Advance Wars

Advance Wars
Also known as: Game Boy Wars Advance (JP) Developer: Intelligent Systems Publisher: Nintendo Platform: Game Boy Advance Released in JP: November 25, 2004 Released in US: September 10, 2001 Released in EU: January 11, 2002 This game has unused abilities. This game has regional differences.

Advance Wars is a light-hearted turn-based strategy game for Game Boy Advance. It's actually part of a much larger series that has existed since the days of the NES/Famicom, but this is the first entry to see an international release, much like the Fire Emblem series.

Hidden Features

Hidden "Nintendo" Design Map

While not technically cut, this is a relatively obscure feature. Holding the L and R buttons while opening the "Design Maps" function will automatically load a map which spells Nintendo in Japanese. It is identical to the version in Advance Wars 2.

Regional Differences

Combination Cartridge

As the game's original release in Japan was delayed due to the September 11th terrorist attacks, the Japanese version of Advance Wars and Advance Wars 2 were distributed together as Game Boy Wars Advance 1+2 in a single cartridge. The game has a unique game selector screen not seen in the US or EU versions.

COs

During the localization process, minor to significant changes were made to many of the CO's sprites from the Japanese to the US release of the game. Many of the changes appear to make the characters' appearances more formal in terms of military dress as well as to remove references.

Nell

Japanese	International

Nell's buttoned tank top and short skirt was converted to a full shirt and a skirt that reaches the knees.

Olaf

Japanese	International

Olaf's hair and beard were changed from white to brown as well, and the traditional 'Santa Claus' hat was replaced with one reminiscent of stereotypical Russian Officers.

Kanbei

Japanese	International

Kanbei's change is probably the most striking - he was changed from what looks like a traditional Samurai to more of a World War 2 era Japanese general, losing the ponytail and samurai armor. The sword is kept, though.

Drake

Japanese	International

Drake was changed from what looks like a traditional pirate to a more modern naval captain; sporting a captain's hat instead of a do-rag, as well as a proper naval uniform instead of a jacket.

Grit

Japanese	International

Grit's uniform was changed from a blue-trimmed cowboy hat to what appears to be a Russian-styled military cap. In addition, his coat now has a pocket on the front and some small details were added to the collar.

Sonja

Japanese	International

Sonja's glasses were removed - changing her look from a stereotypical booksmart Japanese schoolgirl to an image slightly more suited for an intelligence and recon officer. Her uniform was also changed from red to green.