Advance Wars 2: Black Hole Rising vs Advance Wars: Days of Ruin
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.


Advance Wars 2: Black Hole Rising is a critically acclaimed turn-based strategy game developed by Intelligent Systems and published by Nintendo. In this sequel, the sinister Black Hole Army launches a massive invasion across Macro Land under the command of Sturm, forcing Orange Star, Blue Moon, Yellow Comet, and Green Earth to unite and push back the threat. Command various military units, deploy specialized Commanding Officers with unique powers, and outsmart your enemies across challenging campaigns and multiplayer modes. Featuring advanced new war weapons like the Black Cannon and Death Ray, the game offers deep tactical gameplay that puts your strategic thinking to the ultimate test.
Advance Wars: Days of Ruin takes place in a harsh new world where a devastating meteor shower has wiped out ninety percent of the global population. Survivors have banded together into rival military factions, fighting bitterly over the final scraps of remaining civilization. You take control of Will, a young military cadet who is thrust into the center of this grim global conflict. As you command various units across tactical grids, you must outmaneuver opposing forces and navigate the bleak realities of a shattered world.
- Deep and engaging turn-based tactical gameplay
- Memorable roster of Commanding Officers with unique abilities
- Challenging and rewarding campaign storyline
- Robust map maker for endless replayability
- Engaging and deep turn-based strategy mechanics
- Gritty and unique post-apocalyptic storyline
- Robust custom map editor for endless replayability
- Challenging missions that test tactical thinking
- Steep difficulty curve for absolute beginners
- Limited original platform availability
- Some late-game missions can feel overly punishing
- Bleak visual tone may not appeal to all players
- Limited multiplayer options compared to predecessors
- Steep difficulty curve in later missions for newcomers
More alternatives & similar tools
Alternatives to Advance Wars 2: Black Hole Rising
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Command military forces in a post-apocalyptic turn-based strategy war.
Alternatives to Advance Wars: Days of Ruin
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Lead allied armies to victory in tactical turn-based warfare on Omega Land.

Lead the Allied Nations against the menacing Black Hole Army in this tactical masterpiece.
The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataBoth games offer deep turn‑based strategy, but Advance Wars 2: Black Hole Rising scores higher critically and adds multiplayer, while Days of Ruin offers a darker story and similar price.
Key differences
- •Multiplayer: Black Hole Rising includes multiplayer modes; Days of Ruin is single‑player only.
- •Critical reception: Black Hole Rising has a 91/100 critic score versus 85/100 for Days of Ruin.
- •Story tone: Days of Ruin is post‑apocalyptic and gritty; Black Hole Rising is sci‑fi with a lighter tone.
- •Release era: Black Hole Rising (2003) is older, potentially affecting graphics; Days of Ruin (2008) has newer visuals.
- •CO abilities: Both have unique CO powers, but Black Hole Rising emphasizes a larger roster of distinct armies.
Gameplay & fun factor
Both provide deep turn‑based tactical combat with unit variety and CO abilities.
Platform availability
Black Hole Rising lists limited original platform availability, but includes multiplayer; Days of Ruin only single‑player.
Price & value
Both cost $34.99 and offer similar content depth and map editors.
Multiplayer / co‑op
Black Hole Rising supports both single‑player and multiplayer; Days of Ruin is single‑player only.
Content & replayability
Both feature robust custom map editors and challenging campaigns.
Difficulty & accessibility
Each notes a steep difficulty curve for beginners.
Graphics & performance
Days of Ruin released later (2008) with newer graphics, though tone is bleaker.
Choose Advance Wars 2: Black Hole Rising if…
Players who want multiplayer, higher critical acclaim, and a lighter sci‑fi setting.
Choose Advance Wars: Days of Ruin if…
Players who prefer a darker narrative and newer visuals, and don’t need multiplayer.
Common questions
Is there a price difference between the two games?
No, both are priced at $34.99 (one‑time purchase).
Which game includes multiplayer?
Advance Wars 2: Black Hole Rising includes both single‑player and multiplayer modes; Days of Ruin is single‑player only.
Which title has better reviews?
Black Hole Rising has a higher critic score (91/100) compared to Days of Ruin (85/100).
