really tries to say a lot of things about some really touchy subjects, but it rings hollow due to a lack of subtlety and misunderstanding of the subject matter on the part of the writers. you can really tell whenever old people try to write about problems involving like, social media and modern bullying culture n shit, the commentary feels very surface-level and bland. the protagonist is really bringing this down too, her constant monologue ruins any sort of spooky atmosphere the game might have had. if it weren't for the brand name and triple a look i'd mistake this for one of those arty indie things by some sad solo dev. plus that maze bit at the end can suck eggs jfc. that monster design is neat tho so that's a star there

To love Advance Wars is to embrace its jagged edges, to celebrate the insanity of imbalance and rubber banding in a game about "strategy" and "thinking". Intelligent systems realized this for Dual Strike, and broke every rule imaginable.

Double turns?
Yup.

Switching between CO's in order to cancel out any resemblance of drawbacks they may have once had?
Booyah

Giving characters skills so that the imbalance is extenuating beyond the point of no return?
Yaaaas

It's a busted mess that turns the PvE section into a challenge to see how badly you can break every rule. Missions end with 50 units that you only payed for a quarter of, as you slowly cover the AIs screen til there's nowhere left for them to build.

I have not played PvP and for all I could know that may bend the rules too much into unfun territory, but as far as PvE goes its an orchestrated mess that leaves an impeccable impression.

STOP PLAYING DUAL STRIKE

-WAR CRIMINALS WERE NOT SUPPOSED TO BE GIVEN 'POWER OF FRIENDSHIP'
-YEARS OF DAY-TO-DAY PERKS yet NO REAL-WORLD USE FOUND for 10% PLAINS BONUS
-"Yes please give blackhole TWO turns if i play too good" Statements dreamed up by the utterly deranged

"Hello I would like to control xx−−√=x+x−−√ CO's please" They Have Played Us For Absolute Fools