Advance Wars: Dark Conflict

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Though us poor Europeans wouldn't know it, Advance Wars: Dark Conflict is not only the fourth Advance Wars game, but the 12th in the Nintendo Wars series (only the GBA and DS titles have been released here in the UK).

Dark Conflict not only marks the series' 20th anniversary, but also a return to its strategic roots. Forget Dual Strike's game-changing superpowers and put your thinking caps on because this is pure, unfettered strategy in a portable package.

The premise is simple and remains relatively unmolested from Dual Strike. It all takes place on a map split up into a grid. You control units on the bottom screen, using them to attack the other player or the CPU's units, capturing buildings as you go to gain more money each turn to buy more units. Each one does its damage differently, be it at range or up-close, and can only move a certain amount of squares per turn, depending on both the terrain and their available fuel.

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This is where the real strategy lies: choosing the best weapon for mini-skirmishes that take place across the map, keeping control of your funds and re-supplying both ammo and fuel. It takes thought, it takes cunning, and it takes time to get used to, but once you've got the hang of what you need to keep an eye on, it's both great fun and mercilessly addictive.

The Beginning Of The End
As before, Dark Conflict's single-player follows a slightly hammy yet endearing plot, but with a slightly darker tone this time around. A huge meteor shower destroys most life on Earth, with the thrown-up ash blotting out the sun and leaving a few desperate survivors to duke it out Mad Max style. It focuses on young lad Ed who cheated death by hiding in a cupboard and then consequently picked up by the remnant forces of goodie-goodie former Laurentian, Officer O'Brian.

Ed travels with this motley crew across the ruined world, picking up survivors and doing battle with both the remainder of the Zephyrian Army and bandits of all shapes and sizes. It's not the most thrilling nor the most developed story, but it gives some rhyme and reason to the battles beyond simply "kill the baddies." Additionally, you can replay these missions at any time from the campaign select menu, as well as extra training missions that are a bit tougher than your average, but have no effect on the story itself.

Dark Conflict still retains a sliver of the trademark light cartoony touch of the series. When units come to blows you still face a cel-shaded representation of the battlefield, even though it's now a distinctly blurry, muted and down-beat fighting arena.

The ridiculous Mega Tank returns, and while CO Powers are no longer the trump card that they were in Dual Strike, they're still present and, thankfully, a whole lot more balanced this time around. With no ace-in-the-hole for you or your opponent to call upon, battles now come down to who can be smartest with their distribution of units, capturing of buildings, and general manipulation of the terrain.

This also makes the single-player a lot less frustrating and, dare we say it, a degree easier (suffice to say, in general terms, it's still as hard as nails), with your load-out and positioning being the real keys to victory.
This isn't to say the computer isn't a challenge - just that they're no longer able to cheap-shot their way to a sudden victory. With experimentation, you'll find they're still a little predictable and easily baited into attacking badly damaged or artillery units but, overall, the CPU is a challenging, enticing opponent that will surprise you with its guile, and at times, you'll find yourself in awe at how effectively you can be tricked.


Perfect Dark?
Dark Conflict isn't without its flaws though. While Nintendo have wisely gone back to basics with the strategic elements, going for a darker look has arguably stripped Advance Wars of a substantial wedge of its charm. The doom and gloom might be a comfortable, logical fit for the apocalyptic storyline, but fans of the series may miss the happy-go-lucky nature of Andy and the gang.

O'Brian and Lin are functional foils to Ed, but are at best forgettable and at worst, annoying. O'Brian is terminally and repetitively optimistic about everything. After his third speech to Ed about how it's not so very bad that the world is in tatters, you'll be reaching for the start button.

Physically and mechanically, Dark Conflict is almost identical to Dual Strike, which is by no means a bad thing. The gameplay remains as addictive and engaging as it ever has been, with the strategic emphasis making for a tighter, more cerebral experience. There's a lot of content to get through, too, as once you've thrashed through the campaign there's the extra missions, map-maker, and both offline and online multiplayer to keep you occupied as well.


One Man Army
Overall, Dark Conflict is an excellent addition to the Advance Wars saga. The darker look might not be to everyone's taste, but it doesn't get in the way of what is arguably one of the finest strategy formulas on any console. The game still has the same classic, rewarding, chess-like feel of its predecessors, and while it's nothing groundbreaking these days, it's still great at what it does.

Advance Wars: Dark Conflict is a fine continuation of the series and while it might not reach out to the unconverted and win new fans, those of you who love the series will be heartily satisfied at what's on offer here.