A solid performer for the GBA, simple yet almost brilliant
User Rating: 8.2 | Advance Wars 2: Black Hole Rising GBA
I am constantly frustrated by the lack of outstanding games available on the GBA system. While games of good quality are plentiful there are no single titles that scream 'buy me' like a Grand Theft Auto game or Final Fantasy installment. Thankfully Advance Wars 2: Black Hole Rising goes someway to fixing this issue and while it is not amazing, it is a solid game with an unparalleled, level of addictiveness in its gameplay. For those who don't know Advance Wars is a game of turn-based war strategy where players use units to attack their opposition and capture bases etc. By choosing a CO (commanding officer) with their own unique abilities players control various units (ships, tanks planes all come in various types and strengths) and attempt to win an area by either capturing their opponent's HQ's or defeating all their units. The first edition in the series was a resounding hit which appealed to the masses with its simple yet addictive gameplay. That element once again returns in Black Hole Rising along with a host of new additions which read more like an expansion to the first game. New units, including the feared Neo Tank, new terrain (laboratories, pipes and exploding volcanoes) and of course new maps are all present. Every faction bar Orange Star gains a new CO while Black Hole bolsters its ranks to 5 CO's and a new power is added (a Super Power) which takes longer to charge up but is more useful in changing the tide of battle. Where the first and second editions really stand out from each other is the difficulty level in AW2; its certaintly been stepped up a notch. Gaining the perfect S 300 rank is a challenge and if players are successful enough they can unlock a harder version of the campaign where a score of 280 is to be celebrated let alone that elusive perfect rank. In terms of attributes the graphics are colourful and simple, nothing more. The sound effects are average but the music tracks are memorable especially the Super Power ones. Concerning replay value their really is quite a bit with the Campaign, War Room and Versus Maps to keep you busy as you try to buy everything from Haitchi's shop. Neat bonuses such as the ability to choose the colours of your CO and replay music tracks from the menu are also nice touches to a polished game. But you don't buy AW2 for the above attributes; you do it for the gameplay. Addictive, enthralling and strangely satisfying are terms that come to mind. The concept is so simple but worked so well it achieves that dangerous sense of making time pass unbelievable fast. And it is the gameplay which makes this title a memorable if not outstanding one. Advance Wars 2: Black Hole Rising does justice to the series and while not exceptional it provides an addictive sense of gameplay and challenge which will appeal to a wide audience all but ensuring the franchise's future. 
