Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Kessen offers a robust strategy experience that blends grand-scale command with cinematic action sequences. As Tokugawa Ieyasu or one of his rivals, you’ll find yourself immersed in real-time battles where every decision counts. Positioning your troops, selecting targets, and timing special actions like volleys of arrows or cannon fire are critical to achieving victory on the field.

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The game’s command interface is intuitive yet deep. You issue orders to multiple generals simultaneously, directing cavalry charges, flanking maneuvers, and defensive holds. While larger formations move at a slower pace, your ability to zoom in on individual skirmishes gives you the tactical flexibility needed to respond to unexpected developments.

What truly sets Kessen apart are the cinema-like cut-scenes triggered by special actions. When you unleash a cannon barrage or lead a cavalry charge, the camera sweeps in close, heightening the drama and giving weight to your strategic choices. These moments not only break up the battlefield overview but also reinforce the impact of your tactical acumen.

Graphics

Visually, Kessen strikes a fine balance between realistic battlefield depictions and stylized anime-inspired cut-scenes. The environments are richly detailed, from lush forests to rolling hills, creating an authentic sense of feudal Japan. Unit models are clearly defined, allowing you to distinguish infantry, archers, and cavalry even amidst the chaos of battle.

The game’s real strength lies in its special-action cinematics. When you order a volley of arrows, the animation captures individual archers drawing their bows before the screen fills with whistling projectiles. Cannon shots produce billowing smoke and ground-shaking impacts, while cavalry charges are accompanied by pounding hooves and dramatic camera sweeps.

Transitions between the battlefield and narrative cut-scenes are seamless, maintaining immersion throughout the campaign. Character portraits and animated dialogue sequences help convey the emotional stakes of each encounter, while the muted color palette of the overall map gives way to vibrant hues during story-driven moments.

Story

Kessen’s narrative framework revolves around the pivotal Battle of Sekigahara, the decisive clash that ushered in two centuries of Tokugawa rule. You can follow Ieyasu’s historical path to victory or explore alternative “what if?” scenarios that reimagine the outcome of key engagements. This branching structure adds significant replay value, encouraging players to test both sides of the conflict.

Between battles, you’ll be treated to cut-scenes that highlight the personal struggles and ambitions of your generals. These vignettes showcase everything from the calculating tactics of a seasoned commander to the youthful zeal of a rising star, grounding the larger strategic picture in human drama.

Even during combat, the game finds opportunities to advance its storyline. Brief interludes depict messenger riders arriving with intelligence reports or allied daimyo pledging reinforcements. These narrative touches keep you invested in the fate of your faction and remind you that each decision carries both strategic and personal consequences.

Overall Experience

Kessen delivers a compelling blend of strategic depth and cinematic spectacle. The core gameplay loop—plan your moves, execute orders in real time, and enjoy dramatic cut-scenes—remains engaging throughout the campaign. Whether you’re a seasoned strategy veteran or new to the genre, the interface strikes a satisfying balance between accessibility and complexity.

The historical setting and branching “what if?” paths offer strong replayability. You’ll find yourself returning to try different tactics, test rival factions, and uncover hidden narrative threads. Each playthrough feels fresh as you explore new alliances, battlefield conditions, and character arcs.

While some players may crave deeper economic or diplomatic layers, Kessen’s focus on battlefield tactics and story-driven cut-scenes ensures a fast-paced, cinematic experience. Fans of feudal Japanese history and strategy games alike will appreciate the title’s unique presentation and the sense of immersion it brings to one of history’s most famous conflicts.

Retro Replay Score

7/10