On starting a new game of Kessen an introduction from the 'author' of the game appears. He explains that his goal was to make a 'movie that he could control' - something that Sony touted originally as their goal for the PS2. Kessen manages to make progress towards that ideal but not quite enough to be defined as 'a controllable movie'.

Graphically Kessen is undoubtedly a fine title. Throughout the course of the game, players are witness to many rendered cut scenes - each explaining with great effort the different characters and plots happening within. The detail is rich and character movement is generally very smooth. The in-game engine is a wonder to behold in itself. While the overview is a battlemap that is more functional than showy the in-game battles are something entirely different. The graphics are only a small step down from the rendered cut-scenes and make it hard to believe that what you see is actually being drawn in real-time. Several times the disk was ejected during the fight scenes to prove that it was indeed real-time and not streamed off the CD. The game did not disappoint. Armies can be seen at a distance, or up close - with the commanding officer riding at the head of his legions. Twenty to Thirty warriors are often seen fighting each other on screen at a time. Squads firing arrows or muskets fire their weapons individually - not exactly at the same time. Horses move independently of each other. And each warrior is very well rendered and textured. They all pretty much look the same but since they are part of an army it's to be expected. It's very impressive but not interactive. Your direction of the actual battle is limited to giving orders to attack, retreat and use special attacks. This is far more a typical strategy game than an interactive movie.

The special attacks give Kessen a slightly arcade flavour. Each division has it's own group of these attacks. They include Triple Barrage, Raid, Charge, Cannonade, Ballista, Volley, Ninja and others. Each of these can only be used a set amount of times during a battle – each with it's own unique animation (in-game of course). Each division also has a 'Zeal' meter which must be a minimum of 80 (out of 100) to enable the special attacks. Zeal builds up over time and can be affected by morale. Zeal is 'spent' with each special attack used. Once Zeal goes below 80 then the army can no longer use their special weapons. Some cannot be used (like Triple Barrage) unless the division has a clear shot at the enemy – no allied units must be in the way. Things like Cannonade can only be used against long range targets but are especially deadly. These additional attacks definitely have a significant impact on the game as some can decimate a dominating force and swing the tide of battle somewhat. Learning to use these attacks effectively comes with experimentation and is mastered quickly.

Divisions within your army are affected by fatigue and morale – both of which are important in battle. At times a general may question or even refuse your orders because of these factors. Commanding a single division to attack every enemy in sight is guaranteed to tire them beyond use and possibly leave them in a vulnerable position. Taking these things into account can speed up your victory, or cause your campaign to be long and bloody. The game includes a smoothly progressive tutorial that coaches players through their initial battles adding elements of gameplay in logical steps. This tutorial can be bypassed but is not recommended. Without knowing at least the basic controls Kessen becomes very unplayable very quickly. The controls are easy enough when known, but in mid-battle, trying to work them out, that's where frustration will mount.

There are three phases to each campaign. Politics, strategy and battle. The first two occurring before battle. Politics allow you to view the enemy forces and attempt to sway enemy generals to your side. Generals can be coaxed into joining your forces or asked to simply stay out of the action. The results cannot be known until battle occurs. Strategy allows you to see where the enemy is set-up, their number and weapons. You can then select what divisions you wish to take into battle and how they will be deployed. A default plan of attack is always offered and is generally solid enough to accept. These tactics can be customised mid-game but as it is real-time doing so in the heat of battle can be difficult. The game offers two sides to join. The Tokugawa, and the Toyotomi. Apparently the events of the game actually mirror much of what happened in feudal Japan including the actual armies and locations where the battles were fought. This does set the scene for the game well, and with the excellent presentation and accompanying score players will feel themselves re-enacting a piece of history.

Kessen has one major flaw. It's too easy. The game can be completed in about 20 hours – 10 hours per campaign. In most cases a battle starts out with equally strong armies but this quickly changes as the battle continues. As long as a player uses their special attacks as often as possible and attacks whoever is in front of them then victory generally follows afterward. Not once through the course of the game was a battle lost. If a player tried hard enough and attacked the enemy with only one division at a time then there would be a good chance at failure but as this is a game that will only appeal to strategy gamers this is most unlikely to happen. It may be that the programmers created AI that followed the tactics used back in those historical battles but as gamers are unlikely to emulate them the AI struggles vainly to adapt. Perhaps if players' losses were carried through the missions then strategy would become much more vital. Unfortunately while a player may see several divisions wiped out during the course of battle those generals reappear with full compliments of men during the next battle. Overall Kessen provides a unique experience. Blending emotive cut-scenes, beautiful in-game battles and great presentation to perfect effect. Many will be caught up in it's almost 'Braveheart' feel and that will be enough for them. Looking past those shining qualities a flawed strategy game is seen and will disappoint those looking for a challenge. Consider this title as a definite renter, to at least see what all the fuss is all about.