Infobox VG
title = Kessen
caption =
developer = Koei
publisher = Koei, Electronic Arts
designer =
engine =
released = vgrelease|JP=2000-03-04|NA=2000-10-26|PAL=2000-12-15
genre = Real-time tactics
modes = Single player
ratings = vgratings|ESRB=Teen|ELSPA=15+
platforms = PlayStation 2
media = DVD-ROM
requirements =
input = Gamepad
nihongo|"Kessen"|決戦|Kesen is a PlayStation 2 launch title produced by Koei and published by Electronic Arts. This was the first DVD-ROM format game for the PS2. It was initially the only real-time wargame game available for the PlayStation 2.
It is a real-time tactics game set in feudal Japan, focusing upon a conflict between the eastern Tokugawa clan and western Toyotomi clan (with Ishida Mitsunari as the Toyotomi's guardian and protector) shogunates at the end of Sengoku Jidai. Tokugawa Ieyasu served as the primary representative for the Eastern forces where the Western army changed leaders based on the results of select key battles.
Although it was, for the most part, historically accurate, the game contained a number of "What-if" scenarios, for example, if the Western forces are victorious at the Battle of Sekigahara (historically an Eastern victory).
Two sequels were later created, "Kessen II" and "Kessen III". These two games introduced magical and meteorological elements to the games.
Cinematics
A note from the game's producer, Kou Shibusawa, addressed to players before any campaign begins, explains his desire to take his own twist on this segment of history but felt too constricted by cinema to do so properly. With "Kessen", he believes that he was able to explore his ideas more freely. Thus, several of the game's cut scenes have a theatrical feel similar to "chanbara" and "jidaigeki" films.
Before each campaign begins, a narrator enlists a brief summary of the events proceeding the selected campaign to help familiarize players with the battle taking place. After the pre-planning of the battle is finished, a cinematic event occurs, often dramatizing character interactions or significant historical events that took place before the battle occurs.[cite video |title=Kessen- Tokugawa's Rearguard |url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fdIPKTcJBCU |format=flv |accessdate=2008-01-27 ] ][ At Sekigahara, Shimazu Yoshihiro: So Ishida said, "Night attacks are for cowards! Go fight boldly!" He would not listen to me and now look what we face. cite video game|title=Kessen |developer=Koei |publisher=Electronic Arts |date=2000-10-26 |platform=PlayStation 2 |language=English] Similar events also occur after the war council, during battle, and at the battle's end.]Amongst the historically accurate retelling of events, preference for the oft romanticized accounts were sometimes used. Notable instances include Hosokawa Gracia ordering a soldier to kill her and Tokugawa Hidetada ordering the assassination of Sanada Masayuki for causing his tardiness at Sekigahara.[Tokugawa Ieyasu: You had Masa Sanada murdered!? You fool! I detest such treachery!/ Tokugawa Hidetada But it was- it was because of him that we were late to arrive at Sekigahara! I just felt- / Tokugawa Ieyasu: What, more excuses... Leave my sight! I grow sickened by your face. cite video game|title=Kessen |developer=Koei |publisher=Electronic Arts |date=2000-10-26 |platform=PlayStation 2 |language=English] ]Critical Reception
The first installment to the "Kessen" series was generally received positive by critics, many reacting to the gameplay with mixed impressions. Jeff Luther from GamesFirst! Magazine reviewed that the gameplay, though easy to pick up, failed to hold difficulty after the initial stages. [cite web |last=Luther |first=Jeff | title=Archival Review for "Kessen" | url=http://www.gamesfirst.com/reviews/jluther/kessen/kessen.htm | work= [http://www.gamesfirst.com/ Games First!] | accessmonthday=January 27 | accessyear=2008] Others have also said it to be redundant and slow. [cite web |last=Klepek |first=Patrick | title=Review for "Kessen" | url=http://www.gaming-age.com/cgi-bin/reviews/review.pl?sys=ps2&game=kessen | work= [http://www.gaming-age.com/ Gaming Age] | accessmonthday=January 27 | accessyear=2008] [cite web |author=ZeroTolerance | title=Review: "Kessen" | url=http://www.ztgamedomain.com/view.php?rid=169 | work= [http://www.ztgamedomain.com/ ZTGameDomain.com Pure Hardcore Gaming] | accessmonthday=January 27 | accessyear=2008] Cutscenes were cited by one critic to be "the visual appeal to Kessen". [cite web |last=Carlock |first=Jamie | title=Review for "Kessen" (page 2) | url=http://www.planetps2.com/features/reviews/nov00/kessen/index2.shtml | work= [http://ps2.gamespy.com/ Gamespy PS2] | accessmonthday=January 27 | accessyear=2008] Graphics concerning the historical figures were also pried at to be "over the top" and colorful enough to the point of ridiculousness, though impressive for the game. [cite web |last=Smith |first=David | title="IGN: Kessen:Review" | url=http://ps2.ign.com/articles/163/163340p1.html | work= [http://www.ign.com/ IGN.com] | accessmonthday=January 27 | accessyear=2008] What gained "Kessen" the most praise was the game's sound department, many citing the orchestral score to be "epic" with one critic noting the "English voices to be good and fitting". [cite web |last=Sato |first=Ike | title=Review for "Kessen" | url=http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/strategy/kessen/review.html | work= [http://www.gamespot.com/ Gamespot] | accessmonthday=January 27 | accessyear=2008] Overall, it is seen as a game for history buffs of Japanese history with a good but flawed presentation.
As of January 2008, the game holds an average ranking of 77% at Game Rankings. [cite web | title="Kessen"-PS2 | url=http://www.gamerankings.com/htmlpages2/197712.asp?q=Kessen | work= [http://www.gamerankings.com/ Game Rankings] | accessmonthday=January 27 | accessyear=2008]
References
External links
* [http://www.koei.com/launch/Archive/Kessen.htm Official Achieved Page] at [http://www.koei.com/ Koei]
*moby game|id=/kessen
