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

destructoid.com:

One of my all-time favorite gaming memories is someone showing me the original Advance Wars at a convention. I was no stranger to strategy games (my first was Dune II), but until then it had eluded me. From that moment on, as we spent hours using the “pass-and-play” feature to enjoy one long game throughout the weekend: I was hooked.

Now, another generation can experience that same rush with Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp.

Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp (Switch)Developer: WayForwardPublisher: Nintendo Release: April 21, 2023 MSRP: $59.99

Even if you’ve never played a strategy game before, Advance Wars (particularly this version) is a great place to start. Re-Boot Camp specifically is a remake of the first two core games in the series (released in 2001 and 2003 respectively), with some extras and a modern coat of paint. The gist is that you’ll be taking control of the peppy and friendly Orange Star army, as you attempt to take down the aggressive Blue Moon forces. The Orange Star leader Nell will help you acclimate to the game’s asynchronous (turn-based) strategy system, as well as the ins and outs of each unit and optimal placement/maneuvering. Thankfully the tutorial isn’t too hand-wringy, as you can choose to skip many aspects of it in Re-Boot Camp, and the tutorial itself serves as the first few missions of the game.

As a fan of the originals, I assumed it would take me a while to get on board with the new “WayForward-ey” style, but I bought in pretty quickly. Every single aspect of this double-pack remake is lovely aesthetically. The menus are sleek and practically pop out of the screen (especially on an OLED), and the bright visuals and stark character work showcase just how fantastic this world always was; and how