Advance Wars 1 or 2?

[toddst]

Which one should I pick up today? I checked them both out and have played them for a couple hours (thanks flashcard). I like them both, but which one is most enjoyable from begining to end?

-Todd

[GrandAmChandler]

I vote Advance Wars 1, but thats only becaue it's the only one I have. I hear 2 is as equally as good, if not better!

[Mayhem]

AW2 makes more sense (and is easier to get into) once you've played AW1. AW1 has a proper tutorial, AW2 doesn't. Go for AW1 first ;)

[NE146]

The word about AW2 is right.. and that it's more like an "Expansion Pack" rather than a "part 2". So in that sense, both games are pretty much the same.

However, as someone actively playing both carts AGAIN. I think I prefer 2 at the moment. But again, there's little difference aside from the additional CO's and new weapons like the cannons and that new tank.

[toddst]

Hmmm, damn, I'm still unsure, but since NE146 says that 2 has better replay value, I might go for that one....

Tough decisions while procrastinating at work...

-Todd

[bargora]

You should be able to get 1 pretty cheap these days. And I don't see where NE146 says that 2 has more replay value, unless that's how you are interpreting the addition of COs and weapons.

I'm sure you'll be happy with either, but the tutorial mode in the first AW really is a good thing.

[toddst]

[quote="bargora"]And I don't see where NE146 says that 2 has more replay value, unless that's how you are interpreting the addition of COs and weapons. [quote]

I was just reading into where NE 146 says, "I prefer 2 at the moment."

Thanks for the advice. So, I guess the answer is that 1 has the best lessons, but I'll be happy with either version.

Thanks,

Todd

[bargora]

Well, I picked up Advance Wars 2 a few days ago, and I am loving it very much. A couple of points that I didn't see mentioned earlier in the thread--AW2 has all of the "War Room", "Vs." (2, 3, or 4 player), and "Special" maps that were found in AW. So you can play all of the AW maps except for the AW "Campaign" maps in AW2.

Also, the AI in AW is improved and (while still occasionally stupid) now puts up a better fight. In AW, you could almost always use an APC, Transport Copter, or Lander as a decoy. In AW2, the AI will actually realize that it should attack the infantry capturing its HQ rather than the empty transport that brought it.

The two-tiered CO power system is also interesting.

All in all, I can still recommend the first Advance Wars, since it's going for about $15 these days and it easily provides dozens of hours of entertainment, as well as containing the excellent tutorials. But aside from the tutorials, I'd have to say that AW2 is a better game.