Advance Wars: Dual Strike is the first game in the series to be specifically designed for the Nintendo DS handheld. A number of changes are apparent, several of which take advantage of the DS's dual screens (hence the title) and touch screen interface. Although the game is fundamentally the same as previous Advance Wars releases, a wider range of changes to the gameplay make this one the most controversial of the bunch among fans.
In Dual Strike, Black Hole has returned with newcomer Von Bolt now in charge. The latest nefarious plan involves siphoning energy from the land to bestow the evil mastermind with eternal life. Former savior Hawke, along with Black Hole CO Lash, eventually turn against their new leader, switching sides to provide intelligence and tactical support. As with the other Advance Wars games, the narrative merely provides a framework for inundating the players with more maps, COs, units and battlefield options than they've had before.
For most battles, the non-touch DS screen is utilized to provide players with additional intelligence and terrain features for the map in question. However, certain confrontations in Dual Strike play out on two fronts, complete with two COs. Players can opt to take complete control of the second front or to leave matters in the hands of the game's AI, which can be set to follow a variety of strategies.
Dual Strike also adds nine new COs to the mix, bringing the total up to 27. Unlike the previous games COs are able to improve over time, earning experience towards promotions which in turn unlock new abilities. Certain battles also allow for two COs to be selected instead of just one. Players are able to tag back and forth between the two during battle, which can offset a particular COs disadvantages. In addition, paired COs are able to perform Tag Powers; filling the Power Meter for both allows players to unleash both Super CO Powers in a single turn. Some Tag Powers receive an additional benefit when certain COs are paired together, called Tag Affinity.
Dual Strike also adds several new ways for players to strategize. Several new units join in on the fun, including a powerful new tank, a stealth fighter, a pair of new naval vessels and even a long-range ballistic missile. There's also the new Com Tower property, which isn't designed for combat though it beefs up the attack power of any unit when captured).
In addition to Campaign and War Room, several new modes are also added for Dual Strike. Survival missions are designed to rate performance by placing limitations on one of three factors: Money, Time or Turns. Combat mode, available for one or more players, is a stripped-down real-time version of Advance Wars. Players have access to only four unit types - Artillery, Mech, Recon and Tank - and power-ups are available to supplement CO Powers. Lone players have several difficulties to choose from while group play supports up to eight participants.
Of course, what would a DS update be without some wireless functionality? Dual Strike actually supports two multiplayer modes. Link is the mode that fans are used to from previous games, though the change here is that all connections are maintained wirelessly and up to eight players are supported. Versus is essentially the same, though only one DS is required as it passes between players for each turn. Fans who were longing for online multiplayer via Nintendo's Wi-Fi Connection would have to wait a bit longer, for Dual Strike's inevitable follow-up.
