Kessen III

 PlayStation 2
  • Publisher: Koei
  • Release Date: Feb 22, 2005
Metascore
73

Mixed or average reviews - based on 26 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 26
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 26
  3. Negative: 0 out of 26
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  1. My Gamer
    86
    The battles require some thought and are a blast to execute, but can often still be completed in ten minutes or so—depending on the battle.
  2. Siliconera
    85
    The good mix of action, planning and jaw dropping visuals in Kessen 3 will please the majority of gamers out there. [JPN Import]
  3. GameZone
    83
    The only problem with this game is that the AI is not the smartest.
  5. Games Radar
    82
    There's so much potential for strategy here that it's almost overwhelming. [PSM2]
  6. IGN
    80
    The strategy and the action mix well together and manage to make a cohesive whole. That's not easy to do and for that Kessen III is very successful.
  7. GamePro
    80
    Even while having more twitch-combat, the strategic aspect has not been compromised, making the game approachable for both hardcore and casual audiences.
  8. PSM Magazine
    80
    Is this thing as addictive as crack-laced Jelly Bellies, or what? The difficulty ramps up almost perfectly, delivering contstant new challenges. [Apr 2005, p.74]
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  9. Computer Games Magazine
    80
    What's truly satisfying is these games make history entertaining. [June 2005, p.90]
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  10. PALGN
    80
    An incredible experience that all strategy fans shouldn’t pass the opportunity to experience.
  11. GameBiz
    80
    The game’s graphics are far from amazing – facial detail aside, of course – but overall Kessen III is an innovative and highly-enjoyable title, delivering a fresh and even blend of action and strategy with menus and statistic systems that are easy to learn and to get into and far from convoluted.
  12. AceGamez
    80
    A great title and there's nothing else quite like it. The only thing that comes close is "Kingdom Under Fire" for the Xbox.
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  13. Game Informer
    78
    This series is close to breaking through, it only needs to tighten up and refine its core elements (as well as expand its linear strucure) to stand out. [March 2005, p.130]
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  14. Worth Playing
    75
    If you've always craved for a bit more strategy in your Dynasty Warriors game, Kessen III may fit the bill.
  15. Gaming Target
    75
    With decent gameplay and a retail price of about 19.99, Kessen III is a bargain for people who are looking for a way to spend several hours per day on an engaging historical melodrama.

Awards & Rankings

85
#85 Best PS2 Game of 2005
53
#53 Most Shared PS2 Game of 2005

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 28 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 23 out of 28
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 28
  3. Negative: 2 out of 28
  1. VLG
    Aug 22, 2023
    9
    An extremely good game but, in my opinion, inferior to Kessen II. Less strategy and more action... which makes no sense. If i wanted moreAn extremely good game but, in my opinion, inferior to Kessen II. Less strategy and more action... which makes no sense. If i wanted more direct combat, i would be playing Dynasty Warriors.… Full Review »
  2. ReviewsAreBS
    Feb 16, 2023
    7
    Not nearly as good as the first two Kessen games. The biggest issue is the shift from RTS to generic Dynasty Warriors-clone. Things like RNG,Not nearly as good as the first two Kessen games. The biggest issue is the shift from RTS to generic Dynasty Warriors-clone. Things like RNG, combos and spells matter far more than strategy. The brain dead AI easy to cheese, which becomes essential by the end, as the difficulty ramps up considerably. But it makes the whole experience very tedious.… Full Review »
  3. AngryApplePie
    Oct 4, 2020
    9
    I dont even know why this game is so fun to me. If you watch any playthroughs it really doesnt seem like anything that special but for someI dont even know why this game is so fun to me. If you watch any playthroughs it really doesnt seem like anything that special but for some reason playing it is just so much fun.… Full Review »
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