The old Advance Wars given a realistic makeover. Oh, did I mention this one is online capable?
Graphics:
The graphics are more serious this time around. The game play graphics are the same as the DS version, which is not a bad thing. The cut scenes look relatively better than the DS version, too. This might be because it's more serious this time around, which I have always wanted. Nintendo has too many "kiddy" titles, and I believe some should be more serious, like Advance Wars and Battalion Wars. The environments are nice, the art is nice, and overall the graphics are very nice and certainly get the job done.
8.5/10- More realistic, but overall the same.
Sound:
Same as the graphics, the sound of this game is good. You have new tunes not in the installments before, but you also have some memorable tunes. I really like the tunes in this game, but they don't stick out. If you lower the volume all the way down, you still get the same experience with it on. It's there, I like it, but it could be much better. It also gets the job done.
8/10- Generic and gets the job done.
Game play:
Oh boy, if the game play was not good then the series would have ended by now. The series is still alive and well. I love the game play. It's something new that you don't find in many games. Take a break from all the shooters, and enjoy some relaxing game play which makes you think. The controls are nice, like the Advance Wars DS, so if you liked Advance Wars DS you will like Days of Ruin. It's very easy, create units, move them with limited moving spaces, capture your enemies "properties". Very basic, very strategic, very fun. It can get a little boring at times, but if your planning on buying this game you probably already know how the game plays.
9.5/10- Same game play we all know and love, but also sometimes boring.
Replay Value:
AWDS was PACKED, and I mean PACKED. Days of Ruin takes off some of the single player options from AWDS and puts in a fantastic online feature. This also includes voice chat right from the DS microphone, which is just amazing. Trust me when I say this, the online in this game is terrific. FCs are back, but you can even chat with people over random play, and since this is a Nintendo title, this is purely amazing. The shop feature is taken out, but online comes in. The Design Room allows you to create your own maps, trade them over Wi-Fi. You can store up to 50 maps from Wi-Fi and your created, which means this game is never ending. Although AWDS was packed in the single-player, I would much rather have an online mode where it will last me forever.
10/10- Will last forever with online.
Overall:
Overall, this is a must for anyone wanting a smart DS game. This game has everything anyone would want from an Advance Wars game, and the wait was certainly worth it. Pick this one up, you will be happy you did.
9.0/10- Good presentation, addicting game play, and will last you a long time to come. It's the best Advance Wars game out there, what is not to like?