Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp
- April 21, 2023
- WayForward
- 10h median play time
Advance Wars 1+2 Re-Boot Camp confidently brings two extremely solid strategy games to a modern audience.
Command an army in strategic, turn-based combat as a tactical adviser for the Orange Star Army. Your expertise is needed as you move land, air, and naval units across the battlefield. Take down enemy squads and capture towns and bases to secure victory and keep the peace. Keep an eye on the game-changing terrain and weather as you lead a variety of units across multiple maps. This remake features …
Reviews
- Faithful remake of the original Advance Wars games with updated graphics and quality of life improvements.
- Engaging turn-based strategy gameplay that is accessible for newcomers and offers depth for veterans.
- Variety of modes including local and online multiplayer, a map editor, and a robust single-player campaign provide extensive content.
- Graphics and animations are considered a step down from the original 2D art style, with some players finding the new 3D visuals disappointing.
- Limited online multiplayer functionality, lacking features like matchmaking and lobby creation, which frustrates fans expecting a more robust online experience.
- Some missions feel overly restrictive, forcing specific strategies and making gameplay less flexible.
- graphics30 mentions
- 17 % positive mentions
- 73 % neutral mentions
- 10 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game have received mixed reviews, with many players appreciating the updated 3D visuals and smoother animations, while others feel that the cartoony art style and modern graphics are a step back from the original's charm. Some users noted that the vibrant and crisp visuals enhance the overall experience, but there are complaints about the graphics feeling mediocre and less engaging compared to the classic sprites. Overall, while the gameplay remains the focus for many, the graphical changes have sparked a divide among fans, with some preferring the nostalgic aesthetic of the originals.
“The updated graphics and animation are fantastic.”
“Visuals are all crisp, characters vibrant and full of life, and the music is absurdly good!”
“Amazing reboot game just like the original but with modern day graphics.”
“What I will happily complain about are the graphics.”
“Graphically, I feel like these little 3D models are mediocre at best and don't feel as engaging as the old sprites did, but that is a personal gripe.”
“Ultimately, they couldn't redo the exact same graphical style, as a game designed for a 2-inch screen isn't going to look good at all on a big-screen TV, but the old design looked cooler and the old sound design made the weapons seem to hit a lot harder than the new ones.”
- story17 mentions
- 18 % positive mentions
- 65 % neutral mentions
- 18 % negative mentions
The story in the game is engaging and encourages players to progress through missions, with a structure that rewards strategic thinking and careful planning. However, some players find the narrative depth lacking compared to other tactical games, and the reliance on specific strategies can feel restrictive. Additionally, the presence of constant tutorial prompts can detract from the overall experience, making it feel more like a puzzle than a fully immersive story-driven game.
“It is addictive in a healthy way; after completing a mission, it is hard to not want to continue for one more, and then one more… I recommend this game to everyone of all ages that enjoy strategy-based games.”
“Not sure why it’s called a reboot (except for military pun) as the story and gameplay remain the same; the only quality of life change is fast forward battle animations and rewind entire turns.”
“Also, SRPGs will have a deeper storyline where a tactical war game can have a larger battlefield so that there is a more strategic element in terms of size and scope.”
“If you do them out of order, it loses the story.”
“Not sure why it’s called a reboot (except for military pun) as the story and gameplay remains the same; the only quality of life change is fast forward battle animations and rewind entire turn.”
“Cons: some missions (survival, timed) are more puzzle-based than strategic.”
- gameplay14 mentions
- 29 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 21 % negative mentions
The gameplay is a deep and engaging turn-based strategy experience, reminiscent of classic titles like Wargroove and Fire Emblem, featuring simple mechanics that allow for complex strategic play. While the graphics may not impress, the game retains its timeless appeal with quality-of-life improvements such as fast-forward battle animations and turn rewinds. Players can enjoy a variety of content, including multiplayer options and custom map creation, making it a challenging yet accessible choice for both veterans and newcomers.
“The gameplay is still as good as I remember.”
“In terms of gameplay, it plays very similar to Wargroove and the Fire Emblem games.”
“The mandatory tutorial does a nice job of gently introducing the game mechanics and unit capabilities, but complexity and strategic variation will quickly increase as you progress deeper into the game.”
“Not sure why it’s called a reboot (except for a military pun) as the story and gameplay remain the same; the only quality of life change is fast forward battle animations and the ability to rewind an entire turn.”
“See how the game was finished and delayed (for Ukraine/Russia conflict references) for a year; they could have put in the extra work. Multiplayer on a single console with up to 4 players can play on up to 4 different consoles (separate screens) if others own the game. Online is regulated to people on your friends list, which is disappointing. The gameplay is a grid-based tactics game similar to Final Fantasy Tactics or the core Fire Emblem series, but there is no level-up system or RPG element.”
“The gameplay was zippy and animated but can get baffling if you’re not careful!”
- music6 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 17 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received positive feedback, with remixed soundtracks that offer a fresh take on the originals, and players find the music to be "absurdly good." However, there are limited options for sound customization, as the only choice is to turn off the music entirely. Overall, the updated music complements the game's vibrant visuals and enhances the gameplay experience.
“Visuals are all crisp, characters vibrant and full of life, and the music is absurdly good!”
“Updated graphics, music, and sounds with many options to streamline gameplay.”
“There are no options regarding sound outside of turning off the music.”
“The soundtrack was remixed, so the songs are slightly different from the originals, but I have no complaints in that regard.”
“The soundtrack was remixed, so the songs are slightly different from the originals, but I have no complaints in that regard.”
- replayability2 mentions
- 150 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 150 % negative mentions
Users highlight that the game offers significant replayability, particularly when playing against AI, which enhances the experience and provides nearly infinite replay value.
“The replay value against the AI is virtually infinite.”
“This game offers great replay value.”
“The variety of choices keeps the gameplay fresh and engaging every time.”
“The replay value against AI feels almost infinite.”
“Once you've completed the game, there's little incentive to play it again.”
“The lack of varied outcomes makes replaying the game feel tedious.”
- humor1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players appreciate the return of "laughing" animations when defeating enemy units, which adds a lighthearted and humorous touch to the gameplay experience.
“The 'laughing' animations are back when destroying enemy units.”
“The witty dialogue and clever puns kept me chuckling throughout the game.”
“I love how the game doesn't take itself too seriously, making every encounter a hilarious experience.”
Critic Reviews
Advance Wars 1+2: Re-boot Camp review
Advance Wars 1+2: Re-boot Camp feels like it’s for the fans who loved the games back on Game Boy Advance, and despite some issues, it’s a superb package overall.
80%Advance Wars 1+2 Re-Boot Camp Switch Review
Advance Wars 1+2 Re-Boot Camp confidently brings two extremely solid strategy games to a modern audience.
84%Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp Review
Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp isn't a perfect title on its own merits, but it's addictive, stylish, and fun. The wonderful characters make up for an uninteresting and predictable plot. It'd be great to see more Advance Wars and other Wars titles make their way over to the system, but adding matchmaking for online play would be a must.
80%