• Publisher: Koei
  • Release Date: Sep 26, 2001
Metascore
71

Mixed or average reviews - based on 15 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 15
  2. Negative: 0 out of 15
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  1. If DW3 was the video game equivalent of "Braveheart," then Kessen II is Kuroswawa's "Ran" -- just a little more meat in your dish.
  2. Electronic Gaming Monthly
    70
    The gameplay is ironclad; however, a few presentation problems hold the title back. [Dec 2001, p.250]
  3. Official U.S. Playstation Magazine
    60
    Inconsistent voice acting and poor plot development. [Dec 2001, p.168]
  4. 60
    The controls are too simple to make you want to play the game for very long.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. Despite its initial luster, it becomes tedious rather quickly.

Awards & Rankings

84
52
#52 Most Discussed PS2 Game of 2001
55
#55 Most Shared PS2 Game of 2001
User Score
8.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 29 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 24 out of 29
  2. Negative: 2 out of 29
  1. Harley(Pogo-the-monkey)D.
    Nov 13, 2002
    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 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 »
  2. VLG
    Aug 22, 2023
    10
    One of my favorite games of the console, it took me what it seemed months to beat it, but it was probably a couple of weeks. I discovered myOne of my favorite games of the console, it took me what it seemed months to beat it, but it was probably a couple of weeks. I discovered my love for military strategy thanks to this game. What can I say, i love everything about it. Full Review »
  3. Apr 30, 2023
    10
    Das ist das beste Spiel der Reihe. gameplay, Story sind wunderbar. Leider ein bisschen zu kurz aber sonst gut