Ten Ton Hammer - Taking MMO Gamers to the Next Level!

By Danny "Ralsu" Gourley

Graphics
Graphics in Red Stone are like those of the 16-bit console era. Sure, it's a 2D game (released in 2007), but it looks ten years old at least. It's hard to make out details on the creatures and skills in the 800 by 600 resolution. If this game were released 10 years ago, I would have thought the graphics were poor even then but would not have let that hold me back. To see a game look like this now is hard to accept.

Gameplay
Red Stone gives players a fairly traditional role-playing experience in the start. After a brief tutorial, players land in Brunenstig, the first major town, where players begin investigating rumors of the Red Stone. It's standard fare, but that does not mean it is bad.

Players who explore will be rewarded by finding more quests and items. Following a quest in the log is pretty easy, and the game gives an on-screen indicator as quest items drop from slain enemies.

The fact that each player character is two classes provides some flexibility even if it can be a bit confusing. My Princess seemed to be a ranged fighter, using slings in the beginning. Her skill tree showed me that I could learn some skills to deflect enemy aggression and just cause a little havoc in general. The Little Witch half of my character seemed like the Dirge from EverQuest 2; the skills for that class were all about crippling the enemies attack and defense and making it easier for a party to win. This was a little puzzling to me, as the Princess would be best built as a ranged damage per second (DPS) fighter while the Little Witch is a support caster.

Parting Thoughts
Honestly, it was hard for me to look beyond the graphics in Red Stone. I am willing to be forgiving of a game with mediocre graphics if it has a good story. Magic World Online has been on my Top Ten Free-to-Play Games list from the outset. But the graphics in Red Stone are from a different era and are hard to excuse. Furthermore, I felt the game played ploddingly, like a single player role-playing game might. I can't imagine what it must feel like when the grind sets in during the middle levels.

The story in Red Stone seems worth a look, and if you are nut for the Diablo type of games, this one might be a fun way to kills some hours (and monsters). Even so, too many other games offer a prettier package with quality gameplay to make Red Stone a major factor for me.

Disclaimer: The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Ten Ton Hammer network or staff.