Advance Wars

To do: Document the ique prototype version of this game

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 Famicom, but this is the first entry to see an international release, much like the Fire Emblem series.

It's also notable for its highly unfortunate US release date, as a result of which Japan had to wait over three years for a localization.

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 (任天堂) in Japanese Kanji. It is identical to the version in Advance Wars 2.

Unused Sprites#

Conglomerate Cities#

There are unused sprite of clustered cities, one for a vertical (1x2) conglomerate city & another for a horizontal (2x1) one.

Regional Differences#

To do: More graphical changes (e.g. damage percent color shown on damage forecast is yellow in US/EU and white in JP)

Combination Cartridge#

As the game's original release in Japan was delayed due to the September 11th terrorist attacks (which, by a very unfortunate coincidence, happened the day after the game's original US release), 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.

Name Changes#

Almost all of the COs names were changed between the Japanese and international versions. The only COs not to have their names changed were Max, Eagle, and Hachi.

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	Chinese (Proto)

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.

In the unreleased Chinese prototype, Kanbei was redesigned because of complaints from the game approval officials in China over his Japanese military uniform⁶

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.

Other Changes#

• The Red Star army became the Orange Star army, likely to avoid the communist connotations of the original name.
• Officers were originally called Shoguns.

References#