The Cancelled Future What Happened to Advance Wars After Days of Ruin?
In the realm of turn-based strategy games, few can match the charm and tactical depth of the Advance Wars series. However, the franchise has faced its fair share of challenges, especially following the release of Advance Wars: Days of Ruin in 2008. Despite receiving critical acclaim, the game marked an uncertain turning point for the franchise. What followed was a lengthy hiatus, with fans left wondering what the future held for these beloved tactical battles. As we delve into "The Cancelled Future," let's explore what happened to Advance Wars after Days of Ruin and how the community has kept the spirit alive.
The Shift in Direction
Advance Wars: Days of Ruin, while it introduced new gameplay mechanics and a darker narrative, also saw a shift in the franchise's traditional style. The series had established itself with vibrant characters and cheerful aesthetics, but the fifth installment opted for an edgier tone. This change might have alienated some long-time fans, leading to decreased sales when compared to its predecessors. Despite this, the game still received high praise for its strategy elements and introduced a host of new units and commanders. Yet, after Days of Ruin, we saw a noticeable decrease in the franchise's activity, leaving players to ponder over the future of the series.
The Long Wait for a Sequel
Throughout the 2010s, fans of Advance Wars remained hopeful for a continuation in the series. Many speculated that a sequel was in the works or that a remaster of previous titles might be made. Unfortunately, Nintendo largely shifted its focus to other franchises, notably the reboots of classic games and newer IPs. The absence of any significant announcements or developments left many devoted players feeling disheartened. The Advance Wars community took to online forums, banding together to express their hopes and dreams for the future of the franchise while reminiscing over the tactical adventures they once enjoyed.
Community Initiatives and Fan Projects
While the official Advance Wars series seemed to be on indefinite hold, the passionate community never lost touch with the essence of the games. Various fan projects, including remakes and mods of the original titles, emerged, showcasing the vibrant creativity and love for the franchise. Additionally, games like Wargroove, inspired by Advance Wars, allowed players to experience turn-based strategy gameplay without the official content from Nintendo. The Advance Wars store became a hub for fans, where they could find merchandise, fan art, and memorabilia that celebrated the series, further solidifying the community's commitment to ensuring the franchise's legacy wasn't forgotten.
The Surprising Resurgence in 2021
In a thrilling turn of events for long-suffering fans, it was announced in 2021 that Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp, a remake of the first two titles in the series, would be released for the Nintendo Switch. This announcement invigorated the community, signifying that Nintendo had not forgotten about its strategy classic. The excitement surrounding the revamped graphics, updated mechanics, and refined gameplay reignited interest in the Advance Wars franchise. It became evident that the spirit of strategic warfare would return to players’ screens, offering both nostalgia and new experiences to a new generation of gamers.
To summarize, the journey of Advance Wars after Days of Ruin was predominantly marked by uncertainty and longing from its devoted fanbase. From a shift in narrative style to a significant hiatus, much of the franchise's future felt canceled to fans. Yet, the community's passion kept the classic alive through initiatives that paid homage to its roots. Now, with the announcement of the remake, there’s a renewed hope that Advance Wars will thrive once again. Only time will tell if the series will see further developments beyond the Re-Boot Camp, but one thing is for sure—the love for Advance Wars remains undiminished.
