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Kessen PlayStation 2
User Score
8.8 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 6 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 6
  3. Negative: 1 out of 6

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  1. MarkW.
    May 22, 2005
    10
    It was a superb game and it was the game that i was hoping some company would make and electronic arts did so a BIG thank you to electronic arts
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  2. JasonT.
    Feb 5, 2002
    10
    It was one of the best games that I have ever played.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  3. LouieggyL.
    Oct 16, 2003
    10
    It Rocks... It totally engulfed me in the want to play it more!!!
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  4. Kessen
    Mar 27, 2003
    10
    its the coolest and most exciting game in the world.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  5. ransonshan
    May 23, 2012
    7
    Kessen Graphics 6/10- The graphics for it’s time are pretty lacking for ps2 standards in the cutscenes, though the character animations in the gameplay are ok, each character model sees some variety and the overall design of the soldiers is a sight to behold for American audiences. The dueling sessions aren’t too special, the characters do their job but it seems like the animation and effort could have been better. Sound 5/10- The soundtracks themselves are traditional Japanese war tunes and sound good for their standards. The clashing of swords and bullets shot from rifles and cannon blasts make the game sound a lot more life-like, though the quality is lacking. The voice acing is actually pretty bad; some characters give an average/boring performance while others just sound outright terrible. It seems corny on a level that doesn’t make you laugh but cringe. Gameplay 8/10- The gameplay definitely does hold the game together as a whole. It’s precisely what you would expect from this type of RTS title. The large amount of soldiers fighting on screen and the moral organization make the gameplay more stimulating than it’s led on to be. You have the option of looking in on clashes between opposition, and though you cannot directly influence the fight in person the massive feel and atmosphere of thousands of men on screen is awe-inspiring to the eye. Many special attacks or charges are available for each type of general and troop, and effectively using them can encourage playing the higher difficulty to test your real-time pressure and decision-making skills. Though at times the game can be slow-paced and drawn out, battles in ancient Japan were slow-paced, giving the feel of the realism behind the gameplay. Final Words/Personal Experience- At a younger age I found this game to look amazing and was astounded by its gameplay mechanics. Though I may like it personally better than most people, I would have to give it a… 7/10- it’s the first of its kind and the formula was new for western audiences, but it seems unpolished and clunky to give it a better rating.… Expand
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Critic Reviews

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Metascore
75 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 20 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 20
  3. Negative: 0 out of 20
  1. GamePen
    50
    It seems as if the story actually is more important than the game.
    Read full review
  2. CNET Gamecenter
    80
    One of the best console strategy games ever made.
  3. TotalGames.net
    65
    The battles soon result in simplistic tat-for-tat assaults using the boosted special attacks whilst the tactical differences between various sections is questionable.
    Read full review
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