Ring of Red
↗ 54%
😊 7.5/10
(Playstation 2 - US, Strategy)
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Developed_By:
Konami
Published_By:
Konami
Released On:
12 Sep 2000
20 years ago, an alternate World War II occurred, where both Axis and Allies developed mecha technology, known as Armored Fighting Walkers (AFWs). As a result, battles continued in different ways and Russian forces were more instrumental in the eventual defeat of Japan. The end of the war has had Japan divided between the allied forces, similar to Germany. Japan is now split into a communist North Japan and an Democratic South Japan, governed separately. Without any obvious cause, Japan erupted into civil war between it's halves for four years. Dubbed the "Japan War", it further weakened Japan's economy and fueled resentment between people living in the North and the South. In 1964, Masami von Weizegger is a AFW pilot in the South Japan forces. While field testing a prototype AFW, it is stolen by North Japanese agents and Masami is dispatched to recover the stolen material. As Masami's team attempts to retrieve the AFW, they stumble into a military operation that threatens to erupt into all-out war.
Ring of Red is a turn-based strategy game set in an alternative post-World War II Japan. Players take the role of members of the South Japan military who are put on a hunt for a stolen AFW. During battles, mechs are moved into position on a grid-based map and may engage different enemy units or occupy specific points. As turns are taken, time passes, shifting the battlefield through daytime and nighttime hours as well as different weather effects. All of these affect the accuracy of weapons as well as the types of abilities that can be used. Battles end when objectives are met by either side.
Putting a twist on the turn-based genre, Ring of Red features turn-based movements with real-time combat. When two AFWs engage on the battle grid, players are taken to a real-time battle where they have limited time to engage one another before refueling is required. Here the AFW is viewed from 3rd person and may be moved forward and back and given orders. The AFW uses a steam powered cannon which must be pressurized before firing, aiming at either an enemy AFW or at enemy support crew. Accuracy increases continuously while in aiming mode, and the player may then issue a fire command, which launches an attack with the current accuracy shown on-screen. Additionally AFWs can engage in close combat if they are close enough, delivering punches to one another. Each AFW pilot also has his own statistics and own special abilities, that can be used only once per battle, that can be called upon at any time. AFWs also feature unique statistics, being divided into four types: Standard, Light, 4-Leg (Heavy) and Anti-AFW.
Each AFW unit is actually a group made up of three ground units: one of which acts as crew for the AFW, while the other two walk alongside. Support units are divided into types including: Infantry, Shooter, Supply, Medical, Mechanic and Recon. Each of these types of "support units" has different skills in battle and individually have different abilities and statistics. The abilities available and used change depending on which positions the units are assigned to. Additionally many special abilities need to "charge" in the rear ranks before becoming available for usage. These abilities include firing special types of munitions (including flash, heat, smoke and impact), laying down mines or tripwire, laying down a barrage of fire, throwing grenades, healing units, sniping specific targets, morale boosts, AFW repairs, neutralization of enemy effects and disarming enemy mines/tripwire.
UPC-A:
083717200208 (United States)
eBay Product ID:
3790 (United States)
ASIN:
B000059Z7T (United States)
Sony PN:
SLUS-20145 (United States)
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Media Type:
CD-ROM
Number of Offline Players:
1 Player
Input Device Features Supported:
Vibration
Controller Types Supported:
Digital Controller
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Manual
Game Guide
Extracted from the original game manual
This is a tactical combat game set in an alternate 1964 Japan, where players command armored fighting walkers (AFWs) in a divided nation. Players engage in strategic battles, utilizing different AFW types, crew abilities, and shell types to overcome enemies and achieve objectives.
Story
Historical Context
Following Japan's rejection of the Potsdam declaration and call for resistance to the bitter end, the greater Asian war came to its conclusion when the Soviet Union entered the fight. With the war's end, the jurisdiction of the Japanese islands was divided among the occupying Allied forces, resulting in tension between the east and west power blocs and ultimately, tragedy and suffering.
Economic disparities and bottlenecks with post-war reparations increased political tensions and prompted pleas for reunification of Japan's divided lands. Without any clear beginning, the Japanese archipelago erupted into the "Japan War"; four years of fierce conflict that once again decimated Japanese lands.
The Japan War cease-fire was manipulated by international alliances and Communist ideologies, and was signed without even settling the issues of reparation lingering from the previous war's close. Japanese on both sides of the north-south border had sought reunification, but their futile calls went unanswered. The divided nation remained unchanged.
10 years have passed. It is 1964...
Opening
The title screen appears after the opening movie.
It is possible to skip the opening movie by pressing the START button or button.
Start Menu
The Start Menu is displayed by pressing the START button at the title screen.
Use the up and down Directional buttons to select from the menu, and press the button to enter your selection.
•
NEW GAME
Start from the beginning of the game. The prologue demo begins once this selection is made, and is followed by the first operation.
•
CONTINUE
After selecting this option, a screen appears where you can load previously saved data. Selecting a data file will continue a game from where it was last saved. See Pg. 17-Record Room
•
OPTIONS
Adjust various settings. Make selections with the Directional buttons, and press the button after all selections are made to return to the Start Menu screen.
Options
•
MESSAGE SPEED
Set the message speed (Fast, Normal, Slow) for the game.
•
SOUND SETTING
Select either Stereo or Monaural.
•
BGM
Set BGM during the game On/Off.
•
VIBRATION
Turn vibration On/Off. Vibrates in both lit and non-lit LED display.
•
GRID DISPLAY
Set grid display to On/Off.
Armored Fighting Walkers (AFW)
A walking war machine, commonly referred to as an AFW. Its most defining characteristic is the ability to traverse rough terrain with the Walker's legs.
Standard AFW
The AFW was created to serve as the primary weapon for land based warfare. Its superior balance of armor, firepower, and mobility make it the pinnacle of AFW development technology, and is the undisputed king of terrain combat.
Light AFW
The Light AFW is an indispensable element of the battlefield, and sacrifices armor and firepower for a high level of mobility. Although some apprehension exists over its role in VS AFW combat, it is used to carry out the tasks of observation and enemy scouting.
Crew Abilities
•
REARGUARD
Soldier defense is temporarily increased.
•
HYPER
Soldier defense is temporarily increased.
•
CLEANUP
Removal of obstacles set by enemy soldiers.
•
FAST REPAIR
Damaged legs and weapon are repaired.
•
GAS NEUTRALIZATION
The effects of a WP Shot are neutralized.
•
GAS MASK
Soldiers will not pull back, even if attacked with a WP Shot.
•
REPAIR-
Damaged legs and weapon are completely repaired.
Shell Types
•
HEAT SHELL
VS AFW Special Shell attack. It is most effective when used at close distances.
•
APC SHELL
VS AFW Special Shell attack. Damage is increased.
•
APCR SHELL
VS AFW Special Shell attack. This ammunition is also effective at long distances.
•
SHRAPNEL
VS AFW Special Shell attack. All soldiers in the Vanguard are damaged.
•
INCENDIARY
VS AFW Special Shell attack. One squad in the Vanguard is severely damaged.
•
INCENDIARY SHRAPNEL
VS AFW Special Shell attack. All soldiers in the Vanguard are severely damaged.
•
ILLUMINATION SHOT
This shot allows your unit to attack during nighttime conditions with accuracy equal to that of daytime conditions.
•
SMOKE SHOT
Enemy firing accuracy rates are temporarily reduced.
•
WP (WHITE PHOSPHOROUS) SHOT
In addition to the effects of the Smoke Shot, the soldiers in the Vanguard are temporarily forced to retreat.
Controls
DIRECTIONAL BUTTONS
Use to select commands from the title screen and in the options mode. On the Operation Map: Moves cursor and units. Command Selection. On the Battlefield Map: Selects command. Enters direction of movement.
START BUTTON
Starts the game from the title screen.
O BUTTON
Changes between the three unit information windows on the Operation Map.
X BUTTON
Enters command. On the Operation Map: Moves cursor to the unit receiving battle commands. On the Battlefield Map: Displays command options. Enters various commands.
SQUARE BUTTON
Cancels screens and commands. Displays movement and combat range on the Operation Map. Displays the Total Command Menu for battle conditions display.
R1 BUTTON
Moves cursor to next unit on the Operation Map. (For checking only)
L1 BUTTON
Moves cursor to last active unit on the Operation Map. (For checking only)
How to Play
GAME FLOW
STAGE NAME DISPLAY
OPERATION BRIEFING
CAMP SCREEN
BATTLEFIELD MAP
OPERATION MAP
IN-MAP EVENT
OPERATION COMPLETED
Shooting Tra
Mission Completed
UNIT FORMATION
FORMATION ROOM
Here you can adjust the AFW and soldier formations (groups) to fit different strategies. Try forming a unit keeping in mind what type of soldiers would be most effective when combined with a certain AFW.
Pressing the button in the unit formation screen displays basic data for each unit. Red areas on the graph indicate VS soldier attack levels, while blue areas show VS AFW attack levels.
CAMP SCREEN
INFORMATION ROOM
OPERATION ROOM
Current operation information can be consulted. You can also learn about areas of caution and combat techniques for the operation.
FORMATION ROOM
Organize soldiers in each unit.
INFORMATION ROOM
Detailed information and assistance can be accessed.
RECORD ROOM
Select to save the game.
SORTIE
Enter the current operation by closing the Camp Screen.
UNIT INFO
View information on currently organized units.
SOLDIER INFO
View information on the soldiers.
MEMOIRS
View inner-chapter events.
COMBAT MANUAL
View a variety of information: Characters, AFW, Soldiers, Maximum Attacks, Soldier Skills and Battlefield.
PILOTING SKILLS AND AFW BATTLE ABILITIES
Each AFW performs differently, even from other AFWs of the same type. The difference will become greater as each pilot learns various piloting skills.
MAXIMUM ATTACK
Special abilities possessed by each pilot.
LEVEL
The pilot's level. Levels are gained as experience points are gained through combat, improving various piloting skills.
COMMAND ABILITY
These grades reflect the skill in commanding the various types of soldiers.
STANDARD ABILITY (AFW)
Individual AFW performance capacity. Pilots customize their own machine, so even AFWs of the same type perform differently.
BATTLE ABILITY
Each AFW's VS AFW and VS Soldier combat ability level at each distance rating. It is most effective to fight at the distance with the highest numbers.
UNIT FORMATION AND ABILITY
Each pilot has strong and weak abilities; some may be skilled at firing, while others are first-rate commanders. Ability ratings increase by gaining combat experience. A unit's Battle Ability (areas displayed on the graph in dark green) also changes depending on the soldier formations.
OPERATION ABILITY
The operation ability of the unit commanded by each pilot. The pilot's AFW standard ability rating and the ability level of the various soldiers (squads) are displayed together.
BATTLE ABILITY
The Battle Ability of each pilot and their AFW. The VS AFW and VS Soldier ability rating may change depending on the ground soldiers, and the load ability may change depending on the ability of soldiers riding in the AFW.
SQUAD SELECTION
Each soldier type may have several squads, and even squads comprised of identical troops may possess small differences, such as available skills.
SOLDIER TYPE AND ABILITY
You can view the abilities of the different types of soldiers here. The various soldiers are divided into different roles, and are assigned to a number of squads. When forming units, focus on the appropriate type of AFW for each soldier. Differences in skills may result in weaknesses during battle.
ROLE
Soldier types classified by their specialization. The numbers reflect the current number of squads.
STANDARD ABILITY
The standard ability of soldiers assigned to each squad.
BATTLE ABILITY
The Battle Ability depending on the distance to the enemy AFW unit.
SKILLS
A display of the type of skills each squad possesses and the point when these are activated.
OPERATION START
When combat is initiated, the "Victory Condition" and "Loss Condition" are displayed and battle begins.
UNIT MOVEMENT
MOVEMENT PROCEDURE
•
The unit can be moved when its turn to move arises. This is called being "in turn".
•
When the cursor is placed on the unit in turn and selected, the movement range (blue squares) and attack range (yellow squares) are displayed. The unit cannot move into the attack range areas.
•
Setting the cursor to the square you would like to move to and pressing the Button opens the Action Menu.
ACTION MENU
ATTACK
This can only be selected when there are enemy units that can be attacked.
STATS
Relays unit information.
RECOVERY
This can only be selected when the AFW or soldiers have suffered damage.
OK
Move and end turn.
STANDBY
Standby at present location.
"OK" and "Standby" are not displayed at the same time.
UNIT ATTACK
Choosing "Attack" from the Action Menu displays the unit's attack range, and a targeting cursor appears on enemy units within firing range. After selecting a target, combat is initiated with the enemy unit targeted with the cursor.
OPENING A BATTLE DISTANCE
Opening battle distance is determined by the distance between your unit and the enemy unit.
•
Attack from an adjacent square: Short Range
•
Attack from a diagonally adjacent square: Medium Range
•
Attack from 2 or more squares away: Long Range
HINT
Choosing "Attack" from the Action Menu displays the unit's attack range, and a targeting cursor appears
Enemies & Characters
4-LEG AFW
This AFW was outfitted with the capacity to traverse rough terrain, and provides support for ground troops. The machine's structure was designed to support the weight of increasingly large artillery demands by dividing the weight over its multiple legs.
ANTI-AFW
This AFW was developed with an anti-AFW role in mind. Its guns are fixed, but the machine's two arms are highly effective weapons in Close Combat situations. It performs extremely well in VS AFW combat, but on the other hand its capacity in VS Soldier combat is limited.
MASAMI VON WEIZEGGER
The game's main character. Born and raised in Japan, he is the child of a German father and Japanese mother. Although lacking in practical experience, he has demonstrated prowess in piloting AFWs. He pilots a Standard AFW.
RYOKO MINAKAWA
A Japanese born in the midst of the Greater Asian War, she was estranged from both her father at a young age and her mother by her death. She is sharp tongued and leaves a cold impression on those she meets. She pilots a Standard AFW.
JOHN CASTER
A former US marine. He was discharged for violating military code. He is a war buddy of Kinasato's from the Japan War and is a light-hearted, straightforward man who does not dwell on little things. He pilots a 4-Leg AFW.
KENICHI KINASATO
Assigned to the 5th Division of the South Japan Forces. A war buddy of John's from the Japan War, his cool composure and abundant knowledge keeps his fledgling unit together. His private letters later became an invaluable resource in putting together the pieces of the incident. He pilots a light AFW.
KRISTOF SCHREIGEN
A unit general and commander who has been entrusted with final authority in the AFW division by the South Japan government and the top echelons of the military. He and Rodriguez have been colleagues since WW II.
RODRIGUEZ
Unit combat techniques instructor. Chased away and exiled from his German homeland, he is an experienced AFW combat pilot.
MATHILDA
A unit logistics supervisor, she is in charge of AFW provisions and repair, as well as unit information management.
TAKESHI KAIHO
He is North Japan Army's top AFW pilot, and goes by the nickname "Crimson Phantom". He is the ringleader of the group that stole the new prototype AFW.
INFANTRY ANTI-TROOP SOLDIERS
These are the standard soldiers appearing on the battlefield. Although useful in troop vs troop firefights they do not possess enough firepower to effectively combat AFWs. They use a bolt action rifle.
SHOOTER ANTI-ARMOR SOLDIER
This type of soldier specializes in anti-AFW warfare. While a threat to AFWs, they are weak against ground forces. They use a rocket launcher.
SUPPLY ANTI-ARMOR SOLDIER
This type of soldier has a detailed knowledge of AFW repair and overhaul. Their knowledge of machines makes them helpful during AFW combat as well. They carry a rifle and hand grenades.
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