Kessen III coming
by Kit

Saturday, October 16 2004

Kou Shibusawa's Latest Masterpiece will Ship to North American Stores in 2005.

KOEI, today announced that KESSEN III will ship to retailers in the First Quarter of 2005. KESSEN III is a Kou Shibusawa production exclusive to the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system.

KESSEN III is the first sequel to the series in almost four years and will be notable for several sweeping changes to the widely respected franchise. The series' Crowd Engine that was used in the original Kessen has been completely rebuilt to deliver the most exciting battle scenes and action-oriented gameplay in the series- all in full 3D. Unlike any of the previous Kessen games in the series, players will have direct real-time control of troop movements, offensives, and defensive maneuvers. Moreover, allied units can join the player-controlled unit to create combination attacks

KESSEN III now features non-linear stage selection, an officer and troop development system, and a process that allows players to equip officers with over 450 weapons, helmets, and samurai armor. The game's deep and compelling narrative will unfold throughout 120 combined minutes of movie sequences, accompanied by a stirring musical score from legendary composer Reijiro Koroku.

The new sequel also marks the franchise's return to Japanese history and aesthetics. It is the middle of the turbulent Sengoku or "warring states" period. Endless chaos and plunder have consumed the islands of Japan. A
young teenager, known for his extravagant appearance and unconventional attitude emerges from Central Japan- he is Nobunaga Oda. While elders admonished him, his contemporaries admired him. Blessed with an indomitable vision and fearless constitution, the soon-to-be legendary Nobunaga will stand against legions of warriors in order to resurrect a land filled with chaos and sorrow.

KESSEN III is being developed by KOEI Co., Ltd. and is produced by Kou Shibusawa, who's previous credits include the legendary Romance of the Three Kingdoms series, Nobunaga's Ambition, Winning Post, P.T.O.,
and Crimson Sea. KESSEN III is an action-strategy game for 1 Player, and is scheduled to ship to North American retailers in Q1 2005. The game is rated "RP" (Rating Pending) by the ESRB.

--- Kit