Summary
- Release Year: 2000
- Genres: Strategy, Tactical, Turn-based strategy (TBS)
- Platforms: PlayStation 2
- Developers: Koei
- Publishers: Electronic Arts, Koei
Kessen (2000): A Real-Time Strategy Epic
Released in 2000, Kessen was the first PlayStation 2 game to ship on a DVD, and it remains one of the most impressive strategy games of its era. Set in the Warring States period of Japan, Kessen gives players command of vast armies of up to 100,000 troops, including archers, infantry, riflemen, and cavalry.
The game features over 100 movie segments, fully 3D battlefields, and separate animation routines for every character. It also offers three different camera views, allowing players to get a close-up look at the action or zoom out for a more strategic perspective.
Kessen’s gameplay is simple to learn but difficult to master. Players must use their wits and strategic prowess to outmaneuver their opponents and achieve victory. The game offers a variety of different unit types, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Players must carefully consider the terrain and the composition of their army when making their decisions.
In addition to its single-player campaign, Kessen also features a multiplayer mode for up to four players. In multiplayer mode, players can compete against each other in a variety of different game modes, including deathmatch, capture the flag, and king of the hill.
Kessen was a critical and commercial success, selling over 2 million copies worldwide. It was praised for its innovative gameplay, stunning graphics, and epic scope. The game has been cited as an influence on a number of other real-time strategy games, including the Total War series and the Command & Conquer series.
Gameplay
Kessen is a real-time strategy game in which players control vast armies of up to 100,000 troops. The game is set in the Warring States period of Japan, and players can choose to play as one of six different clans.
Each clan has its own unique units and abilities. For example, the Oda clan is known for its powerful cavalry, while the Takeda clan is known for its skilled infantry. Players must carefully consider the strengths and weaknesses of each clan when making their decisions.
The game’s battles take place on fully 3D battlefields. Players can zoom in to get a close-up look at the action or zoom out for a more strategic perspective. The game also features a variety of different camera views, allowing players to see the battlefield from different angles.
Players must use their wits and strategic prowess to outmaneuver their opponents and achieve victory. The game offers a variety of different unit types, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Players must carefully consider the terrain and the composition of their army when making their decisions.
In addition to its single-player campaign, Kessen also features a multiplayer mode for up to four players. In multiplayer mode, players can compete against each other in a variety of different game modes, including deathmatch, capture the flag, and king of the hill.
Graphics
Kessen was one of the most visually impressive games of its era. The game’s fully 3D battlefields were a sight to behold, and the character models were incredibly detailed. The game also featured a variety of different weather effects, which added to the realism of the battles.
The game’s cutscenes were also very well done. They were directed by renowned Japanese filmmaker Akira Kurosawa, and they featured stunning cinematography and action sequences.
Sound
The sound design in Kessen was also top-notch. The game’s music was composed by renowned Japanese composer Masashi Hamauzu, and it perfectly captured the epic scope of the game. The sound effects were also very realistic, and they helped to create a truly immersive experience.
Conclusion
Kessen is a classic real-time strategy game that still holds up today. The game’s innovative gameplay, stunning graphics, and epic scope make it a must-play for fans of the genre. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a newcomer to the world of real-time strategy, Kessen is sure to provide you with hours of enjoyment.
Review Score
7.5/10
