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CRITIK

Advance Wars 1 + 2: Re-Boot Camp

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Advance Wars 1 + 2: Re-Boot Camp
Item: Advance Wars 1 + 2: Re-Boot Camp
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2023

GenresAdventure, Action, Top-Down Perspective, Strategy, Military and Warfare, Single Player, Multiplayer

AvailableApr 21, 2023

PlatformNintendo Switch

DeveloperWayForward

Overview

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 two campaigns that cover the events of Advance Wars and Advance Wars 2: Black Hole Rising!

Elsewhere

8.3

Game analysis

Critik Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

40%

Mixed (50-79)

60%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The opinions of the critics regarding the story of Advance Wars 1 + 2: Re-Boot Camp are quite varied. Some reviewers appreciated the light-hearted and charming tone of the narrative, noting its cute and fluffy presentation that adds a dark yet engaging take on war. Critics like AusGamers and Pure Nintendo found the story to be engaging, with interesting characters and a rewarding experience for both veterans and newcomers. The friendly banter between battles and the focus on camaraderie among commanding officers added depth to the narrative, making it an enjoyable aspect of the game. On the other hand, several critics expressed concerns about the lack of depth and narrative meat in the story of Advance Wars. Reviewers such as COGconnected and Impulsegamer mentioned that the narrative was barebones, lacking tension and worldbuilding elements. The story was criticized for being simplistic, with little world-building and baffling elements that may not resonate with all players. RPG Fan highlighted the lackluster plot that only starts to make sense towards the end, while RPG Site noted that the narrative, while engaging, could feel thin and implausible at times. Overall, the consensus among the critics leans towards the story of Advance Wars 1 + 2: Re-Boot Camp being a mixed bag. While some reviewers appreciated the light-hearted and charming approach to war and the engaging character interactions, others felt that the narrative lacked depth and failed to provide a compelling backdrop for the gameplay. The focus on gameplay over storytelling was a recurring theme, with critics like Worth Playing emphasizing the kid-friendly and Saturday morning cartoon-like presentation of the story. Despite its shortcomings, the narrative managed to keep some reviewers interested, with commanding officers adding personality and stakes to the overall experience, as noted by ZTGD. Ultimately, the story of Advance Wars seems to serve as a functional backdrop to the strategic gameplay, with varying degrees of success in capturing the attention and immersion of players.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics have mixed opinions on the story of Advance Wars 1 + 2: Re-Boot Camp. Some praise its light-hearted charm and engaging character interactions, while others criticize its lack of depth and world-building. The narrative is seen as a functional backdrop to the strategic gameplay, with some finding it enjoyable and others finding it lacking in substance.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

93%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The majority of critics praised the gameplay of Advance Wars 1 + 2: Re-Boot Camp for its engaging and strategic depth. Reviewers like Screen Rant and Digital Spy highlighted the enticing and compelling nature of the gameplay, with unique mechanics such as skill-set abilities and a streamlined approach to turn-based tactics. Additionally, critics such as RPG Site and Gfinity appreciated the faithful adaptation of the original game's gameplay, offering a vintage strategy RPG experience with updated features like CO Powers and varied objectives. The game's balance of units, commanding officers, and strategic options was commended by Digitally Downloaded, emphasizing the ability for players to develop their own tactical approach over time. On the downside, some critics pointed out certain issues with the gameplay of Advance Wars 1 + 2: Re-Boot Camp. ZTGD mentioned that some maps dragged on, leading to repetition setting in quickly. COGconnected highlighted pacing issues and the negative impact on the final score, indicating that while the game allows for experimentation and risks, there are areas where improvement could be made. Impulsegamer also noted that missions involving money could be tiresome due to AI handling issues, suggesting potential areas for refinement in terms of mission design and execution. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the gameplay of Advance Wars 1 + 2: Re-Boot Camp. The game is praised for its strategic depth, engaging mechanics, and variety of units and commanding officers. Critics appreciate the blend of traditional tactics elements with modern features, offering a challenging yet rewarding experience for players. With a mix of positive comments from various reviewers like Game Informer and Nintendo Life, it's evident that the gameplay of Advance Wars 1 + 2: Re-Boot Camp resonated well with critics, solidifying its position as a standout turn-based strategy game on the Nintendo Switch.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics unanimously praise the engaging and strategic gameplay of Advance Wars 1 + 2: Re-Boot Camp for its depth and unique mechanics like skill-set abilities and CO Powers. While some noted issues like dragging maps and pacing problems, the game's faithful adaptation of the original with updated features received high acclaim. Overall, the game offers a challenging and rewarding experience blending traditional tactics with modern elements, making it a standout turn-based strategy game on the Nintendo Switch.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

43%

Mixed (50-79)

57%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Advance Wars 1 + 2: Re-Boot Camp are quite varied. Many critics praise the game's updated visuals, with mentions of improved animations, vibrant colors, and charming character designs. Critics like Cultured Vultures and God is a Geek appreciate the new art style for adding polish and delivering a Saturday morning cartoon feel with excellent character art. The game's transition to 3D models is commended by Gfinity for effectively portraying characters' personalities through animations and cutscenes. Additionally, Gamereactor UK highlights the beautiful, sharp, and distinguishable unit designs that maintain the spirit of the original pixel-art while updating it for modern screens. On the other hand, some critics express concerns or criticisms about the visual changes in Advance Wars 1 + 2: Re-Boot Camp. Digitally Downloaded and Worth Playing are among those who feel that the graphical overhaul falls short of capturing the charm of the original GBA sprites, with Digitally Downloaded specifically mentioning the 3D models as cheap-ish. Pocket-lint notes that the replacement of pixel sprites with cartoony 3D versions may not spark as much joy for fans of the original art style. RPG Fan mentions a lack of detail in character portraits compared to the original games, while Forbes criticizes the character designs for being a bit off and the faux anime approach being jarring. Overall, the consensus among critics seems to lean towards a positive reception of the Graphics and Visual Design of Advance Wars 1 + 2: Re-Boot Camp. While there are criticisms about certain aspects such as the transition to 3D models and potential loss of charm from the original pixel art, the majority of reviewers appreciate the efforts made to modernize the visuals while maintaining the essence of the original games. The game's colorful and charming art style, improved animations, and vibrant character designs seem to have resonated well with many critics, enhancing the overall presentation and personality of the game. Critics like AusGamers and Impulsegamer acknowledge that while the new visuals may take some getting used to, they ultimately contribute to a fresh and engaging experience for players.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics have mixed opinions on the graphics and visual design of Advance Wars 1 + 2: Re-Boot Camp. Some praise the updated visuals for vibrant colors and charming character designs, while others criticize the transition to 3D models and feel the overhaul falls short of capturing the original charm. Overall, most reviewers appreciate the efforts to modernize the visuals while maintaining the essence of the original games, adding polish and delivering a fresh experience.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

54%

Mixed (50-79)

46%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

In terms of positives, several critics highlighted the music and sound design of Advance Wars 1 + 2: Re-Boot Camp. Critics such as Digital Trends, GGRecon, and RPG Site praised the remastered soundtrack, with GGRecon specifically mentioning the reimagined soundtrack with mixed themes and genres, and RPG Site noting the cheery music and lively arrangements that elevate the overall experience. The addition of unique themes for each Commanding Officer was also appreciated, adding a personalized touch to the gameplay experience. Voice acting was another standout feature, with critics like Pure Nintendo and Nintendo Life commending the voice work for bringing the characters to life and enhancing the immersion of the game. On the downside, some critics pointed out certain negatives regarding the sound design and music of the game. App Trigger's criticism of the music being aggressively loud and short, leading to the reviewer opting to listen to Spotify instead, indicates a lack of appeal in the soundtrack for some players. Impulsegamer mentioned that while the music was catchy, hearing the same themes tied to specific COs constantly could become repetitive. Additionally, the inconsistency in voice acting, as noted by Impulsegamer and Pocket-lint, where some lines were fully voiced while others were not, could detract from the overall cohesion of the audio experience. Overall, the consensus among the critics regarding the sound design and music of Advance Wars 1 + 2: Re-Boot Camp is largely positive. The majority of reviewers appreciated the remastered soundtrack, the addition of unique themes for each Commanding Officer, and the quality of voice acting, which collectively enhanced the gameplay experience. Critics like RPG Site and Digital Trends highlighted the positive impact of the music on the overall presentation of the game. While there were some criticisms regarding repetitiveness in music and inconsistency in voice acting, the general sentiment leans towards the sound design and music contributing positively to the game's atmosphere and immersion, as acknowledged by critics such as Pure Nintendo and Nintendo Life.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics praise Advance Wars 1 + 2: Re-Boot Camp for its stellar music, remastered soundtrack, and unique themes for each Commanding Officer. Voice acting brings characters to life, though some found the music repetitive and voice acting inconsistent. Overall, critics agree that the sound design and music enhance the gameplay experience, with some minor drawbacks.

Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

Mixed (50-79)

92%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in Advance Wars 1 + 2: Re-Boot Camp has received mixed reviews from critics. Many reviewers, such as AusGamers and Digital Trends, appreciated the addition of voice acting, noting that it brought more personality and enhanced the overall experience of the game. Critics like RPG Fan and Pure Nintendo specifically praised the voice work for bringing the characters to life with bright and chipper performances. The inclusion of partial voice acting, as mentioned by RPG Fan, along with animated cinematics during key story moments was seen as a positive addition by several critics, including Cubed3 and Vooks, who highlighted how the voiced characters added depth to the storytelling. On the other hand, some critics expressed concerns about the voice acting in Advance Wars 1 + 2: Re-Boot Camp. Digital Spy found the saccharine voice acting to be a little jarring, while Switch Player criticized the weak voice acting, particularly the 'quips' and one-liners, which they considered to be the weakest aspect of the game's artillery. Pocket-lint even mentioned leaning on the skip button due to the addition of saccharine voice acting. Additionally, GAMES.CH noted that the voice acting was limited, with only individual sentences or fragments being voiced, which may have impacted the overall immersion for some players. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the voice acting in Advance Wars 1 + 2: Re-Boot Camp leans towards the positive side, with many appreciating the effort to add more depth and personality to the characters through voice performances. While there were criticisms about the implementation and quality of the voice acting, such as the spottiness mentioned by Inverse and the limited nature highlighted by IGN France, the general sentiment is that the addition of voice acting was a welcome enhancement to the game. Critics like Game Informer and VGC mentioned the positive impact of the small amount of voice acting on the overall experience, with VGC specifically noting that it enhanced the experience of the characters. In conclusion, while there were some drawbacks, the majority of critics found the voice acting in Advance Wars 1 + 2: Re-Boot Camp to be a positive addition that contributed to the game's storytelling and immersion.

TL;DR

voice acting

Critics have mixed feelings about the voice acting in Advance Wars 1 + 2: Re-Boot Camp. Some praise it for adding personality and depth to the characters, while others find it jarring and weak. Despite criticisms about spottiness and limited implementation, most agree that the voice acting enhances the overall experience of the game by bringing the characters to life.

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

38%

Mixed (50-79)

50%

Negative (0-49)

13%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of the technical performance on the Nintendo Switch for Advance Wars 1 + 2: Re-Boot Camp, the majority of critics had positive feedback. Cubed3 appreciated the crisp models and animations in normal view, while GamingTrend highlighted the smooth performance and easy-to-pick-up controls. Vooks also noted that despite small performance issues during long battles, the overall experience was stable. These positive aspects indicate that the game generally runs well on the Nintendo Switch, providing an enjoyable gameplay experience for most players. However, there were some negative aspects mentioned by critics regarding the technical performance on the Nintendo Switch. VGC criticized the enemy AI for feeling lackluster, especially towards the end of campaigns, impacting the overall experience. Metro GameCentral pointed out issues with AI limitations, lack of online matchmaking, and a unit cycle bug, which could detract from the gameplay experience. Cubed3 also mentioned visual judder during battle animations, indicating potential performance issues during specific gameplay moments. These criticisms suggest that while the game performs well overall, there are some technical shortcomings that may affect certain aspects of the gameplay. Overall, the consensus among critics for Advance Wars 1 + 2: Re-Boot Camp on the Nintendo Switch leans towards a positive technical performance with some minor drawbacks. Critics like Forbes and WellPlayed did not mention any significant technical issues, indicating a generally stable experience. However, concerns raised by God is a Geek and VGC regarding AI behavior and performance issues during specific gameplay moments highlight areas for improvement. Despite these criticisms, the game seems to offer a mostly smooth and enjoyable technical performance on the Nintendo Switch, with room for enhancements in certain aspects to further enhance the overall gaming experience.

TL;DR

technical performance

Critics generally praise the technical performance of Advance Wars 1 + 2: Re-Boot Camp on the Nintendo Switch, citing crisp visuals, smooth gameplay, and easy controls. However, some critics noted issues with enemy AI, lack of online matchmaking, and performance glitches during gameplay. Overall, while the game runs well, there are minor drawbacks that could impact certain aspects of the gameplay experience.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

72%

Mixed (50-79)

28%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The majority of critics praised the Replay Value of Advance Wars 1 + 2: Re-Boot Camp, highlighting various aspects that contribute to its replayability. RPG Fan appreciated the branching paths in the campaign and player choice in mission order, while Cubed3 and Worth Playing emphasized the map editor and offline offerings as factors that enhance replay value. Gfinity and Impulsegamer noted the ability to choose between AW1 and AW2 gameplay styles, adding variety and replayability. Additionally, Pure Nintendo and GGRecon highlighted the incentives provided through ratings based on performance in battles and unlockable content, which encourage players to replay and improve their strategies. On the downside, several critics mentioned limitations in the online multiplayer aspect of the game, such as the lack of matchmaking and map sharing functionality. Shacknews and IGN France pointed out the issues with saving progress in multiplayer battles and the absence of a rewind feature for turns, respectively. ZTGD highlighted the uselessness of multiplayer elements due to the lack of online matchmaking, which could hinder the overall replay value for players seeking competitive online experiences. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the Replay Value of Advance Wars 1 + 2: Re-Boot Camp. Critics like Digital Trends, Cultured Vultures, and Player 2 praised the game for offering a variety of modes, missions, and customization options that provide hours of engaging gameplay and replayability. The inclusion of features like the War Room, Versus mode, map editor, and additional content outside of the main campaigns was widely appreciated by reviewers, showcasing the game's depth and potential for long-lasting enjoyment. Despite some drawbacks in online functionality, the overall sentiment is that Advance Wars 1 + 2: Re-Boot Camp excels in offering a rich and rewarding experience that keeps players fully engaged and coming back for more, making it a highly replayable title for both newcomers and fans of the series.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics applaud Advance Wars 1 + 2: Re-Boot Camp for its exceptional replay value, praising branching paths, player choice, map editor, and incentives for replayability. However, some noted limitations in online multiplayer like matchmaking issues. Despite this, the game offers a wealth of modes, missions, and customization options, making it a highly engaging and replayable title for both newcomers and series fans.

Overall Verdict

CRITIK

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Critik Score

Positive (80-100)

84%

Mixed (50-79)

16%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The majority of critics praised Advance Wars 1 + 2: Re-Boot Camp for its faithful recreation of the classic Game Boy Advance strategy games, with many highlighting the addictive and rewarding gameplay experience it offers. Worth Playing commended the game for staying true to the original games while adding new features and multiplayer options, making it addictive and worth the investment. Switch Player also lauded the game for finally appearing on the Switch and providing brain-stimulating entertainment for both newcomers and experienced players, emphasizing its addictive and rewarding nature. Additionally, App Trigger gave the game a high score of 9/10, praising it for delivering what fans of the original Advance Wars games wanted, including clever battles, strong strategy elements, and appealing character designs. On the downside, some critics pointed out certain flaws in Advance Wars 1 + 2: Re-Boot Camp. Cubed3 mentioned that the 3D artwork clashed with the 2D drawings, impacting the overall visual experience of the game. Gamereactor UK highlighted some awkward tone issues, outdated AI behaviors, and missions with extremely squared designs, which slightly detracted from the overall gameplay experience. COGconnected acknowledged pacing issues, the lack of a better rewind feature, and a barebones narrative as areas that could have been improved in the game. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive, with the majority praising Advance Wars 1 + 2: Re-Boot Camp as a successful and enjoyable remake that revitalizes the classic strategy games for a new audience while still appealing to longtime fans. Critics like Cultured Vultures even went as far as to compare it to Fire Emblem, showcasing its potential as a premier strategy game on the Nintendo Switch. The game's deep tactical combat, addictive gameplay, quality-of-life updates, and modern conveniences were highlighted as key strengths that make it a worthwhile experience for strategy game enthusiasts. Despite some minor drawbacks mentioned by a few critics, the overall sentiment is that Advance Wars 1 + 2: Re-Boot Camp is a solid and highly recommended title that delivers on its promise of bringing back two beloved classics with a fresh and vibrant twist.

TL;DR

Critics praise Advance Wars 1 + 2: Re-Boot Camp for faithfully recreating classic Game Boy Advance strategy games, offering addictive gameplay and new features. Despite flaws like clashing art styles and pacing issues, the game impresses with deep tactical combat and modern updates. Overall, it's a successful remake that revitalizes the series for new and old fans, making it a highly recommended title for strategy game enthusiasts.

CRITIK

Reviews

134 reviews found

100

Player 2

Nintendo Switch

Apr 19, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review praises the game's approachability, imagination, and the job done by WayForward. It states that the game is a solid strategy series reintroduced for a new generation.

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But Why Tho?

Nintendo Switch

Apr 25, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp combines two of the greatest turn-based strategy games of all time in one beautiful package, with quality of life enhancements and a 3D animation makeover.

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Metro GameCentral

Nintendo Switch

Apr 19, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

An excellent remake of a classic strategy game with deep tactical combat, impressive content, and some technical issues that slightly detract from the experience.

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The Mako Reactor

Nintendo Switch

Jun 9, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp is a superb game with enjoyable gameplay and presentation, making it one of the best games on the Nintendo Switch.

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Vooks

Nintendo Switch

Apr 19, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Advance Wars: Re-Boot Camp offers a solid remake with quality-of-life updates, suited for newcomers and veterans, providing a refreshing experience for modern players.

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Nintendo Life

Nintendo Switch

Apr 19, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Delightful reimagining of two classic GBA strategy titles, with endlessly addictive gameplay, modern conveniences, polished presentation, and a timeless experience that players will keep coming back to.

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Inverse

Nintendo Switch

Apr 19, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp adds modern touches that make the games feel fresh and vibrant, giving two of the best strategy games even better.

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App Trigger

Nintendo Switch

Apr 24, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The game is praised for delivering what fans of the original Advance Wars games wanted, with clever battles, strong strategy, and appealing character designs. The overall score given is 9/10.

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Pocket-lint

Nintendo Switch

Jun 23, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Re-Boot Camp is described as a hugely impressive re-release with a cold strategic core that still holds up. The visual update is less enthusing, but the gameplay systems are strong, making it another strategy gem on the Nintendo Switch.

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GAMES.CH

Nintendo Switch

Apr 19, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review overall praises the game and suggests that fans of the original games as well as newcomers can enjoy it.

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