Advance Wars 1 + 2: Re-Boot Camp

 Switch
User Score
8.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 117 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 86 out of 117
  2. Mixed: 17 out of 117
  3. Negative: 14 out of 117
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  1. Yamhikari
    May 3, 2023
    10
    I created a Metacritic account just to rate this game 10/10.
    It's faithful to the original games but now almost every theme is a banger and there are some notable QoL adjustments.
    Please make Dual Strike now.
  2. sfn27
    May 1, 2023
    10
    The return of the series that i spent countless hours playing.

    Visuals 8.5/10 Sometimes is hard to tell the difference between a Cruiser and a Battleship, Tanks and Medium Tanks, with proper cellshading this problem would´nt be there, still the graphics, the colours, animations, backgrounds are very good, and even better on a switch oled. Story 8.5/10 Is just a basic story about    The return of the series that i spent countless hours playing.

    Visuals 8.5/10
    Sometimes is hard to tell the difference between a Cruiser and a Battleship, Tanks and Medium Tanks, with proper cellshading this problem would´nt be there, still the graphics, the colours, animations, backgrounds are very good, and even better on a switch oled.

    Story 8.5/10
    Is just a basic story about an evil organization/country that want to conquer the world, like most war games but without a serious tone and this works really well with the series. Characters are charming even the main villain.

    Sound 10/10
    Each character has its theme remastered... and remixed. Wayforward put a lot of effort on this department, really love most of the themes, and each one suits perfect each character. And what i like a lot its the voice acting, there arent a lot of dialogues but the ones acted, are really good, at least on my lenguage (spanish) the voice acting is superb

    Gameplay 10/10:
    This is where the game shine. Fun, its something like chess were you have to think every move you are going to make. The game is challenging, but not unfair (with the exception of 1 or 2 missions, but one is optional and the other one is kinda unfair in the hard mode) So the game is rewarding, you feel smarter every level you are completing

    Content 10/10: A ton of content, the campaigns will take a lot of hours to complete, there are hard modes of each campaing, there are a lot of maps to try to get a S rank, online, map designer, etc.

    So i recommend this game to anyone that likes strategy games, Wayforward put their soul on this remake, hope they make an new entry on the series.    … Expand
  3. Macintosh1001
    Apr 25, 2023
    8
    A great return to a fun classic. Remade with a fresh coat of paint, while still keeping its child-like charm. The simple mechanics and repetitive, but pleasant gameplay make it enjoyable even if it is not your genre. Great game for those who just want to unwind, relax and enjoy.
  4. Kenmei
    Apr 27, 2023
    8
    After being dormant for almost 2 decades, especially since we've seen these characters, Advanced Wars comes back out with a remake of the original 2 games from the GBA era. Not having played either one of these since my childhood, I was excited to get back into this see how they stood the test of time. And, unfortunately, it really feels like that as the SRPG genre, as a whole, has grownAfter being dormant for almost 2 decades, especially since we've seen these characters, Advanced Wars comes back out with a remake of the original 2 games from the GBA era. Not having played either one of these since my childhood, I was excited to get back into this see how they stood the test of time. And, unfortunately, it really feels like that as the SRPG genre, as a whole, has grown over the past 2 decades, it's left both of these games behind somewhat.
    In terms of what is different, there's not a whole lot to talk about here. The presentation has been spruced up with a more anime vibe for each character and there's some voice acting, even though it follows in the footsteps of the newest Fire Emblem games and only has some of the lines voiced, even going so far as to have them stop mid sentence sometimes. It's was very annoying when FE did it and it doesn't get any better here. At the end of the day though, nothing has has really changed at all. The gameplay is a direct copy/paste from the old games with nothing new added whatsoever to either game. These two games were meant to be starter SRPG's for people back in the day and that doesn't change here. There's some tactical things to worry about but there's nothing close to the kind of things you have to think about with some newer titles like Triangle Strategy or the Tactics Ogre remake released last year. I didn't expect much to change in that regard but it's a fairly big reminder that it feels like the genre as a whole jumped off from the original releases of these two games to become something bigger and it feels like this whole series was left behind.
    That's not to say it's not difficult as the campaign for both of these games can become extremely difficult and time consuming during the later missions. AW 2 is by far the standout here and the much better campaign but you really can't play that without playing AW 1 first. It's also unfortunate that the game limits the characters you can play as during the campaign to 3 of the lower tier characters in the game. Outside of multiplayer you barely are ever able to control any other CO in the game, especially the ones that are just far and away the best ones in the game. Battles can also be very slow at times, even with a Fast Forward button that was added. It's doesn't go fast enough and you can't skip any of the cutscenes that pop up, especially when the opposing CO uses their special power the X number of times.
    There's still some fun to be had here, especially with AW 2. But these releases just show how far behind this series has fallen to some of the more recently released games, whether they were remakes or brand new games entirely. It just feels a little outdated and, for people who have been playing SRPG's for years, very slow and dull. I don't know if we're ever going to get a brand new game in this series and, even if we did, I don't think they'd ever go beyond having it be the "starter" game for the genre. But I firmly believe that a new game in this series, with these characters being brought back and spruced up a bit with different powers, would be a major success.    … Expand
  5. Red_XIIl
    May 7, 2023
    9
    Great game. Don't love the art style, but no less fun because of it. Great filler until TotK.
  6. Djon57VGR
    May 2, 2023
    10
    A perfect way(forward) to rediscover this beloved franchise that makes wars a damn thing in the early 00's. This reboot give us a clean view with lovely animations and true spirit of the original games. The game have both campaigns that can be done in Expert and many hours is needed for a true completionist on them and on HQ or Online Party with ours COs. With a huge revivial like thisA perfect way(forward) to rediscover this beloved franchise that makes wars a damn thing in the early 00's. This reboot give us a clean view with lovely animations and true spirit of the original games. The game have both campaigns that can be done in Expert and many hours is needed for a true completionist on them and on HQ or Online Party with ours COs. With a huge revivial like this one, now it's legit to ask for a new 'conflict' for our beloved commanders and troups. Thank you Nintendo and WayForward for this long await game!… Expand
  7. LUCHALIBRE
    Apr 25, 2023
    9
    I'm happy to see this series come back, especially in such a great way! Although, I don't really understand why they had to delay it.
  8. jrtn
    Apr 25, 2023
    10
    Much like Fire Emblem, we need more games like this with smart gameplay plus fun!
  9. Chiche
    Apr 28, 2023
    9
    Es un juegazo de los pies a la cabeza. El único pero que se le puede poner es que el online es solo entre amigos.
  10. jamy301
    May 2, 2023
    9
    Massive Advance Wars fan here.

    40 hours in, was a little worried I wouldn't like the graphical style, though it's grown on me massively and i'm glad they tried something new. Will be nice having two unique styles to dip into when they eventually release AW1 and AW2 on Nintendo Switch Online in a few years. Pros: The soundtrack is stunning, the remixes are top tier. Like how the music    Massive Advance Wars fan here.

    40 hours in, was a little worried I wouldn't like the graphical style, though it's grown on me massively and i'm glad they tried something new. Will be nice having two unique styles to dip into when they eventually release AW1 and AW2 on Nintendo Switch Online in a few years.

    Pros: The soundtrack is stunning, the remixes are top tier. Like how the music changes when in battle and on the unit select/menu screens as well as the CO power themes.

    Lots of content here, both campaigns plus the hard campaigns. There are also anime animations at the end of the campaigns for both games which are great!

    The battle animations are beautiful and detailed. I like how the different nations units have different designs on the map and not just in the battle animations, this wasn't the case in the original games on the GBA or DS.

    Negatives: No online match making with randoms, typical nintendo. Very sad    … Expand
  11. schifferay
    May 8, 2023
    10
    Have been a long term fan of this series. This game brings back a ton of treasured memories and what's best is I get to share this game with my family. I do hope they get more budget for the next game and give us a brand new game with all the good things from Dual Strike. Would recommend to everyone who loves strategy games!
  12. DoctorGeneric
    May 9, 2023
    10
    So here I am...finally on metacritic. All for the sake of me wanting to write a review on this game. Couple of things I want to mention.

    1) I get that not a lot of people are a fan of the direction of the visual style for the game. I am in the camp that really did not like the gritty direction Days of Ruin went and appreciate the game returning to its roots. 2) The game has gotten a    So here I am...finally on metacritic. All for the sake of me wanting to write a review on this game. Couple of things I want to mention.

    1) I get that not a lot of people are a fan of the direction of the visual style for the game. I am in the camp that really did not like the gritty direction Days of Ruin went and appreciate the game returning to its roots.

    2) The game has gotten a significant amount of QoL improvements. It is more than just a copy-paste from what the original was. The fact the AI doesn't cheat in Fog of War actually makes the maps enjoyable instead of a chore.

    3) Remember the game is over 2 decades old. The fact the original two games are being given an opportunity to have life breathed back into them is a good thing.

    4) The game was genuinely made with a lot of love. The new OST shows that the devs knew what they were working with, knew how much the original fanbase loved this property, and delivered us an absolute gem.

    5) If you actually enjoy turn-based strategies, this game is 100% worth your time. The game has the nintendo charm of not taking itself too seriously but is fun enough to allow you to enjoy the characters for what they are.    … Expand
  13. mboscht
    Apr 22, 2023
    9
    Absolutely amazing. Just like the older versions. I hope Nintendo will create Advance Wars 3.
  14. Zski
    Apr 22, 2023
    8
    This is a very welcome return of a series that most forgot about. The gameplay remains entirely unchanged, and it has the same addictive gameplay loop from years ago. It’s simple enough for non-strategy game fans to pick up and play and satisfying enough for strategy game fans to sink many hours into. The remade graphics, sound, and presentation are nice, but arguably unnecessary,This is a very welcome return of a series that most forgot about. The gameplay remains entirely unchanged, and it has the same addictive gameplay loop from years ago. It’s simple enough for non-strategy game fans to pick up and play and satisfying enough for strategy game fans to sink many hours into. The remade graphics, sound, and presentation are nice, but arguably unnecessary, especially with consideration to the GBA being included with Nintendo Switch Online. It modernized the graphics and sound but added very little to what otherwise would have been the charm of the GBA presentation. There are several smaller quality of life features and new things such as online play, so it’s a nice little package that blends the content of the original two games. Absolutely worth picking up for old fans of the series and newcomers alike.… Expand
  15. phoenixfire683
    Apr 22, 2023
    9
    I only just started but I feel the need to leave this review. As someone who's always struggled to get into strategy games, I think I've finally found the one. So far literally everything is perfect. The music, the animation, the art direction, not even mentioning the ganeplay.the only reason I didn't give it a 10 is because I haven't played all of it yet. But if you're like me and haveI only just started but I feel the need to leave this review. As someone who's always struggled to get into strategy games, I think I've finally found the one. So far literally everything is perfect. The music, the animation, the art direction, not even mentioning the ganeplay.the only reason I didn't give it a 10 is because I haven't played all of it yet. But if you're like me and have been waiting for a strategy game that just feels like the perfect starting point, look no further. Also I don't know how good casual mode is, but I like the challenge if classic so far, it feels like just enough to push me to improve. Tldr; I highly recommend this game, especially to newcomers to the genre like myself… Expand
  16. Zebatguardian
    Apr 22, 2023
    10
    Once again, this game proves that most tactical rpgs forget the fun factor in it’s gameplay loop
  17. KaS36
    Apr 23, 2023
    10
    What can I say? Great remakes of great games. New visuals (though the style is divisive), high quality arrangements of the original soundtrack, and dynamic music, along with some quality of life changes. A good pick if you're into strategy games.
  18. Kakadu
    Apr 23, 2023
    10
    Amazingly done remakes. A lot of love and care went into these and they're so much fun to play.
  19. Cabbage1976
    Apr 24, 2023
    10
    Fantastic game. Easily a 10 out of 10 game for me. Loved the original as well.
  20. ProjekthorFDZ
    Apr 23, 2023
    8
    GAme is just Perfect like in the past but my biggest bummer is:

    The Switch has a touch screen...

    i cant believe this game hasnt got touch controls... had scratchin dumb
  21. Oldbailey
    Apr 24, 2023
    10
    Excellent remakes of one of Nintendo's best, and most neglected, series. Advance Wars 3+4 next, please.
  22. CaptainCharisma
    Apr 23, 2023
    10
    Advance Wars is great, wish this had a better artstyle but gameplay always deserves 10.
  23. iandizion713
    Apr 24, 2023
    10
    This is one of the best Nintendo Switch games ever made. I bought two copies so i could keep one sealed. The gameplay is so fun and addicting you get lost for hours.
  24. XxRenardezu
    Apr 23, 2023
    10
    Waited since 2008 to finally have my hands on a new advance wars game, what's to say? The game is perfect, it's literally what we, fans have been waiting, maybe it have some flaws but it's mainly minor details that will he fixed with an update, the music is awesome, the sound design is crisp and rewarding, the graphics are maybe not that awesome but it works, the voices are cool, theWaited since 2008 to finally have my hands on a new advance wars game, what's to say? The game is perfect, it's literally what we, fans have been waiting, maybe it have some flaws but it's mainly minor details that will he fixed with an update, the music is awesome, the sound design is crisp and rewarding, the graphics are maybe not that awesome but it works, the voices are cool, the additions are cool, the fact that the gameplay is the same is awesome, nothing more to say, the game is what we have been waiting for for years and I am happy to finally put my hands on it… Expand
  25. ElRachoXD
    Apr 24, 2023
    8
    Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp Hace Un Trabajo Excelente En Traer De Vuelta Un Juego Clásico A Las Nuevas Generaciones, Sin Embargo, El Hecho De Tener Únicamente Multijugador Con Amigos Es Una Oportunidad Desperdiciada
  26. Kasindar
    Apr 24, 2023
    10
    One of the best remakes of the last few years, you can tell how much attention to detail the developers have put into this game to present us all with a game that will quickly bring back memories of the old parts. The graphics are unusual but just perfect for this game, the animations and the sound are top league and the music is a true masterpiece if you want a game that is perfect forOne of the best remakes of the last few years, you can tell how much attention to detail the developers have put into this game to present us all with a game that will quickly bring back memories of the old parts. The graphics are unusual but just perfect for this game, the animations and the sound are top league and the music is a true masterpiece if you want a game that is perfect for beginners but also for professionals in terms of strategy or for great hours with friends on the couch using 4 player versus mode. Advance Wars Reboot Camp is a must-have.… Expand
  27. BryanHarsin
    Apr 24, 2023
    10
    Remake of one of my favorite video games of all time. Not much new, but perfection doesn’t need improvement. Give us Advance Wars 3, Nintendo.
  28. ThBBoy
    Apr 22, 2023
    2
    El apartado artístico no hay por donde cogerlo, pero lo de que no tenga matchmaking es un auténtico despropósito. Una pena lo que han hecho con esta versión.
  29. Zaregoto
    Apr 25, 2023
    4
    It's a decent game it just didn't age well enough to live up to current standards of what makes a fun game in 2023 imo.
    It started out decent but it got old/repetitive very quickly, especially after having to sit through some really slow and long battles of attrition. Story barely even exists, you can't do anything with the currency except get collectibles which makes the whole campaign    It's a decent game it just didn't age well enough to live up to current standards of what makes a fun game in 2023 imo.
    It started out decent but it got old/repetitive very quickly, especially after having to sit through some really slow and long battles of attrition. Story barely even exists, you can't do anything with the currency except get collectibles which makes the whole campaign feel unrewarding. The art style isn't terrible but it lacks personality and it's way too childish.

    Would've been fun if there was some sort of upgrades you could buy with the currency and maybe customize your units to your playstyle.
    Sure there's character with different abilities but that's just that, a one turn ability.    … Expand
  30. Gibrail
    Apr 23, 2023
    4
    Les ajouts comme l'avance rapide des affrontements est sympa, mais ces remake n'apporte rien en plus et ont un design affreux par rapport au jeu d'origine
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Awards & Rankings

36
#36 Best Switch Game of 2023
8
#8 Most Discussed Switch Game of 2023

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
83

Generally favorable reviews - based on 100 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 91 out of 100
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 100
  3. Negative: 0 out of 100
  1. LEVEL (Czech Republic)
    Jan 23, 2024
    100
    The gameplay is extremely varied thanks to the objectives in each battle, the solutions to the battles are always numerous and resemble more of a tactical puzzle. Even if you dislike the anime stylization of the story, the characters, or the general sauce around them, both games are excellent tactical strategies in the style of Battle Isle, and indeed the original Wars series from which Advance Wars sprang. [Issue#327]
  2. ZTGD
    Jun 28, 2023
    80
    While not quite living up to the “Advance” moniker in its title, Advance Wars provides a satisfying SRPG experience with its solid strategic combat and a wealth of content- making it a worthwhile addition to the library of any die-hard SRPG fan.
    Read full review
  3. Pocket-lint
    Jun 23, 2023
    90
    The new art style doesn't spark that much joy in us, but the strategic genius at Advance Wars' heart is completely intact here, making for an excellent paired package of gaming greats on the Switch.
    Read full review
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