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| Kessen III Review; Score: 9/10 | |
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| Topic Started: Aug 20 2007, 10:15 PM (469 Views) | |
| Fayt | Aug 20 2007, 10:15 PM Post #1 |
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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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| KOEI Warriors | Aug 20 2007, 11:21 PM Post #2 |
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What an awesome review. Thanks for sharing and looks like you enjoyed this game a lot
 9/10 is a really-good mark!
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| Fayt | Aug 21 2007, 03:28 AM Post #3 |
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Thanks Insp. Chin.
I just enjoy writing these reviews/guides when I get some free time. To some 9 might seem a bit much, but considering the amount of times I was more then happy to replay it I personally feel it's worthy of that rating. Something else I liked which I didn't put in the review are the comedic moments during the game, fictional sure but add a little extra to it. Like the "Potato Samurai" comments that Toshiie started to use for example. |
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| Kratos Aurion | Aug 21 2007, 03:51 AM Post #4 |
MOAR
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your review made me go buy this game! you work for koei, dont you?
 Im just at the Matsunaga chapter..3 or 4 i think, ive done one or two bandit levels after Inabayama. How the heck did Hideyoshi teleport in that battle? one second hes behind me, next thing i know hes in the middle of the castle : / anyways yeah man nice review you made my wallet lighter
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| SlickSlicer | Aug 21 2007, 03:52 AM Post #5 |
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He found a secret path. If you direct him to where Takenaka Hanbei is, you can unlock him too. >:} |
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| Fayt | Aug 21 2007, 03:55 AM Post #6 |
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Haha well I'm flattered Nagamasa, but I sure don't work for Koei; if I didn't like something I'd review it poorly...or rather not bother reviewing it. Anyway, hope you enjoy the game now you have it.
And as Slick said, I recall Hideyoshi on a couple of occasions finding hidden paths to move around quickly - he is a crafty monkey! |
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| Kratos Aurion | Aug 21 2007, 03:59 AM Post #7 |
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MOAR
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Yeah i played it for a long time, unfortunately ive been up since 6 am and its 10 pm now, and i had around 4 hours of sleep last night, so (oddly enough) my right eye is really bloodshot and tired, but my left eye isnt bloodshot at all, even though its tired. But yeah its a fun game, and i love charging in with rampage once somone is basically done for, its a good "Blaze of Glory" kinda way to go. Ive yet to have any problems with Mitsuhide..since he betrays me, should i even level him? Hes so cool
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| Fayt | Aug 21 2007, 04:00 AM Post #8 |
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Sakon, has left the topic.
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Well yeah, those that know the history will know Akechi will betray eventually; so if you can don't bother using him/equipping him with anything useful. Maybe we should take general discussion to a thread in the Kessen sub-forum? Oh, and sounds like you should sleep. 
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| Kratos Aurion | Aug 21 2007, 04:03 AM Post #9 |
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MOAR
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oh..id almost forgotten. Is Oda's wife Noh by a different name? i forget its like Koochi or something haha. i do need to sleep. >< and thanks for the heads up on akechi's uselessness |
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| Crazypete | Aug 22 2007, 03:43 AM Post #10 |
KW's Zhou Yu
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haha!! close it's Kicho..I hope i'm right?
 I mean i did get this game recently lol
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| Fayt | Aug 22 2007, 03:50 AM Post #11 |
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Nohime was Oda's wife, although she was also known as Kicho in Kessen III; Kicho is one of the known alternate names for Nohime; as is Lady Noh. It's amazing how different she is in the two games though, Lady Noh in SW looks and acts nothing like Kicho in Kessen III. |
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| vincent5400 | Dec 3 2007, 06:48 AM Post #12 |
Loyal* Ninja
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Great review, I completely agree with. I love how historical this game is compared to its Samurai Warrior counterpart. Koei really put work in on the cutscenes and it came out beautifully. |
 Thanks to King of Wei for avatar and sig. Lord: G.O.W. | |
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| Fayt | Feb 22 2008, 03:19 PM Post #13 |
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~ Note: I just made several expansions (Replay value etc) and edits to the review. |
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