Advance Wars Under Fire

The highly-acclaimed Advance Wars and its similar-spirited sequel have tied the GBA and strategy together with an ambilical cord of pure gaming delight. Critical raves directed towards these two hits are assuredly legitimate. Their flawless gameplay mechanics coupled with incredible depth and stylized visuals can turn us all into studious planners. Although Intelligent Systems, developer of said titles, have moved on to craft Paper Mario 2, the evolution of this reputable franchise is in good hands. The direction for Advance Wars: Under Fire (which should probably be noted as a spin-off rather than a follow-up) is decidely different, but the folks over at Kuju Entertainment are doing their best to ensure that the trip into the third dimension is pain-free.

Story details regarding Advance Wars: Under Fire are still vague. By our understanding, however, it appears as though the player will once again enlist in the Orange Star Army with the option of choosing other COs from separate factions. Each CO is unique in battle technique; for instance, some specialize in air tactics and others excel in defense. Their personality also comes into play, which means that choosing the right person for the battle is just as vital as winning it.

Unlike the turn-based GBA adventures, Under Fire is coined as a real-time action strategy game. Think of it as an RTS with a third-person perspective. A quick-thinker for this installment is nearly a necessity rather than the methodical tactician of previous series outings. Combat is fast, complex, and very hectic. Certainly, strategy is involved; the gameplay, despite its frantic pace, remains suprisingly similar to its predecessors'. As a commander, you can take control of any unit be it land, sea, or air and order them at will. Troops left on their own defend themselves until directed otherwise, whether its to hold position, attack, or follow you.

The series' look, corky style and all, has never pushed its hardware to the technical limit. At this point, Under Fire upholds that tradition. The graphics retain a cartoony vibe that lightens the fact that the game's subject material is war. Your approval of these slightly exagerrated character models depends solely on taste, but fortunately they aren't cutesy to the point of nausea. Spoken dialogue is included here and though its pretty fucking cheesy, the jabbering is a cool addition nonetheless. One can sense it becomes annoying as the game progresses, but that is merely an assumption.

Most everything about Advance Wars: Under Fire is a bit of an assumption, however, because so little has been revealed. In addition, the title's release is quite a ways off, with all signs pointing at a mid-2005 release. Ouch. Regardless, Kuju Entertainment expressed their motivation and confidence earlier this year when the game was unveiled at E3. Admittedly, the company's track record has been shaky, but early signs indicate that the Advance Wars series' welcoming party to the GC will be a joyous celebration indeed.