Advance Wars: Dark Conflict
Nintendo DS
Ratng 4.5/5
If you have a Nintendo DS then consider it video game heresy if Advance Wars: Dark Conflict is not among the titles you own for the handheld console.
The turn-based tactical warfare game is best described as chess on steroids and comes complete with a story mode, four-player wireless play, and Internet play through Nintnendo’s WiFi Connection service.
Advance Wars: Dark Conflict is a game anyone can pick up and play – but be warned, it is challenging, and most of all, addictive.
You move military units around maps to capture resources, defend territories and to destroy the enemy base.
The game is turned-based, so it requires a lot of though before making a move – similar to chess.
Each unit has its strengths and weaknesses in battle and the terrain itself offers advantages or disadvantages if units are placed on certain terrain tiles.
Above all else, it’s refreshing to see that in a bid to lure new gamers to the market, Nintendo hasn’t cut corners and made Advance Wars: Dark Conflict an easy game to master.
It ensures that Advance Wars: Dark Conflict is easy to learn but challenging enough to extend its life for hours on end.
This is one that all gamers – young and old – can really get into, as it has an easy-to-use interface, clear graphics and in-game tips if you become stuck.
The only gripes I had are that the game does not support single-card multiplayer, meaning everyone with a Nintendo DS will need a copy of the game; and the background music was horrible – I had to turn it down in the game menu.
But overall, it’s one of the most enjoyable titles I’ve played on a handheld console.
