Ring of Red

"Ring of Regrets"

I bought this game about a year ago and only recently started playing it. Silly, I know. At first with all the confusing stuff, walking and moving, and the way you position your crew, your units, there are just so many things to learn. But as in every games, all you need is just a little time to read through the manual and some advice from the colonel.

The plot is rather vague, Type 3 (an AFW - Armoured Fighting Walkers) is stolen right before the main character's eyes. The rejection of his Japanese name Masami and a whole load of other may seem too much for your brain. But later in the game, you'll soon realise Wei's (main character) rejection for his Japanese name.

There are many types of AFW you will encounter in the game. Anti-AFW for Close Combat, 4-Legged AFW for long distance and such as such.

Storyline 9 out of 10

Pros: You will be able to catch up, it all seemed so sudden when the game starts, with the diary and the mention of all the various pilots and a brief explanation of the existence of the AFW and how they are used.

Cons: There are some parts in the game where you will find it a little hard to understand or that they do not seem to make any sense at all.

Music 8 out of 10

Pros: Very interesting music, it seem like you are set for battle. The music suits the environment pretty well and the competitive environment.

Cons: It gets a little repetitive, but they do not really bother you that much.

Graphics 9 out of 10

Pros: Very nicely drawn artworks, most of the things are very smooth and very interesting.

Cons: As for the 3D soldiers, they look a little odd once in awhile. They female shooters look like it has a little masculine feature added to it...which means they don't look like female but male with long pony-tail.

Control 10 out of 10

Pros: Konami's controls are very, and I repeat, very comfortable. It is very user-friendly and does not seem to give me any problems. Just remember the controls and do not let your finger slip, you do not want to waste your turn by firing shots at nothing.

Cons: The controls are similar to all Konami games, try not to let Final Fantasy set-up confuse your controls.

Gameplay 10 out of 10

Pros: Definitely one of those games you wish to own if you really like turn-based tactical strategy, like Final Fantasy Tactics or Tactics Ogre. The whole system feels like it is completely something new, sort of like Armoured Core plus Front Mission. Customising different troops and setting up of your crew.

Cons: The only part that still confuses me a little is the storyline, but that should not pose much of a problem later on.

Overall 9 out of 10

Definitely one of those games you should really lay your hands on, Konami who brought us Metal Gear Solid series and Suikoden has given us something completely new. If you are still unsure, you should probably rent it first. But if you are dying for something new, then you should get this game.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 07/01/05