Ring of Red is the most unique tactical RPG ever made and we will never see a game like it again. I used to reserve this game at the video store so I could rent it on the weekends and at the time it was right up there with Ogre Battle 64.
The setting is post WW2 Japan, but Soviet Russia also takes over the country along with the US and Cold War tensions escalate. Also someone decided to invent the AFW; Armoured Fighting Walker. Basically a tank on legs powered by diesel! There are different classes of AFW and they are supported by infantry squads on the battlefield, each with their own abilities and skills. Alongside the pilot, AFWs can also be crewed by infantry for even more options. Gameplay consists of a world map on which you move your units and engage with the enemy. When a fight happens you switch to a combat screen where you control the range of your mech and the position of your infantry. When you have loaded your guns an aiming reticle appears and the longer you focus your aim the higher your chance to hit, just don't take too long or the foe may fire first, disrupting your shot! A very unique battle system that you just have to try to fully appreciate. You can unlock special units and items and the combinations of infantry and mechs is pretty deep. The story had my attention at 15 but looking back I can see how some criticised it as sparse, though I did play an emulated version recently and thoroughly enjoyed it.
I think this game deserves preservation as one of Konami's hidden gems - I would even go so far as to say it's worthy of a remake! I would buy this game in a heartbeat if it came on GOG.