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Kessen II PlayStation 2
  • Publisher: Koei
  • Release Date: Sep 26, 2001
Metascore
71 out of 100

Mixed or average reviews - based on 15 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 15
  3. Negative: 0 out of 15
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  1. GamerWeb Sony
    85
    The storyline is engaging, and commanding an elephant to tromp through units and trample people is pretty hard to beat.
  2. IGN
    84
    Builds on its predecessor by bringing the player even closer to the action.
  3. TotalGames.net
    84
    Unlike the original Kessen, KII is far more accessible and the fantasy element gives the whole show a far more epic feel in the style of TV’s Mahabarat (okay, it’s a Hindu show, but you get the idea).
  4. PSX Nation
    80
    About as visually-appealing, user-friendly, fun and deep as Koei can make a strategy simulation without watering-down the formula completely, which makes it ideal for newcomers to the genre or the "Kessen" universe.
  5. Game Informer
    80
    When it came down to it, I began to wonder if all the info and options available to me made a difference in the outcome of the battles at all. Definitely play Kessen II to blow up guys with meteor showers; just don't expect to do everything with your new abilities.
  6. GameSpy
    78
    More about style than substance. Nevertheless, the style excels, and there's still enough substance to give strategy gamers something worthwhile.
  7. GameSpot
    77
    A game that is visually striking, with massive spell effects and a histrionic storyline, but one that may not appeal to fans of realistic war simulations.
  8. Electronic Gaming Monthly
    70
    The gameplay is ironclad; however, a few presentation problems hold the title back. [Dec 2001, p.250]
    All this publication's reviews
  9. Hot Games
    70
    If DW3 was the video game equivalent of "Braveheart," then Kessen II is Kuroswawa's "Ran" -- just a little more meat in your dish.
  10. GamePro
    60
    The difference between the sheer energy in the cinemas and the painstaking gameplay is so striking that it feels like you’re fighting battles less to win them than to see the next visual treat.
  11. Yahoo! Games
    60
    If you’re a serious strategy aficionado who expects more than to be seduced by lush eye candy, you’ll lament the restricted control system and the over-emphasis on storyline at the expense of intricate gameplay.
  12. G4 TV
    60
    The controls are too simple to make you want to play the game for very long.
  13. Official U.S. Playstation Magazine
    60
    Inconsistent voice acting and poor plot development. [Dec 2001, p.168]
    All this publication's reviews
  14. Core Magazine
    58
    If you are looking for a historical strategy sim you will be disappointed with Kessen's superficial treatment of military planning. But if you are seeking eye candy and a trite but entertaining story you'll likely be thrilled with this title.
  15. GameShark
    54
    Despite its initial luster, it becomes tedious rather quickly.
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User Reviews

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User Score
9.8 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 13 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 11
  3. Negative: 0 out of 11
  1. Wargamer
    8
    If you've finally grown tired of mashing your fingers into oblivion on Dynasty Warriors, you could do a lot worse than jumping ship and moving into the RTS genre via Kessen II. Kessen II's plotline is a romanticism of the 3 Kingdoms Era. The plot revolves around Liu Bei (the player's faction) and his love of Diao Chan whom he fawns for at ever oppertunity. Eventually, Liu Bei notices there's a war on as well. Aside from the occasional wince of embarassment from Liu Bei, the game provides a solid plot and excellent gaming. Your armies have a massive array of abilities (particularly on later stages), and there is a lot of replay value due to varying difficulties and an unlockable faction. However, there are downsides; you are heavily restricted in terms of deployment, and you pretty much have to play out a pre-chosen strategem on most missions. The game also slows to a crawl when you've got a lot of abilities kicking off, and frankly some of the battles are more "annoying" than challenging. Nevertheless, Kessen II is a good, solid game. Regardless of how many Dynasty Warriors titles you own, or not, there are many hours of enjoyment to be had here… Full Review »
  2. Sean
    10
    Great! I love it. Its just as good as dyansty warriors 4(not graphics)
  3. Harley(Pogo-the-monkey)D.
    10
    Absolute brilliance the fights are brilliant the spells are great and the plot is very good! cant i please give it 11 out of 10? (to be perfect i wish they had summoning abilitys like ff10 and summoner 1/2 now that would make it perfect!!!… Full Review »
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