Cao Cao’s campaign alone is filled with startling revelations that give weight to many nuances of Liu Bei’s quest. These ties are so strong that the player MUST finish both quests to fully understand the storyline. The relationship of both protagonist/antagonist is unequivocally interconnected. The story therein is not only well scripted, but intricate. Kessen II’s tale is that of personal struggle amid political and military duty. Upon completing Liu Bei’s adventure, the player may then begin another campaign, but this time as Cao Cao in his ultimate pursuit of power. Together they will travel the three kingdoms, gaining allies, making enemies, fighting in epic battles as they rush to the inevitable conclusion. Thus begins Liu Bei’s fantastical quest to save his love, against the wrath of heaven itself. Liu Bei flees from his castle with his childhood friend, Mei Sanniang and sworn brothers, Zhang Fei & Guan Yu. Thanks to the now-smitten Himiko, Cao Cao learns of Dao Chan’s secret and promptly kidnaps her and sets Xu Castle ablaze. This prophecy ignites Cao Cao’s ambition his lust for power would now only be matched by his cruelty. Bequeathed to her by the child emperor, Dian Chan was charged to safe keep the Imperial Seal for a hero worthy of leading the people. Unknown to Liu Bei, his gentle mistress, Diao Chan holds the key to the throne. Unexpectedly, Cao Cao’s fortune is quite the opposite: he has been blessed by the gods, fated to bear the Mandate of Heaven, granting him sovereignty over the land. Liu Bei’s fortune is grim, for the oracle predicts that a woman close to his heart will bring ruin to his kingdom and, ultimately, his downfall. On a whim, Liu Bei summons a foreign priestess, Himiko, to scry their future. The two chat and make merry, learning of Cao Cao’s formidable ambition, and Liu Bei’s happy indulgence in the company of his lover: the dancer, Daio Chan. Indebted to his newfound friend, Liu Bei holds a banquet in celebration of Cao Cao’s arrival. Together you defeat the bandits and drive them from a slightly smoldering Xu Castle. You are eventually saved by the army of Cao Cao (Got Milk?), who miraculously comes to your aid. Initially, the player assumes the role Liu Bei, the lord of Xu province, fighting a losing battle as your capital is overrun by invaders. The story begins, quite appropriately, on the battlefield.

Those unfamiliar with the plethora of RotTK games released over the years will not be at a loss as Kessen II uses only the setting and themes of these classics.

Unlike its pre-Tokugawa predecessor, Kessen II’s storyline has been scripted into KOEI’s flagship Romance of the Three Kingdoms series. Have these promises to the gaming public been fulfilled, and does Kessen II prove to be a worthwhile investment for your gaming dollars? Let’s take a more thorough look at KOEI’s latest wunderkind. The original Kessen was criticized for being little more than an interactive drama, but KOEI promised a much more satisfying gaming experience with Kessen II. Kessen II thrusts the player into a dynamic and cinematic experience that claims to surpass the original in every capacity. Released in Japan last year to numerous accolades and significant financial success, Kessen II has finally been localized for North America and released with little fanfare. Kessen II places the player into the role of one of two would-be rivals embroiled in a bitter war in mythical China. How much can a man endure for the love of a single woman? How much brutality can a one inflict upon his enemies, his allies, and himself before he loses his soul? How far will heaven bend its favor for the will of the people and their champion? Can true love endure a conflict that would tear a kingdom in twain? These questions and more are asked in KOEI’s long-awaited sequel to one of the PlayStation 2’s most impressive launch titles.

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