"A neat interactive history lesson"

Looking for an interactive history lesson? Look no further then Kessen. While packing a few neat ideas into an overall good package, there really wasn't too much substance to the game. The graphics are good, the sound is above average, but it doesn't have what I was looking for- Strategy. And lots of it. There is a more difficult setting, but it didn't really offer too much more. The strategy that the computer gives you is almost always the best one, leaving no reason to change it.

Graphics- 7/10

Not too bad, and the Raids and Duels look very good. The game didn't allow very many characters on screen. While watching the soldiers crash into each other, it doesn't give the scope of a real battle. Another complaint is the armies on the map. They are just little marching clumps that left much to be desired, and I would like to see more troops on the special maneuver screens.

Sound- 7/10

The voice acting of some generals is quite laughable. Some of the characters have pretty cool voices and sweet lines. Honda is my favorite. The sound of the guns firing and people hand-to-hand fighting was really effective in establishing the environment. The game's music was quite good as well, and it added to the battles.

Gameplay- 6/10

Not the best. The strategy that is preset always works extremely well, and changing the generals and troops doesn't matter one bit. The one improvement I would have suggested was no preset strategies, so you would have to create your own. The in-battle gameplay doesn't offer much variety, and it is a letdown after the cut scenes built it up so well. It really does play out as an interactive history lesson, instead of the strategy game I was hoping to get.

Fun- 7/10

The game is somewhat fun and interesting during the first game you play. It is filled with plenty of plot development, which would be a good thing if this were an RPG. But it is a strategy game, and I would have appreciated better battles, along with some variety over a good story.

Rent/Buy-

Definitely a rent. If you are really interested in history or are a strategy game freak, then by all means, check it out. But only if you already have Final Fantasy Tactics and Front Mission 3.

Overall-7/10

A sub-par strategy game. A great story. What do you get when you combine the two? An average game, at best.

Reviewer's Score: 7/10, Originally Posted: 06/21/02, Updated 06/21/02