I got this early from the Nintendo World store, my early impression so far is very positive. It feels like the completely new game. The whole combat system is completely overhauled to balance both aspects of gameplay and game mechanics. Perhaps to make the online player much better.
What new in this game compare to previous game, Advance Wars Dual Stirke?
1. New Art and Story- The characters in this look less like cartoon characters instead they look more realistic. Story is taken more serious then the last time, people actually actually get killed this time.
2. A new side quest mission on story mode- During the story mode, you will unlock a new optional side quest missions or otherwise known as free maps. They have no impact on storyline, but you can play them to unlock stuff like characters, map or music.
3. New method of earn maps and CO- You can no longer buy maps, music or CO(Commanding Officers) instead you need to earn them by progressing further in game or play side quest mission in story mode.
4. Overhall of CO Powers- The commanding officer no longer have to wait in sidelines and bark orders; they can join the battle as well. In order to use them- place a unit in headquarters or structure that can develop units (factory, airport or seaport) and select CO. They will cost 1/2 of unit cost in order to summon them. If a CO enters a bomber which initial cost is 20000, it will cost 10000 for CO to take control of unit.CO will make that unit slightly stronger along new command zone
5.Command Zone-The command zone grants any friendly units nearby defense or offensive boost. Your commander gets two command zone levels: half bar for zone 1 or full bar for zone 2 for full strength. You can level up these command zone like the CO power by either taking damage or dealing damage. When you use your CO powers it will drop it back to zero.
6. New rankings system- In previous version, you get cap for 100 in either speed, power or technique. Now thats different, they remove the cap which enable to net higher scores and more bragging rights for high scores.
7. Units can level up- It same thing as Military Madness, when your unit kills an enemy they can deal more damage then before. Level cap at level 3.
8. New units.
A)Unit: Duster(Air)
Cost: 13000
Brief Description- Sort like Mid Tank of air units. It has the offensive power helicopter on ground troops and fighter on air units. It's not quite as strong as counterpart, but they are good all around
B)Unit:Seaplanes(Air)
Cost: 15000 (Only Carriers can produce them)
Brief Description- A stronger version of duster, but with limited ammo and you need a pricey carrier to summon them.
C)Unit: Bike (light ground infantry vechile)
Cost:2500
Brief Description- A combination of infantry and recon. High movement with weaker offensive punch of recon , but they can capture structures
D)Unit:Flare(light tank)
Cost:5000
Brief Description- A weaker version of light tank with the exceptions of lower cost and has secondary ability called flare, it reveals more areas in fog of war.
E)Unit: War Tank(heavy tank)
Cost:16000
Brief Description- They are the new Neotanks of Days of Ruin. Not as strong or broken as Neo Tank, but cost is lower.
F)Unit:Rigs (light armor vechile)
Cost:5000
Brief Description- Apc's are gone, say hello to new Rigs. They share similar characteristics of Apc like transportation of infantry or resupply your units, but this time they can build temporary structure like airport or seaports on selected areas with a cost of one turn. These temporary structures act a closer safe havens to repair or refuel your units.
G)Unit: Anti Tank (missle tank unit)
Cost: 11000
Brief Description- Combination of both artillery and light tank. They can strike up close or afar. Unlike artillery, they use hit and run and can defense themselves when enemy strikes near. It not hard to figure out that it's main purpose is to destroy tanks.
F)Units: Gunboat (naval unit)
Cost: 6000
Brief Description- Combination of lander and cruiser in one. It can transport ground units and attack other naval unit with moderate damage for a low cost of 6000. But one huge drawback, it can only hold one shell. You need a Rig trailing this unit if you intend to attack more then one time.
9. What's remove from this game? Experience points, Neo Tank, Ship the can repair naval units, Hachi Shop, War Room, Combat, Survival, (hard mode?, i didn't beat it yet)
10. Easier to navigate menu with more hot keys or options
11. New Save feature- You can no longer cheat and spam multiple record to get easy medals. Your save is attach to file you load with.
12. Can save up to 50 custom maps.
13. Reply the previous campaign mission without starting a new record.
14. Most importantly is the addition of Wifi play.
