"GameSpot" said the game "is easily the best strategy game out on the PS2 at this time." "IGN" criticized the dialogue and the overall translation, but praised the game as "a very satisfying strategy experience." "GameRevolution" criticized the pace of the gameplay and the graphics, while praising its simplicity and depth. "Eurogamer" criticized the soundtrack, lack of voice acting and translation, but praised the graphics and gameplay, saying "People who enjoy involving battle strategy romps...will definitely find "Ring of Red" captivating." "GamePro" called it "repetitive and sometimes even boring...yet it manages to be hypnotically fun." Greg Orlando of "Next Generation" said, "With this "Ring", we certainly are wed to mass destruction – yet we marry not out of love, but for looks and quick, easy fun."