Advance Wars: Days of Ruin takes the classic turn-based strategy formula and throws it into a bleak, post-apocalyptic world—and honestly, it works way better than you'd expect. Instead of the usual colorful COs, you're leading survivors through ruined cities and wastelands, managing fuel and ammo like they're the last scraps of food in a bunker.

The first few missions ease you in with fog of war and basic infantry, but before long you're juggling tanks, artillery, and even experimental units while trying not to get ambushed. The story's darker too—less Saturday morning cartoon, more "we might not make it through this." Some of the late-game AI can be brutal if you rush in, but pulling off a perfect flank with bikes or sneaking a transport around the map feels so satisfying.

If you liked the older Advance Wars games but wanted more grit, this one's got your back. Just don't expect anyone to smile while playing it.