Koei has been in the habit of creating true-to-life war simulation since its early SNES days. They have always been credited for building a sophisticated simulation game around an incredibly rich (and historically accurate) story. Kessen is no exception. Taking its heroes from a chapter in Japan's past, Koei's 'war-simulation' formula has worked once again resulting in simply one of the most rewarding and in depth strategy titles to appear on a console system. Utilizing PS2's imaging power, Kessen is also a visual masterpiece to boot.

For starters, understanding the game and playing the game are two very different things. Sure, its easy to skip past all the tedious narratives in the game and jump straight into battle, but there seems a large initiative by the creator, Kou Shibusawa to use the game as a means of educating gamers on the warring factions and their leaders involved in the Azuchi-Momoyama and Edo periods (1673-1867) on which the game is based.

Tedious? Yes. A little boring? Yes. Does it enhance the experience? Definitely. While the instruction booklet reads more like a history essay with game-play footnotes, half of Kessen's charm is becoming immersed in the world it has worked so hard to create.

In order to save this review from becoming a book, all you really need to know is that you are in control of the armies to East. After the brilliantly constructed cinemas play out, it is your job as omnipotent leader to direct your armies into battle -- each which serve as a turning point in the story. Each mission is established with illustrated and narrated briefings on the events and circumstances leading to the next battle. From these scenes you will be given relative objectives and time restraints in which to meet them. Meet these and you will be revered and honored back at camp, leave the battlefield as a loser and the course of the game will be altered - as well, you will bring shame on your family for generations to come (or so I was led to believe). Fans of simulation games will find nothing overly different about how the battles are played out. Simply put, you are given x amount of men to work with, a battle field, x amount of enemies, and the ability to manipulate your armies movements and battle strategies.

However, for the initially overwhelmed , your first encounter comes equipped with an in-depth tutorial which coaches on everything from moving your army to full on 'wipe-em-out' strategies. But just because you know how to play the game doesn't mean the rest is a walk in the park. Kessen is an exercise in strategy. Fine-tuning your attacks may prove successful in early battles, but different objectives and AI make it a necessity to adapt and learn as you play.

As mentioned, Kessen showcases graphics which would make any PS2 owner proud. With this title, it seems, the goal of creative a movie-like game experience is realized. There are no CGI cut scenes, only amazingly animated acts using the in-game graphics which are used to progress the story and also depict your actions on the field. Choose to raid your enemy and you will be treated to a glorious (and seemingly random) Braveheart-esque battle scene complete with disembowelment and random acts of heroism. Accept a duel with a warring leader and you will watch your main protagonist tough it out on horseback or in complicated sword-play. You get the drift. Actual battling is done via a top down environment - all beautiful in their own right. If Sony's goal with Kessen was to boast its rendering abilities, than it was more that successful. Actual battling is done via a top down environment which is

Orchestral music and Hollywood caliber sound dubbing round out the Koei experience. While sound doesn't normal have a huge importance over the elements of a game, with Kessen, you will need to hear the narratives in order to have a full understand of who's head it is you are suppose to serve on a pike..and how you will go about serving it. Plus, while I am one to turn on the radio in lieu of game music, Kessen's score is easy on the ears and adapts to your situations.

In a foreward to the game , Shibusawa says, "I have always dreamed of creating a movie which I could control. With Kessen, I have finally been able to realize this dream". Albeit a little melodramatic, this is hard to argue against. Kessen is simply a solid title. If this is any indication of what to expect from the PS2, then the future looks promising.

Screens courtesy of PS2IGN

· · · Agent Smith