@Laoldar, when I originally posted "style" in my first post, I meant more along the lines of the "tone and presentation" as you stated (I could not figure out as good as diction as you did). I believe that this new take on the franchise could bring in more of the older audience (those that may not have picked it up because of its more cartoony and go-happy attitude in past iterations). This should combine with the appeal of the gameplay to an older audience to grab some more of the older audience.
The thing I believe is the largest factor is the Wi-fi play that should significantly increase sales of this title over the sales of past Advance Wars games.
The style of the game isn't really that different compared with the last Advance Wars DS game...I'd say the biggest change is in the tone and presentation. The gameplay always would have catered to an older audience, so I don't think it will adversely effect sales and the addition of Wi-Fi should be a huge hit (as long as scenarios can be set to be finished in a fairly short time).
What do people think about how the new style of the this game compared to other titles in the series will affect the sales of this title? Also, what are your thoughts about how much of a boost Wi-fi online play will offer to sales?
I believe that the grittier (sp.?) and more serious nature of this title will bring in a bit more in the way of the non-casual gamer crowd. The fact that the title is keeping much of the same construction of the art (how the units look, the style of characters, the map set-up) will retain those that have played earlier games in the series. Since the root gameplay is not changing drastically as of this point, I believe that will also bring back fans of past games.
I believe that this game will almost 100% surely outsell the first Advance Wars DS game because of the inclusion of Wi-fi online play. (Games with online gaming capability have been proven to sell more, let alone that this series was begging for wi-fi online play.)
I was unable to find any solid numbers as to how many copies Advance Wars: Dual Strike sold (which would be pretty helpful in predicting how many copies this game should sell).
..."Well, all that fanciful nonsense has been swept aside. Dark Conflict introduces a brand-new cast and a whole new world of woe. The old cast? Probably dead. The opening credits tell of a meteor shower that’s devastated the entire world. 90% of the population is dead. Cities are shattered husks, and those who survive have taken their fashion cues from Mad Max. "...
A reboot of the series, with a much darker tone. The gameplay has not changed much but the art style has. The game can be played with the d-pad, but it optimized for the stylus. Huge focus on online wi-fi play.
You can also create your own maps and upload them for others (once you've proven you can beat the challenge, so no unbeatable scenarios). IGN expects it in early 2008.
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Well, we definitely agree then!
Advance Wars is a great turn-based strategy series and I hope this next installment continues that.