Review Roundup For Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp

Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp was looking ready to launch last year, but Russia's invasion of Ukraine saw the game delayed in light of those frightening events. More than a year later, Nintendo is ready to release the remake of the first two Game Boy Advance turn-based strategy games, which have been visually reimagined with striking new graphics and modern audio.

Beyond that, don't expect much else to have changed in the decades since these titles were first released, as developer WayForward has delivered a collection of games that remain true to their classic roots.

Over on GameSpot's sister site Metacritic, Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp currently has an aggregate score of 82 from 50 critics. Review scores are mostly positive, and critics have remarked that the modern touches added to this package help make the game more approachable to newcomers and nostalgic to veterans of the series.

"While the first Advance Wars hasn't aged as well as its sequel, both games are nevertheless elevated by Re-Boot Camp's robust suite of game modes, the local and online multiplayer, and an intuitive map editor," Jake Dekker wrote in GameSpot's Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp review. "As a package, there is plenty to do, see, and unlock, and it's all held together by a fantastic presentation that evokes Saturday morning cartoons and colorful board games."

• Game: Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp
• Platforms: Switch
• Developer: WayForward
• Release Date: April 21
• Price: $60

For a quick round-up of opinions, you can see what several critics have to say below about Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp.

GameSpot - 7/10

"What makes Advance War 1+2: Re-Boot Camp an exciting prospect today is the same as what made the games compelling when they were first released: fun and approachable strategic gameplay that is built on a solid foundation. While the first title certainly shows its age in the latter stages, the moments of magic that earned Advance Wars a passionate fan base are still there. If turn-based tactical combat is your thing, there is plenty to sink your teeth into here." -- Jake Dekker [Full review]

Inverse - 9/10

"Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp doesn't redefine the original games, but merely adds some modern touches that make the games feel fresh and vibrant. WayForward has done a phenomenal job giving Advance Wars a new visual identity that manages to feel both nostalgic and fresh. I hope the studio is given the chance to continue with the series, as I'd love to see what they could do with greater freedom in terms of characters and story." -- Hayes Madsen [Full review]

Game Informer - 8.5/10

"Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp might not include much new material, but it presents a strong case that classic games don’t always have to change to be relevant again. Sometimes, they just need a second chance." -- Josh Broadwell [Full review]

Destructoid - 8.5/10

"Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp is a tough sell to some for a variety of reasons. Straight-up: a lot of folks likely aren’t going to want to pay full price to experience these games all over again, and I get it. But I found myself falling in love with the Advance Wars universe for the second time in my life, despite occasionally going back to my still-working GBA copies. I really hope this leads to a series resurgence, and Nintendo/WayForward both use this opportunity to move the franchise forward from the ground up." -- Chris Carter [Full review]

TheGamer - 80/100

"Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp marks the return of two classic strategy games, and WayForward has done a stellar job bringing them back to life while never sacrificing the formidable challenge and anime-esque charm of fictional warfare the series has always nailed." -- Jade King [Full review]

RPG Site - 8/10

"The Advance Wars series is a classic, and this remake is a great reminder of why. The cartoonish aesthetic and cheery music belie the densely layered game mechanics and deep strategy required to prevail. Frankly, the worst thing about this game is its timing. Since Re-Boot Camp was announced, strategy RPG fans on the Switch have been treated to a handful of stellar titles." -- Paul Shkreli [Full review]

VGC - 4/5

"Wayforward's generous remake package keeps much of what made the original Game Boys titles great, with some significant improvements to presentation and multiplayer." -- Andy Robinson [Full review]