Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp Review: A Glorious Return of Classic Turn-Based Strategy

Hello everyone! I'm your old friend, a seasoned gamer with over a decade of experience. Today, we're going to talk about the highly anticipated remake of the classic turn-based strategy game, Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp (hereinafter referred to as Advance Wars 1+2). As a longtime fan, I'm thrilled to be able to experience this masterpiece that once swept the GBA. So, how does this remake perform? And can it shine anew on the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2? Let's dive in and find out.

1. Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp: A Nostalgic Work of Classic Rebirth

Advance Wars 1+2 is a remake that combines the two classic GBA games, Advance Wars and Advance Wars 2: Black Hole Rising. The game is known for its deep strategic gameplay, adorable cartoon style, and engaging storyline. This remake retains the core mechanics of the original while significantly improving the graphics and sound effects, striving to bring a brand new gaming experience to both new and old players. For players looking forward to the Nintendo Switch 2, experiencing this classic remake is also a good preparation for welcoming the new console.

2. Gameplay Deep Dive: Strategy is King, Take Every Step Carefully

The core gameplay of Advance Wars 1+2 is turn-based strategy. Players need to control various units and engage in intense battles with the enemy on the map. Unit types are countered by each other, and the terrain will also affect the battle. Therefore, players need to carefully plan every move to achieve ultimate victory.

2.1 Unit Counters and Terrain Utilization

There are many types of units in the game, including infantry, tanks, artillery, air force, and so on. Each unit has its own unique strengths and weaknesses. For example, tanks have powerful firepower but are vulnerable to air strikes; infantry, although with lower attack power, can be hidden in terrain such as forests. Terrain also has a significant impact on combat. For example, cities can provide defense bonuses, and forests can slow down enemy movement speed. Therefore, players need to fully understand the characteristics of various units and the impact of terrain in order to develop effective strategies.

2.2 Commander Abilities and Tactical Choices

Each commander in the game has unique abilities that can play an important role in battle. For example, Andy can repair mechanical units, and Sami is good at increasing the combat effectiveness of infantry. Players need to choose the right commander based on different combat situations and make full use of their abilities to gain an advantage. In addition to commander abilities, players can also use various tactics, such as ambushes, encirclements, and divisions. These tactics can effectively disrupt enemy deployments and create opportunities for themselves.

2.3 Level Design and Challenge Modes

The level design of the game is excellent, and each level has its own unique terrain and enemy deployment. Players need to constantly try different strategies to find the best way to clear the level. In addition to the main storyline, the game also provides various challenge modes, such as survival mode, time challenge, and so on. These challenge modes can effectively improve players' strategy skills and increase the replayability of the game.

3. Graphics and Sound: A Modern Interpretation of a Classic Style

Advance Wars 1+2 has undergone significant improvements in graphics and sound, but it still retains the original cartoon style.

3.1 Graphic Upgrades and Visual Experience

The remake uses new 3D graphics, and the characters and scenes are more detailed. The combat animations are also smoother, bringing a better visual experience. Although the graphics have been upgraded, the original cartoon style has been retained, allowing old players to feel the familiar flavor. Considering that the Nintendo Switch 2 may use more powerful hardware, perhaps future new works can be even more refined in graphics, providing a more delicate visual experience. You can check out nintendo switch2 first look for more information about the new console.

3.2 Sound Effects Remastering and Musical Atmosphere

The game's sound effects have also been remastered, and the attack and explosion sounds of various units are more realistic. In terms of music, the remake retains the classic melodies of the original and has been re-arranged, bringing a more shocking listening experience. The style of the music is very consistent with the cartoon style of the game, creating a relaxed and enjoyable gaming atmosphere.

4. Plot and Characters: Full of Twists and Turns, Engaging

The plot of Advance Wars 1+2 is very exciting, telling the story of the war between the four countries of Orange Star, Blue Moon, Yellow Comet, and Green Earth.

4.1 Plot Background and Story Development

The game's plot is full of twists and turns, filled with conspiracies and betrayals. Each country has its own unique personality and goals, and their conflicts and cooperation constitute the main storyline of the game. Players will play as the commander of the Orange Star army, fighting against the armies of other countries and gradually uncovering the truth hidden behind the war.

4.2 Character Shaping and Character Relationships

The character shaping in the game is very successful, and each character has its own distinct personality and story. For example, Andy is a young and promising commander who is always full of energy and optimism; Sami is an experienced commander who is good at using tactics to defeat enemies. The relationships between the characters are also complicated, and their friendship, love, and betrayal add more emotional color to the game.

5. Handling and User Experience: Easy to Pick Up, Mastery Requires Skill

Advance Wars 1+2 is very easy to pick up and play. Players can use the Joy-Con controller or the touch screen to operate.

5.1 Operation Method and Convenience

The game's operation method is very intuitive. Players can use the direction keys or joystick to move the cursor and select units and instructions. The touch screen operation is also very convenient. Players can directly click on the screen to select the target. The game also provides detailed tutorials to help novice players get started quickly.

5.2 UI Design and Information Presentation

The UI design of the game is very clear and concise, and all kinds of information are clear at a glance. Players can easily view the attributes of the units, the impact of the terrain, and the deployment of the enemy. The game also provides various tips and help to help players better understand the game mechanics.

6. Analysis of Advantages and Disadvantages: Highlights and Shortcomings of the Remake

6.1 Advantages:

• Classic Reappearance: Perfectly restores the core mechanics and classic plot of the original, allowing old players to relive good memories.
• Graphic Upgrade: Uses new 3D graphics, bringing a better visual experience.
• Sound Effects Remastering: Remasters the game's sound effects, bringing a more shocking listening experience.
• Simple Operation: Easy to pick up and play, suitable for novice players.
• High Replayability: The game provides rich content and challenges, allowing players to immerse themselves in it for a long time.

6.2 Disadvantages:

• Graphic Style: Although the graphics have been upgraded, the cartoon style may not be suitable for all players.
• Difficulty Curve: The game's difficulty curve is slightly steep, which may frustrate novice players.
• Optimization Issues: In some cases, the game may experience lag. Hopefully it can be better optimized on the Nintendo Switch 2.

7. Comparison with Similar Games: A Benchmark for Strategy Games

As a classic turn-based strategy game, Advance Wars 1+2 has unique advantages compared with similar games.

7.1 Comparison with the Fire Emblem Series

The Fire Emblem series is another famous turn-based strategy game. Compared with Advance Wars, Fire Emblem focuses more on character development and plot narrative, while Advance Wars focuses more on strategic depth and tactical choices. Both games have their own advantages and are loved by players.

7.2 Comparison with the Valkyria Chronicles Series

The Valkyria Chronicles series is a game that combines turn-based strategy and third-person shooting elements. Compared with Advance Wars, Valkyria Chronicles focuses more on operating skills and tactical coordination, while Advance Wars focuses more on overall strategy and unit counters.

8. Rating and Summary: A Classic Remake Worth Playing

Overall, Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp is a very excellent remake of a turn-based strategy game. It perfectly restores the core mechanics and classic plot of the original, and has been greatly improved in terms of graphics and sound effects. Although the game has some shortcomings, it is still overwhelmingly positive. If you are a fan of turn-based strategy games, then this game is definitely not to be missed.

Overall Rating: 8.5/10

• IGN: 8/10 (IGN Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp Review)
• Metacritic: 82/100 (Metacritic Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp)

Rating Reason:

The game retains the core charm of the original, while upgrading the graphics and sound effects, bringing a brand new gaming experience. The strategic gameplay and engaging plot are both addictive. Of course, the game's difficulty curve and some optimization issues also need to be improved. Overall, this is a recommended classic remake. Considering the nintendo switch2 price and the game lineup, this game is also worth buying in advance and continuing to play on the new console.

9. Looking Forward to Nintendo Switch 2: The Future Path of Classic Strategy

With the upcoming release of the Nintendo Switch 2, we have reason to expect more classic strategy games like Advance Wars 1+2 to land on the new platform in the future. The powerful performance of the Nintendo Switch 2 will be able to bring more exquisite graphics, smoother operation, and richer gaming experiences. At the same time, nintendo switch2 compatibility will also become the focus of players' attention. It is hoped that the new console will be compatible with classic games on the Switch, allowing players to continue to experience these masterpieces on the new platform.

All in all, Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp is a work worth trying for all turn-based strategy game lovers. It is not only a tribute to the classics, but also a prospect for the future of strategy games. I hope that on the Nintendo Switch 2, we can see more excellent strategy games like Advance Wars to continue to enrich our gaming experience. Let's look forward to it together!