Kessen

"Hmmmm… Should I get Ring or Red or Kessen, Read on Gamers the answer is here"

Hmmmm… Should I get Ring or Red or Kessen, Read on Gamers the answer is here

Well it seems strange for such a young console to have two strategy games available for it. Not that strategy games are not successful on consoles, it just seems as though they are more of a PC affair. Well Koei and EA have collaborated to bring the PS2 its first epic strategy title. While this title lacks in some areas, it’s strong story, deep basis on actual history, and medieval Japanese warfare theme should keep most gamers occupied and very entertained.

Graphics:
For such an early title Kessen has some amazing visuals. Facial animations are clean and look very realistic, while combat animations are truly great boosting hundreds of soldiers during attacks, horseback sequences and more. Even the map screen where you command your units from is impressive, allowing you to zoom in on any army at any given point and see how the battle is progressing. Although these visuals are impressive they do mainly consist of a series of in game cut scenes, mainly due to the fact that the player only has control on the world map screen. Altogether Kessen boosts some excellent visuals that should impress any gamer.

Sound:
Along with excellent visuals Kessen has some wonderful engrossing sounds. The music is epic to the nature of the battles while the cannon fire, raids on horseback, and swords and spears clashing with armor all sound great and are very impressive. Although the voice acting in Kessen is not that bad, (actually it is decent) you may let out a snicker or two during the dialogue sequences. To complement the feel of the game Kessen has great sounds.

Game play:
Here is where Kessen truly excels over the other strategy title available on the PS2. Kessen gives you a fairly straight forward menu system (although it requires a long tutorial to learn) that lets you issue commands to each general in your army that range from attack, retreat, rest, to special maneuver such as musket barrages and cannon raids. The game lets you easily move from one army to another and adjust the map to easily see how your units are moving. Each general gives you reports on how they are fairing in battle or if they are tired and need rest. After a battle you are given experience points that can up character attributes and make a better army. You get options and plans to decide on so that when the battle starts you have the strongest opposition or the most powerful defense. All this and amazing FMV segments, and cut scenes along with a strong story line deep rooted in actual Japanese history equals a strategy enthusiast or history buffs wet dream. Even gamers who dislike strategy and history alike will probably find some amazing aspects to Kessen.

Well when choosing what strategy game to get on the PS2 Kessen is the number one choice. Compared to Ring of Red Kessen if the best strategy game currently available on the PS2. While the battles can be long you can save at any time and pick them up later. With a sequel in the works it looks like Kessen will be a series will see for while and that should be a good thing.

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 05/03/01, Updated 05/03/01