This is an excellent turn based strategy war game, it has a storyline running through it to give some kind of direction and reason for each battle (The story left me cold but some people will enjoy it I am sure).

Once you get to the more challenging levels and as aresult have a wider choice of vehicles the game comes into its own, you really have to think about what units you produce and how they will fit into the battle.

The graphics are neat and tidy and do the job well as does the sound with the usual gunfire and explosions you would expect to find in this type of game.

The gameplay is excellent and rewarding and once you get the first few really easy levels out the way the game gets nicely challenging. All in all a really high quality game and well worth the money in terms of enjoyment and also longevity, buy it!!

I liked this game, it's fun, addictive, funny ( apart from the bad jokes from one of the characters) and it's strategic. The only reason i gave this one a 4 star is because there isn't much help when your in trouble, the leveling up is a nice addition aswell.

This game is brilliant, both multiplayer and the single player campaign due to the highly addictive game play.

With varied units, this turn based game requires you to use a certain degree of tactical skill, especially if you are playing against people all over the world.

The story line is a dramatic and dark one, with an apocalyptic outcome which is similar to what we think the dinosaurs ended up being wiped out!

All in all, if you like strategy simulation games, this is a definite title you should add to your collection!

Dark Conflict moves away from the often far too cute story line of the previous games. It is war after all. Control and game mechanics remain mostly the same with some tweaks. The single player game features tutorials to take newbs through the learning curve. Its an enjoyable campaign and also unlocks COs for use on line or in one off games.

The units function as before, gone are the Neo Tanks but air craft carriers that can build planes are added along with bikes that act like fast infantry. That means they can capture buildings, but move slowly off road. APCs are now able to build temporary airports/docks which can facilitate repairs but are unable to build new units. These new units allow for some interesting new tactics.

Perhaps the biggest change is in the COs. Gone are the often too devastating dual strikes of the previous DS game and CO bonuses potentially giving ALL your units more powerful attacks/defence. Instead your CO is added to a unit (like a tank or plane) and adds certain bonuses to near by units. This change makes for a more tactical game, forcing you to carefully place your CO for maximum effect. It also means both sides are far more balanced so you have to out think your opponent rather than just come up with a the best CO powers and dual strike.

On the plus side it means you don't have to sit and watch as your whole army gets eaten by a dual strike. On the other hand I did quite enjoy the scheming that went on to get a proper brutal dual strike in but I think this is more satisfying.

The graphics are no better than before, though a zoom feature is included which I find of no use at all. Still it doesnt detract from the game.

A great addition to the series, go buy it.

First had a go on this game on the weekend and I couldn't put it down. Its is a very nice and addictive turn base strategy game for the DS if you have long train/bus journeys to work this maybe ideal or if you going on holidays would be good to pass the time while laying on the beach as you do get totally immersed in the game.

The graphics aren't the best but hey it's a Nintendo DS not a PS3.

It has a little story running thorough it as well which is nice.

You can also play on Nintendo wifi with this game that's also a bonus

Another stab at the advanced wars franchise,i loved the previous ones so much i went and bought a new DS just for this game!!!
graphics are ok.
but in this game its not so important,
still adictive,but you cant choose COs as in the previous games which is a shame(or if you can i havent woked out to do it)
Also you only build you CO power if he/she is in one of your vehicles (easy to forget,in the heat of battle)
Has a lot of sideline missions which i think would have been bettter to incorporate into the main game.
last levels are quite hard too.
all in all a decent game,but not as good as the previous ones
G.xx

Advance Wars: Dark Conflict is like Command And Conquer with Chess mixed together. You have your troops, tanks, aeroplanes, battleships, helicopters and factorys for building more units. Altogether there are 26 different types of troops and transport you can build. When I say it is a bit like Chess it is because you have to take it in turns at moving your army. To begin with I found the game easy but as you progress you really do have to think about each move you make in order to win. Alongside Zelda and Mario Kart this is My next favourite DS game so far it's that good.

I got this game because a mate told me it was decent, but its amazing, it is ever so addictive, once u start playing it u wont put it down for hours. The levels are well made and offer a wide varity, from battles on land with ur tanks and missile launchers, to the sea and air with ur jets and aircrat carriers. The level deisgner is really fun aswell u can build all sorts of thing, and have all sorts of terrain. To put it short its like having a full statergy game on ur pc in ur pocket that is very addictive. Highly recommended if u like statergy games. A+.

i own all the advance wars games gameboy etc, i think they are all great games that look simple & with graphics that dont look great but they have great depth & addictive game play once you understand how all the units work & how to use them to there full advantage.
with dark conflict its more user frendly less complex & it moves along at a faster pase, the new graphics are a nice change,& the map zoom is a nice touch.

good points: on line play with vioce , map down loads etc.
a nice change of visuals & new music style & some great new units.

bad points: a lot of the old co,s are missing.

i would highly recommend dark conflict if you were hooked on previous dule strike my score 9/10

jim cunneen manchester

Since the disappointing Dual Strike those boffins have come together and created on of the best of the war series yet. The story is thin (there are many reviews out there ruining it so I wont give it away) but still much better than before and the addition of new units (Anti tank gun, war plane, bike crew and more) gives it a slight command and conquer feel. One can now use transports to build temporary Ports and Airstrips. The darker grittier look is great as it gives the game the feeling of a war not a cartoon fight. Also you can fight and trade maps on line with the addition of VOIP between friends.