Final Fantasy Tactics A2: Grimoire of the Rift

Strategy Turn-Based Fantasy Tactics

School is out for the summer, but mischievous Luso Clemens must first face detention to make up for his misbehavior. Alone in the library, he stumbles upon an ancient book with magical powers that summons him to the mystical land of Ivalice. Warped into the middle of a battlefield, Luso joins Cid and his clan to set off on an adventurous journey looking for a way home. Explore the fantastic world of Ivalice and join forces with famous heroes from FINAL FANTASY XII – Vaan, Penelo and Al-Cid. All-new content and enhancements, including polished game mechanics, new jobs, new classes, and a new clan system that enrich the Ivalice experience for fans and newcomers alike. The North American release will allow players to command characters in battle and navigate through menus all with a tap of the stylus Witness vibrant and colorful visuals in dual-screen presentation, made possible by Nintendo DS. Increased replay value with up to 400 available quests, allowing players to immerse themselves in a multi-faceted storyline. [Square Enix]

Advance Wars: Dual Strike

Strategy Turn-Based Modern Tactics

Players lead their new Commanding Officers to fend off the Black Hole Army’s latest invasion. With massive battles that sweep across both of the DS screens, Advance Wars: Dual Strike will change the face of war forever. Use the top screen for quick-reference battle intel, or take control in battles that rage across both screens. Command a fleet of fighters high in the skies while troops clash with the enemy on the ground far below. New COs, new Tag-Team battles: Choose from new Commanding Officers, and combine their powers for incredible attacks that can turn the tide of battles. Real-time Combat mode: For a battle with a twist, players lead soldiers into a fast-paced, action-oriented battle against a storm of enemies. Easy-to-use map editor: Just grab a stylus and draw maps right on the touch screen, then send the maps to friends wirelessly. [Nintendo]

Age of Empires: The Age of Kings

Strategy Turn-Based Historic General

Age of Empires: The Age of Kings boasts turn-based strategy gameplay – a first for the franchise – as players move from the Dark Ages through the Middle Ages with one goal in mind: domination of the known world. Command one of five different civilizations: the Britons, Franks, Mongols, Saracens, or Japanese; Control special 'hero' units such as Richard the Lionheart, Robin Hood, Joan of Arc and Genghis Khan, whose special 'hero' powers affect the entire battlefield; Lead over 45 different types of units into battle -- from bowmen and monks to hand cannoneers, mercenaries and samurai; Players' can construct and upgrade buildings to help their units learn new skills and create resources for their civilizations; Research over 50 different technologies like chemistry, ballistics, siege craft and spying to advance civilization into the next age; A new Combat Advisor offers advice on certain campaign strategies and provides an assessment of the battle's outcome; Multi-player scenarios allow up to four players to wirelessly battle each other; By gaining Empire Points, players can unlock maps and units to improve their Emperor Rank. [Majesco]

Panzer Tactics DS

Strategy Turn-Based Historic Tactics

Panzer Tactics DS ise the first turn-based WWII strategy game for the Nintendo DS. The game is played on hex-based maps and offers a variety of control options, and includes full Touch Screen support for unit command. A variety of multiplayer modes, playable via Nintendo Wifi-Connection, wireless multiplayer and "hotseat" (two players on one Nintendo DS) round out the game's offerings. Playable via the DS Stylus, buttons or a combination of both. Three unique campaigns (German, Russians and Western Allies) in 30 missions, including "commando" operations taking players behind enemy lines. Optional mission objectives to unlock bonus missions and other tactical enhancements. Over 20 different special attacks and 150 different land, sea and air units for all sides. Different battle animations for all units on any terrain and a wide range of special effects, explosions and weather effects. Nintendo Wifi-Connection and wireless multiplayer modes with up to four players per game, along with hot-seat mode play for two-players on the same Nintendo DS. An online ladder system keeps track of high scores. 10 multiplayer maps of various sizes played on 14 varied terrain types. [CDV Software]