When it comes to turn-based strategy games, Nintendo is more than acquainted with them. While most fans would immediately think of Fire Emblem as the company's major contribution to the genre, there is another that has also found some modicum of success: Advance Wars.
While not as huge as Fire Emblem, it still managed to gain a sizeable fanbase due to its fun top-down view gameplay, charming cast of characters, colorful visuals, and intriguing plot. In fact, it was well-received enough that its first two games were remade via Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp.
Although many remember the series consisting of a trilogy, some forget that there was a standalone title. It is called Advance Wars: Days of Ruin, and as someone who has played it extensively, I can say that it deserves the spotlight more than the other three.
The main reason for this is that Days of Ruin actually showed how horrifying war can be. While the original Advance Wars trilogy's plot revolved around conflicts between different countries, the colorful and cartoonish art style, together with the often unserious dialogue, downplayed the supposed serious undertones.
Days of Ruin did not do this, as Intelligent Systems, the same developer responsible for the aforementioned Fire Emblem series, provided it with a more realistic approach in terms of narrative and design. The game pretty much needed it, given that its setting is a post-apocalyptic world where humanity is nearly wiped out due to a global meteor shower, which also resulted in dust clouds blocking out the sun.
With a story as heavy as that, it makes sense that the game is a standalone with a different approach in tone, as it would not have worked with the art style and cartoonish feel of the other Advance Wars games. And because of that decision, it was much better off, so much so that I would say its entire storyline outclasses that of the other three games.
The plot of Days of Ruin touches on everything the other Advance Wars seemingly either didn't or barely did, like cannibalism, genocide, murder, etc. Also, the story wasn't afraid to kill off anyone, not even major characters. Stuff like that is what a game involving war is supposed to cover, and Days of Ruin was ruthless in its approach, making it very memorable.
In fact, its more serious tone even helped enhance gameplay. Since tactical role-playing games are all about sending units to take on those of the enemy, people normally wouldn't care about what happens when they lose their own, so long as they win. However, because of how Days of Ruin covers its plot, it feels like every soldier has a life that must be protected, making you care more about them. This often results in strategic choices that are not normally made in the hopes of trying to save them, allowing for more memorable experiences.
Advance Wars: Days of Ruin deserves more attention than it got, as it is a masterpiece overshadowed by its more recognized siblings. Hopefully, in the future, Nintendo will give it the chance it deserves to show why it should be more popular, as it has everything needed from a tactical role-playing game that can masterfully cover the topic of war.
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