Ring of Red

 PlayStation 2
  • Publisher: Konami
  • Release Date: Mar 12, 2001
Metascore
82

Generally favorable reviews - based on 15 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 15
  3. Negative: 0 out of 15
Buy Now
Buy on
  1. All Game Guide
    70
    Incorporates many elements familiar to the genre in different ways, and wraps them all in an intriguing story that gives this game its own distinct feel.
  2. Core Magazine
    91
    Behind the striking visual façade lies a deep strategy game, enhanced by the interesting addition of ground troops and solid interfaces for both the real-time and turn-based components.
  3. Daily Radar
    100
    Definitely a cut about the rest. Not only is it one of the best console-based strategy games of all time, it also shows a level of quality that is lacking in many PS2 titles.
    All this publication's reviews
  5. Electric Playground
    80
    Fans of anime should rejoice in the story, and those looking for a strategic level game for the PlayStation 2 will no doubt be captivated by this intense title.
  6. Game Revolution
    67
    ROR offers decent strategy elementis and is easy to understand, but the gameplay crawls and may be a turn-off for even the most hardcore strategy buff.
  7. GamePro
    70
    Despite slow and repetitive gameplay and the lack of a compelling story, the premise is cool and the low-tech mech shootouts are tense. Ring of Red will be hypnotically fun to some and sleep-inducing to others; rent first.
  8. GamerWeb Sony
    75
    A great design with a hint of innovation and style, and enough strategy to make you grow new brain cells.
  9. GameSpot
    79
    Easily the best strategy game out on the PS2 at this time, not to mention one of the more inventive to ever grace a console.
  10. GameSpy
    87
    With many new elements to the strategy genre, RoR will be loved by many, while others accustomed to usual strategy gameplay will grow into it.
  11. Happy Puppy
    80
    Winning Ring of Red could take nearly as long as quashing a real world war, but hey, at least it's a nuclear blast all the way up to that pesky peace declaration.
  12. Hot Games
    90
    A game that’s easy to get into and fairly simple to play but that’s heavy on both strategy and skill – a rare combination.
  13. IGN
    85
    A very satisfying strategy experience. I recommend it wholeheartedly to anyone who enjoyed the "Front Mission" series or "Carnage Heart," and other wargaming fans should get a kick out of it as well, both its combat system and the involved world-building that surrounds it.
  14. My Gamer
    76
    Being time consuming, this game may not be for the passive gamer, but for anyone who is willing to put in the energy, Ring of Red will provide a rich experience filled with both great tactics and a wonderful story.
  15. PSX Nation
    70
    One of the best action strategy games I have ever played.
  16. Yahoo!
    80
    A solid title, featuring a believable and interesting storyline, plenty of missions to work through, and even good graphics. However, it can get very tedious at times, testing the patience of the most tolerant of gamers.

Awards & Rankings

34
#34 Best PS2 Game of 2001
79
#79 Most Discussed PS2 Game of 2001
48
#48 Most Shared PS2 Game of 2001

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 23 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 19 out of 23
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 23
  3. Negative: 1 out of 23
  1. DaveAus
    Sep 3, 2014
    9
    When it comes to WW2 style (its set two decades after) Mech RPG turn based games, RIng of Red is the best (and only) there has ever been,When it comes to WW2 style (its set two decades after) Mech RPG turn based games, RIng of Red is the best (and only) there has ever been,

    With an intriguing story and unique combat mechanics at it's disposal, this PS2 strategy game will make you wonder why a sequel never came about.

    Over the course of about 30 hours of play, you'll build up a team of variious heavy light and melee mechs or AFW's and battle across Japan chasing down a traitor and slowly uncover a larger plot. The combat while appearing simply at first, becomes extremely complex when you have to worry about more then just loading and aiming. Infantry skills, positioning, distance, daylight and special shells all come into play by an hour in and it might take a few play throughs to master this unique system.

    It's a must play for mech, or strategy enthusiasts.    … Full Review »
  2. StephenD.
    Mar 20, 2002
    9
    This game is a masterpiece of RPG/RTS combination. O.K. the translation is rubbish, and the inclusion of movies for your characters instead This game is a masterpiece of RPG/RTS combination. O.K. the translation is rubbish, and the inclusion of movies for your characters instead of hand drawn pictures would have been better, but the gameplay is solid enough to hold the game up (along with the cool WW2 images with mechs in them. Top class!)… Full Review »
  3. VLG
    Aug 22, 2023
    9
    It was a completely forgotten game even when i bought it in a second hand shop, at the end of the PS2 era. I loved it so much! It was way tooIt was a completely forgotten game even when i bought it in a second hand shop, at the end of the PS2 era. I loved it so much! It was way too long imho, the cutscenes in the middle of the fights were uneskippable and i just could not take it anymore. Also, the combat system relied heavily in RNG, and playing it safe was punished, so you had to take risks all the time, which sometimes literally ruined 2 hour longs battles and you had to restart it all. The concept and the style were amazing, but the execution was... problematic. Still, i remember loving it.… Full Review »
See all user reviews »