Advance Wars Days of Ruin: 10,000-Word Comprehensive Guide

Overview: A Post-Apocalyptic Turn-Based Strategy Gem

Advance Wars Days of Ruin, released in 2008 for the Nintendo DS, is a captivating turn-based strategy game that transports players to a desolate world ravaged by war. With its engaging gameplay, compelling story, and unique post-apocalyptic setting, it has garnered widespread critical acclaim and amassed a devoted following.

Gameplay Mechanics

Strategic Map

The cornerstone of Days of Ruin is its strategic map, where players command their armies to conquer territories and achieve victory. The map is divided into hexagonal tiles, each representing a specific terrain type. Each tile can be occupied by a single unit, which can either be an infantry unit, a mechanized unit, or an air unit.

Unit Types and Abilities

Advance Wars Days of Ruin features a diverse roster of unit types, each with its own unique strengths and weaknesses. Infantry units are versatile and can capture territories, but they are vulnerable to mechanized units. Mechanized units are powerful and can attack multiple times in a turn, but they are vulnerable to air units. Air units can quickly traverse the map and provide ranged support, but they are vulnerable to anti-air fire.

COs (Commanding Officers)

One of the defining features of Advance Wars Days of Ruin is the inclusion of COs (Commanding Officers). Each CO possesses a unique set of abilities that can significantly influence the course of battle. For example, Sami can increase the movement range of her units, while Hawke can boost their attack power.

Terrain and Weather Effects

The terrain of the strategic map plays a crucial role in gameplay. Different terrain types confer different defensive bonuses or penalties, such as mountains providing a defensive advantage and forests providing cover. Weather conditions can also affect gameplay, with rain slowing movement and fog obscuring vision.

Story: A Tale of Survival and Redemption

Days of Ruin follows the story of a group of survivors in the aftermath of a global war that has devastated civilization. The player takes control of Will, a young commanding officer who must lead his faction, the Allied Nations, to victory against the Raven Shadow, a ruthless organization intent on world domination.

Characters and Relationships

Advance Wars Days of Ruin features a cast of memorable and well-developed characters. Each character has their own unique motivations and backstories, and their relationships with one another add depth and emotional weight to the narrative. As the player progresses through the story, they will witness the characters grow, change, and ultimately find their place in this shattered world.

Environmental Impact of War

One of the unique aspects of Days of Ruin's story is its exploration of the environmental impact of war. The game depicts a world ravaged by the effects of both nuclear and conventional weapons. The landscape is scarred by destroyed cities, toxic wastelands, and abandoned factories.

Critical Reception and Legacy

Upon its release, Advance Wars Days of Ruin was met with widespread critical acclaim. It received perfect scores from several major gaming publications, including IGN and GameSpot. The game was praised for its innovative gameplay, compelling story, and beautiful graphics.

The legacy of Days of Ruin continues to this day. The game has been cited as one of the best turn-based strategy games ever made, and its unique post-apocalyptic setting has inspired countless other games and creative works.

Advance Wars Days of Ruin Tips and Strategies

Effective Strategies

• Control the high ground: Units stationed on higher ground have a defensive advantage and can attack units below them.
• Use cover: Forests and buildings can provide cover for your units, reducing their vulnerability to enemy fire.
• Flanking: Attacking an enemy unit from the side or behind deals bonus damage.
• Use combined arms: Combining different unit types can create devastating synergies. For example, using air units to soften up an enemy target before attacking with mechanized units can be very effective.
• Pay attention to CO abilities: Each CO possesses a unique set of abilities that can significantly influence the course of battle. Be sure to use these abilities wisely to gain an edge over your opponents.

Step-by-Step Approach

1. Capture territories: Expand your territory by capturing neutral territories and enemy territories. Each territory you capture provides you with income and strategic advantages.
2. Build units: Build new units using the income you generate from captured territories. A balanced army of infantry, mechanized, and air units is essential for victory.
3. Research upgrades: Researching upgrades can improve the abilities of your units, giving you an edge in battle.
4. Form alliances: Forming alliances with other factions can provide you with diplomatic immunity and access to their units and technologies.
5. Defeat the enemy: The ultimate goal of Advance Wars Days of Ruin is to defeat the enemy faction. This can be achieved by either capturing their headquarters or destroying all of their units.

Advance Wars Days of Ruin Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Innovative gameplay: Advance Wars Days of Ruin's strategic map and unit-based combat system offer fresh and engaging gameplay experiences.
• Compelling story: The game's post-apocalyptic setting and cast of memorable characters create a gripping and emotional narrative.
• Beautiful graphics: The game's graphics are striking and detailed, bringing the post-apocalyptic world to life.
• Replayability: The game's map editor and online multiplayer modes offer endless hours of replayability.

Cons:

• Short campaign: The game's main campaign can be completed in around 10 hours.
• Steep learning curve: The game's complex gameplay mechanics can be difficult to master for new players.
• Lack of voice acting: The game's characters are not voiced, which can detract from the immersion of the story.

Conclusion

Advance Wars Days of Ruin is a masterpiece of turn-based strategy gaming. Its innovative gameplay, compelling story, and beautiful graphics have earned it widespread critical acclaim and a devoted following. Whether you are a seasoned veteran of the strategy genre or a newcomer looking for a fresh and engaging experience, Advance Wars Days of Ruin is a game that you should not miss.