Kessen III

The latest installment incorporates refreshing action elements, but unfortunately also a bunch of time-wasting cut scenes.

From its monochromatically drab strategy games, Koei has come a long way, delivering a satisfying hybrid action/strategy experience in Kessen III. It still needs, however, a bit more creativity in art direction and story line.

For the Children
Taking on the role of a sanitized and graciously altruistic Nobunaga (not the temple-burning man of fury), you battle against blindly nefarious warlords to bring peace to little orphaned children. Both Nobunaga and your officers can be leveled up and customized by acquiring new weapons and armor--an addictive, Nobunaga online-inspired RPG element. Setting itself apart even more from the original, the gameplay is more action oriented, enabling players to do slash and charge attacks that highlight the carnal intensity of medieval warfare. Even while having more twitch-combat, the strategic aspect has not been compromised, making the game approachable for both hardcore and casual audiences.

The Good, The Bad, and the Plucked Eyebrows
Unfortunately, Kessen III is bogged down by a constant and jarring barrage of forgettable cinematics, driven by contrived acting rivaling Tom Cruise in The Last Samurai. While a step in the right direction, bad cut scenes are worse than no cut scenes at all, you'll frequently hit the start button to skip the myriad of unwelcome intermissions.

It's certainly the best Kessen so far--but expect a corny samurai western with flamboyantly bare-chested shirts.

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