This seems like an oversight

Remember when Advance Wars 1+2 Re-Boot Camp was announced in 2021? Remember when it was delayed, and for how long?! Well if you asked me to recall the whole situation off the top of my head, it would just feel like one big haze. In real?ity, it's been roughly a year (and change). Well, if those physical copies were printed ages ??ago, the ability to redeem Gold (bonus) Points on the Switch eShop could be impacted.

As reported by Nintendo Life (and pretty much all over every other ?Nintendo community), some folks are having problems redeeming their Gold Points. As a reminder, people who buy Nintendo games have the ability to earn Gold Points (which can be used to buy games directly) either through a di?gital purchase (which is done automatically), or a manual redemption of a game cart. But there is a limit on how long that physical redemption process is?? good for, and it varies from region to region.

Nintendo is reportedly inves?tigating the issue, and we've reached out for comment. This seems like a pretty easy fix, as Nintendo can spare some funny money that encourages people to spend more real money on their storefront.

The community is chiming in as well to note that you should keep trying at a?n irregular interval, as it could end up going through at a later date. I can ba??ck this up with experience, as the Gold Point redemption process can be pretty wonky: speaking as someone who has dealt with early review copies.

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Reporting for duty

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 o??n, as we spent hours using the "pass-and-play" feature to enjoy one long game thro??ughout the weekend: I was hooked.

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

[caption id="attachment_374193" align="alignnone" width="640"] Screenshot by Destructoid[/caption]

Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp (Switch)
Developer: WayForward
Publisher: 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 p??ractically pop out of the screen (especially on an OLED), and the bright visuals and st??ark character work showcase just how fantastic this world always was; and how it's a shame we didn't really get more of it.

No joke: I even waffled around the menus a bit as I unlocked stuff just to see the screen transitions: they're that fun and cute. Once you actually get into the game you'll see that same signature sleek look employed on basically everything else. I know the Advance Wars style was polarizing at the time (and based on many comments on variou?s YouTube videos and articles, it kinda still is), but it looks beautiful in motion.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=iOgHc-PlQ48

The core still holds up too. Your job is to command units on various maps and take out enemy forces either directly, or indirectly via an objective like capturing their HQ; routing the opposing forces. You'll do this by moving a wide variety of units, like foot soldiers (who can capture buildings on the ground), supply vehicles, aircraft, tanks, and ships: all of whom have subdivisions that counter specific units and have their own sets of strengths and weaknesses. By the time you hit the game's crescendo, you'll be moving around myriad unit types like a master: but Advance Wars 1+2 Re-Boot moves along at a reasonable pace, introduci??ng you to each unit in a guided fashion.

Adding an extra layer on top of all that nuance is the CO (Commanding Officer) system, which elevates your army with a named character; all of whom sport different powers. Even something as small as changing up the CO you use can drastically alter how you may approach a mission or a map layout, or even suit a specific playstyle. That special power mechanic also applies to enemy COs, which creates a fascinating tug-of-war where ?you one-up the? opposing force, then they hit right back. It's fun, thrilling, and in the context of the remake's new visuals, exciting to watch.

It's also not overwhelming while offering each player a good amount of individual choices for each mission. The general "flow" of Advance Wars still works in 2023, as veterans can get really into it and?? go for S+ ratings every time, while newcomers can boot up casual mode a??nd enjoy the scenery. No in-game challenges or unlocks are linked to either difficulty, so you can also swap at will if there's a particularly taxing map in your way, or you want to up the challenge.

[caption id="attachment_374198" align="alignnone" width="640"] Screenshot by Destructoid[/caption]

There are also a few convenience-focused elements of the Re-Boot Camp re-release, like the ability to jump right into the second game if you want (though Re-Boot warns you that you should finish the original first), and a casual mode to help folks acclimate to all of the strategic concepts: both from a macro-genre standpoint and the micro of what everything in Advance Wars 1+2 actually does.

If you're into creating your own maps the design room returns (where you can make up to 50 maps on a maximum 30x20 grid), as well as a versus mode for up to four players? (with single console pass-and-play, multi-console play, and 1v1 online play), a war room (an AI mode where you can play bots), and a shop to buy new maps, extras, and even COs. While I do wish some of these modes were more fully featured with additional options and tweaks, there's a lot here to keep you busy after you've finished both campaigns.

Although we were not able? to test out online for this review, I cannot understate the convenience of pass-and-play, which is still an enduring feature decades on. The ability to just bring one copy of a game and ent??ertain other people is a lost art, as split-screen and local play have been disappearing at a rapid pace from just about every major multiplayer release. It severely ups the cachet of owning the game, as you can bust it out at any time and teach people how to play on a single console.

[caption id="attachment_374205" align="alignnone" width="640"] Screenshot by Destructoid[/caption]

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 seco??nd 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/WayForwar??d both use this opportunity to move the franchise forward from the ground up.

_{[This review is based on a retail build of the game provided by the publisher.]}

The post Review: Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp appeared first on Destructoid.

The Force will be with you this month

The April 2023 games lineup might have far fewer blockbusters to offer, but there are still some intriguing standouts worthy of a mention. We can take on an epic quest across the galaxy in Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, or enjoy the adorable story in Melon Journey: Bittersweet Memories You'll also get the opportunity to engage in strategic battles in Advance Wars 1 + 2: Reboot Camp or carve up some zombies in the long-long-long-time-coming Dead Island 2. 

Here'?s everything to expect from the April 2023 games lineup.

Advance Wars 1 + 2: Reboot Camp (Switch)

[caption id="attachment_368515" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Image via Nintendo[/caption]

Publisher: Nintendo
Developer: WayForward
Price: $59.99
Release Date: April 21
Trailer

After a long delay, Advance Wars 1 + 2: Reboot Camp will finally be on store shelves from April 21. This strategy game is a complete remake of the classic releases and will test mettle as players maneuver their army through various battlefields. Reboot Camp includes both original games and lets you pick any commander from those titles in its Versus Mode. This remaster is developed by the Shantae series studio WayForward, ?so there should be an essence of quality within its animation and ga?meplay. This will be a really enjoyable nostalgia trip fans of the series, to be sure.

Dead Island 2 (PS4 PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PC)

[caption id="attachment_368520" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Image via Deep Silver[/caption]

Publisher: Deep Silver
Developer: Dambuster Studios
Price: $69.99
Release Date: April 21
Trailer

Speaking of delayed games, Dead Island 2 will finally be unleashed on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and PC systems on April 21. Similar to the previous game,?? it offers a large sandbox packed out with many melee weapons to uncover and lots of zombies to smash. Inste??ad of an island, however, this sequel will be taking place in Beverly Hills, as well as its neighboring areas like Venice Beach. The sequel features online co-op for up to three players, so you can team with friends to combat dozens of distinct zombie types, each with their own mutations, attacks, and hundreds of visual LA-themed variants."

EA Sports PGA Tour (PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC)

[caption id="attachment_368542" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Image via EA[/caption]

Publisher: EA
Developer: Electronic Arts - Tiburon
Price: $69.99
Release Date: April 6
Trailer

Get ready to earn those beloved Eagles and dreaded Bogies because EA Sports is bringing back golf to PC and consoles on April 6. The game features the Masters Tournament, the PGA Championship, the U.S. Open Championship, and The Open Championship. The publisher EA claims on the game's Steam page that it will have "unique golf wings with a fluid feel and realistic outcomes on every golf shot." In addition, there are "golfer-specific tendencies with unique Course Dynamics and revol??utionized Ball Behavior" mechanics. A new Career Mode will allow players to can create their own golfer and compete against the likes of Cameron Champ, Nelly Korda, and other pros.

The Mageseeker: A League of Legends Story (PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Switch, PC)

[caption id="attachment_368550" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Image via Riot Forge[/caption]

Publisher: Riot Forge
Developer: Digital Sun
Price: $29.99
Release Date: April 18
Trailer

The League of Legends universe expands when The Mageseeker releases on April 18. Something that makes this game notable is that it's from the critically acclaimed developer of Moonlighter Digital Sun. In this game, you play as Sylas, a mage that has freed himself from the Mageseekers. With the chains on his hands, you fight enemies that try to contain you and free your homeland from The Mageseekers. The action-RPG combat seems intense and the game has a gorgeous pixel art style, similar to Moonlighter.

Melon Journey: Bittersweet Memories (PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Switch, PC)

[caption id="attachment_368563" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Image via Poppy Works and XSEED Games[/caption]

Publisher: Poppy Works and XSEED Games
Developer: Froach Club and Poppy Works
Price: $14.99
Release Date: April 6
Trailer

Melon Journey: Bittersweet Memories was a standout on the PAX East 2022 show floor and will be dropping into store shelves on April 6. As those of you who played the demo will know, it has an adorable Game Boy-i??nspired a??rt style and a charming story. You're a rabbit strolling around a town that has outlawed melons looking for your lost best friend. The concept is adorable, but the intrigue arrives once you realize things aren't as peaceful as they seem.

Minecraft Legends (PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Switch, PC)

[caption id="attachment_368572" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Image via Xbox[/caption]

Publisher: Xbox Game Studios
Developer: Mojang Studios and Blackbird Interactive
Price: $39.99
Release Date: April 6
Trailer

There's been a TellTale series and an action RPG, and now Minecraft is stepping into the Strategy genre with Minecraft Legends. Launching on Xbox Game Pass and on store shelves when April 6 hits, Minecraft Legends challenges you to third-person RTS battles. You'll be gathering allies and resources as you explore the different biomes this game has to offer. There's also a multiplayer mode, so you can charge enemy fortresses with your buddies online. Hopefully, Minecraft Legends will be just as fun as the other Minecraft spinoffs.

Star Wars Jedi: Survivor (PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC)

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=kyfWJmk2c7U&t=125s

Publisher: EA
Developer: Respawn
Price: $69.99
Release Date: April 27
Trailer

Star Wars Jedi: Survivor continues Cal Kestis' journey as he attempts to discover his true purpose as a Jedi. The game takes place five years after the events of Fallen Order as Kestis finds himself escaping into the outer sectors of the galaxy. EA asks the question on the game's Steam page, "How far Kestis willing to go to protect himself, his crew, and the legacy of the Jedi Order?" There will be an engaging storyline, to be sure, new force abilities to learn throughout the adventure, and new fighting styles for Cal to master. The game releases on April 27.

Honorable Mentions

[caption id="attachment_368596" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Image via Digixart and Ravenscourt[/caption]

There ??are some other April 2023 games that should get honorable ?mentions. They include:

• Curse of the Sea Rats (PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Switch, PC) - April 6
• The Last Case of Benedict Fox (Xbox Series X/S, PC) - April 27
• Mega Man Battle Network Legacy Collection (PS4, Switch, PC) - April 14
• Moviehouse - The Film Studio Tycoon (PC) - April 5
• Omega Strikers (PC, Switch, iOS, Android) - April 27
• Road 96: Milo 0 (PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Switch, PC) - April 4
• Strayed Lights (PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Switch, PC) - April 25

The post Most anticipated game releases �April 2023 appeared first on Destructoid.

Re-Boot and roll out

Nintendo is rolling the Advance Wars remake back out, and arrives in just a few months. Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp arrives on April 21, 2023.

Originally revealed at last year's February Nintendo Direct, WayForward's remake was delayed indefinitely due to world events at the time. Now, almost a year ??after its originally scheduled release date, Andy and the gang w??ill hit the Switch.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=AF6n9-bqV8g

It's been a long time, but thankfully, Advance Wars fans won't have much longer to wait. Advance Wars 1+2: Reboot Camp arrives on April 21. You can find the Switch eShop page here.

The post Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp is back, and ar?rives on April 21 appeared first on Destructoid.

A Link to Nintendo's future

It's 2023, and Nintendo is laying out its pla??ns for the Switch. Today, Nintendo is hosting its first Direct of 2023, where we'll get updates on what's in store for its handheld and associated services.

The show goes live at 5 p.m. ET / 2 p.m. PT, and you can find the link here and the stream embedded below.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=yMdUSVSEp7U

What to expect?

Nintendo's 2023 plans are largely a mystery, aside from the looming titan of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. The follow-up to 2017's massive hit Breath of the Wild seems destined to be one of the year's biggest games, though a surprise listing that's since been scrubbed has fans curious about the sequel's price tag.

Pikmin 4 is also due to arrive this year, though we haven't seen anything about that since the original reveal. And Nintendo could always pop open the drawer holding the Advance Wars remake, if the schedule's looking a bit thin.

According to Nintendo, the show will run for roughly 40 minutes and mostly cover Switch games launching in the first half of 2023. Taking a look back at last year's February Direct, which happened around the same time, we can see a similar pattern. The 2022 February Direct revealed Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes for a June date, as well as Mario Strikers: Battle League (also in June) and the Advance Wars reboot (set for April at the time).

It was also where the Front Mission remakes first showed up, alongside the Chrono Cross HD remaster and the Live A Live remake. I don't think it'd be a surprise to see some similar third-party partner reveals, alongside whatever Nintendo is cooking up. Plus, there's still some DLC on deck for Nintendo to lock ??in.

My advice, as always, is expect the unexpected and keep those expectations in check. So sit back, crack a cold beverage of your choice, and let's see what thi?s Nintendo Direct has in store for the first half of 2023.

The post Let’s watch the first Nintendo Direct of 2023 appeared first on Destructoid.

"We will announce the new date once it has been determined"

As you may recall, we reported six months ago that Advance Wars 1+2: Reboot Camp (a remake of Advance Wars 1 and 2 with extra features on Switch) had been delayed due to recent world events. Since then we haven't heard an official statement from Nintendo; and even during the Nintendo Direct this week, the publisher remained silent ??on when it may see the light of ??day.

That silence has been broken via a statement from a Nintendo rep, who spoke to Stephen Totilo from Axios this week. Here's their full reply:

"The release has?? been delayed. We will announce the new date once it has been determined."

Totilo had asked if the game had been fully canceled, which it doesn't seem to be at this time, given that it's "still delayed" as of this week. Beyond current events, Nintendo also has several considerations when it comes to determining the Advance Wars 1+2: Reboot Camp launch date. The game is fully completed, and they can stick it into any schedule lull they so choose. They could also use the opportunity of an event or strea??m to "re-announce" it to the world.

With that in mind, given the bevy of strategy games we're going to see on the Switch based on the Nintendo Direct presentation alone, there's plenty of other things to play in the meantime, even if Advance Wars 1+2 continues to be delayed. Strategy game fans are seeing a renaissance of sorts, and?? the Switch is a great fit for many titles that would have previously been relegated to handhelds.

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Reconnaissance Mission

In one of the strangest stories from the weekend, it seems that WayForward's anticipated strategy release Advance Wars 1+2: ReBoot Camp was rend?ered fully playable... by?? one single Switch owner.

Twitter user "Rachael" (@killetheth) posted images pulled directly from the incoming release, which was seemingly available to launch?? live from their Switc??h Lite unit, (though they are unable to access the title, from the same account, on their "main" Nintendo Switch hardware). While some responders raised eyebrows at the authenticity of the story, Rachael followed up with screens pulled from the Advance Wars 1+2 tutorial ??mode, as well as its Mission Select screens. It all? looks pretty legitimate.

//twitter.com/killetheth/status/1512870820523167745?s=20??&?;t=teruh9QpraKDdMOBsRBevQ

The remake was expected to launch in December of 2020, but was initially delayed to April 8 for further tweaking, before then having its launch postponed in the wake of the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine. As such, Advance Wars 1+2 is likely long-gone-gol??d and ready to launch �sitting on WayForward's servers and just waiting for the go-ahead from Nintendo. Thus it i?s completely possible that some bizarre glitch in the matrix opened the door for Rachael to somehow access the title.

Advance Wars 1+2: ReBoot Camp will offic??ially launch on Nintendo Switch i?n 2022.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=O7LTV2MJ3Zw

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'Stay tuned for updates on a new release date'

Nintendo has announced an Advance Wars Switch delay this morning, one month out from the original launch date. While the game was originally scheduled to drop on April 8, 2022, it's going to be moved to an unspecified date, effectively immediately. With Advance Wars out o??f April, next month is looking a lot less busy following a hectic and packed Marc??h.

The tweet comes directly from Nintendo of America, who stated the following:

"In light of recent world events, we have made the decision to delay Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp, which was originally scheduled to release on Nintendo Switch on Ap??ril 8th. Please stay tuned for updates on a new release date."

Clearly, "recent world events" refers to the situation in Ukraine. Nintendo is a global company with HQs in several countries throughout the world, so this Advance Wars Switch delay decision could have come from any number of higher-ups at the company. In any case, we'll get info soon on the new release date, and I think people can stand to? wait for a re-release collection of a Game Boy Advance series. It also remains to be seen if any other companies will follow suit.

//twitter.com/Ninten??doAmerica/status/15015590218??48965120

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GBA remakes featuring voiced COs, fast-forwarding, and a reset-turn option

Just a few short years ago, we were wondering "where the hell is Advance Wars?" Well, the tactical series is finally coming back soon after a delay pushed it out of Nintendo and WayForward's planned December 2021 launch. Per today's Nintendo Direct news drop, Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp is releasing for Nintendo Switch on April 8, 2022.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=O7LTV2MJ3Zw

The kind of clunky name gives it away, but Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp is a bundled-up remake of Advance Wars and Advance Wars 2: Black Hole Rising, which originally released for the GBA in 2001 and 2003, respectively. If you're my age, you might've linked up! The new game has local and online multiplayer, the story campaign??s, the War Room?, the Design Room for custom map creations, and features like fast-forwarding (to speed up attack animations) and a reset-turn option (in case you botch things hard).

Intelligent Systems' vibrant, approachable, straightforward-but-deep strategy series was a big deal in the Game Boy Advance days �and truth be told, that's still my preferred way to play, even though tons of fans embraced the outings on Nintendo DS. That original vibe holds up well. Advance Wars 1 and 2 are classics, to the point where I have a Wii U hooked up to revisit them (and others, like Metroid Fusion) despite how jarring it can be to go back and forth between a chunky Wii U GamePad and the way-different-feeling Switch.

Maybe you were more of a Fire Emblem person? I liked both series a lot at the time, but something about the way the different military units interacted in Advance Wars spoke to me. There's this constant urge to figure out the best balance of capturing cities, building the right units at the?? right moment, and knowing when to be reserved or go all-in. Also, it's re?ally fun to bait the AI with transport vehicles, opening them up to counterattacks.

While it's hard to say if Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp will be the resurgence that this series needs and deserves, the Nintendo Switch has worked wonders before with other beloved lapsed franchises. I'm hoping for a worthy remake out of WayForward that feels justified, and brings in enough sales to give Advance Wars in general a new lease on life.

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Taking some extra time to resupply

The handheld Nintendo wars won't be kicking off in time for the holidays this year. Nintendo announced today that Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp is taking some extra time with a?? delay, and will now be launching in spring 2022.

These remakes, developed by WayForward, were originally set to launch on Dec. 3, 2021. According to Nintendo, the game needs "a little bit more time?? for fine tuning." No firm date has been set in the spring?? window.

//twitter.com/nintendoamerica/status/14515338220220?66179

The old adage is that a delayed game can make for a better game, so hopefully this gives the developers at WayForward the runway they need. I was really looking forward to a December filled with reliving my Game Boy Advance glory days, but hey, this does at least provide a little bit more time for some other big Switch games and updates. And now Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp won't be competing for my time against the likes of Halo.

And hopefully, "spring" also means it's dodging the ever-growing flood of games that have been delayed into February 2022, too. Games like Horizon Forbidden West, Dying Light 2, and Elden Ring have all been set for February dates. And others, like the new Saints Row, have been targeting that month too.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=fftL_XeK2qU

As both a WayForward and Advance Wars fan, I'm very inter??ested to see their take on the handheld classics. The?se are GBA all-timers, and hopefully the delay gives them the extra tune-up time they need, and also gets them clear of a slowly crowding winter season for video games.

The post The Advance Wars Switch remakes have ??been pushed back to spring 2022 appeared first on Destructoid.