Battalion Wars 2 (BWii) - Online Co-op/Versus (FCs in OP) - NP: 7.5; IGN: 8; GS: 7.5

[botticus]

http://img257.imageshack.us/img257/5848/bwiigp3.jpg

Friend Codes for Friendly and Not-So Friendly Online Combat
wjhard63 - 184 798 494 059
hack - 004 410 401 395
botticus - 004 410 840 075

[David85]

They better make these true sequels and not semisequels with just added Wii controlers. I don't see why Nintendo thinks they need sequels to these games so fast.

[Roufuss]

They better make these true sequels and not semisequels with just added Wii controlers. I don't see why Nintendo thinks they need sequels to these games so fast.

I'm willing to bet these were being developed on the Gamecube are now being shuffled over to the Wii... semisequels, as you said.

But yea, kinda odd they are pumping sequels to these games so quickly yet we only get one Smash Brothers game in the entire Gamecube's life.

[Ikohn4ever]

it better have online play

[David85]

It does have online play. All they seemed to add was online play and multiplayer.

We most likely will only see one BW game on the Wii and it better be a full blown sequel. The Wii should last 5 years, thats 2011. Why do we need a sequel in 2007 or 2008? They should wait until they have created all the big name games and all the new Wii games first.

[cochesecochese]

Did you see the screens? The graphics haven't even been changed at all. Nintendo probably banged this demo out in less than a month. Jumping seems too much like an afterthought to convince me otherwise.

I bet we're going to see a lot of this shit for the first year or so.

[io]

Damn, I guess I ought to crack open that BW I got a year ago during the preorder deal from GR and play it one of these days. It's hard for me to compare when I don't even know how the first one plays :rofl:. OK, OK, that will be my next game after Tales of Legendia...

But I do know from the reviews that the big complaint was that multiplayer (and even better, online multiplayer) would be great for this game and would be the logical addition for any sequel they might make - looks like Nintendo is delivering. I'm sure the visuals will be bumped up before the release. It's not a launch title or anything, right (so there's lots of time to improve)? (The link isn't working for me so the only info I have is from CAG).

Edit - OK, finally got through to the site, no mention of release date, figures... Thinking about it more, they probably won't upgrade the visuals much - just work on the control and multiplayer. I think the GC-quality visuals are fine IF they can come up with a robust online multiplayer that supports more than just 4 people!

[I AM WILLIAM H. MACY]

How was the first one?

[databuild]

I found some gameplay videos for this game on IGN.

http://media.wii.ign.com/media/849/849911/vids_1.html

[Ravenous]

I was really looking forward to this game and loved the first to death. I looked up BWii though and all Ive seen is news dating back to august of last year. No news or nothing in a year? Is this thing dead in the water?

So far, its the only reason I want a Wii.

[Tebunker]

still scheduled for a release at the end of October, looks good from everything I've seen.

[botticus]

Hopefully news at the Games Convention, since that's where it was quietly announced last year, and Metroid will be out by then - new game to hype!

[Swingman]

I just preordered it at EB and they have Oct 29th as the release date in their release date book and in stores on Oct 30th.

[strayfoxx]

Is it me or Nintendo sometimes spotty with the PR behind certain games? Battalion Wars II I had all but forgotten about and here its released a couple months from now. I cant remember the last time a Nintendo title snuck up on me like that.

[KingBroly]

It was pushed to October because it was scheduled to come out on 9/25/2007

Yeah, that was the best move ever.

[io]

It was pushed to October because it was scheduled to come out on 9/25/2007

Yeah, that was the best move ever.

I'm disappointed because there isn't any other September release I was looking forward to ;). Actually, I'm serious. Late October puts it too near the other big Wii releases (Mario Galaxy and SSBB). It would seem better to have it separated from them as originally planned than not compete with Halo 3. I mean, I could see not having it the same week as Halo 3, but they ought to have just pushed it a week or two from there, not a month.

[E_G_Man]

Im looking forward to a little online BW action myself. Maybe Nintendo will give it some PR after MP3 is released.

[Starky27]

Is it me or Nintendo sometimes spotty with the PR behind certain games? Battalion Wars II I had all but forgotten about and here its released a couple months from now. I cant remember the last time a Nintendo title snuck up on me like that.
Has Nintendo ever pushed the Wars series though? I don't recall ever seeing too much hype around any of the games. A few ads, but nothing too over the top.

[psunami]

There is a 3 page spread for BWii in the newest Nintendo Power.

It shows a bit about the naval combat, a bit about the controls, and some things about the air strikes.

The game looks good, not great, but good.

[buttle]

it's a shame. i definitely plan to buy this game. but i'll wait till after christmas. i've just got too many other games i'm looking forward to.

i thought the first batallion wars was great, so this is a must buy. and i'm very curious what they will do with online play.

[Swingman]

I haven't seen much PR from nintendo for any of their games. I don't watch a lot of tv though so could just be missing it all.

I never had a gamecube so I didn't pay much attention to gamecube games. However, I don't remember ever hearing about battalion wars or advance war (DS) series. Other than stuff on review sites like IGN and people talking about it on forums, there wasn't much PR done for it.

I would think the delay might be due to trying to polish up certain aspects of the game that they weren't happy about. If I had to guess, they're trying to get the online part working as smooth as possible. It is getting a little close to Galaxy but I don't care when it comes out. They just need to make sure they get it right because console games are much harder to patch if they screw something up.

I think Battalion Wars 2 looks like it will be a great game.

[wjhard63]

I haven't seen much PR from nintendo for any of their games. I don't watch a lot of tv though so could just be missing it all.

I completely agree. No pre-release TV or print ads on Corruption and besides the video game magazines (pretty much only Nintendo Power), nothing on BWii or Fire Emblem: Goddess of Dawn (due out on 11/5/07). I've noticed, though, that the Wii commercials pretty much don't push a game until it's release or a week before it's release. I'm just now seeing commercials for Strikers.

I hope they get a bigger push after Corruption. I'd hate to have two potentially decent games get lost in the shuffle around the giants (Galaxy and Smash) this fall.

Gotta finish the first BW and FE: PoR before late October!

[strayfoxx]

Has Nintendo ever pushed the Wars series though? I don't recall ever seeing too much hype around any of the games. A few ads, but nothing too over the top.

Good point.

[SteveDaWonder]

I hope they're going to be releasing a headset. I can't imagine playing it without one.

[bigdaddy]

Has Nintendo ever pushed the Wars series though? I don't recall ever seeing too much hype around any of the games. A few ads, but nothing too over the top.

You have a point. Nintendo doesn't seem to want to releas ecertai nJapan only games like the War series, Animal Crossing, FE, until years and several games later. How many War games did Japan get before we got one? Nintendo needs to realize there is a market for some of those games outside of Japan.

[fyffem]

Has Wars been guaranteed multiplayer? I know it has the Wi-fi logo but I haven't heard about any features.

Still, I'll be buying it probably at release. Nintendo won't advertise it until Prime is out at the earliest.

[Krymner]

I completely agree. No pre-release TV or print ads on Corruption and besides the video game magazines (pretty much only Nintendo Power), nothing on BWii or Fire Emblem: Goddess of Dawn (due out on 11/5/07). I've noticed, though, that the Wii commercials pretty much don't push a game until it's release or a week before it's release.

Yeah, I do remember Nintendo stating a couple of times that they don't like to advertise games until they are available to purchase. Basically, they don't want people to see the commercials and then get excited and rush to the store to buy them, only to be let down because they aren't available yet. It kind of makes sense, but it doesn't allow anything much time to build up alot of hype with people who don't follow the gaming industry very closely.

[Wet Ninja]

Has Wars been guaranteed multiplayer? I know it has the Wi-fi logo but I haven't heard about any features.

According to this article (http://wii.ign.com/articles/727/727452p1.html) on IGN, BWii will have online play:

Three Online Multiplayer Modes

Assault: Instant Combat
Skirmish: Tactical depth
Co-op: Work with friends


Then again, that article was from August 23, 2006, so the information could be outdated.

[fyffem]

Sweet, co-op alone pretty much makes this deal perfect.

[E_G_Man]

Ive always heard that this one will have multiplayer, but I haven't seen a recent article or anything on it, so it could of changed.

[botticus]

Nintendo Power just did a feature on it in the current issue, still touting the three online modes. They're there, don't worry.

[Swingman]

I think we need IGN/Gamespot and others to get us some new info on the game.

[j.elles]

It's coming out fairly soon. Like in the next month to a month or so.

Like Prime 3 this is a launch buy for me. I look forward to playing some of you hopefully.

Battalion Wars is an awesome game. If you havent played it you should give it a try. Great Gamecube game. 2 should be even better with new races, units, navel units, online, and even more cut scenes. I'm curious what they do with the story because the first was a parody of World War 2 so strongly with all the right people getting killed to semi mirror real life.

[kjauburn]

Sweet, co-op alone pretty much makes this deal perfect.

Sorry co-op without mic equals massive fail...

[Swingman]

Still almost 2 months from release (Oct 29). It's one of the games I'm really looking forward to playing. Not much reading material on it.

[SteveDaWonder]

There are so many games coming out in late October, and clear through November. It's absolutely crazy.

[prisonerac]

Sorry co-op without mic equals massive fail...

Same system co-op could make it a little better.

[SteveDaWonder]

The only thing Wii need is voice chat, and we need it pretty bad.

[fdu]

I just saw the IGN videos and this looks like a release day buy for me... (Never played the first)

[Ravenous]

The vids from Aug 06?

Man, it comes out this month and theres no up to date previews or vids?

[TheBigBoi]

I think the most publicity we'll see for this game will be an ad here and there on tv (probably G4 TechTV), and a print ad in Nintendo Power.

[E_G_Man]

The vids from Aug 06?

Man, it comes out this month and theres no up to date previews or vids?

I know I was searching for newer vids too. The first one got pretty decent reviews, I just don't understand how this one can fly so low under the radar.

[wjhard63]

I'm truly disappointed with the lack of a push for this game, given it's due out on the 29th. Besides the 8 or 10 paragraph article in last month's Nintendo Power, there seems to be no kind of push from Nintendo for this game at all. Two weeks to launch and I haven't seen new videos or more of an explanation of the online component than the in-set in last month's NP.

That said, I finished the first BW last Thursday night, taking the time to S-rank every mission. Though I must say that some control and camera issues were frustrating, it was a really enjoyable, fun game. The variety of troops, different kinds of missions and rules to them, and the satisfaction of controlling the vehicles you strategically command was a neat experience and a different but entertaining take on Advance Wars line of games.

I know a lot of people want new IP's from Nintendo right now and I'm sure most would count this as more of a spin-off than a new IP (given it's AW roots), but I think the first effort was decent and hope people give the sequel a try despite the abysmal marketing for this title.

[vgossain]

Gamespot had a hands-on preview - sounds like it is mostly like the first one (which, from what I hear, is a good thing) but adding online play.

http://www.gamespot.com/wii/strategy/battalionwars2/news.html?sid=6181090

I never played the first one but am looking forward to checking this one out. Definitely seems like it'll at least be worth a rental.

[Zen Davis]

7.5 From Nintendo Power.

[TheBigBoi]

7.5 From Nintendo Power.

YOU sir, have broken my heart by writing that number.

[botticus]

Less than the original is unfortunate. Hopefully my magazine gets here before the game is out.

[wjhard63]

Less than the original is unfortunate. Hopefully my magazine gets here before the game is out.

I agree it's unfortunate and did make me re-think my pre-order, but I wonder if the first BW was scored under the old NP, which gave all first parties nothing under 8.5 (which was the score of the original).

I really enjoyed the first one, with some detractions, and I imagine the second one is just more of the same, so I'm hoping this is the new, more honest NP (which I think would've scored the original 7.5).

I'm still planning to pick this up on day 1 and hope there are a few other CAG's that pick up too so I can try out the wi-fi (most of my friends with Wii's only pick up the AAA titles, so there's no hope playing with them online).

Speaking of playing with friends, was there ever a statement by Nintendo stating if co-op play would be available for a single Wii (a-la split screen)?

[hack]

Definitely been looking forward to this game, and I will certainly pick it up day one. As long as it's got the great gameplay from the first game, it'll rock. I'm also very much looking forward to playing this online.

[Zen Davis]

I agree it's unfortunate and did make me re-think my pre-order, but I wonder if the first BW was scored under the old NP, which gave all first parties nothing under 8.5 (which was the score of the original).

I really enjoyed the first one, with some detractions, and I imagine the second one is just more of the same, so I'm hoping this is the new, more honest NP (which I think would've scored the original 7.5).

I'm still planning to pick this up on day 1 and hope there are a few other CAG's that pick up too so I can try out the wi-fi (most of my friends with Wii's only pick up the AAA titles, so there's no hope playing with them online).

Speaking of playing with friends, was there ever a statement by Nintendo stating if co-op play would be available for a single Wii (a-la split screen)?

Lie to them and tell them that it's Triple A.

[wjhard63]

Lie to them and tell them that it's Triple A.


Ha-ha - there's no way they'll go for it. I've tried many times to sell them on Pikmin, the Paper Mario series, and even Metroid (they only think Mario and Zelda are AAA) so there's no way it's going to happen for BWii.

Oh well, I'm still looking forward to it and if I'm the only one listing my friend code on this thread (maybe Hack will too), then so be it.

It's going to be a busy 3 weeks for the Wii for me - BWii, FE: RD, and SMG. It's going to be a good November.

[botticus]

Ha-ha - there's no way they'll go for it. I've tried many times to sell them on Pikmin, the Paper Mario series, and even Metroid (they only think Mario and Zelda are AAA) so there's no way it's going to happen for BWii.

Oh well, I'm still looking forward to it and if I'm the only one listing my friend code on this thread (maybe Hack will too), then so be it.

It's going to be a busy 3 weeks for the Wii for me - BWii, FE: RD, and SMG. It's going to be a good November.Don't worry, unless reviews come back saying they screwed up a lot of stuff that was fine in the first game, me and my friend will be on this game Day 1.

[Ravenous]

If its the same game only with online itll still be the shit... well I dont want to see the same levels or story, but you get the idea.

I dont play any system online, wii would be my first (and only) but I want some friends to play this online with :(

[botticus]

According to Nintendo Power, the game suffers from some of the same issues in the original (erratic difficulty, limiting camera - primarily the lack of the ability to look up), with the only new con being some so-so tilt controls to change plan elevation.

But that's balanced by great pointer use, better graphics than the original, and online modes.

[Swingman]

those negatives don't seem that bad unless not being able to look up hurts in trying to attack air targets.

Unless those negatives cause a lot of gameplay issues, I don't see why they would drop the score so much.

[botticus]

those negatives don't seem that bad unless not being able to look up hurts in trying to attack air targets.

Unless those negatives cause a lot of gameplay issues, I don't see why they would drop the score so much.Not being able to look up was a problem in the first as it's very difficulty to attack air targets from the ground.

[Swingman]

ah well that stinks

[ArthurDigbySellers]

Not being able to look up was a problem in the first as it's very difficulty to attack air targets from the ground.

I picked up the first Battalion Wars the other day and the camera is definitely the biggest problem so far. I've only gone through the first 5 or 6 missions so far so I haven't seen any difficulty spikes yet, but the camera can be a bear in certain situations.

I'll probably pick up BWii when it gets a decent price drop.

[hero101]

They should have stole the controls for metroid wii.:bomb:

[botticus]

They should have stole the controls for metroid wii.:bomb:That would be a bit difficult.

[ArthurDigbySellers]

Stephen Totilo was sent BWii today from Nintendo and posted some impressions on NeoGAF. He also did a write-up on it in his blog:

http://multiplayerblog.mtv.com/2007/10/25/exclusive-nintendo-gives-us-battalion-wars-2-first-impressions-of-finished-game/

It's disappointing to hear that there is no local co-op and that online co-op play is relegated to just a few missions.

[io]

I'm hesitant on this one now too. Now that I'm getting (if I can find it) Zak and Wiki, I may hold off on BW2. I have it preordered at EB from that deal in the summer, but I can bump that over to something else. It is simply becoming a victim to the game overload this Fall/Winter. Had it come out in July I'd have gotten it for sure.

[botticus]

Stephen Totilo was sent BWii today from Nintendo and posted some impressions on NeoGAF. He also did a write-up on it in his blog:

http://multiplayerblog.mtv.com/2007/10/25/exclusive-nintendo-gives-us-battalion-wars-2-first-impressions-of-finished-game/

It's disappointing to hear that there is no local co-op and that online co-op play is relegated to just a few missions.I can't find anything official, but it seems everyone's expecting 15-18 co-op missions, so we'll see about that.

4 wouldn't even be worth having the mode.

[ArthurDigbySellers]

I can't find anything official, but it seems everyone's expecting 15-18 co-op missions, so we'll see about that.

4 wouldn't even be worth having the mode.

It could be that completing the co-op missions opens new missions after that. Maybe the first 4 missions are just the start of the campaign? Once more reviewers get the game (which should be tomorrow), then maybe he will provide more updates.

I'm disappointed there is no local co-op at all.

[botticus]

It could be that completing the co-op missions opens new missions after that. Maybe the first 4 missions are just the start of the campaign? Once more reviewers get the game (which should be tomorrow), then maybe he will provide more updates.

I'm disappointed there is no local co-op at all.It'd be a nice feature, but no one local would play co-op with me, so online is all I'm worried about. I can imagine split-screen for BW would be pretty insane though. There tends to be too much stuff even for one screen.

[ArthurDigbySellers]

It'd be a nice feature, but no one local would play co-op with me, so online is all I'm worried about. I can imagine split-screen for BW would be pretty insane though. There tends to be too much stuff even for one screen.

Yeah, after thinking about it, splitscreen would probably be a clusterfuck and I don't see any other way they could do it.

[wjhard63]

Thanks for posting the "cliff notes" on the NP review, Botticus. I'm still very interested in this game, as it sounds like more of the same from the first one, so this is a day one purchase for me still.

The only thing that makes me somewhat nervous is the mention of 'tilt'. I'm perfectly fine with just using the pointer from the wii remote as the aiming reticule, but more than that from the wii remote to 'wii-i-fy' the controls might be over-doing it for this game, since so much is already going on.

I've seen some of the multiplayer trailers from gamevideos and it looks interesting - I just hope that play stays mostly lag free (I don't have too many issues with Strikers so I'm optimistic about this one). Also, with online scoring, I hope Nintendo keeps up the practice of the automatic loss for disconnectors that it has for MSC. The DS wi-fi scoring widely varies on this rule and makes it frustrating for disconnectors who are not penalized for their actions (a la MKDS). I can't wait to use the Iron Legion to crush my wi-fi opponents!

[io]

Wow, so this game comes out tomorrow and this thread has fallen off the first page of the Wii forum, how sad.

I'm also quite surprised there are no more reviews up on Metacritic besides the NP one.

I got my call from Aeris tonight - now I need to decide if I want to go through with picking it up. I'm leaning towards not, with Simpsons, Fire Emblem, and Mario Galaxy all coming up. And Zak & Wiki sitting here unplayed... And same with Bioshock.

I'll definitely want this sooner or later, but I may just hold off at first and wait for a price drop. If it is anything like the first one I'll be able to get it for $10 soon enough. I know that's unusual for Nintendo first party titles but it happened with this game before. The lack of pre-release hype and reviews has me suspicious though (that the NP review is on target). I'd love to play online with you Botticus (and whoever else on CAG that might get it), but maybe it can wait till Spring or so? Or maybe I can use one of those free Blockbuster rentals I have - that is probably a better idea. That will actually force me to play it as opposed to leaving it sit sealed which is what it will probably do if I actually pick up my preorder. Actually, that sounds like a good plan, unless further reviews are even worse.

[Swingman]

ign has some new videos up (well new as of oct 26th). Wish we could get some reviews for it.

I preordered it and already have money down at EBgames. Hopefully it's good. Anyone know if they'd let me switch my money to GH3 if BW2 turns out a dud?

[bigdaddy]

YOU sir, have broken my heart by writing that number.

Nintendo Pwer gave a Nintendo game less than a 9!

[io]

I preordered it and already have money down at EBgames. Hopefully it's good. Anyone know if they'd let me switch my money to GH3 if BW2 turns out a dud?

Shouldn't be a problem - I do that all the time. Though you are talking switching it to a game that is already out. It would be easier to switch it to another preorder (that way it doesn't hurt their numbers). But it is your money so you can do whatever you want ;).

[Swingman]

I already bought Galaxy and Super Smash Brothers Brawl from liongames, which are the main no brainers.. I was thinking BW2 would be a no brainer but having some doubts now. I usually like to wait for reviews before preordering but I can probably figure out another upcoming game if BW2 gets more bad reviews.

[botticus]

I need to go cancel my GS preorder (currently counting on Blockbuster to receive a copy by Friday so I can use my credit there). Shame there aren't any reviews, but Stephen Totillo from MTV played it last week and has very positive impressions on GAF. It's about a dozen hours long, very fun game with similar issues from the first game, plus the addition of multiplayer. Multiplayer maps are unlocked as you go through campaign mode.

Pretty much just getting it on release to play co-op with my friend.

[Swingman]

"Tricked into believing that the Solar Empire is developing a devastating super-weapon, Commander Pierce and Colonel Windsor of the Anglo Isles launch a pre-emptive strike on the Coral Atolls. The world is once again at war."

Somehow this game appears to be based off a true story lol.

When are we going to get some reviews? Are review sites treating this game as 2nd rate?

[botticus]

"Tricked into believing that the Solar Empire is developing a devastating super-weapon, Commander Pierce and Colonel Windsor of the Anglo Isles launch a pre-emptive strike on the Coral Atolls. The world is once again at war."

Somehow this game appears to be based off a true story lol.

When are we going to get some reviews? Are review sites treating this game as 2nd rate?Apparently they didn't ship copies out until Friday, so reviews should start coming in.

[Ravenous]

Anyone's local TRU get this? I bought a game with the get 3 for 2 and will return one for this game but they havent gotten it in yet! Grrr

[theflicker]

Anyone's local TRU get this? I bought a game with the get 3 for 2 and will return one for this game but they havent gotten it in yet! Grrr

The TRU in Hamden, CT had a few copies. They also finally got Zack and Wiki in, which I traded one of my 3 for 2 for.

[wjhard63]

Wow - I don't know if I should feel special or foolish. I seem to be the only CAG on this thread who bought it so far.

I just picked up this evening, due to some existing trade-in credit and a pre-order discount at the local game store, and will be playing it tonight, so I'll post my impressions, for anyone who's interested.

The lack of reviews scares me, but I really liked the first one, so I thought the second one was a safe bet.

[io]

Wow - I don't know if I should feel special or foolish. I seem to be the only CAG on this thread who bought it so far.

I just picked up this evening, due to some existing trade-in credit and a pre-order discount at the local game store, and will be playing it tonight, so I'll post my impressions, for anyone who's interested.

The lack of reviews scares me, but I really liked the first one, so I thought the second one was a safe bet.

Yeah, it sounds like you may be it for the moment. I got my call from Aeris last night so presumably my EB/GS has it (now if only I can remember which one :mrgreen:). I just wasn't headed out that way and without being sure I want it or not I'm in no hurry. But I think I'm pretty set on the rental, which, paradoxically, will actually result in me playing through the game sooner than if I picked up my preorder. But I don't expect Blockbuster to have it for rent before Friday.

[Swingman]

Apparently a few people on Gamespot BW2 forum have the game and think it's great. Online is lag free according to them.

http://www.gamespot.com/wii/strategy/battalionwars2/forum.html?om_act=convert&om_clk=tabs&tag=tabs;forums

Could just be fanboyism but at least some people are liking it lol.

[wjhard63]

Initial impressions for those who are interested.

I've played the Prologue and the first campaign mission (an intro with the Solar Empire) and so far, it's very much like the predcessor, save the Wii controls and prettier graphics. The movement with the nunchuck and the aim/look with the Wii remote took a little getting use to (don't expect MP 3 controls) after finishing the first BW earlier this month on the GC, but I had gotten the hang of it through the first true campaign mission.

The camera is still a little troublesome, just like in the original, especially when aiming in the air, but nothing I couldn't overcome. In this iteration, the infantry roll is accomplished like sharp turns/carving in SSX Blur, with the player holding stick and tilting the nunchuck in the same direction. Jumping is accomplished with a shake of the nunchuck (haven't used it yet) and the tilt controls are mainly for the aircraft, as far as I can tell from the instruction manual.

The unit selection is taken care of by the Wii Remote's digital pad and is akin to missiles in MP 3, so if you didn't like that set-up in Prime, you may not care for it here. The unit transfer is a little different and takes just slightly longer than the first BW, where you must either lock on your friendly unit or scroll through your unit command list and then press and hold 'A', different from just pressing 'Z' in the previous title. Nothing terrible, but a change from the first title.

I haven't gone on-line yet, but unlocking additional levels in all three online modes are accomplished by playing a set number of games in that certain online mode.

It doesn't affect gameplay, but I thought the two or three FMV's I've seen so far were pretty nice (prettier and more serious than the original).

From my short experience so far, I think it's on par with the first Battalion Wars (not a bad thing in my opinion) and it's better looking than it's predecessor. I'll post more impressions and my FC when I get a chance to play a little more.

[Swingman]

thanks for your impressions. Wonder when online sites will wake up and give us a review. 2 days after release and nothing on any site. That's just sad.

[botticus]

Review from AMN (it's a start):

http://wii.advancedmn.com/article.php?artid=11026

"Solid but not spectacular." (paraphrased)

Despite what might seem like many complaints, we generally like Battalion Wars 2. In nearly all ways, it's an advancement over its predecessor, so if you liked the first game, we'd be surprised if you didn't like this too. Unfortunately, the title falls shorts of being a truly "great" Nintendo property. In the end, the formula is shallow and the experience marred by too many small problems. That said, it is a likable and fun Wii title that merges qualities from the action and RTS genres into a one hybrid genre.


Visuals: A lot of textures lack full detail, creating a low-res look for the game. Good visual variety. Character models are a mix of comical and likable, meanwhile. - 7.0

Sound: We like the main theme. Other tracks are less noticeable, though. Voice acting is good, but can be a bit over-the-top and even annoying. - 7.5

Control: It doesn't make extraordinary use of the Wii-mote, but the controls are still well-done and functional. Very responsive and generally feels good. - 8.0

Gameplay: A little shallow, but still mostly fun. The game blurs the lines between the RTS and action game genres. - 7.0

Lasting Appeal: The single-player is of good length, and the online multiplayer gives you a reason to keep playing. - 7.0

Verdict: A very solid rental. - 7.5

[Swingman]

I went ahead and bout it. I just did the prologue and save file says I'm 5% done.

I wish the online modes would be available in single player with CPU enemies. I don't know why they didn't include that. It would make the singleplayer portion actually have some replay value. For casual gamers, MP usually turns into getting your butt kicked by those who play more often so getting computer opponents where you can set the difficulty would have been great.

[fdu]

Pretty solid score from IGN (8.0)...just might pick this up.

[Swingman]

not a bad game. lost my first multiplayer match so went back to the campaign and finished the first mission in solar empire campaign.

I like that it keeps stats so you can go back and try to beat your previous best.

Cut scenes are bit long and can't skip through them. I guess I'm just impatient though.

[botticus]

Pretty solid score from IGN (8.0)...just might pick this up.Was just going to check, better than I expected from them.

http://wii.ign.com/articles/831/831847p1.html

[hack]

Picked it up today, but haven't gotten a chance to play it yet. Hopefully this weekend I can get to it, and maybe even play online. I'm looking forward to it.

Hopefully there'll be some other people here who feel like jumping online to play. ;)

[wjhard63]

The lack of reviews must really be hurting CAG-er's from picking this up! Out four days and I think there are 3 of us who bought it...poor BWii - you're a decent game!

I've spent more time on campaign and it's solid fun, as was it's predecessor. I've gone online a few times, enough to unlock an additional skirmish mission, and it was lag-free and easy finding a match. That said, I lost every time I played online, but I was never crushed, just more of a marginal loss. No cheap or cheating tactics that I've found yet either, which is a good thing, but inevitably coming.

For anyone that's on these boards that would like to play a friendly, easily won match, my FC is under James 184 798 494 059.

[Draekon]

The lack of reviews must really be hurting CAG-er's from picking this up! Out four days and I think there are 3 of us who bought it...poor BWii - you're a decent game!

I plan to pick it up at some point but there are too many other games coming out soon that are much higher on my priority list for buying games. Games like Super Mario Galaxy, Fire Emblem, Mass Effect, Uncharted, Revenant Wings, Assassin's Creed, Unreal Tournament 3 and a few more titles that I'm looking forward to more than Battalion Wars. It's just a bad time to release for me.

[botticus]

Starting a list of FCs in the OP, need more!

4/5 from GameSpy:

http://wii.gamespy.com/wii/battalion-wars-ii/832037p1.html

Pros
Compelling storylines; unique visual style; finely tuned weapons of mass destruction.

Cons
Controls are far from innovative; no co-op multiplayer offline.

[pittpizza]

Hey guys Im new to Battallion wars and have never played any of them. This is the second one right? Do you suggest I get the first one for the GC on the cheap before I buy this one.?

I am a huge fan of squad combat but really dont know if I care for the cartoony feel.

[Ravenous]

The lack of reviews must really be hurting CAG-er's from picking this up! Out four days and I think there are 3 of us who bought it...poor BWii - you're a decent game!

I've spent more time on campaign and it's solid fun, as was it's predecessor. I've gone online a few times, enough to unlock an additional skirmish mission, and it was lag-free and easy finding a match. That said, I lost every time I played online, but I was never crushed, just more of a marginal loss. No cheap or cheating tactics that I've found yet either, which is a good thing, but inevitably coming.

For anyone that's on these boards that would like to play a friendly, easily won match, my FC is under James 184 798 494 059.

Nope, I dont care if reviews gave it a 4.0, the only reason I dont have it is because TRU cant get the damn thing instock! :bomb:

To the above poster, get the first game. Its a hell of a ride and even if it looks cartoony itll kick your ass in some areas and you.ll wonder how you lost and or scored so low.

I played the first one about 2 months back to get ready for this one and tried to earn 'S' ranking and that was toooo tough. Has anyone here done this? Im at all As and alot of Ss, but damn....

[vgossain]

Gamespot gave it a 7.5

http://www.gamespot.com/wii/strategy/battalionwars2/review.html?sid=6182258

The Good
* Drastically improved pacing in campaign
* A decent attempt at online play
* Excellent production values.

The Bad
* Still strategy "lite"
* The artificial intelligence is overly simple
* The story is, too.

[botticus]

Blockbuster apparently decided not to stock this, so to Best Buy I go in the morning.

[wjhard63]

I plan to pick it up at some point but there are too many other games coming out soon that are much higher on my priority list for buying games. Games like Super Mario Galaxy, Fire Emblem, Mass Effect, Uncharted, Revenant Wings, Assassin's Creed, Unreal Tournament 3 and a few more titles that I'm looking forward to more than Battalion Wars. It's just a bad time to release for me.

I hear ya. I'm in the same boat, with SMG, FE: RD, and the Zapper with Crossbow Training all coming out in the next three weeks. I figure that I'll get to any back log on these games when I have to use the rest of my banked vacation the last 2 weeks of the year, so I figured I'd pick them all up now, since there is no chance for a price drop on any of these first parties in the near future.

Do you suggest I get the first one for the GC on the cheap before I buy this one.?

Yeah, I definitely suggest you pick up the first one before diving into this $50 game (I saw the first BW stickered at my CC for $12.96 recently, but I'm sure it's prolly lower, since it's been in the clearance bin for a while). I'm not sure if you'll dig the strategy-lite elements and cutesy-war look, but it's a really fun game that gets very tough on certain missions. I think it's also very statisfying to have the ability to control each of the units in your command as the driver/soldier. I definite 'B' title that didn't get enough attention, just like the current sequel. At a minimum, it's a small price to pay to see if you like the series enough to get the similar, but fun sequel.

I played the first one about 2 months back to get ready for this one and tried to earn 'S' ranking and that was toooo tough. Has anyone here done this? Im at all As and alot of Ss, but damn....

Glad to hear you'll be getting it soon, whenever TRU stocks it. As for the original, I finished it last month and spent time 'S-ranking' each mission. I did get stuck on a few and took the wuss option with a faq, but I didn't mind replaying missions until I achieved the 'S' rank. That said, I think I only achieved '100%' on maybe 6 or 7 missions out of the 24 total. It didn't unlock anything, but I'm a completist and it was tough for me not to go back and get 100% on each level, but I have too many unplayed games in my collection due to that personality trait.

Starting a list of FCs in the OP, need more!

Definitely true! It's got 4 or 5 reviews on gamerankings.com now and it's clocking in at 79%. Come on fence-sitters - give it a chance and post your FC to get a little global conflict going on the board!

[Chronotrigga]

I thought this was going to be an awesome game. It saddens me to see 7.5 and lower reviews for this. Seems fun though. :)

[Ravenous]

Oh man I never went the FAQ route. I may down the road before BWIII though, :lol: That one level where you have a battle station and a bomber and have to take out 2 other stations and 3 islands was tough!! Not to mention that stupid bonus mission with the Sun Legion or whatever where you have to park tanks near the cans and you have NO air support. I got pissed at the game

Well I got BWii at TRU but I wont be playing it till next month.... yup a Xmas present. Than I get home and see the SMG with $25 GC thread... damnit!

[hack]

Got my Friend Code finally...

004 410 401 395

Be sure to uhh.. PM me if you add me so I can do the same. :D

[E_G_Man]

How is the multiplayer?

[botticus]

Finally got my copy today.

004 410 840 075

Only played the prologue so far, but the controls are nice. I'm satisfied.

[wjhard63]

Finally got my copy today.

004 410 840 075

Only played the prologue so far, but the controls are nice. I'm satisfied.


Glad to hear you got it and you're alright with the controls. I'll add you to my friend list tomorrow.

I wish more people would give this game a chance - it's a decent game. I've seen several other posters mention on this board that 'they've heard this wasn't a good game', but it's at a 77.5% on gamerankings.com, which I think is a considered a decent score.

E G Man - I've only played skirmish 8 or 9 times (I haven't played Assault or Co-op yet), but it's a basic unit clash with a little strategy (not as much as in the campaign). I've heard that Assault is the best online mode, but I've been going after the S-ranks on campaign right now. Unfortunately, there's no penalty for disconnectors and you don't get credit for staying on the match, so I think that was a mistake on Kuju/Nintendo's part.

[botticus]

Have you gotten an idea of how many multiplayer maps there are? Hopefully my friend and I will have a chance to play some co-op tonight and unlock a map or two.

[The Crotch]

I wish more people would give this game a chance - it's a decent game. I've seen several other posters mention on this board that 'they've heard this wasn't a good game', but it's at a 77.5% on gamerankings.com, which I think is a considered a decent score. It's not that we think it's a bad game. It's just that this is OMGWTFIHAVEFIFTEENGAMESTOBUYINONEMONTH season, and we have to be a little selective.

[yukine]

I actually forgot all about this, I'm definitely interested but as The Crotch said there are far more important games to buy and play this month.

It was just a really bad time to release it, they should of waited until next year or something. Either way, I'll pick it up once the gaming drought sets in sometime in 2008. Hopefully more CAGs will have it then, and for those who already have it will still be up for some games.

[botticus]

Well, I've already played this online more than I have played Strikers, so that's a good sign! Played 5 matches of co-op with my friend. We suck, but it works fine. No lag, but we ran into connection issues at the end. Good fun, have no problems adapting to the control scheme, though it's certainly underutilized.

The lack of voice chat is saddening, but for better or worse the co-op missions are generally short enough that the strategy is fairly easy to pick up on.

[Swingman]

decent game and I don't see anything wrong with the controls. My main gripe is just the long cutscenes with no way of skipping them. I'm impatient sometimes and just want to play.

[wjhard63]

It's not that we think it's a bad game. It's just that this is OMGWTFIHAVEFIFTEENGAMESTOBUYINONEMONTH season, and we have to be a little selective.

Very true - I'll stop preaching from the pulpit of BWii now so I don't make anyone sick - haha.

Either way, I'll pick it up once the gaming drought sets in sometime in 2008. Hopefully more CAGs will have it then, and for those who already have it will still be up for some games.

Sounds good - I hope others here follow. Half the reason I've posted on this board is to find other CAG-er's to play Co-op with. Since the lack of voice hurts the title a little, I was hoping the friend code list would kind of build like Strikers, with some 360 owners listing their tags for private chats during the Co-op missions.

Have you gotten an idea of how many multiplayer maps there are?

Botticus, though I'm sure you've found it out jumping online, there are 6 maps for each multiplayer game type (Skirmish, Assault, and Co-op), with 3 maps available from the start and 3 maps locked for each game type. I believe the unlock status is play 3 games of one type then unlock the first locked map. The second map is unlocked with 5 more games played of that game type. The third map is unlocked with 10 more games played of that type. Unfortunately, if your opponent disconnects, you get no credit for playing that game, so just a heads up.

[The Crotch]

Very true - I'll stop preaching from the pulpit of BWii now so I don't make anyone sick - haha.
If that's a shot at me, I'll have you know that I ignored it.

[wjhard63]

If that's a shot at me, I'll have you know that I ignored it.

Haha - no, it isn't. It's the fact that it was the 3rd time I mentioned on that it was a good game on this thread. Just trying to cut to the quick before I get a 'shut the hell-up already' reply.

You're a proponent of FE - it wouldn't be right to take the shot.

[The Crotch]

Fire Emblem > Anything Wars

Just ask Darwin over there if you want the scientific explanation behind that.

[botticus]

Fire Emblem > Anything Wars

Just ask Darwin over there if you want the scientific explanation behind that.While I'm not going to argue that, this has multiplayer.

[lilboo]

Fire Emblem > Anything Wars

Just ask Darwin over there if you want the scientific explanation behind that.

Funny, I was actually going to ask if which one is better..this or Fire Emblem.


While I'm not going to argue that, this has multiplayer.

This is only WiFi multiplayer, or did I completely miss something?

Like others have said, there are far more important games to be played..but between this & FE..it's a race to see who gets the first price drop :lol:

[botticus]

Funny, I was actually going to ask if which one is better..this or Fire Emblem.




This is only WiFi multiplayer, or did I completely miss something?

Like others have said, there are far more important games to be played..but between this & FE..it's a race to see who gets the first price drop :lol:Yeah, it's only online (split-screen would be terrible, I think, you just need the whole screen to be effective).

Last gen they had drops at about the same schedule, probably be the same this time around as well. And they're both very niche, so I don't suppose it will be long before their drops (relative to other first-party titles, that is).

[botticus]

If anyone's been playing this online, how's the lag been?

I've had pretty good luck, but after we played about a dozen matches last weekend, we had disconnect issues, and then there was some lag after another dozen games today. Wasn't really game-breaking until the last. Hopefully it'll clear up as things settle down, given what a blockbuster this title is. :D

We finally S-ranked our first co-op mission (the first). Only took about 8 tries, usually because we weren't fast enough. I'm glad they give you a breakdown for each score so you know where to improve.

[wjhard63]

If anyone's been playing this online, how's the lag been?

I've been online a few more times since I last posted to this thread. I think I've played co-op and assault a couple times each since then and had no issues with lag, but one match in co-op, the random partner I was matched with seemed to kill a lot of my troops when he got his tank. I guess that team-killing, whether accidental or on purpose, is a real threat in co-op, especially to your score.

Despite that, it's been fun and fast, without too many DC'ers. I just wish there was voice on the co-op matches.

I finished the single player campaign a week ago with all 'S' ranks. It's a much easier task than in the first Battalion Wars. Despite that, all the missions felt bigger than the missions in the first game. I definitely got a sense of accomplishment from each mission completion outside of the Solar Empire campaign. Since then, Super Mario Galaxy has had my attention, but I'm going to get online again with BWii over Thanksgiving weekend.

Also for beating the campaign with all 'S' ranks, you unlock all mulitplayer missions A good reason to keep going through the missions until you get the rank.

[lilboo]

Man I am really torn right now between this and Fire Emblem!! WHAT TO GET!!

[botticus]

I finished the single player campaign a week ago with all 'S' ranks. It's a much easier task than in the first Battalion Wars. Despite that, all the missions felt bigger than the missions in the first game. I definitely got a sense of accomplishment from each mission completion outside of the Solar Empire campaign. Since then, Super Mario Galaxy has had my attention, but I'm going to get online again with BWii over Thanksgiving weekend. Egads, I'm struggling to get more than a C on some of these missions (just got C, C, B, A on the Anglos Isles campaign... much more difficult than the rest). But I certainly plan on going back and at least getting A ranks on everything to unlock whatever it is... and I assume without reading your spoiler that you get more unlocks by getting all S-ranks.

I don't know if it's the Wii controls or not, but I'm finding multitasking to be much easier this time around. I pretty much quit the first game once I got to a mission where it seemed impossible to manage troops well/quick enough to survive. I also could have just been a noob and didn't know what I was doing at the time.

[Chronotrigga]

So, what are the options online? Is it co-op online too?

[botticus]

So, what are the options online? Is it co-op online too?The only multiplayer is online. Co-op, assault, and skirmish.

[Chronotrigga]

So.. co-op is like 2v2, or is it you and a friend playing CPU (even though it's online)?

If it's 2v2, is it split-screened?

[botticus]

Co-op is you and a friend (online) vs. CPU.

[wjhard63]

Egads, I'm struggling to get more than a C on some of these missions (just got C, C, B, A on the Anglos Isles campaign... much more difficult than the rest). But I certainly plan on going back and at least getting A ranks on everything to unlock whatever it is... and I assume without reading your spoiler that you get more unlocks by getting all S-ranks.

Haha - some of those Anglo Isle missions are tough. I think I may have had an easier time with BWii as I just finished the original with all S-ranks in mid-October, so I was used to it. In the sequel, I definitely feel like the developers give you a certain path to follow to get through each mission and after a few tries on each mission, everything finally clicked to get the S-rank.

I don't know if it's the Wii controls or not, but I'm finding multitasking to be much easier this time around. I pretty much quit the first game once I got to a mission where it seemed impossible to manage troops well/quick enough to survive. I also could have just been a noob and didn't know what I was doing at the time.

I definitely agree. I thought after a slight delay in switching to another unit (using the Z-lock system), the multitasking would be more difficult, but after that 2nd or 3rd Solar Campaign mission, you get the d-pad switching and everything becomes much more fluid. I also feel like the troops are a little smarter in this sequel.

I hope you finish the game - the last mission is very satisfying when completed!

[Ravenous]

Wow.... I got it for XMas and gave the fist mission a test run and holy shit was it amazing! I had it on my HD 5.1 system and I was blown away! The controls will take time to get used to but this is by far the best looking game Ive ever owned.

Everyone still playing? Hate to ask but Im not a huge gamer who makes gamer friends in the real world so no one I know owns. Anyone looking for a new friend to play online with? :)

[DrMoze]

How does this compare to MOH:H2? I've been playing that, and am wondering if this game would be simialr enough to be redundant, or if it has any particular pluses to make it worth buying. Thx.

[Ice2Dragon]

Imm really debating about this game.. Id rather not buy it and be out 50 bucks though :(

[lilboo]

I def wanna pick this up..but damn. This $50 price is being very stubborn. We've had many many deals & sales over the past few weeks and some NEW titles went on sale for $10 or more off! This hasn't even hit that typical "$47.99" on Amazon. Jeeze.

[Ntrav]

Just picked this up and I'm enjoying it so far. My FC is 309 364 102 816. PM me if you add me. I already added wjhard63, hack, and botticus from the original post.

[Hovercraft]

I def wanna pick this up..but damn. This $50 price is being very stubborn. We've had many many deals & sales over the past few weeks and some NEW titles went on sale for $10 or more off! This hasn't even hit that typical "$47.99" on Amazon. Jeeze.

I have a sealed cop if your looking for trades ;)

[wjhard63]

Just picked this up and I'm enjoying it so far. My FC is 309 364 102 816. PM me if you add me. I already added wjhard63, hack, and botticus from the original post.

Thanks for adding me - I'll add you back tonight.

I've not played this since s-ranking the campaign back in Oct., but I've been meaning to get back to this to play through some of the co-op missions. If anyone's up for a few co-op missions this weekend, PM me and we'll work out a time.

[mephitical]

I just got this at a local Best Buy 50% off clearance; I've been wanting it for a while. I loved the Advance Wars series, and videos of this looked fun. I'll have to see how competent I am before looking for a battle here. Is anyone still playing this?

[ma]

Anybody still playing this online? Or has Smash killed every other online Wii game? I'm thinking about grabbing it from Amazon for $30 (http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/showthread.php?t=173810).

I'm almost finished with the first game, and I really like it a lot.

[botticus]

I wouldn't buy it for the online play, consider it added value. The single player is by far the meatier part of the game.

[mold-]

single player is very fun but the online mode rarely connects to another opponent. this was happening before the SSBB server issues also.

[yukine]

I def wanna pick this up..but damn. This $50 price is being very stubborn. We've had many many deals & sales over the past few weeks and some NEW titles went on sale for $10 or more off! This hasn't even hit that typical "$47.99" on Amazon. Jeeze.

Don't know if you've picked it up by now, but the average closing price on eBay appears to be about $20.00 - $25.00. I might have to pick up a copy if I can get it for that cheap.

[botticus]

single player is very fun but the online mode rarely connects to another opponent. this was happening before the SSBB server issues also.Are you trying to connect to random people or to friends? Haven't tried it for a few months now, but my friend and I had very good success playing online.