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|Advance Wars Dual Strike|
|Brutal Combat Mode FAQ |
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FAQ by spyke
Version 1.00, created 9/5/2006
Copyright 2006
Note:
This may be not be reproduced under any circumstances except for personal,
private use. It may not be placed on any web site or otherwise distributed
publicly without advance written permission. Use of this guide on any other
web site or as a part of any public display is strictly prohibited, and a
violation of copyright.
Email me at
[email protected] if you notice anyone breaking these rules.
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Table of Contents:
Introduction [Why]
Important Notes [Not]
Walkthroughs:
Sami's level [Sam]
Max's level [Max]
Flak's level [Flk]
Lash's level [Las]
Adder's level [Adr]
Hawke's level [Hwk]
Version History [Ver]
Afterword and Credits [End]
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Introduction: [Why]
Hey, my name is John Seymour (AKA spyke), and this is my first FAQ. Wow, sounds
like some sort of handicap or something. Well, I have wanted to make a FAQ for
GameFAQS for a while now. But you know, all the stuff I wanted to do had
already been done. Anyways, the reason that I did a Combat Mode FAQ was
because I had become skilled at Combat Mode. Somehow. So I asked on the boards
if anyone needed help with Hard Mode or Brutal Mode, as the current FAQ only
covers Normal Mode. I got several replies saying that it was wanted, and so I
began working.
Also, although this FAQ covers Brutal Mode, both Hard and Normal Mode can be
beaten using the same strategy. However, I will not cover the basics, check the
Normal Combat Mode FAQ if you're just beginning.
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Important Notes: [Not]
1)Terms.
For directions, North/South/East/West is Up/Down/Right/Left respectively.
Wave - A group of enemies that all atack you at the same time. Once a wave is
completed and no other enemies are triggered is a good time to heal. Once
completing all the waves in a level, you beat the level.
Death Maximum - The amount of units that might die in this level. If more die,
then you should restart to get that number or less. Important, because you may
not have enough units closer to the end otherwise.
2) Mountains.
Just because it is a little hard to understand in the FAQ... Mechs can traverse
mountains. While "on top" of the mountain, the only things that can hurt them
are:
-Other units at the same altitude, ie enemy mechs on mountains
-Enemies' shots that, when fired, explode in a larger area, ie Artillery and
the Black Cannon.
So, use this ability whenever you can. (It also gives a decent vision boost.)
3) Units + CO.
This guide uses 15 mechs and 1 tank as the beginning units, and Andy as the CO.
4) USE THE TOUCH SCREEN!
If you use the "A" button, you cannot direct your shot without changing
directions. In Brutal mode, as the enemies surround you often, it is much
easier to use the touch screen. And keep moving.
5) Watch around the map, not just your unit.
Because Brutal Mode is all in Fog of War, you cannot always see your enemies.
However, you CAN see things like broken pipeseams, mountains reduced to rubble,
etc. This applies especially when you are healing, you do not want to be caught
surprised an enemy you could've seen and prepared for.
===============================================================================
Now to start the guide!
Hard/Brutal mode Walkthrough:
Sami's level: [Sam]
Start with one mech.
Wave 1 Units:
- 1 recon
- 1 tank
- 1 mech
Wave 1 Strategy: At the very start of the level, go on top of the mountains.
(Located Southeast from your starting position) Kill the tank, as it will do
heavy damage to you, and knock off as much HP of the mech as you can. If you
die, choose another unit and kill the mech. Once you defeat the mech, kill the
recon unit. Do not go east of the top bend in the river, or else
more units will attack. Do not forget to heal!
Wave 2 Units:
- 1 mech
- 1 recon
Wave 2 Strategy: To trigger this wave, go to the northern part of the map.
Head East, and rush back to your HQ after the mech and the recon start
following you. Afterwards, capture the two properties closest to you.(Not the
Northeasternmost one, new enemies will rush you if you try.) Destroy some
mountains to get your CO power, you may need it.
Wave 3 Units:
- 1 mech
- 1 tank
- 1 artillery
Wave 3 Strategy: This is by hard the hardest wave in this level. Since it is
comprised of a mech, a tank, and an artillery, they can kill you rather
quickly. Make sure to continue moving and shooting. If possible, kill the mech
first, then the tank, then the artillery. If your current mech dies, use your
tank to finish off the enemy.
Death maximum: 2 mechs
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Max's level: [Max]
Start with a mech.
Wave 1 units:
- 1 mech
- 2 recons
- 2 tanks
- 1 artillery
Wave 1 Strategy: After starting the level, there is no break whatsoever for a
while. Head onto the mountains next to your HQ on the left. Shoot Northwest at
the tank and artillery. A mech will probably die, use a new mech's
invincibility to your advantage. Watch out, another tank will bust through the
pipeseams to the right, bringing reenforcements. Kill it as well, using the
cluster of mountains to your advantage. Finally, kill the mech and both recons
that come through the pipeseam. Note : you may not have time to heal if you
accidently trigger the next wave!
Wave 2 Units:
- 2 mechs
Wave 2 Strategy: If you go Northwest, you will be able to see a mech before it
starts chasing you, provided you still have a mountain. Kill it, and another
will come rushing to his aid. You should be able to kill it as well, then go
back to the city to the left of your HQ for some much needed healing. Ignore
the firing right now, just watch the terrain. If the chokepoint to the
Northwest is destroyed (although it shouldn't), brace yourself for more enemy
units coming for you. After healing, go through the right pipeseam. Destroy the
one to the North, and get ready for wave three.
Wave 3 Units:
- 1 tank
- 1 artillery
Wave 3 Strategy: Not really its own wave, but the artillery and the tank to
the north still need to be dealt with. Use the pipeseams to the East, between
the north and south areas, and kill either the tank or artillery. If you have
time, heal between them; if you do not, fire away. If the artillery and tank
dont come for a while, amuse yourself by destroying the pipeseams across for
a few extra points.
Death maximum: 4 mechs.
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Flaks level: [Flk]
Once again, start with a mech.
Wave 1 Units:
- 3 mechs
- 3 recons
Wave 1: As SOON as you start the level, go south one square to the mountains,
and start shooting down at the three mechs. You should have enough warning to
kill them at least, if you don't, quit and reload your save. Heal at your HQ,
for as long as you can. Three recons will start toward you from the East,
this time use the mountains East of the HQ. Now, you are safe for the time
being. Heal, and then capture the northeastern city on your side of the river.
Wave 2 Units:
- 1 mech
- 1 recon
- 4 tanks
- 4 artillery
Wave 2 Strategy: Head towards the southern city, but stay on the mountains.
Once you are near the city, the enemies east of the river will trigger. Right
now, kill the mech, as it is the only unit with the capability to cross the
river. Heal again, and strafe the river while firing towards the other side.
Whenever you need to heal, just go do it; the AI will focus more on trying to
shoot you than to heal. Remember to watch the northern city as well, a unit or
two may be smart enough to get through. If you die at this point, choose your
tank.
BE SURE NOT TO LET IT DIE!!!!
Capture the base in the center, and continue strafing the lower part of the
river, watching for units to come through the top island. Once the enemies
get around 5, guard the top island area. If you get hit by an artillery shell,
retreat and heal. Kill as many units as you can find, and make sure to heal.
Make sure to get the center base with a tank if you hadn't already. Kill the
final couple of enemies.
Death Maximum: 2 mechs.
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Lash's level. [Las]
You know the drill by now, right? Start with a mech.
Wave 1 Units:
- 4 mechs
- 5 tanks
Wave 1 Strategy: As soon as you can move, make your way south to the 3x3 group
of mountains. Shoot the recon there ASAP, and kill any other enemies that come
your way. If you die, choose a mech. If you die twice, choose a tank. Again,
DONT LET IT DIE! *Ahem.*
Use your COP if you need to, the tanks and mechs wont stop long enough for you
to heal. (If you are having trouble, use another mech to clear out the enemies,
then change to the tank)
Stay close to your HQ until you have killed ALL of the mechs and tanks. Once
artillery and recons are the only two units left (For a total of 6, three of
each), you have a nice, long rest. Destroy the pipelines and Cannons to the
East and West for some points.
(Not North and South, they block the recons and artillerys in their corners)
Wave 2 Units:
- 3 Artillery
Wave 2 Strategy: The artillerys are in the Upper right hand corner. You can
shoot across the river, but so can they. Their shots inflict major damage to
you, so it is imperative that you heal after you get hit. They have no city in
their corner, so any damage you inflict is permanent. Take your time. There are
three artillery here, and once you kill them all, you have another rest time.
Finally, destroy the northern minicannon.
Wave 3 Units:
- 3 recons
Wave 3 Strategy: The recons in the lower left are a laugh. Use the same tactics
you used for the artillery, but you can be a little more lenient. Just watch
out for the southern minicannon, and you'll be fine. The level wont end untill
you destroy all the minicannons and enemies.
Death maximum: 2 mechs.
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Adders level: [Adr]
Err... start with a mech. Its gonna die soon anyways.
Wave 1 Units:
-2 artillery
-3 recons
-1 tank
-1 mech
Wave 1 Strategy: As previously stated, your first couple of mechs are going to
die, so just choose one, go south and kill as much of the first wave as
possible. Choose another, continue, shooting as much as possible.
Now choose a tank. You should be able to finish off this wave with it, so if
you cannot, just reload. After you clear the enemies that start after you when
you first start the level, Grab the three neutral cities closest to your HQ.
This may help you to find enemies later.
Afterwards, go west to the edge of the screen and then south, towards the base.
Capture it with your tank. Go west as far as you can, and north to the road.
Get ready for wave 2.
Wave 2 units:
-2 mechs
-1 tank
Wave 2 Strategy: These units are in the 2x2 forest tiles south of the road and
west of the mountains. Kill them, use your COP if you have to.
Wave 3 units:
- 1 mech
- 1 recon
- 3 tanks
Wave 3 Strategy: Triggered when you get near the Northern base, this grouping
is fairly hard if you get them all at one time. However, chances are that you
won't, and so will be able to get back to your HQ to heal. After you defeat
all of them, go capture the base for another tank.
Wave 4 units:
- 2 artillery
- 2 tanks
Wave 4 Strategy: Head south from your newly acquired base, shooting south. As
soon as you hear the sound that you have hit something, start moving around.
You will have hit an artillery, and can kill it before the tanks and other
artillery arrive. Make sure to use your COP if you need to. After completing
this level, you will be almost finished with a playthrough of Combat Mode.
Death Maximum: 2 mechs, 2 tanks (Should still have at least 2 tanks)
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Hawke's level: [Hwk]
You can pretty much start with whatever you want. However, mechs can traverse
the mountains to the Northwest, so that is what this guide will start with.
Wave 1 Units:
- 1 mech
- 1 recon
- 1 tank
- 1 artillery
Wave 1 Strategy: Using the mountains for cover, shoot to the northeast and
damage whatever you can. If your mech dies, choose a tank; there is not much
reason to use a mech otherwise. Finish the wave, but do not shoot the
mountains yet, as they will be better used later for your COP. Shoot the
pipeseams to the right.
Wave 2 Units:
- 2 mechs
Wave 2 Strategy: When you go through the Southernmost and Easternmost pipeseam,
you will be able to see two mechs. If you go slowly enough, you'll be able to
shoot at them before they trigger. Kill them. Your COP should be either
charged, or close to charged.
Wave 3 Units:
- 2 recons
- 3 minicannons
- 2 artillery
Wave 3 Strategy: Continue North, and blow up the pipeseam. Allow the recons to
come to you, and destroy them, they should not be too hard. Also, staying
outside of the first minicannon's range, shoot at it until you destroy it.
Continue with each other minicannon. When the artillery appear, use your
normal strategy- return to the HQ for healing when the need arises. After
defeating them, heal and continue on to wave 4.
Wave 4 Units:
- 2 tanks
- 2 mechs
- 2 recons
- 2 artillery
Wave 4 Strategy: Halfway through the level, capture the enemy city. However,
you will not be using it for a while, as the area it is in will not be
anywhere near safe. If you need healing, it is much safer to return to the
HQ to heal, rather than risk losing a life. Now, move Northeast until you
trigger the enemies. Although it is a large group of enemies, you can use the
chokepoint made by the pipeseam and river to your advantage. If you need to
heal, go back to the HQ. Once you clear most of the enemies, you may want to
exit your little homemade chokepoint, HOWEVER, do not go to close to the
second road to the North. Of course, if you do, the Black Cannon will shoot
several artillery blasts at you. (Once these enemies are down to a reasonable
level, you can also opt to use the city for healing rather than trek all the
way back to your HQ).
FINAL WAVE
Wave 5 Units:
- 2 tanks
- 1 Black Cannon
Wave 5 Strategy: To start, make sure you are fully healed, and have yor COP
ready if possible. Go as far west as you can. Remember, crossing the second
road makes the Black Cannon shoot. You can destroy the West pipeseam from below
the road, and lead the tank out to the open area. If you need to, use your COP.
After destroying the tank, heal again. Go back to where you destroyed the seam,
and make a mad rush inside. You should get in without being hit by the Cannon's
bombs. Stop on the base and capture it.(The Cannon will not shoot directly to
its side)
You can now destroy the Black Cannon, simply by shooting it from on top of the
base. (If you chose to get 10 mechs at the beginning instead of 15, you will
want to take the other base first). To kill the other tank, follow the same
strategy as for the first.
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Afterword: [End]
Whew. Congratulations on beating your Hard or Combat mode playthrough. However,
you need to beat it a total of 12 times. 6 times on Normal, 3 times on Hard,
and 3 times on Brutal. It should get easier to beat as you go through more
times. If you find anything else that could improve this FAQ, then please
e-mail me at
[email protected] with your suggestions.
Credits:
I would like to thank IS for making such a great series.
I would like to also thank those people on the AW:DS Message Boards who helped
me want to make this FAQ.
I also thank whoever made the tier list for CO's, switching to Andy helped me
beat Combat Mode to begin with.
Thanks to CyberSach for his FAQ, which helped inspire mine.
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Version History: [Ver]
Version 0.30 - 9/6/2006
-Added Sami, Max, and Flak levels' walkthroughs.
Version 0.50 - 9/8/2006
-Added Lash and Adder walkthroughs.
Version 0.65 - 9/9/2006
-Added Hawke walkthrough. Started counting enemy units in each wave.
-Started making it look more organized.
Version 1.00 - 9/11/2006
-Decided against making newbie FAQs section, as they shouldn't be trying Brutal
Mode to begin with.
-Finished Important Notes Section.
-Tested ENTIRE walkthrough twice to ensure accuracy.
-Fixed minor spacing and format issues.
