30 Days of Free-To-Play! Day 01: Red Stone

We are launching a new featured series here on Save Point Online, which if you are a subscriber to our weekly podcast you are already aware of. Welcome to 30 Days of Free-To-Play! In which we will be spotlighting one free-to-play MMO every day, helping you to decide which one, if any, are worth your time and money. (Yes, Free-To-Play isn’t free for everything) Today, we are starting with a little title called Red Stone.

Read the review after the jump.

The first game in our series is a more or less typical offering of the free MMO style from South Korea. Red Stone, from Gamers First, is set in a fantasy world where gameplay consists mostly of  completing quests, allotting earned skill points, and PvP combat. While the visuals are less than stunning and the gameplay a little dull, it features a rich community of english-speaking players as well as regular tournaments and free item giveaways.

Upon first logging into the game as a new non-premium player, you must first decide your class.  Most are variations on the standard fare, with options such as Warrior, Monk, Magician, Magic Archer, Necromancer, Thief, Tamer, Summoner, and Princess with more available to paying members (Information about them, though, is hard to find for non-premium players) Choose wisely now, as not only will your decision effect your play style, but also your appearance. Each character class’ gender and clothing are static, each is also repeated.

Upon earning and assigning the appropriate skill points for each class, they each earn a second form. Some turn into demons or angels, some gain more powerful abilities or change to compensate for the class’ weakness. Some, like the Little Witch,  cater specifically  to the anime style character design.  It is often an attraction for the audience, but it can also be a turn-off for many. No worries, though as you will see as soon as you reach the game iself.

The graphics in Red Stone are… strange.  Bringing to mind a somewhat diminished Ultima Online or even Diablo, but far more jagged and -in my opinion- out of date.  Was this an aesthetic choice? A budget constraint? Who knows, but with today’s more demanding American and European audiences, it’s hard to see why gamers would continue to choose this game over all others.

 They do though. 

With gameplay limited to a small area, with players using portals to travel from one enemy infested dungeon or forest,  PvP is popular in Red Stone and tournaments are a frequent occurrence.  Playing the game itself can be a somewhat dull experience, but the combat at higher levels becomes very strategic and partying becomes very important, leading to what may be the game’s only strength;  a sizeable and very friendly English-speaking community.

All in all, Red Stone is  a game that I would not recommend for anyone looking for an MMO with an expansive world,  a variety of skills,  armor sets or fashion accessories, or an engaging adventure. But those dedicated and patient few who enjoy level-grinding and the strategic aspect of developing combat skills, Red Stone might just be worth a look. I would classify it as a casual MMO to an extent, but considering that most information relating to the finer points of the higher level gameplay is rare, it could also be a commitment that you might regret later.

Leave a Reply