Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

In Kessen III, you step into the shoes of Nobunaga Oda with a singular goal: to unify the lands and rid his world of misery and suffering. Unlike its predecessors, the game does not allow you to choose a faction but instead thrusts you directly into Oda’s ambition. This focus sharpens the experience—every decision on and off the battlefield feeds into the narrative of unification, lending weight to each order you issue.

(HEY YOU!! We hope you enjoy! We try not to run ads. So basically, this is a very expensive hobby running this site. Please consider joining us for updates, forums, and more. Network w/ us to make some cash or friends while retro gaming, and you can win some free retro games for posting. Okay, carry on 👍)

The strategic layer is robust, allowing you to assign officers to various troop formations and key positions. Before each clash, you’ll select which lieutenants to deploy, where to station archers or cavalry, and how to sequence your advances. This planning phase feels like a chess match against history, and the stakes are high, as a poorly placed unit can open gaps in your line that rival generals will exploit.

Once combat is joined, Kessen III transitions to real-time action. You can take direct control of any officer—including Nobunaga himself—issuing commands on the fly or personally leading charges. Troop morale and formation shape-shift based on the ebb and flow of battle, and every victory brings valuable item drops that further incentivize exploration of battlefield objectives.

Leveling up your officers introduces new special attacks and support abilities, enriching both the strategy map and the battlefield. These skills range from devastating volley barrages to morale-boosting war cries, and they become essential tools as you face increasingly formidable warlords. The blend of strategic oversight and active command keeps the pacing dynamic, ensuring that you’re never far removed from the action.

Graphics

Kessen III’s visual presentation strikes a balance between cinematic flair and battlefield clarity. Pre-battle cutscenes are rendered with delicate attention to facial expressions and period-accurate costuming, which heightens the drama before you even issue your first command. These sequences evoke a sense of feudal grandeur that draws you deeper into Oda’s campaign.

On the field, troop models move in impressively large formations without sacrificing frame rate. Individual soldiers exhibit distinct animations—charging, falling back, or rallying around a fallen unit—which adds to the authenticity of the melee. Weather effects such as dust clouds and rainstorms further enrich the atmosphere, occasionally affecting visibility and unit cohesion to underscore the unpredictability of war.

While the environments sometimes repeat—plains, wooded valleys, and fortified castles—it’s the attention to detail in banners, armor designs, and weapon effects that keep each encounter visually engaging. Explosions, arrow barrages, and special attack animations feel weighty and impactful, making critical moments stand out both strategically and aesthetically.

Story

Kessen III’s narrative centers squarely on Nobunaga Oda, chronicling his relentless drive to end suffering across feudal Japan. The absence of multiple campaign perspectives lends a singular focus that highlights Oda’s character growth from ambitious warlord to unifying ruler. Through finely directed cutscenes, you witness his alliances forged, betrayals endured, and personal resolve tested.

The script interweaves historical events with dramatized dialogue, striking a tone that balances authenticity and epic storytelling. You’ll encounter key figures from Oda’s life, each with their own motivations and rivalries, but the game never strays far from its central thesis: a single man’s vision of peace through conquest. This clarity of purpose resonates in every mission brief and battlefield monologue.

Character development is bolstered by in-battle conversations and officer interactions, which unlock at pivotal moments to reveal hidden facets of loyalty, ambition, or remorse. These narrative beats provide context for why you collect certain items or take calculated risks in combat, making the strategic gameplay feel intrinsically tied to the unfolding drama.

Overall Experience

Kessen III manages to deliver a cohesive blend of strategy and action, anchored by a compelling central performance as Nobunaga Oda. The game’s dual focus on pre-battle planning and on-field command creates a satisfying ebb and flow that keeps your tactical mind engaged and your reflexes sharp. Collecting items during combat adds an extra layer of reward and customization to each skirmish.

Although the repetition of environments can occasionally dull the sense of exploration, the strength of the cinematics and the strategic depth more than compensate. Longtime fans of the series will appreciate the nods to earlier entries, while newcomers can jump in without missing crucial context thanks to the game’s tightly woven narrative framework.

Ultimately, Kessen III stands out as a memorable entry in the tactical-action genre. Its steadfast focus on Nobunaga’s journey, combined with lush visuals and robust gameplay systems, makes it an engaging choice for players who crave both strategic complexity and cinematic storytelling. Whether you’re a history buff or a strategy enthusiast, this title offers plenty of reasons to rally behind Oda’s banner.

Retro Replay Score

7.1/10