I still consider it a crime that this game hasn't gotten the attention and praise it deserves. The only way this game could have possible been made better is if you had the ability to design, build and modify your own AFW. I'm drooling now. In a serious note: If you play this game, just wait until you have to fight the Dora Gustaf. You. Will. Shit. Bricks.
The game would benefit from better translations and the ability to skip the mini-movie scenes of skills-in action, or an abbreviated option after the first instance. That's it. Otherwise it's just an amazing, unique game, those 2 flaws are annoying, but I've throughoughly enjoyed 3 play-throughs.
This is an underrated gem. My dad bought me this game in 2001, i had the game for 6 years before i finally beat it (seriously this game at times, will make you pull your hair, it can be that hard). Take away some of the tranlations (which are wrong), problems with saving, and a few other minor things it is still a good game. I got the game back on PSN and everytime i play through it only 3 characters seem too be above everyone else, Ryoko, John and Ayana. IMHO if given proper troops and used properly, they are boardline unstoppable.
@@AvalancheReviews I love using Kenichi to strip the opponent`s crew first. That guy is a daredevil. So fragile but he survive fight after fight after fight.
This was the 3rd game I got for the PS2, I was never too into RPG/Strategy before but once I got into this game I was hooked. I loved how you could literally bring a mech to it's knees with well placed shots or wrapping it's legs with wire.
I got this game with no charge right after release. My friend gave this to me. He said this game is boring and he got frustrated by battle system. I was so lucky! I enjoyed this game a lot!!
I will buy a remake. Honestly, it is still one of the best game I recall. And it kind of dull my experiences for later strategic rpg. Those huge round flying across the air still gives me goosebumb (in the good way)
I beat this game twice back in the day. An absolute GEM, my favorite strategy game of all time. The fights were sooo tense and exciting. AHHH! I'd definitely play it again. It TOTALLY deserves a REMAKE.
I picked it up on a Gamestop run when I was 16. I actually prefer it to stuff like Armored Core and Front Mission (and I like those games). A same Konami never made a sequel but I guess games like Valkyria Chronicles sort of advanced the concept (for a while anyway). It should be noted that the game is available on PSN in North America (but with PSN being region free all you need is a NA account and some NA Sony Points). There is even less reason to be hesitant to pick up the title now.
Oh man, maybe I'm getting old, but I've been watching your videos for the past few days and they're making me want to go get another ps2 right now, we got so many cool and unique looking games back in the day, . Anyway, awesome job, really love your channel.
Amazing game where me and my friends actually hot seated based on which mech was operating. Talking about 6 friends sitting around drinking talking about our next turn coming up it was amazing. We all, all, beat the game in three weeks of weekend partying and gaming. Amazing game and love the memories.
Couple points: 1) You probably should have mentioned the translation and editing as a flaw. While I doubt the grammar will make anyone give up on the game, it is kind of a mood killer at times. The end of the third-from-last mission stands out as a strong example. 2) PS3 owners can get the game for about ten bucks. Should be in the PS2 Classics section of the PSN Store. More importantly, it should have a digital manual included. Learning this game without a manual isn't something I'd wish on anybody. 3) Which one was it with all the information on soldier skills and behaviors, Record or Information Room? Point that out, the things you learn in there are lifesaving.
Still love this damn game. Wish to hell they'd make a sequel. It was one of my release day games with the PS2. Played it for about ten minutes that first day, gave up and played whatever racing game I had for a while. Then, about a month later, I stumbled home one drunken night, fired it up again and fell in love. I played it right through the night.
Playing drunk was awesome way to compensate for the " jerking" reticle. Drunken master kill shot on enemy afw ,1/2 second left , % 5 aiming was awesome feeling...
I got this game second when I was a kid. I played it, got stuck in the campaign, didn't finish it and then sold it back. A couple of years later, I suddenly remember that game, and I feel the urge to play it again, so I bought it, second hand, again, and this time played the entire game to the finish. It was about the time I was learning about WWII in history class and this gave me a new perspective to apreciate this game; Now I am even capable of telling wich real historical vehicles every single AFW in the game is inspired by. This game is a treat.
@@AvalancheReviewsThey’re all based off of WWII tanks and armoured vehicles. Weizegger - Tiger I, Ryoko - Pz IV (short barrel), Kinasato - Pz II, Jun - Stuart, Ayana - Hummel, John - No direct comparable imo but probably the M12/T92, Ippei - Chi-Ha, Emilio - Stug III, Kaiho - Panther Other AFW’s used by the North Japanese and Soviets are based off of Soviet designs. Ba-11, SU-76, SU-85, KV-2, T-34 (probably a couple more I’m forgetting as well) are all there and the Dora Gustav railway gun (German) is at the end.
@@AvalancheReviews 1.when playing the small mechs, use them with coop and snipe soldiers. You can completely wipe out enemy ground troops in 1 battle. Fire everything at the ground troops, even shrapnel shot. 2) use your 2 mid size mechs as mech destroyers. Make ground troops grenade and homing shot. 3) 4 legged mechs need protection. Make ground troops wire/electric wire and mine/adhesive mine. 4) use punching mech for close quarters combat. Don't spread your mechs too thin on the map. Stick together. Try to save "special" actions till close to the end of a mission or if your health gets down to 100 or 120 start using your special actions. If the timer is running out and you just loaded a shot, press fire as fast as you can. There is a micro second where the accuracy is 99.99% when the shot is loaded, but only do that if you are desperate to get a shot off. May not work every time but worth the try. When new mechs join your team, adjust the ground troops right away for what best suits them. SAVE YOUR GAME after each mission! Good luck
I've honestly never heard of this game, but now I'll pick it up. I love when you do these "Trashed Classics" because there is always something new to discover. As for SRPGs; I like a lot of them. You mentioned that you've played them all, but have you played Working Designs' "Vanguard Bandits"? I think that it was an underrated gem on the PS1. Some of their other localizations, like "Arc the Lad Collection" and "Growlanser Generations" are great too.
I have all of the games you mentioned and each is amazing. I just re-bought Arc the Lad collection, but it's missing part three (MY FAVORITE!) and I just beat Growlanser III like 6 months ago. Have you played the PSP Growlanser? It's damn good so far.
Not played the PSP game yet but I have it and it's one of the next games on my list. I've not picked up the other Atlus releases yet but I will if I find them for the right price.
Thank you very much I always wantes to know if this game is any good I have come across this game many times at flea markets but have yet to pick it up.
They have about three copies of this in the used game store where I live, I think I'll be heading into town tomorrow. They sell most of their PS2 games for about 3-4 pounds so it's a steal.
This is one of my favorite games! I really enjoyed the tiers of strategy. The addition of mounted troops separated it from mech warrior and the like. I’ve wanted a follow up or at least a mod to allow battles to continue with your ground troops, even if your afv was taken out. To me, it’s loaded with features…the skills that allow for character growth, the tactical warfare, the strategic map for planning, cool mechs/tanks, combined forces aspect, cut scenes, and cool first person fighting perspective. Does anyone know of a similar game? If someone is unaware of this one…check out some other great games: Front Mission 3 on ps1, Skies of Arcadia on Dreamcast, Master of Magic on pc, Arena- the elder scrolls on pc, Alternate Reality- the Dungeon on Atari 400/800 or amiga…
That's probably the question I get asked most. You have my word, there will be reviews on both games. They might be 2 of my favorite games ever, but there are some games that I feel like I wouldn't be able to do any justice. When my writing and editing get up to snuff, I will make sure everyone know how great those games are.
Jared have you tried Valkyria Chronicles? By watching this review I couldn't stop to draw similarities between the two games. The WW2 setting, fictional elements (Mechs = Ring of Red / Valkyria Chronicles = Nordic Magic ) and some mechanics. If you haven't you should.
I'm ashamed to say I had never heard of this before (maybe in passing, but I don't think so). I will now be sure to keep an eye out for it when I next go game hunting...
Great review, and I like that you include the prices at the end. I probably got this game for less than $10 CDN as well, and though I haven't played it a whole lot, your review makes me want to get into it more (as well as Front Mission 4, another one that I got for super cheap but it looks like an amazing game). Maybe one day I can mod the PS2 and get a fan translated Front Mission 5 running too.
Yeah man! RoR is super fun, and a lot like front mission (minus the parts where you control the cannons). Look into a the memory card mod for the ps2 (I think it's free mcboot). All you have to do is have a copy of one of the ps2 bond games and save a game, then plug in a usb stick with some files on it. Then, wham! You have a soft modded ps2, that can play burned discs. You won't be able to play actual japanese discs, but you can play isos of them, plus you can take that memory card out, anytime you want to use an unmodded ps2.
Why thank you sir. I think the premise and cheap price make for a pretty good intensive to branch out and tip your toes in the water a little. Plus the fights are more like real time, action RPGs mixed with tank combat.
i never even realized what i had at the time. i guess the combat system is unique as time has shown: nothing else came out like this ! was a launch title too
I would always see this game scattered in various retro game stores. Never thought about it until I watched your video. Reminds me a lot like Front Mission which I was a fan of their SRPG games. FF to 2017 and a CIB copy is at an avg of $15 which is not too bad. But awesome video! Ill be sure to pick it up during my retro game runs!
This is one of my favorite games ever. It was so underrated and I would absolutely love to have this game again. I thought about purchasing it again (After 17 years) but realized sadly my ps2 no longer works. I wish they would port this to PC.
Thanks! You will not regret picking up a copy. I think people forget the PS2/Xbox/Gamecube era because it's too new to be old and too old to be new. That's why the internet needs us!
Great review man! Such an unappreciated gem. This is one of the few older games in my library that regularly get's broken out and replayed every few years. It is so freaking hard to believe that this was basically a PS2 launch game. They got nearly everything perfect in this game; more than serviceable graphics, wild premise, easy-to-understand and implement strategy, a myriad of mech set-up options, varied landscapes with obstacles, and probably the most tension (and possibly the best implemented in any game I might add) one could imagine with the whole aim/fire mechanic. The only drawback for me is the inability to skip past the cutscenes/storyboards, but this was normal back then, and you do have to baby Weizegger somewhat because losing him in battle means game over. These are really minor grips though. Of special note graphically; the electrical fires produced on the mechs in this game look amazing for the PS2! Unlike most, I heavily favor soldier combat in this game. My normal strat is to wipe out the opposing ground forces with Kinasato (and sometimes even John...gotta love Creep Fire!), then swoop in and clean up the severely hampered mech with impunity as my soldiers can stay in the vanguard without much fear of reprisal. The fact that there are so many different ways to approach this game is a testament to how great it actually was.
Man, I never focus on ther ground forces, but now that i think about it, that is a solid strategy. Well now I have to pull it out and start a new game up.
Let me know how it goes, heh. It probably isn't the most efficient way of going about the game, but I find it very entertaining, and often nail-biting as you have to weigh the risk/rewards of possibly losing your own soldiers to enemy fire in order to cut down their troops and learning the best ranges for your soldiers coupled with your AFW to be the most effective. It is also a testament to the designers making this game to make the partnership between ground troops and AFW's very integrated. An AFW without troops is so severely hampered that they are mostly rendered useless, and are incredibly prone to weapon/leg breaks as they will have no way to repair them.
No clue why this game didn't grab more attention back in the day as a launch title. I found this at a local cex for 50 cents and had never heard of it before. That Konami logo and the price made it an instant pickup.
An current generation remake of this game or a full new game with similar gameplay would be fire these days. Tactical RPGs are almost extinct. I really liked the tension while playing it since the missions took so long and didn't want to lose all the progress. Guess it was also kind of a Souls game in its way.
Hell yes thank you buddy for sharing this great game. Man there are a bunch of old strategy games on the ps1 and ps2 that just no one shows love for I'm a huge fan of a game called war ship commander also I know you show a lot of awesome RPGs but have you played freedom fighters that's a game I believe is a trashed classic as well
I actually bought this game as a loose copy from Gamestop and loved the bit I was able to play, but the disk has seen better days so I have had it sitting in my huge PS2 sleevebook. I will more then likely try to hunt down another copy, it definitely is underrated, but has enough of a following to gain a digital download on the PSN. As for underrated strategy RPGs, definitely one I think deserves more praise is the PS1 title Battle Hunter. Although the system is a bit confusing, it definitely makes for a fun multiplayer game, especially since it allows up to 4 players to work together or to simply compete. Off the top of my head that is the only one I can think of, my not be a trashed classic but I think it is worth a check out for those who are fans of table top RPGs.
Ring of Red is on the PSN? That's fucking awesome! I actually got a copy of Battle Hunter a couple of months ago. I haven't played it yet, but I didn't know it was a strategy rpg. Now I'm psyched to start it up!
Back than this was a totally blind random buy not knowing crap about it even though I read a ton of game magazines than...and it is one of my fav ps2 titles. I think this one got ridiculously overlooked by media than for how good it was and still is.
An excellent game and it's a damn shame it never got a sequel. I've never actually finished it because it's VERY long and VERY hard. I should finish it one day.
This game is so close to perfection. Most RPGs I played for the story and despite the combat system (I don't like turn based combat). This one I played because of the combat system. Easy at the beginning, good learning curve, and an increasing but not impossible difficulty.
Thanks I'm going to go buy this game right now. Hope it cheap. Also thanks for telling my this exist become the type of thing I've been locking for. Thanks man, and by the way I love you reviews.
Avalanche Reviews Its a fairly common problem. For some reason newer model ps2's had trouble reading the blue back ps2 discs. They can, but its jankey.
I remember almost buying this numerous times, not a huge strategy fan though I like some titles. I have yet to beat it, and need a nicer disc, BUT! You should totally check out, and maybe even do a video on! Operation Darkness X D
when I saw this game I thought of Valkyria Chronicles which I bought after I played the Xcom games and this looked really fun and different TRPG is a hard Genre to come by but I think its injected to some games mostly indies and Games like Xcom
There was actually pretty big releases of games this year that were tactical round based with rpg elements. Wasteland 2, Divinity: Original Sin, Age of Wonders 3, South Park stick of truth, Blackguards. Btw there´s 2 parallel xcom reboots (Xenonauts and the firaxis Xcom)...they don´t count as rpg since only skilling soldiers isn´t enough to qualify though. :P But if you´re bored of one there´s the other and they´re very different too. Xenonauts is more like the original xcom where you have more than 1 base, more soldiers, can freely equip them etc.
***** Yes I'm currently enjoying all of above except for Age of Wonders3 , not into those games very much the game I mention the Valkyria Chronicles came out on steam awhile ago its nice to see 4 months ago alot of TRPG likes (not alot of them are full on Rpgs elements but they do have light RPG elements such as leveling and growing stronger) are becoming more popular specially on pc
This game is one of my favorite bargain bin pick-ups of the time, was hole alot better than I ever anticipated. As strategy RPGs go, I think Jagged Alliance 2 for the PC still stands at the top of that throne for me.
Avalanche Reviews Have a look at it sometime, you hire your own band of mercenaries with clashing personalities and also to create one of your own, may that be a mechanic, medic, straight cold killer or something in between. I believe it would be right up your alley.
I don't know if it's really a tactical rpg, but Valkyria Chronicles is a pretty good newer title (PS3) if you need another game to get your tactical combat fix. And great review BTW :)
For sure! Valkyria Chronicles was one of my first PS3 games (i got to the party a little late) I fucking love it, but my PS3 died on me. I'm looking for a new one for cheap on Ebay and I'm psyched to start it back up.
Avalanche Reviews The same thing happened to me, with a great big kaboom sound :( But at least i get to play it from the beginning again! And the hard missions to...
Ah hell yeah, this game was totally a "trashed classic!" I remember when the PS2 was in its early days, friends of mine scoffed at this game because the game design was "old." Anyway, great review, and a great addition to this series. Have you ever played Trenched from Double Fine? The mecha designs from that game reminded me a lot of this game, and it's a fine experience overall. I am a huge fan of strat/RPGs thanks to titles like Vandal Hearts, Final Fantasy Tactics, and Tactics Ogre. The other day I picked up a lot of cheap PS2 imports from the Book-Off near my house, which included a fair amount of RPGs. One of the games was Dragon Shadow Spell, which I haven't played yet, but looks pretty sweet. I posted a pic of the games on Twitter not too long ago, so if you're interested in seeing what I picked up, check it out sometime!
Man there is an entire world of Japanese RPGs just waiting for me! I really need to learn to read Japanese, right now I'm limited in what I can play. I made the mistake of learning to speak it first, but as soon as I get a hold on the written language, I'm diving into my import rpg collection, and I'm not coming out for weeks. You have no idea how long I have waited to play the real Tales of Destiny 2!
Avalanche Reviews I can't remember if I ever suggested this to you before, but I'd really look into picking up the second version of the Japanese-English DS dictionary software. I've had it for almost a decade now, and has been the reason why I carry my DS with me every day to work...well, that and other, more obvious reasons. Anyway, I believe the exact name is 漢字そのままDS楽引き辞典. What's great about this version is that you can write kanji onto the touch screen, and the software is pretty good at identifying the character as long as your stroke order is not too terribly off. So play a game, and if something pops up that you can't read...well, you get the point. Ah, seeing this review makes me want to finally take off the plastic wrapping on my Valkyria Chronicles 2 and get in on the strategy RPG action...
Jimmy Hapa (Import Gaming FTW!) That would be insanely useful for my next trip! When I get the time to dedicate to it, I'm gonna hit Kanji hard. I think it might help me with learning to speak Japanese and my pronunciation. Plus I really want to play RPGs without a translation guide on my lap.
That damn snow level was a pain in the butt but game was truly unique and interesting and nothing has really followed since as far as a mech strategy game.
It's a shame, there's really only Ring of Red and Front mission. I would love to see tactical RPGs make a comeback, especially if there's mechs involved.
Also I dint now tactical RPGs were a thing. So thanks for telling me becomes I love RPGs and I love tactical games like Age of Empire. I beat this to taste will go great to gearher.
This could have been improved with more incentives and rewards for exploration or for accomplishing certain things. Even Vandal Hearts got that part right. It would have been nice to skip certain fights or battle animations. Watching them poor clone ground troopers getting murdered by the dozen kinda started to wear on me. I can still hear their cell shaded sceams.
I tend to appreciate when a game doesn't let you skip stuff like that. For example, at first I really liked that FF8 let me skip summon animations, but then I started feeling like I was missing out on a key part of the experience. On top of that, i knew that the option to skip it was always there and I had to choose between playing an FF game, and playing an FF game, but faster.
Going by the comments anyone finding it bizzare a bunch of us are suddenly playing this game of all games? I love the shit out of it, on mission 4, fuck that harbour
an awesome game. not an easy one but deep and you really need to invest time and brain cells to finish. the graphics are not the best but all the rest in the package is great. and by the way if somebody has played the Dust Tactics miniatures game...well is direct copy of Ring of Red. i cannot believe its creators never sued dust studios for Copyright violation. go and play it .ia a true strategic gem
Looked up Dust Tactics, and yeah there are some striking resemblances. As for me, I have sadly never been much of a tabletop gamer. Just don't have the imagination and patience. I appreciate the recommendation though.
the sequels aren't as good, but atleast it keeps the combat the same because the first game's story was amazing and didnt feel full on anime-like and more like something Hayao Miyazaki would have written. The second game falls flat in the story department :/
Avalanche Reviews yeah those flares and fires looked pretty nice but the models and textures are just awefull. Soldiers don't have fingers just a big lump of hand etc. xD It's an early PS2 title but even GTA 3 with its open world had better 3D graphics :3
Better modelling, yes. I think the texture work in RoR blows GTA out of the water though. It is kind of weird seeing soldiers up close, ha. Reminds me of Resident Evil character models.
Actually I wanna play it cause of the graphics initially, those landscapes, and that anime style, and the horizon view and feeling inside the battle, it just looks pretty awesome to me and unique.
![Noob To Max With DRAGON REWORK In Blox Fruits [FULL MOVIE]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/LnBMOinoOvA/mqdefault.jpg)
I still consider it a crime that this game hasn't gotten the attention and praise it deserves. The only way this game could have possible been made better is if you had the ability to design, build and modify your own AFW. I'm drooling now.
In a serious note: If you play this game, just wait until you have to fight the Dora Gustaf. You. Will. Shit. Bricks.
MrStrikecentral Yeah, I've been there before....................Pure insanity
The game would benefit from better translations and the ability to skip the mini-movie scenes of skills-in action, or an abbreviated option after the first instance.
That's it. Otherwise it's just an amazing, unique game, those 2 flaws are annoying, but I've throughoughly enjoyed 3 play-throughs.
It also needs a NGP feature and a free mode of random missions
Needs a remaster
Ring of Red HD Remastered Deluxe Big nuts edition!!!!! Right now! Please Konami, Please!!!
I will give you my money!
darthporkius At the thought of it, money starts exiting my wallet by itself.
I would I love the game.
a classic that really deserves a remake or hd remaster. i loved it
+Wilke Freesemann I would buy an hd re release so hard!!
Should definitely have a remake. Keep the play fairly the same with today's graphics and less story line. Such an underrated game
My favorite game of all time. I keep an old ps3 with a downloaded copy of the game and play through it every year.
This is an underrated gem. My dad bought me this game in 2001, i had the game for 6 years before i finally beat it (seriously this game at times, will make you pull your hair, it can be that hard). Take away some of the tranlations (which are wrong), problems with saving, and a few other minor things it is still a good game.
I got the game back on PSN and everytime i play through it only 3 characters seem too be above everyone else, Ryoko, John and Ayana. IMHO if given proper troops and used properly, they are boardline unstoppable.
Damn, my Ryoko is way under utilized. She's a good 2 levels bellow every one else, but I have John in heavy rotation.
@@AvalancheReviews I love using Kenichi to strip the opponent`s crew first. That guy is a daredevil. So fragile but he survive fight after fight after fight.
This was the 3rd game I got for the PS2, I was never too into RPG/Strategy before but once I got into this game I was hooked. I loved how you could literally bring a mech to it's knees with well placed shots or wrapping it's legs with wire.
Yes! When I would randomly hit their weapon or legs, it made me feel like such a badass!
The wire was a MUST against fast-moving mechs that could avoid shots
I got this game with no charge right after release. My friend gave this to me.
He said this game is boring and he got frustrated by battle system.
I was so lucky! I enjoyed this game a lot!!
That's awesome! I still have my first copy, and I play it about once a year.
This game needs a remaster for sure
I will buy a remake. Honestly, it is still one of the best game I recall. And it kind of dull my experiences for later strategic rpg. Those huge round flying across the air still gives me goosebumb (in the good way)
You and me both!!!!
I beat this game twice back in the day. An absolute GEM, my favorite strategy game of all time. The fights were sooo tense and exciting. AHHH! I'd definitely play it again. It TOTALLY deserves a REMAKE.
This game is one of my favorites and I am so sad nothing more ever came out of it...Thanks for showing it the love it deserves!
So glad you were the one to eventually cover this game. Such a fun title.
Thanks! I really didn't expect any of my viewers to have ever played it before.
I picked it up on a Gamestop run when I was 16. I actually prefer it to stuff like Armored Core and Front Mission (and I like those games). A same Konami never made a sequel but I guess games like Valkyria Chronicles sort of advanced the concept (for a while anyway). It should be noted that the game is available on PSN in North America (but with PSN being region free all you need is a NA account and some NA Sony Points). There is even less reason to be hesitant to pick up the title now.
TheDaoOfLatino
Yeah I just found that out. It's so damn cool that the game is getting at least that much recognition.
I love SRPG's. They're truly a dying breed on consoles. At least we had Valkyria Chronicles this last generation.
And I loved it!
Oh man, maybe I'm getting old, but I've been watching your videos for the past few days and they're making me want to go get another ps2 right now, we got so many cool and unique looking games back in the day, . Anyway, awesome job, really love your channel.
+AgentG13 Thanks man. That's a hell of a compliment. If I can get a few people thinking about old ps2 strategy games, I have done my job.
This is my favorite video game series on RUclips. Well done!
That's fucking awesome! Thank you.
5 years later this game is pushing 50 bucks in PAL territories
This looks incredible, can't believe it went under my radar.
Amazing game where me and my friends actually hot seated based on which mech was operating. Talking about 6 friends sitting around drinking talking about our next turn coming up it was amazing. We all, all, beat the game in three weeks of weekend partying and gaming. Amazing game and love the memories.
Couple points:
1) You probably should have mentioned the translation and editing as a flaw. While I doubt the grammar will make anyone give up on the game, it is kind of a mood killer at times. The end of the third-from-last mission stands out as a strong example.
2) PS3 owners can get the game for about ten bucks. Should be in the PS2 Classics section of the PSN Store. More importantly, it should have a digital manual included. Learning this game without a manual isn't something I'd wish on anybody.
3) Which one was it with all the information on soldier skills and behaviors, Record or Information Room? Point that out, the things you learn in there are lifesaving.
just picked this up today for 2.50. cant wait to get stuck in. ur review was clear a to the point. i will 100% be checking out your other videos
makerofyourdemise Glad to hear! Let me know how you like it.
A lot of these awesome PS2 RPGs are now under 20-30 bucks. Good time to collect
***** You and me both!
Now just waiting on this to be streamed
Still love this damn game. Wish to hell they'd make a sequel. It was one of my release day games with the PS2. Played it for about ten minutes that first day, gave up and played whatever racing game I had for a while. Then, about a month later, I stumbled home one drunken night, fired it up again and fell in love. I played it right through the night.
So damn good! I would love a sequel, but it's a Konami game, so they'd probably fuck it up in the process.
True, but who can resist an ADHESIVE MIME BOMB! ? ;P
Playing drunk was awesome way to compensate for the " jerking" reticle. Drunken master kill shot on enemy afw ,1/2 second left , % 5 aiming was awesome feeling...
I got this game second when I was a kid. I played it, got stuck in the campaign, didn't finish it and then sold it back. A couple of years later, I suddenly remember that game, and I feel the urge to play it again, so I bought it, second hand, again, and this time played the entire game to the finish. It was about the time I was learning about WWII in history class and this gave me a new perspective to apreciate this game; Now I am even capable of telling wich real historical vehicles every single AFW in the game is inspired by. This game is a treat.
Fuck, I didin't even know the AFWs were based on real tanks.
@@AvalancheReviewsThey’re all based off of WWII tanks and armoured vehicles. Weizegger - Tiger I, Ryoko - Pz IV (short barrel), Kinasato - Pz II, Jun - Stuart, Ayana - Hummel, John - No direct comparable imo but probably the M12/T92, Ippei - Chi-Ha, Emilio - Stug III, Kaiho - Panther
Other AFW’s used by the North Japanese and Soviets are based off of Soviet designs. Ba-11, SU-76, SU-85, KV-2, T-34 (probably a couple more I’m forgetting as well) are all there and the Dora Gustav railway gun (German) is at the end.
FANTASTIC game! Started playing it again this week. Look forward to finishing it again. I have really good tips if interested.
Lay em on me. I'm no expert, so any tips are appreciated.
@@AvalancheReviews 1.when playing the small mechs, use them with coop and snipe soldiers. You can completely wipe out enemy ground troops in 1 battle. Fire everything at the ground troops, even shrapnel shot. 2) use your 2 mid size mechs as mech destroyers. Make ground troops grenade and homing shot. 3) 4 legged mechs need protection. Make ground troops wire/electric wire and mine/adhesive mine. 4) use punching mech for close quarters combat.
Don't spread your mechs too thin on the map. Stick together. Try to save "special" actions till close to the end of a mission or if your health gets down to 100 or 120 start using your special actions. If the timer is running out and you just loaded a shot, press fire as fast as you can. There is a micro second where the accuracy is 99.99% when the shot is loaded, but only do that if you are desperate to get a shot off. May not work every time but worth the try. When new mechs join your team, adjust the ground troops right away for what best suits them. SAVE YOUR GAME after each mission! Good luck
I've honestly never heard of this game, but now I'll pick it up. I love when you do these "Trashed Classics" because there is always something new to discover.
As for SRPGs; I like a lot of them. You mentioned that you've played them all, but have you played Working Designs' "Vanguard Bandits"? I think that it was an underrated gem on the PS1. Some of their other localizations, like "Arc the Lad Collection" and "Growlanser Generations" are great too.
I have all of the games you mentioned and each is amazing. I just re-bought Arc the Lad collection, but it's missing part three (MY FAVORITE!) and I just beat Growlanser III like 6 months ago. Have you played the PSP Growlanser? It's damn good so far.
Not played the PSP game yet but I have it and it's one of the next games on my list.
I've not picked up the other Atlus releases yet but I will if I find them for the right price.
Zach B You'll love it. It's more of what you're used to, but the story is the best in the series, in my opinion.
Thank you very much I always wantes to know if this game is any good I have come across this game many times at flea markets but have yet to pick it up.
Definitely give it a buy! I don't say this often, but this is one old game that I would have no problem paying full price for.
They have about three copies of this in the used game store where I live, I think I'll be heading into town tomorrow. They sell most of their PS2 games for about 3-4 pounds so it's a steal.
I was lucky enough to get my copy for around the same price. Trust me, it will be the best 3 or 4 pounds you have ever spent!
This is one of my favorite games! I really enjoyed the tiers of strategy. The addition of mounted troops separated it from mech warrior and the like. I’ve wanted a follow up or at least a mod to allow battles to continue with your ground troops, even if your afv was taken out.
To me, it’s loaded with features…the skills that allow for character growth, the tactical warfare, the strategic map for planning, cool mechs/tanks, combined forces aspect, cut scenes, and cool first person fighting perspective.
Does anyone know of a similar game?
If someone is unaware of this one…check out some other great games: Front Mission 3 on ps1, Skies of Arcadia on Dreamcast, Master of Magic on pc, Arena- the elder scrolls on pc, Alternate Reality- the Dungeon on Atari 400/800 or amiga…
are you ever going to do a video on grandia 3 or breath of fire 4.
That's probably the question I get asked most. You have my word, there will be reviews on both games. They might be 2 of my favorite games ever, but there are some games that I feel like I wouldn't be able to do any justice. When my writing and editing get up to snuff, I will make sure everyone know how great those games are.
Whoa I didn't even know this was a thing! Thank you so much!
Very happy to put this game in front of more eyes. It deserves wayyyy more fans.
Wow, this game look fucking awesome, I gotta get my hands on that gem!!!!
It's really is awesome, and cheap too.
Jared have you tried Valkyria Chronicles? By watching this review I couldn't stop to draw similarities between the two games. The WW2 setting, fictional elements (Mechs = Ring of Red / Valkyria Chronicles = Nordic Magic ) and some mechanics. If you haven't you should.
Yes sir! I love Valkyria Chronicles, but my PS3 died on me. looking for a new one right now.
hey there looking for a medieval fanstasy based turn based stratagy
but with deep story and mature themes (much like the witcher)
any of those exist?
There is Eternal Poison on the PS2. It's dark fantasy and very gothic. There is also a Japanese SRPG called Wachenroder, but it was never translated.
I'm ashamed to say I had never heard of this before (maybe in passing, but I don't think so). I will now be sure to keep an eye out for it when I next go game hunting...
Don't feel too bad. This genre doesn't exactly advertise too much.
Avalanche Reviews Also, thanks for checking my stuff out. I'm a huge fan your Retro News Round Up.
Thanks - I'm always very happy to hear when someone find those round ups useful or interesting.
Great review, and I like that you include the prices at the end. I probably got this game for less than $10 CDN as well, and though I haven't played it a whole lot, your review makes me want to get into it more (as well as Front Mission 4, another one that I got for super cheap but it looks like an amazing game). Maybe one day I can mod the PS2 and get a fan translated Front Mission 5 running too.
Yeah man! RoR is super fun, and a lot like front mission (minus the parts where you control the cannons). Look into a the memory card mod for the ps2 (I think it's free mcboot). All you have to do is have a copy of one of the ps2 bond games and save a game, then plug in a usb stick with some files on it. Then, wham! You have a soft modded ps2, that can play burned discs. You won't be able to play actual japanese discs, but you can play isos of them, plus you can take that memory card out, anytime you want to use an unmodded ps2.
Excellent review. I'm not a TRPG fan, but I may have to pick this one up anyway! :)
Why thank you sir. I think the premise and cheap price make for a pretty good intensive to branch out and tip your toes in the water a little. Plus the fights are more like real time, action RPGs mixed with tank combat.
i never even realized what i had at the time. i guess the combat system is unique as time has shown: nothing else came out like this ! was a launch title too
I would always see this game scattered in various retro game stores. Never thought about it until I watched your video. Reminds me a lot like Front Mission which I was a fan of their SRPG games.
FF to 2017 and a CIB copy is at an avg of $15 which is not too bad.
But awesome video! Ill be sure to pick it up during my retro game runs!
It feels like a WW2 front mission game. For sure worth picking up, if you find it again.
This is one of my favorite games ever. It was so underrated and I would absolutely love to have this game again. I thought about purchasing it again (After 17 years) but realized sadly my ps2 no longer works. I wish they would port this to PC.
+Baldur Þórbjörnsson I would kill for a modern port of this! Such a great game
I had seen this game several times but i was unsure about it. Thanks to you,now i know that it's right up my alley! Thanks!
Thanks! You will not regret picking up a copy. I think people forget the PS2/Xbox/Gamecube era because it's too new to be old and too old to be new. That's why the internet needs us!
Yes! The BGB..Bald Gaming Brigade XD
The Dali Popka ONWARD!!!
Great review man! Such an unappreciated gem. This is one of the few older games in my library that regularly get's broken out and replayed every few years. It is so freaking hard to believe that this was basically a PS2 launch game. They got nearly everything perfect in this game; more than serviceable graphics, wild premise, easy-to-understand and implement strategy, a myriad of mech set-up options, varied landscapes with obstacles, and probably the most tension (and possibly the best implemented in any game I might add) one could imagine with the whole aim/fire mechanic. The only drawback for me is the inability to skip past the cutscenes/storyboards, but this was normal back then, and you do have to baby Weizegger somewhat because losing him in battle means game over. These are really minor grips though. Of special note graphically; the electrical fires produced on the mechs in this game look amazing for the PS2!
Unlike most, I heavily favor soldier combat in this game. My normal strat is to wipe out the opposing ground forces with Kinasato (and sometimes even John...gotta love Creep Fire!), then swoop in and clean up the severely hampered mech with impunity as my soldiers can stay in the vanguard without much fear of reprisal. The fact that there are so many different ways to approach this game is a testament to how great it actually was.
Man, I never focus on ther ground forces, but now that i think about it, that is a solid strategy. Well now I have to pull it out and start a new game up.
Let me know how it goes, heh. It probably isn't the most efficient way of going about the game, but I find it very entertaining, and often nail-biting as you have to weigh the risk/rewards of possibly losing your own soldiers to enemy fire in order to cut down their troops and learning the best ranges for your soldiers coupled with your AFW to be the most effective. It is also a testament to the designers making this game to make the partnership between ground troops and AFW's very integrated. An AFW without troops is so severely hampered that they are mostly rendered useless, and are incredibly prone to weapon/leg breaks as they will have no way to repair them.
I've spent the last year trying to remember this game from my childhood. Holy cow man. Thanks for this review; I would not of found it otherwise.
+Tristan Taylor That puts a smile on my face man. Glad I could help.
WEIZZEGER! YOU HAVE TO STOP HIM REACHING THE ATLANTIC COAST! (of Japan)
So unique! Miss games like this!
did u ever played valkyria chronicles?
+Timonvile I did, and I loved it.
yeah, reminds me so much of it
No clue why this game didn't grab more attention back in the day as a launch title. I found this at a local cex for 50 cents and had never heard of it before. That Konami logo and the price made it an instant pickup.
I rented it one day from a blockbuster, and ended up sinking crazy amounts of hours into it. It really should have gotten more attention.
An current generation remake of this game or a full new game with similar gameplay would be fire these days. Tactical RPGs are almost extinct.
I really liked the tension while playing it since the missions took so long and didn't want to lose all the progress. Guess it was also kind of a Souls game in its way.
Still play it, love the world and combat system.
Yeah man, it still amazes me how few people have ever played.
@@AvalancheReviews yea totally overlooked game
Hell yes thank you buddy for sharing this great game. Man there are a bunch of old strategy games on the ps1 and ps2 that just no one shows love for I'm a huge fan of a game called war ship commander also I know you show a lot of awesome RPGs but have you played freedom fighters that's a game I believe is a trashed classic as well
J'Mecha game what is not a "onewingedangel" ?
Wow!
Now i need that game, also great reviews you made here.
+Daniel Adamczyk thanks man!
Price has gone up quite a bit since this review came out (now sitting just below $50) but it is still a great bang for the buck
I actually bought this game as a loose copy from Gamestop and loved the bit I was able to play, but the disk has seen better days so I have had it sitting in my huge PS2 sleevebook. I will more then likely try to hunt down another copy, it definitely is underrated, but has enough of a following to gain a digital download on the PSN. As for underrated strategy RPGs, definitely one I think deserves more praise is the PS1 title Battle Hunter. Although the system is a bit confusing, it definitely makes for a fun multiplayer game, especially since it allows up to 4 players to work together or to simply compete. Off the top of my head that is the only one I can think of, my not be a trashed classic but I think it is worth a check out for those who are fans of table top RPGs.
Ring of Red is on the PSN? That's fucking awesome! I actually got a copy of Battle Hunter a couple of months ago. I haven't played it yet, but I didn't know it was a strategy rpg. Now I'm psyched to start it up!
I really enjoyed Vandal Hearts, I had no clue Konami made another strategy game
Immagine if you had to watch every second of every fight in the battle of the bulge but with mechs. Thats this game.
That is incredibly accurate.
Back than this was a totally blind random buy not knowing crap about it even though I read a ton of game magazines than...and it is one of my fav ps2 titles.
I think this one got ridiculously overlooked by media than for how good it was and still is.
***** Right??!!! So damn good, and I never saw it in any mag.
An excellent game and it's a damn shame it never got a sequel.
I've never actually finished it because it's VERY long and VERY hard. I should finish it one day.
I would kill to see a RoR sequel!
Thanks much for this review - seems pretty awesome. Will have to play this.
Much appreciated! Glad you liked it.
This game is so close to perfection. Most RPGs I played for the story and despite the combat system (I don't like turn based combat). This one I played because of the combat system. Easy at the beginning, good learning curve, and an increasing but not impossible difficulty.
It really is!!
Thanks I'm going to go buy this game right now. Hope it cheap. Also thanks for telling my this exist become the type of thing I've been locking for. Thanks man, and by the way I love you reviews.
Thank you man, I'm glad to be of service.
I just got the game from the mail thanks again man.
Fuck yes! My pleasure
Holy crap! I've never heard of this game before, and, man, does this look sick! I'm definitely going to have to check this one out!
You will not regret it!
Blue back discs don't work to well on my PS2.
Really? I've never heard o of that problem. Interesting.
Avalanche Reviews Its a fairly common problem. For some reason newer model ps2's had trouble reading the blue back ps2 discs. They can, but its jankey.
That sucks! Some of my favorites are the early blue backed discs
I remember almost buying this numerous times, not a huge strategy fan though I like some titles. I have yet to beat it, and need a nicer disc, BUT! You should totally check out, and maybe even do a video on! Operation Darkness X D
I got that in a game store that was closing down in my area. Looks damn interesting. I'm gonna give it a play soon.
Holy crap! A remake of this would kick so much ass!
Sooooo much ass!
when I saw this game I thought of Valkyria Chronicles which I bought after I played the Xcom games
and this looked really fun and different
TRPG is a hard Genre to come by but I think its injected to some games
mostly indies and Games like Xcom
I have noticed that a lot of independent games have tactical rpg elements. That is something to be thankful for!
There was actually pretty big releases of games this year that were tactical round based with rpg elements.
Wasteland 2, Divinity: Original Sin, Age of Wonders 3, South Park stick of truth, Blackguards.
Btw there´s 2 parallel xcom reboots (Xenonauts and the firaxis Xcom)...they don´t count as rpg since only skilling soldiers isn´t enough to qualify though. :P
But if you´re bored of one there´s the other and they´re very different too. Xenonauts is more like the original xcom where you have more than 1 base, more soldiers, can freely equip them etc.
***** Yes I'm currently enjoying all of above except for Age of Wonders3 , not into those games very much
the game I mention the Valkyria Chronicles came out on steam awhile ago
its nice to see 4 months ago alot of TRPG likes (not alot of them are full on Rpgs elements but they do have light RPG elements such as leveling and growing stronger) are becoming more popular specially on pc
This game is one of my favorite bargain bin pick-ups of the time, was hole alot better than I ever anticipated. As strategy RPGs go, I think Jagged Alliance 2 for the PC still stands at the top of that throne for me.
Hmmm, never played that.
Avalanche Reviews Have a look at it sometime, you hire your own band of mercenaries with clashing personalities and also to create one of your own, may that be a mechanic, medic, straight cold killer or something in between. I believe it would be right up your alley.
Just looked it up. Looks like Fallout Tactics meets Commandos, I like it.
I don't know if it's really a tactical rpg, but Valkyria Chronicles is a pretty good newer title (PS3) if you need another game to get your tactical combat fix.
And great review BTW :)
For sure! Valkyria Chronicles was one of my first PS3 games (i got to the party a little late) I fucking love it, but my PS3 died on me. I'm looking for a new one for cheap on Ebay and I'm psyched to start it back up.
Avalanche Reviews
The same thing happened to me, with a great big kaboom sound :(
But at least i get to play it from the beginning again! And the hard missions to...
I can't believe I've never seen this game. It looks really cool so I'll have to check it out soon.
There is so much about the game that I struggled to put into words. If you grab a copy you won't regret it.
Oooo rare time to find title I didn't know noted on my wish list :)
Happy to help!
Sorry for miss spell.
Also still love your work.
There is no forgiveness for spelling errors!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Ha, don't worry about it, I'm the king of spelling shit wrong.
Ah hell yeah, this game was totally a "trashed classic!" I remember when the PS2 was in its early days, friends of mine scoffed at this game because the game design was "old." Anyway, great review, and a great addition to this series.
Have you ever played Trenched from Double Fine? The mecha designs from that game reminded me a lot of this game, and it's a fine experience overall.
I am a huge fan of strat/RPGs thanks to titles like Vandal Hearts, Final Fantasy Tactics, and Tactics Ogre. The other day I picked up a lot of cheap PS2 imports from the Book-Off near my house, which included a fair amount of RPGs. One of the games was Dragon Shadow Spell, which I haven't played yet, but looks pretty sweet. I posted a pic of the games on Twitter not too long ago, so if you're interested in seeing what I picked up, check it out sometime!
Man there is an entire world of Japanese RPGs just waiting for me! I really need to learn to read Japanese, right now I'm limited in what I can play. I made the mistake of learning to speak it first, but as soon as I get a hold on the written language, I'm diving into my import rpg collection, and I'm not coming out for weeks. You have no idea how long I have waited to play the real Tales of Destiny 2!
Avalanche Reviews
I can't remember if I ever suggested this to you before, but I'd really look into picking up the second version of the Japanese-English DS dictionary software. I've had it for almost a decade now, and has been the reason why I carry my DS with me every day to work...well, that and other, more obvious reasons. Anyway, I believe the exact name is 漢字そのままDS楽引き辞典. What's great about this version is that you can write kanji onto the touch screen, and the software is pretty good at identifying the character as long as your stroke order is not too terribly off. So play a game, and if something pops up that you can't read...well, you get the point.
Ah, seeing this review makes me want to finally take off the plastic wrapping on my Valkyria Chronicles 2 and get in on the strategy RPG action...
Jimmy Hapa (Import Gaming FTW!) That would be insanely useful for my next trip! When I get the time to dedicate to it, I'm gonna hit Kanji hard. I think it might help me with learning to speak Japanese and my pronunciation. Plus I really want to play RPGs without a translation guide on my lap.
Avalanche Reviews
DO IT!
We the People demand you remake this game.
WE HAVE SPOKEN!
That damn snow level was a pain in the butt but game was truly unique and interesting and nothing has really followed since as far as a mech strategy game.
It's a shame, there's really only Ring of Red and Front mission. I would love to see tactical RPGs make a comeback, especially if there's mechs involved.
Also I dint now tactical RPGs were a thing. So thanks for telling me becomes I love RPGs and I love tactical games like Age of Empire. I beat this to taste will go great to gearher.
That's actually a pretty accurate analogy. Tactical RPG = Final Fantasy + Age of Empires.
Thanks to you i bought the game. Great review.
AWESOME! Hope you like it.
Started playing this recently. Holy shit its sooo frustrating. I've spent a whole week trying to beat dora ☠️☠️☠️
This vid convinced me to just buy this today and I got it for £6 can't go wrong for that. 👍
This could have been improved with more incentives and rewards for exploration or for accomplishing certain things. Even Vandal Hearts got that part right. It would have been nice to skip certain fights or battle animations. Watching them poor clone ground troopers getting murdered by the dozen kinda started to wear on me. I can still hear their cell shaded sceams.
I tend to appreciate when a game doesn't let you skip stuff like that. For example, at first I really liked that FF8 let me skip summon animations, but then I started feeling like I was missing out on a key part of the experience. On top of that, i knew that the option to skip it was always there and I had to choose between playing an FF game, and playing an FF game, but faster.
Very loud disc drive incoming...😅
The disc drive on my Japanese ps2 is starting to go bad, so I feel your pain. Damn thing sounds like a jet engine.
We have Madden 25...but no Ring of Red 2...lost all faith in humanity XD.
HA! When you think about it that way, it is a little depressing.............
Imagine if Ring of Red release on XBOX 360, and after playing it you got Red Ring of Death !
Ring-ception!
Going by the comments anyone finding it bizzare a bunch of us are suddenly playing this game of all games? I love the shit out of it, on mission 4, fuck that harbour
Ha! It hurts us because it loves us
Yup, couldn't agree more. This game was fucking sick!
YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS
an awesome game. not an easy one but deep and you really need to invest time and brain cells to finish. the graphics are not the best but all the rest in the package is great. and by the way if somebody has played the Dust Tactics miniatures game...well is direct copy of Ring of Red. i cannot believe its creators never sued dust studios for Copyright violation.
go and play it .ia a true strategic gem
Looked up Dust Tactics, and yeah there are some striking resemblances. As for me, I have sadly never been much of a tabletop gamer. Just don't have the imagination and patience. I appreciate the recommendation though.
you get a sub just for the game, nobody knows what I'm talking about when i bring it up
Nice! I'm in the same boat. No one I ask, has ever even heard of it.
i remember watching my brother play this game
Looks like worth checking out
I just found out it's on the North American PSN too!
Personally, I prefer Valkyria Chronicles for my Tactical RPG fix. It basically ruined every other tactical RPG I played.
Agreed, it is amazing. As soon as I get an HDMI capture device, it's getting a video.
the sequels aren't as good, but atleast it keeps the combat the same because the first game's story was amazing and didnt feel full on anime-like and more like something Hayao Miyazaki would have written. The second game falls flat in the story department :/
I have the one on the PSP and I've been waiting to try it out. To me it looks like Valkyria Chronicles meets the later Persona games.
Avalanche Reviews
from what I remember the second game's story isn't that good compared to how the first one was told
That sucks
This game in multiplayer, over the smartphone!
HOLY SHIT!
I love this game! Must have beaten it at least 20 times.
Truly a trashed classic.
I rented Ring of Red when I was a teenager and now that I own it, I can't wait to finally beat it. I'm at about 45 hours right now.
You will not be disappointed.
It's a good game, just gets silly difficult
Game was great but it took so much time to play it.
Love this game
+jstar kush I wish we could see another mech based TRPG on modern consoles.
I sill have this and it works perfectly, I can stream it on twitch if anyone is interested.
hey I got a trashed classic for u... operation darkness!
+Tj Battle I have been trying Operation Darkness recently. I like it
I thought this was a game about the Xbox 360.
HA! Actually finding art for the game on google was really hard because the only thing that came up were pictures of red ringed 360's
ring of red kinda sounds like a skin condition
HAAAAAAAAAA!
The game's awesome but I don't get how anyone can praise the graphics. For a PS2 title they look pretty bad ^_^
They have always looked awesome to me. Especially the lighting effects when you use a flair on a dark night.
Avalanche Reviews
yeah those flares and fires looked pretty nice but the models and textures are just awefull. Soldiers don't have fingers just a big lump of hand etc. xD
It's an early PS2 title but even GTA 3 with its open world had better 3D graphics :3
Better modelling, yes. I think the texture work in RoR blows GTA out of the water though. It is kind of weird seeing soldiers up close, ha. Reminds me of Resident Evil character models.
Actually I wanna play it cause of the graphics initially, those landscapes, and that anime style, and the horizon view and feeling inside the battle, it just looks pretty awesome to me and unique.
Rpg Music
well you should really play it because of the amazing gameplay ;)