Viewing Single Post From: Kessen III Review

Viewing Single Post From: Kessen III Review
Fayt	Aug 20 2007, 10:15 PM
Sakon, has left the topic. Posts: 3,638 Group: Members Member #9,265 Joined: August 19, 2007 Gender Male	Game: Kessen III Platform: PlayStation 2 Setting: Sengoku Era Japan Release Date: 22 December 2004 NTSC (US) Release Date: 22 February 2005 PAL (EU) Release Date: 13 May 2005 Description: Description: You lead Nobunaga Oda's army of Owari, who declares that he wishes to end the Chaos and rule the land. Attempting to build trust of his father’s army and officers such as Katsuie Shibata are only the first of his problems when attempting to rule the land. The story has a strong historical base which includes over 2 hours of beautiful FMV’s. Also features two of the better known battles at Okehazama (1560) & Nagashino (1575). Story Review: Being able to watch the story in the eyes of Nobunaga Oda and the Oda clan offers a great insight to the planning, allegiances and betrayals that an army can face. Those that are familiar with the “Samurai Warriors” games may be a little put off early by that fact, as Oda is portrayed as a “Demon King” in Samurai Warriors. However, it’s a great way to see the same situations is a very new light, the interaction between the characters is quiet brilliant and not dramatically different to history (like Kessen II, which slapped history in the face…and kicked it while it was down). While of course the latter stages of the story are notably different to history – but a game needs a happy ending, even with that it still shows solid comparisons to history and presents it in a very entertaining and enjoyable way. 9/10 Graphics/Sound: There is little doubt that this is by far the best of the series for both of these categories. Kessen II was riddled with some woeful voiceovers that did not activate properly half of the time, and while the graphics and FMV’s in Kessen II were great; they are now even better this time around! The in game detail and flow of battle is top class, your movement never feels out of place. And the music while can be repetitive in minor battles really boosts the Sengoku theme of the game really well. Then finally the FMV’s are outstanding at times it’s almost like a movie they are just that good. On all counts there is yet another big tick for Koei & Kessen III yet again. 8.5/10 Battle System: Kessen III has borrowed many of the successful traits from Kessen II, such as the devastating Magic, Charge & Rally commands, etc. And have tossed them in with a greater action driven style combat. Some that loved Kessen II may initially feel put off by the changes, but give it some time and you’ll quickly appreciate the additions to the typical Kessen style. The strategy elements of the game are still there, perhaps in slightly lower capacity to prior Kessen titles, but have turned the experience into something far more enjoyable and active. Now your units have “Troop Skills”, they don’t consume magic points or anything of that ilk; just need to be charged, well timed and unleashed upon the enemy. Being able to call upon a Cavalry Charge or an Arrow Volley at will adds a far greater action emphasis to the game; and rids the down time in waiting for a skill to attack the enemy again like in prior Kessen titles. Also new to the series is the “Rampage mode”, which is comparable to battles in Dynasty/Samurai Warriors while fighting mounted on a horse. Here you battle in a limited time to take out as many enemy soldiers as you can, and then end up in a tough battle with the opposing enemy leader on horse back. This doesn’t just drop the morale (condition) of your opponent, but also gives opportunity to boost your stats & skills development, as well as gain some extra gold and minor bonuses along the way. I find it an outstanding action addition, while at the same time if action is not your thing you can manage without it (on the standard difficulty at least). The new and old battle system combination is brilliant and highly addictive. 9/10 Planning/Outside wars: Outside of your various battles is a dramatically improved planning and development ability as opposed to Kessen II & rivals that of the Empires titles in the Warriors series. With the gold you collect in battles you can shop on various items which vary depending on which province you are in at the time, which periodically over discount items as well. You can store and alternate between hundreds of equipment items; giving a plentiful supply of options for your battle setups. You now can also learn just about any skill for any Warrior, providing you have the appropriate tome etc available & equipped of course. 9.5/10 Replay Value: I found the game was well worth playing several times over (if you enjoyed it the first time of course). By replaying you are able to tackle tougher difficulties and carry over much of your equipment/skills etc from your previous file. You will also be able to attempt many of the Major Battles you could not on your previous play (in my Kessen III FAQ you can see how many Major Battles you can do per chapter), and there are many hidden characters with special requirements (also in my Kessen III FAQ) which can be found as you go. The game also comes with a “Catalogue” collection, which stores the many items and various other achievements you gain throughout the game. This adds both a great sense of completion and greater replay value. 9.5/10 Final Thoughts: I strongly believe this is by and large the best of the Kessen series. If you are after a strategy style game that gives a higher action aspect it’s a must play. Excellent managerial army development between battles, even better then that what you witness in DW5 & SW2: Empires. It can also be extremely fun & addictive if you like having the ability to perfect your officer stats via rampage and the countless pieces of equipment available. That aspect alone coupled with the DW/SW style Rampage and powerful magic’s in a Kessen II like fashion makes it a real joy to play. It’s also a must get for those that want a different point of view of the perceived 'Devil King' Nobunaga Oda from other Sengoku related titles, offering a great way to see a portrayal from his eyes. All this is done with some excellent cut scenes in-between your battles as well. I believe it’s the most underrated KOEI game to date. Rating: 9/10
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