AW1 vs. AW2, Game Debates #1! Options

[JoJo]

So, I'm gonna post topics for people to debate one game against another in the series; this first one is between the two games.

I'll start it off! AW2 was better because it made me feel intelligent. AW1 just patronised me constantly. Also, AW2 was better than AW1 due to the brighter colour palette- perfect for the original GBA as you could now see what was happening.

[Maxinum McDreich]

It's tough, cos in terms of battle fluidness and animations, AW2 is far superior.

However, without a doubt (to me) AW1 had such a far superior storyline, AW2 is amongst the worst in the SERIES. Sprites, themselves, a similar story. AW2 did indeed see vast improvements in the gameplay, but it failed to improve on and work with the characters they were given from the first, and, if anything, went backwards.

I would, therefore, end this round with AW1.

[PanicAttack]

AW had a better storyline. BHR had better graphics, better gameplay, better COs and generally more of everything. As such, BHR > AW.

[Mextex]

I liked Advance Wars one for its plot and actively involving the player in the game in the role of advisor; breaking the fourth wall gives it just that unique edge other games are missing. On top of that it's the most challenging of the games as well, and has the only mission I've never beaten in an Advance Wars game- Rivals! AC. I liked the sprites better as well, not to mention the changing expressions of COs in battle.

Advance Wars 2: Black Hole Rising has superior gameplay, with an improved AI, Super CO Powers and more COs. I liked the non-linearity of the campaign, being able to select the order in which you do missions, but Advance Wars had something similar as well as hidden missions. Some of the missions in 2 were a lot more interesting though, especially the Green Earth ones.

Overall I'd say 2 is the better game, while 1 is my favourite because of the challenge- even now I haven't cleared the War Room with all S ranks.

[Machrineith]

It's really difficult for me to compare the two without bias that AW2 was my first game in the series. I found it to be signfiantly superior in the graphics, new COS, and AI. I'm going to have to go with AW2 on this one, but I do give credit to AW for a better storyline and the fact AW2 was a sequel so they had the ability to improve on more things.

[jaimeastorga2000]

As I said in a previous topic ranking the AW series, I consider AW1 superior to AW2.

[JoJo]

Yeah, Jaime, the point is to say WHY and give the reasons. Comparing AW1 and AW2, not all three.

AW1 seemed a bit more serious business than AW2, plot-wise. AW2 ended up being a little... circus like, I guess. That probably due in entirity to Lash, no less.

[Maxinum McDreich]

Actually, the one sub-plot I enjoyed the most was that one with Sonja versus Lash, the psychological warfare was GENIUS. It was like a dark reflection of Sonja, and it played on her mind. It's a shame they didn't continue this much and totally ruined it in the third one. It's also a shame they didn't use psychology more and work on it.

[PanicAttack]

Yeah, Jaime, the point is to say WHY and give the reasons. Comparing AW1 and AW2, not all three.

AW1 seemed a bit more serious business than AW2, plot-wise. AW2 ended up being a little... circus like, I guess. That probably due in entirity to Lash, no less.

I'd say Andy was as much to "blame" for it being circus-like. Let's not forget that in AW1, Drake and Sonja only attack you as a test of your character. Don't even get me started on Rivals...

[Supernova]

I have to agree with PanicAttack; AW2 came off as a bit more serious than its predecessor. Then again, this is the Advance Wars Series we're discussing so a valid argument could be made for both game.

Overall, I'm going to say AW2. Graphics honestly was not the turning point for me, but the improved gameplay and smarter AI programmed in the game. I could explain, but my sentiments have basically been expressed

[Azure]

People in AW2 expressed concern about their troops into battle in some cases, like in the sea fortress mission. That makes the game more serious than AW1, I think. I kinda liked the serious mood better, it seemed more fitting to me >_>. I also liked the campaign setup, and the fact that you weren't stuck with three dudes for the majority of the game, even if that did come at the cost of only facing five enemies. So yeah, I liked AW2 better.

[PanicAttack]

People in AW2 expressed concern about their troops into battle in some cases, like in the sea fortress mission. That makes the game more serious than AW1, I think.

That and the only ones who actually didn't care were Black Hole, as shown in Rain of Fire. Even then, Flak (of all people!) questioned it.