Advance Wars
Advance Wars is a critically acclaimed turn-based strategy game series developed by Intelligent Systems and published by Nintendo. Known for its colorful cartoon-style graphics, engaging tactical gameplay, and memorable commanding officers (COs), the series has become a beloved franchise among strategy game enthusiasts. Players command armies across diverse battlefields, utilizing various units and CO powers to achieve victory.
Category
Game
Release Year
2001
Origin
Japan
Tags
StrategyTurn-BasedMilitaryTactical
Detailed Overview Information
Basic Information
Full Name
Advance Wars Series
Aliases
AW, Wars Series, Famicom Wars
Type
Turn-based strategy video game series
Release Year
2001
Status
Active (Re-Boot Camp released 2023)
Origin
Japan
Region
Japan
Creation Information
Creator
Intelligent Systems, Nintendo
Publisher
Nintendo
Original Work
Advance Wars (Game Boy Advance)
Genre
Turn-based Strategy, Tactical, Military, War Games, Puzzle Strategy
Content Information
Synopsis
In the world of Advance Wars, players take command of armies led by charismatic Commanding Officers (COs) in tactical turn-based battles. Each CO has unique abilities and special powers that can turn the tide of battle. The series features campaigns across multiple nations including Orange Star, Blue Moon, Yellow Comet, and Green Earth, with conflicts ranging from territorial disputes to global warfare.
Main Characters
Andy (Orange Star CO), Max (Orange Star CO), Sami (Orange Star CO), Nell (Orange Star Advisor), Grit (Blue Moon CO), Olaf (Blue Moon CO), Eagle (Green Earth CO), Drake (Green Earth CO), Kanbei (Yellow Comet CO), Sonja (Yellow Comet CO)
Setting
Fictional world with four main nations: Orange Star, Blue Moon, Yellow Comet, and Green Earth, featuring diverse terrains from grasslands to deserts, mountains to seas
Themes
Military strategy, leadership, friendship and rivalry among COs, the cost of war, tactical thinking, resource management, environmental warfare
Target Audience
Strategy game enthusiasts, tactical gamers, Nintendo fans, players who enjoy puzzle-like challenges
Characters
Andy
Orange Star Commanding OfficerOrange StarMaleYoung Adult
A cheerful and optimistic CO from Orange Star known for his mechanical skills and ability to repair units. Despite being...
Abilities: Hyper Repair, Unit Maintenance, Mechanical Expertise...
Quotes:
"Time to get this party started!"
""I am Andy.""
"A good mechanic never gives up on a broken machine!"
Orange StarMechanicRepair SpecialistOptimisticProtagonist
Max
Orange Star Commanding OfficerOrange StarMaleYoung Adult
A powerful and direct CO who specializes in direct combat units. Max's units hit harder but have reduced range, making h...
Abilities: Max Force, Direct Combat Mastery, Unit Power Boost...
Quotes:
"Let's blast 'em!"
""I am Max.""
"Sometimes the direct approach is the best approach!"
Orange StarDirect CombatPower FighterAggressiveStrong
Colin
Blue Moon Commanding OfficerBlue MoonMaleTeenager
A young and inexperienced CO from Blue Moon who compensates for his lack of combat experience with exceptional economic ...
Abilities: Power of Money - Uses funds to increase unit attack power, Gold Rush - Generates additional income from properties, Economic Warfare - Reduces enemy income generation
Quotes:
"I may be young, but I know how to handle money!"
"Let me show you the power of economics!"
"Money talks, and I speak its language!"
Blue MoonEconomicsYoungMoneySupport
Drake
Green Earth Commanding OfficerGreen EarthMaleAdult
A seasoned naval commander who rules the seas for Green Earth. Drake's naval units are stronger and more effective in wa...
Abilities: Tsunami, Naval Mastery, Sea Power...
Quotes:
"Anchors aweigh!"
""I am Drake.""
"The sea is both friend and foe!"
Green EarthNaval CommanderSea CaptainWater CombatExperienced
Eagle
Green Earth Commanding OfficerGreen EarthMaleYoung Adult
An elite pilot and air force commander from Green Earth. Eagle's air units have superior speed and mobility, dominating ...
Abilities: Lightning Drive, Air Superiority, Speed Boost...
Quotes:
"Prepare for a lightning strike!"
""I am Eagle.""
"Speed is life in aerial combat!"
Green EarthAir ForcePilotSpeedAerial Combat
Grit
Blue Moon Commanding OfficerBlue MoonMaleAdult
A laid-back sharpshooter from Blue Moon who specializes in long-range combat. Grit's indirect units have increased range...
Abilities: Snipe Attack, Long Range Mastery, Indirect Fire Boost...
Quotes:
"Keep your eyes open!"
""I am Grit.""
"Patience is a sniper's best friend!"
Blue MoonLong RangeIndirect FireSniperCalm
Kanbei
Yellow Comet Commanding OfficerYellow CometMaleVeteran
A honorable samurai warrior leading Yellow Comet with traditional values. Kanbei's units are stronger and more durable, ...
Abilities: Samurai Spirit, Unit Strengthening, Honor Guard...
Quotes:
"Honor above all!"
""I am Kanbei.""
"Discipline is the path to victory!"
Yellow CometSamuraiHonorStrengthDiscipline
Nell
Orange Star AdvisorOrange StarFemaleAdult
The wise and experienced advisor to Orange Star's COs, providing strategic guidance and support throughout their campaig...
Abilities: Strategic Analysis, CO Guidance, Battle Planning...
Quotes:
"Good luck out there!"
""I am Nell.""
"A good strategy is worth a thousand soldiers!"
Orange StarAdvisorStrategicWiseMentor
Media Forms
Toy Lines
Limited merchandise including figurines and model kits of units and COs
Animated Series
No major animated adaptations, but promotional videos and trailers
Live Action Films
No live-action adaptations
Comics
Limited manga and comic adaptations in Japan
Video Games
Main series games, spin-offs, and remasters across multiple Nintendo platforms
Merchandise
Strategy guides, soundtracks, art books, and limited collector's editions
Commercial Information
Box Office
N/A (Video game series)
Sales
Over 2 million copies sold across the series
Revenue
Estimated $50+ million in total franchise revenue
Awards
Multiple strategy game awards, IGN Editor's Choice, GameSpot Best Strategy Game nominations
Market Value
Cult classic status with strong dedicated fanbase
Licensing
Limited licensing primarily for strategy guides and soundtracks
Fan Culture
Fanbase
Dedicated strategy gaming community with strong competitive scene
Communities
Advance Wars By Web, Reddit communities, GameFAQs forums, competitive tournament circuits
Events
Online tournaments, strategy competitions, fan-made campaigns and maps
Quotes
'Victory is assured!', 'Time to show them what we're made of!', 'Let's get this party started!'
Memes
CO power activation quotes, unit matchup jokes, 'Andy's wrench' memes
Cosplay
CO uniforms and military-themed costumes at gaming conventions
Historical Development
1988
Original Famicom Wars released in Japan, establishing the Wars series foundation
2001
Advance Wars brings the series to international audiences on Game Boy Advance
2002
Advance Wars 2: Black Hole Rising expands the story and adds new COs
2005
Advance Wars: Dual Strike introduces dual-screen gameplay on Nintendo DS
2008
Advance Wars: Days of Ruin takes a darker, more realistic approach
2023
Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp brings remastered versions to Nintendo Switch
Related Links
www.nintendo.com
awbw.amarriner.com
en.wikipedia.org
www.reddit.com
gamefaqs.gamespot.com
www.enjoyip.com