Wayforward Details How Advance Wars Got Revived

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Wayforward Details How Advance Wars Got Revived

Key Takeaways

  • Nintendo approached WayForward to revive Advance Wars for the first time in 15 years.
  • Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp includes remakes of the classic GBA games.
  • WayForward’s collaboration with Nintendo was built over 7-8 years of consistently pitching game ideas.

As a dedicated gamer with over three decades of gaming experience under my belt, I can confidently say that the collaboration between Nintendo and WayForward Technologies to revive the classic turn-based strategy RPG series, Advance Wars, has been nothing short of a triumphant return for fans like me.

James Montagna, director of Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp, discussed the collaboration between Nintendo and WayForward Technologies, which was initiated to resurrect the beloved turn-based strategy RPG series. The new release, Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp, offers remastered versions of the first two games in the series that originally appeared on the Game Boy Advance. Following a string of postponements, Re-Boot Camp made its debut exclusively on the Nintendo Switch and was warmly received as a faithful revival of the classic series. Notably, Re-Boot Camp marks an important milestone in the franchise’s history, not only due to it being the first new Advance Wars game in over 15 years, but also because it was developed by WayForward, a reputable and longstanding indie developer.

Established in 1990, WayForward Technologies initially worked on a variety of licensed titles. Although they gained respect for their adaptations of numerous intellectual properties (IPs), it was the creation of the Shantae series, starting with the first game in 2002 for the Game Boy Color, that truly put them on the map. Later, WayForward would join forces with different companies to create fresh titles for established franchises, such as Contra 4 for the Nintendo DS with Konami and River City Girls alongside Arc System Works. The director of the Advance Wars remake recently shared some insights into how this independent studio managed to collaborate with Nintendo and its intellectual properties.

During an installment of the Fragments of Silicon podcast, Montagna discussed the beginnings of the game Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp. As Montagna explained, the bond between the two companies had been cultivated over approximately 7 to 8 years. This was largely facilitated by WayFoward’s regular encounters with Nintendo at every E3 event. These gatherings were typically informal discussions where developers exchanged ideas and proposed new game concepts. Montagna mentioned that Nintendo cherished their yearly “WayFoward Meeting” because of the common enthusiasm both companies had for video game development. The breakthrough occurred when Nintendo sought studios capable of reviving Advance Wars, at which point WayForward was approached about the project.

WayForward Was Contacted By Nintendo For Advance Wars Revival

WayForward’s team was taken aback when Nintendo proposed the idea, given their deep admiration for the original Advance Wars on Game Boy Advance. They felt privileged to assist Nintendo in reimagining the turn-based RPG series, an opportunity they now view as a remarkable experience.

The pace at which WayForward Technologies operates shows no signs of letting up. Not only has the company resurrected the long-dormant project, Shantae Advance: Risky Revolution, but they are also developing a fresh port of the classic game, Clock Tower. This innovative adaptation will make its debut on contemporary consoles, marking the first time it’s been available there. Additionally, this new version will serve as the inaugural official English release of the much-loved survival horror title that has cultivated a dedicated following over the years.

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2024-09-09 01:23