So this game is pretty much the best game on DS that's not a Castlevania. I am a newcomer to the Advance Wars series but man, it's pretty cool. It actually seems kind of inspired by Total Annihilation in terms of unit types and the way it's geared more towards positioning, unit roles, and production rather than the rock-paper-scissors Starcraft balance thing. It's actually a pretty deep game and there seems to be a huge amount of content. There are loads of missions, optional missions, an extensive story with a lot of cutscenes, over 100 maps to skirmish on, a map editor, and Wi-Fi play. And this music is pretty cool! I'd definitely suggest picking this up.

Once I figure out how to find the friend code I neglected to write down, I'll share it and maybe we can have some intense and mysterious battels.

I played my buddies version and I'm glad they went for a more strategic game style.  My main gripe with Advance Wars was that the core gameplay revolved around GRAB THE BASES FAST!!! instead of actual smart play but this game removed the bulk of CO powers and puts a heavier focus on good ol tactics.

I'll be buying my own copy next week so we can play each other or something.

The units they added to the game really suppliment the style of gameplay better than I thought. I'm really glad they made it so that this didn't turn out a clone of the first DS title, giving you reason to want to own both. Although it does cause me to lament if I want to play with the other style of gameplay online (I swear, someone needs to find a way to tunnel ds multiplayer!). It's still a fine decision and I'm very thankful for what came of it.

I'm going to get on some online action once playing the computer stops being so damn interesting (he doesn't hold any punches, and he's only half as stupid this time around!)

I bought it and it looks pretty good but I haven't touched it yet since I'm stuck on Dragon Quest Monster. My one gripe from all I've heard so far is there's no optional content which bugs me. The campaign better be very lengthy if there's no other maps.

The campaign offers optional "training maps" that get unlocked as you progress. They are functionally equivalent to the extra "war room" maps from previous titles.

I'm going straight through the campaign right now to get in the swing of things, then I'm going to go back and beat all the extra maps.

I bought this the other day even though I didn't really want it.  I hadn't bought anything for DS for awhile, except for the Final Fantasy XII game, and that was awful.  I was in the mood for something!

I think it's an okay game.  I played the original Advance wars on GBA, and skipped out on the ones between, so as far as I see it it's almost exactly the same as the original.  I was really unaware of any of the features added to (and removed) from the game(s) in between.  I especially like the careful balance between units advantages/disadvantages, and that the enemies are cleverly placed around the battle map (aka good game design).

Okay, so it turns out your own friend code is displayed on the TOP screen and I am too stupid to look up. Here it is: 498340 251671