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Kessen III Goes Gold

by: Charlie -
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It's about damn time, Kessen was one of the premiere launch titles for the PS2 (mainly for its visuals) and it's finally getting another entry on the platform. This time around the series has been retuned, turning in its turn-based combat system in favor of a real-time system. There are more than 120 minutes of cinematic sequences that will tell the story of Japan's most treasured samurais.

Kessen III arrives on the PS2 on February 22.
KESSEN(r)III GOES GOLD
Koei's Samurai-themed Action Strategy Game for the PlayStation(r)2 computer entertainment system is Set to Ship on February 22, 2004

Burlingame, CA - February 07, 2005 - KOEI, recognized worldwide as a leading brand of strategy and action games, today announced that KESSEN III has gone gold and will ship to stores on February 22, 2005. Consumers can still pre-order the game at GameStop.com, EBGames.com, and Amazon.com. KESSEN III is a Kou Shibusawa production and is exclusive to the PlayStation(r)2 computer entertainment system.

"This month will finally see the release of one of the most long-awaited sequels in KOEI's history. Over two years in the making, Kessen III is a reinvention of the franchise. No longer a turn-based strategy, Kessen III is a true real-time action game with clever strategy and tactical game elements. More than just an action game, Kessen III is also a grand movie-going experience. The story of one of Japan's most influential samurai comes to life through more than 120 minutes of the most finely crafted cinematic sequences," said Amos Ip, Vice President of Sales & Marketing at KOEI Corporation. "This degree of beauty could not have been reached without the talents of KOEI's internal development teams and Producer Kou Shibusawa. With his vision for Kessen III, Kou Shibusawa continues to be a powerful force in the entertainment industry."

About Kessen III
KESSEN III is the first sequel in the series in almost four years and will be notable for several sweeping changes to the widely respected franchise. The series' Crowd Engine that was used in the original Kessen has been completely rebuilt to deliver the most exciting battle scenes and action-oriented gameplay in the series- all in full 3D. Unlike any of the previous Kessen games in the series, players will have direct real-time control of troop movements, offensives, and defensive maneuvers. Moreover, allied units can join the player-controlled unit to create combination attacks.

KESSEN III now features non-linear stage selection, an officer and troop development system, and a process that allows players to equip officers with over 450 weapons, helmets, and samurai armor. The game's deep and compelling narrative will unfold throughout 120 combined minutes of movie sequences, accompanied by a stirring musical score from legendary composer Reijiro Koroku.

The new sequel also marks the franchise's return to Japanese history and aesthetics. It is the middle of the turbulent Sengoku or "warring states" period. Endless chaos and plunder have consumed the islands of Japan. A young teenager, known for his extravagant appearance and unconventional attitude emerges from Central Japan- he is Nobunaga Oda. While elders admonished him, his contemporaries admired him. Blessed with an indomitable vision and fearless constitution, the soon-to-be legendary Nobunaga will stand against legions of warriors in order to resurrect a land filled with chaos and sorrow.

KESSEN III is being developed by KOEI Co., Ltd. and is produced by Kou Shibusawa, who's previous credits include the legendary Romance of the Three
Kingdoms(r) series, Nobunaga's Ambition(tm), Winning Post(tm), P.T.O.(tm), and Crimson Sea(r). KESSEN III is an action-strategy game for 1 Player, and is rated "T" (Teen- Violence, Language, Suggestive Themes) by the ESRB.

About KOEI Corporation
KOEI Corporation, the North American subsidiary of KOEI Co., Ltd. of Japan, established operations in 1988. Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, the company is now in its seventeenth year and is recognized as a leader in the highly competitive video game industry.

KOEI is respected worldwide as the premier brand for Strategy and Simulation games, and is recognized as the innovator of the Tactical Action genre. The company's Dynasty Warriors(r) series has generated nearly 7 million units in sales worldwide, since releasing for the PlayStation game consoles in 1997.

KOEI maintains operations in Japan, the U.S., the U.K., Canada, China, Korea and Taiwan. KOEI employs over six hundred people worldwide, with sales exceeding $250 million. The company constantly seeks the fine balance between entertainment, technology, art and education, and provides games that will mesmerize gamers across the globe. More information about KOEI and its products can be found on the company's websites, located at www.koei.com, www.koei.co.uk, and www.koei.co.jp.

Kessen, Romance of the Three Kingdoms, Nobunaga's Ambition, Winning Post, P.T.O., Crimson Sea, Dynasty Warriors and the KOEI logo are registered trademarks or trademarks of KOEI Co., Ltd. (c)2004-2005 KOEI Co., Ltd. All rights reserved. "PlayStation" and the "PS" Family logo are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. The ratings icon is a trademark of the Entertainment Software Association. Dolby and the double-D symbol are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories.