Battalion Wars is the console version of the Advance Wars handheld series on DS and Game Boy Advance, albeit with a little more emphasis on humour and action. Though not a huge success on GameCube, the original was very enjoyable and gave a unique take on the strategy genre. The problem was the real lack of depth in the unit control department. Units could be controlled directly, but there was very little that you could actually do with them. Battalion Wars 2 gives players a lot more freedom and the chance to constantly switch between land, air, and water unit types. From tanks and jeeps to battleships and airplanes, the vehicles are diverse and plentiful.

Another improvement is how well the story is integrated into the game. Battalion Wars 2 provides an interesting background to what is actually happening in the lands of Xylvania. The story begins about 200 years before you take control of your army. At that time, a war was being waged between the Solar Empire and the Iron Legion of Old Xylvania over the possession of an ultimate weapon: the Staff of Qa-Len. Fast forward 200 years and you are now in control of the Solar Empire and must fight off the same Xylvanians that threatened them all those years ago.

The first mission introduces the player to the various elements of the control scheme and serves as an excellent training run. Direct control over your unit is by movement of the nunchuck control stick, with the Wiimote used to survey the surroundings. The A button is used to lock on to enemy units and the Z button to fire. It’s a tried and tested control method that gives the player the ability to strafe around enemies while still firing and works very well. The minus button brings up a map screen which can be used to see what enemy units lie up ahead and help plan your strategy accordingly. All enemy units can be spotted in this way, although there are always a few hidden surprises to keep you on your toes.

There are six main conflicts in total, with each one containing several specific battles. Each conflict is between an opposing army consisting of fictional versions of Japan, Russia, Germany, the US and of course good old Blighty. Each nation is appropriately and humorously stereotyped, with the Germans (or Iron Legion) being all efficiency and moustaches, the Americans all bluster and bombast and the Anglo Isles all stiff-upper-lipped and "tally-ho!" It’s a clear indication that the game was developed by Kuju London and the humour is well implemented and occasionally laugh-out-loud funny. Especially worthy of note are some of the place names: Bergerac Castle and Merseychester Docks to name but two and there’s also the occasional Meldrewesque cries from the monocled Anglo commander of “I DON’T BELIEEEEEVE IT!” when defeated.

All of the factions can be played at various stages as you progress through the game, with each having their own unique vehicles, units, and weaponry. For example, one division may have more infantry, while another may specialise in naval combat. Depending on the mission and group you are controlling, you will have to make the correct decisions on how to approach the opposition. Tanks and other ground vehicles have advantage over infantry and building structures, but are at a disadvantage against anti-tank and air units. On the other hand, special units like the fighter jets and anti-air missiles are generally only useful against one or two combat types. Learning what units to use when facing different scenarios is really the highlight of the strategic portion of the game.

While the title is classified as a strategy game, in reality it’s an action game with strategic overtones. Though you will have command over a specific number of units depending on the mission, there isn't really a whole lot of micromanagement to be done. Whether it is a rifleman, rocket unit, helicopter, or battleship, jumping between troops and war vehicles is the primary focus. While in the driver's seat, you have four orders you can give to your other men: wait, follow, attack, and defend. If you do not give an order while you are in control of a particular unit, your clan mates will generally be in a passive-aggressive state and will attack anything that engages them. This is usually enough for grunts, but larger units will overrun them without direct player control. The difficulty is fairly balanced and the game gives you enough hints and instructions to stay on top of things, although it does occasionally hand-hold a tad too much.

New to the Battalion Wars line is the inclusion of water battles. From enormous battleships and tiny gun-ships to the dynamic submarine, the water-based confrontations of Battalion Wars 2 make for some of the best fights in the game. This is because, unlike other strategy titles, the battles take place in real time. Even though uncontrolled units will be more of a point and click affair, infantry and battle vehicles under your command can approach, dodge, and fire with little delay. Thus, unlike games such as Command and Conquer, timing is a major factor and can be the difference between victory and a humiliating defeat.

Overall, the single-player campaign is a large improvement over the original, even though the game is slightly easier, but the pace and difficulty balance couldn't be better. The single-player mode can be completed in about ten hours, but there is plenty of replayability. After completing each mission, you will be awarded a score of S, A, B, or C, depending on number of units destroyed, secondary objectives completed and completion time. Returning for an improved rating is surprisingly addictive and also unlocks various bonus materials.

There is a multiplayer option available through the Wi-Fi Connection, with three modes available: co-operative, skirmish and assault. Co-operative is just how it sounds, with you controlling one division while your friend handles another - working hand-in-hand to keep each other alive. Those with a more competitive spirit can invest some time in the Assault and Skirmish modes. Skirmish mode is all about wiping out all of the enemies before they get you while Assault works in a more deliberate manner, as you must complete certain objectives to win the war. All of these are a lot of fun, despite having to enter separate Friend Codes to connect with online allies.

Though the game is undoubtedly enjoyable, it’s not without flaws. The single-player campaign does feel a little undercooked, despite the replay value, and the multiplayer modes are relatively simple affairs. There are some occasional camera issues where it will zoom in or out unexpectedly and even obscure your view completely of selected units, which can result in an unfair death. There’s also not really enough variety in the missions or the locations. It’s a pity that only during the last few levels when things get spiced-up; a sea-battle in a thunderstorm and some snow-covered battles being particular highlights.

Battalion Wars 2 is a good game with some minor issues that do not detract from its overall quality or enjoyment. It even merits favourable comparisons to a 3D version of Cannon Fodder and is the perfect game for anyone who finds PC strategy games to be a little too in-depth for their liking.