The Road. :lol

 

[DDayton]

Big interview -- well, basically a monologue! -- with NOA localization guy, amazing speaker of Japanese, and Advance Wars lover Tim O'Leary about AWDS' story and mechanics.

http://blog.wired.com/games/2008/01/interview-ninte.html

Wait wait wait... am I misreading something, or is he saying that EVERY MAP in this game is limited to a SINGLE SCREEN -- no scrolling?

Have we known that before? That seems like a significant reduction in gameplay... I had read about the user created maps being limited to a single screen, but ALL maps?

 

[traveler]

Wait wait wait... am I misreading something, or is he saying that EVERY MAP in this game is limited to a SINGLE SCREEN -- no scrolling?

Have we known that before? That seems like a significant reduction in gameplay... I had read about the user created maps being limited to a single screen, but ALL maps?

I think he means that all the action will take place on the bottom screen, rather than employing both, like Dual Strike. No need for alarm.

 

[DDayton]

I think he means that all the action will take place on the bottom screen, rather than employing both, like Dual Strike. No need for alarm.

How is that different that Dual Strike? At what point did Dual Strike use two screens... or is that just referring to battle animations?

 

[VegaShinra]

How is that different that Dual Strike? At what point did Dual Strike use two screens... or is that just referring to battle animations?

There were some battles where you had to fight on two different fronts, like ground and sky. So the top screen would naturally act as the sky and the bottom as the ground.

 

[justchris]

Any word on the negatives in the review? They gave it a 8.5/10 but it sounds like it's a 9.5/10.

Just got home, so I can post this for you. Here are the negatives from the review:

"There isn't a lot of gameplay innovation in Days of Ruin - a few new vehicles and some fresh changes on the battlefield to give your brain something to chew on, but most of what you'll see is comfortingly the same as before."

Spoiler

Read: 'We can't see how an infantry unit with 5 move, and CO's having area of influence massively change the strategy of the gameplay.'

"But while the missions are smartly tied to the story, sometimes the winning strategy seems exceedingly narrow. Too often you have to play a level over and over again until you figure out the precise steps to victory. Or you can throw a ton of manpower at your enemy and wear him down through long, slogged out battles. Either way, you feel like you're rewarded only for figuring out how how the developers wanted you to play, not for creativity."

Spoiler

Read: 'We're too pussy to beat some maps after even two playthroughs, so we deducted a point.' or, alternately, 'We didn't play the first Advance Wars.'

 

[Koren]

OK, that's dumb, at least till I can figure myself.

Infantry now has 5 move ? They've really done a complete overhaul of the game, I hope it'll be as balanced as the previous iterations.

 

[justchris]

Infantry now has 5 move ? They've really done a complete overhaul of the game, I hope it'll be as balanced as the previous iterations.

No, no, no, basic Infantry still has 3 move. The Bike is an infantry-type unit, and it has 5 move. It can take buildings, and has the same weaponry as basic Infantry. It also has a special movement type that won't allow it to cross rivers or climb mountains, but it takes less of a penalty in harsh terrain than other vehicles (like recon or tanks).

But still, being able to move 5 spaces to capture a base instead of 3 is a pretty significant strategic change.

From the interview:

You can't upload a map until you've played it yourself and cleared it to make sure it's a viable map.

Now that is a good idea. Will stop people from uploading broken maps.

 

[[Nintex]]

You can make a map of any size and trade it with a Friend Code but the Map Center limits map size to 10x10.

No more doubts!
Handheld GOTY confirmed!

 

[Gamecocks625]

Big interview -- well, basically a monologue! -- with NOA localization guy, amazing speaker of Japanese, and Advance Wars lover Tim O'Leary about AWDS' story and mechanics.

http://blog.wired.com/games/2008/01/interview-ninte.html

Great interview! I'm even more pumped about it. After reading the interview a thought popped in my head. If they wanted to sell 2 million copies, they should have just called it "War Training: Destroy your Enemies in Minutes a Day!".

All kidding aside. This looks to be a game that will stay in my DS for a long time.

 

[Insaniac]

No more doubts!
Handheld GOTY confirmed!

Big Relief! Redeem'd!

 

[Gamecocks625]

Big Relief! Redeem'd!

Indeed. Creating your own maps will be an excellent feature, and being able to exchange larger maps with friends is a huge plus.

 

[AdmiralViscen]

Looks like Missiles are still gimped. Any word on the War Tank's specs?

 

[Little Green Yoda]

Wait, what is this Map center if it's not the map sharing feature?

 

[[Nintex]]

Wait, what is this Map center if it's not the map sharing feature?

You can upload your maps to a public map server for anyone to download.

The sharing feature is limited to your friends.

 

[Rentahamster]

Big interview -- well, basically a monologue! -- with NOA localization guy, amazing speaker of Japanese, and Advance Wars lover Tim O'Leary about AWDS' story and mechanics.

http://blog.wired.com/games/2008/01/interview-ninte.html

Great interview, this game can't come out soon enough.

 

[Ranger X]

No more doubts!
Handheld GOTY confirmed!

Holyshit. God EXIST.

GOTF (game of the forever)

 

[Hootie]

Wowowowow...I can't wait! Good thing I have exam week right now, as they are all easy, I get half days, and more importantly, time to play AW all next week and on!

 

[Daigoro]

im ready to purchase!

 

[Neomoto]

You can make a map of any size and trade it with a Friend Code but the Map Center limits map size to 10x10.

Oh fuck yeah! My only (minor) "complaint" is gone! Oh man, I can't wait for this game.

And I don't get why Nintendo Power says that there isn't a lot of gameplay innovation.. In my opinion IS has outdone themselves with Days of Ruin. And that's saying something! And I'm sure it will play absolutely amazing too.

 

[justchris]

Looks like Missiles are still gimped. Any word on the War Tank's specs?

How are Missiles gimped? It looks like they've increased their range to 3-6, and increased their movement to 5. It does look like Ammo for all units has been reduced though.

No stats on the War Tank yet, there are no screens or movies that feature it.

 

[Insaniac]

Holyshit. God EXIST.

GOTF (game of the forever)

GOTC (century)

GOTF is reserved for brawl, sorry

Only a few more days! Anyone able to pick this up early or monday at least?

 

[gimz]

shit, why does this game come out in my poor of the poorest time of my life
how do i squeeze some money for this game and No More Heros

 

[traveler]

I hate to keep bugging you guys with the same questions, but is there anything I can do to get my DS online via Ethernet? (I'm at a college and they don't allow routers, so Wi-fi is a no-go)

 

[Guled]

I hate to keep bugging you guys with the same questions, but is there anything I can do to get my DS online via Ethernet? (I'm at a college and they don't allow routers, so Wi-fi is a no-go)

There is no way to use Ethernet to get your DS online. Dose your collage have any wireless network?

 

[Helzown]

Next week needs to hurry up and end.

I agree with what you have said, I just can't believe you have BJ Penn as an avatar.

Anyway, this game was one of the greatest announcements last year. I absolutely can't wait for this, could be my handheld GOTY.

 

[ag-my001]

I hate to keep bugging you guys with the same questions, but is there anything I can do to get my DS online via Ethernet? (I'm at a college and they don't allow routers, so Wi-fi is a no-go)

Eat lunch at McDonalds and use their hotspot? Not the healthiest of options, but it could work. Plus the free refills would be a nice bonus.

 

[traveler]

There is no way to use Ethernet to get your DS online. Dose your collage have any wireless network?

Not in range of the dorms, but, yeah, if push comes to shove, I can just go sit in the cafeteria of the UC. :lol

 

[whatdidyousay]

I just got an email--so the NWS is going to start selling the game on Sunday? I have Monday off and I've been waiting for this game since I finished the previous one...

 

[Nuclear Muffin]

10 x 10 maps only for the map centre, awww dangnbbit!

Shame really but at least you can still send maps of any size to friends!

 

[Lee N]

I hate to keep bugging you guys with the same questions, but is there anything I can do to get my DS online via Ethernet? (I'm at a college and they don't allow routers, so Wi-fi is a no-go)

Just get the little Nintendo WiFi Dongle.

 

[Guled]

Not in range of the dorms, but, yeah, if push comes to shove, I can just go sit in the cafeteria of the UC. :lol

In that case, get the wi fi usb thing. Its a pain in the ass, but its better then that.

 

[Tenbatsu]

 

[VegaShinra]

Review copy?

 

[Tenbatsu]

Review copy?

Yap, trying it out now.

 

[Phife Dawg]

Yap, trying it out now.

We demand impressions!

 

[Aurelius]

Eurogamer has an First Impressions preview. The like the new units, but not the darker tone.

It's hard not to have mixed feelings about Dark Conflict. Wi-Fi multiplayer aside, it's somewhat unexciting as a package, and if you feel Advance Wars ennui setting in then Dark Conflict will do little to reawaken your enthusiasm. On the other hand, purists will be delighted that it has unbroken all the stuff that didn't need fixing in the first place, and tinkered with this near-perfect strategy template with both restraint and imagination. In pure tactical terms it's shaping up to be the best game since the first, and the better of the two DS versions by some distance, and we're sure that will be borne out by more extended and deep play come the game's release next week. It's just a shame that, in finding its way again, Advance Wars has lost so much of its soul, and its style.

http://www.eurogamer.net/article.php?article_id=90902

 

[Jenga]

Meh, I got tired of the cutesy war world setting and the characters by the third game personally.

 

[Hcoregamer00]

Can't wait, I am counting down the time to release.

 

[justchris]

Eurogamer has an First Impressions preview. The like the new units, but not the darker tone.

[/i]

http://www.eurogamer.net/article.php?article_id=90902

Bah, whatever. We had 3 games in the old style, and the story was basically the same across all 3 games. I still own all 3 of those, and if I for some bizarre reason feel the need to experience that story again, I can go back and play them. A series reinventing itself, without breaking what made it great, should always be encouraged.

 

[Guled]

Bah, whatever. We had 3 games in the old style, and the story was basically the same across all 3 games. I still own all 3 of those, and if I for some bizarre reason feel the need to experience that story again, I can go back and play them. A series reinventing itself, without breaking what made it great, should always be encouraged.

Yup, its always sad to see when developers try a different style, and create a new fresh experience, but gets bashed (LOZ:WW). I don't care what reviewers say, this is a AAA game.