Nintendo’s Most Cursed Franchise Debuted on This Day 24 Years Ago And Still Hasn’t Recovered

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Under Nintendo’s brand, there are several long-running and profitable series, some of which are household names in the gaming world. Titles like Super Mario Bros. and The Legend of Zelda consistently perform well and generate buzz upon release, rarely faltering in their success. However, nestled within Nintendo’s rich history, there is a series that, despite its devoted fanbase and creative flair, has struggled to maintain a prominent position for extended periods. Poor timing and an alarming string of misfortune have plagued virtually every installment in this series for 24 years.

Debuting in 2001, Advance Wars had the potential to become a significant strategy game alongside Fire Emblem. The unique blend of fresh concepts and vibrant visuals made it stand out. However, its release timing prevented it from gaining mainstream popularity, instead cultivating a devoted cult following that persisted even up to the Nintendo Switch era.

Advance Wars Might Have the Worst Release Date in History

The launch of the game “Advance Wars” on September 10, 2001, was swiftly overshadowed by the tragic September 11 terrorist attacks. These events caused global chaos and significantly altered worldwide perceptions about conflict and war. Given that the game involved controlling armies and strategic combat, even with its playful visual style, it seemed inappropriate at the time. Nintendo, understanding this sensitivity, decided to postpone its release in Japan and Europe.

It’s intriguing to speculate how different the game Advance Wars might have been if not for the events of 9/11. Perhaps it could have risen to become a prominent Game Boy Advance game. At that time, Fire Emblem was still struggling to gain traction in the Western market, but the less serious portrayal of military themes in Advance Wars might have been more welcoming if it had been given an opportunity to shine.

Despite the inconvenient timing, “Advance Wars” truly shone as an exceptional game. It masterfully blended a user-friendly strategy with unexpected complexity. The game’s maps, units, and mechanics created an immersive and challenging experience that kept players hooked. It skillfully balanced accessibility and complexity, setting it apart in the tactical genre. Even newcomers to the genre could dive right in, while veteran strategy gamers could demonstrate their refined skills. Unfortunately, its launch was overshadowed by circumstances beyond Nintendo’s power to control.

20 Years Later, Advance Wars Still Couldn’t Catch a Break

Twenty years after its initial release, Nintendo enthusiasts were taken aback when they heard about the unveiling of “Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp” for the Nintendo Switch. This presented a wonderful chance to reacquaint a new audience with the cherished series and offer it another shot at success. The remake ensured improved graphics, user-friendly adjustments, and the same irresistible gameplay that made the originals so well-liked by fans. Yet, one more characteristic of “Advance Wars” was set to recur for this launch.

The release date for Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp, initially scheduled for December 2021, got pushed back to April 2022. But another significant event occurred, causing another delay. The intensification of the Ukraine-Russia conflict led Nintendo to postpone the launch. They felt apprehensive about introducing a war-themed game amidst an ongoing real-world military clash. The enthusiasts were taken aback, as yet again, external events seemed to disrupt the series’ progression.

Nintendo eventually launched “Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp” in April 2023, a year later than initially planned. However, the excitement and eagerness surrounding the game had noticeably dwindled by then. Instead of a triumphant comeback, the release felt underwhelming. Unfortunately, “Advance Wars” once more faced difficulties gaining attention.

The Legacy of Advance Wars’ Curse

Following two unfortunate scheduling mishaps, it appears that the destiny of the “Advance Wars” series might be in jeopardy. Generally known for regular releases and innovative gameplay elements, Nintendo franchises are well-established as significant players within the gaming industry. However, “Advance Wars” has struggled with timing issues, and external hold-ups have steered its path towards a more tragic course.

One of the most disappointing aspects is that, despite its excellence, comparable to Fire Emblem and boasting the engaging depth of tactical RPGs along with Nintendo’s signature polish and charm, characters, strategy, and multiplayer elements that justify its place among Nintendo’s top franchises, Advance Wars remains largely overlooked due to unforeseen circumstances, often remembered as a niche series with limited releases.

The game “Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp” provides a user-friendly introduction to the series for today’s audience. However, given the troublesome launches, it seems challenging to anticipate Nintendo continuing their support for the franchise in the near future. Even if they do, there’s always a possibility of another setback coinciding with its release. As the saying goes, bad things often come in threes, and this could mark the third time an issue disrupts a new “Advance Wars” release.

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2025-09-11 00:46