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Advance Wars: Dual Strike ds Game Reviews
Advance Wars: Dual Strike
Critic Score
Metascore: 90 Metascore out of 100
User Score  
9.1 out of 10
based on 49 reviews
Read critic reviews
How did we calculate this?
based on 77 votes
Read user comments
Rate this game

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]

PUBLISHER: Nintendo
DEVELOPER: Intelligent Systems
GENRE(S): Turn-Based Strategy
PLAYERS: 8
ESRB RATING: E (Everyone)
RELEASE DATE: August 22, 2005

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.
Read Full Review
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.
Read Full Review
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.
Read Full Review
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.
Read Full Review
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.
Read Full Review
96
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.
Read Full Review
95
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.
Read Full Review
95
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.
Read Full Review
94
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]
Read Full Review
94
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.
Read Full Review
94
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.
Read Full Review
93
Game Informer
If you love strategy, it really doesn't get any better than this. [Sept 2005, p.112]
92
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.
Read Full Review
92
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.
Read Full Review
92
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.
Read Full Review
92
Worth Playing
Dual Strike presents a slick invitation to turn-based neophytes without making the party boring for experienced strategists.
Read Full Review
91
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.
Read Full Review
91
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.
Read Full Review
91
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.
Read Full Review
90
Nintendo Power
AWDS has what "Advance Wars 2" lacked: a substantial number of new unit types. [Oct 2005, p.101]
90
eToychest
The game doesn't stray much from the original formula, but it certainly improves upon it in every imaginable way.
Read Full Review
90
GameZone
The number of options available in the game is incredible. The gameplay just works and will keep you going for hours upon hours.
Read Full Review
90
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.
Read Full Review
90
WHAM! Gaming
One of the best strategy game franchises gets even better with the addition of new DS-specific features and tweaks.
Read Full Review
90
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.
Read Full Review
90
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.
Read Full Review
90
1UP
A goldmine of tactical riches. The gameplay is fast (once you've dribbled past the Teen Beat dialogue) and the game looks sharp.
Read Full Review
90
PALGN
Excellent. A game that you must play at all costs. One or two concerns, but otherwise great.
Read Full Review
90
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!
Read Full Review
90
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.
Read Full Review
90
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.
Read Full Review
90
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]
90
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]
Read Full Review
90
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.
Read Full Review
90
Games Radar
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.
Read Full Review
90
Sydney Morning Herald
The cute Japanese animation belies the tactical intricacy.
Read Full Review
90
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]
90
Extreme Gamer
A one of kind strategy war game that brings the cute into the battlefield.
Read Full Review
90
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.
Read Full Review
88
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]
88
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.
Read Full Review
85
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.
Read Full Review
85
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.
Read Full Review
85
Play Magazine
A remarkably deep military strategy game. [Sept 2005, p.62]
80
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]
80
G4 TV
Those who became addicted to either of the first two Advance Wars titles will surely be hooked by this one, too.
Read Full Review
80
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.
Read Full Review
80
Computer Games Magazine
Quotation forthcoming. [Nov 2005]
80
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.
Read Full Review

What Our Users Said

Vote Now! The average user rating for this game is 9.1 (out of 10) based on 77 User Votes
Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.

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?

Von B. gave it a10:
My recommendation for this series: Buy the first. Take time to enjoy and beat it. Buy the second one. Marvel at Black Hole and my favorite tank. Then buy this, remember where the other two are just long enough to get the extra stuff from having them, then curl up in a ball in your room and never stop playing this game. This game has infinite replay value, and is easy enough to understand. Don't be ashamed to search for the guide, though: some parts can get fairly hard. I'd say if you need it anytime before Crystal Calamity, you haven't practiced with the other games enough, or this isn't the series for you. For all the naysayers: Since when are graphics the final determining factor in a game? People realize Alien Hominid (from NewGrounds!) is a great game, or else it wouldn't have made it to consoles! That and The Wind Waker. Graphics were cel-shaded, for cripes' sake, but the gameplay more than made up for it! Well, in conclusion... Wait, you're still reading? Go back to the top of this post, and follow my instructions, soldier! Move out!

C H gave it a10:
Perfect graphics, game play and music (you would tend to miss the music part). Hyper addictive. Its like having command and conqure serries brought to your DS, but with a far more balanced game play that suits a handheld.

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