Kessen, published by Electronic Arts for PlayStation 2

IF you like strategy games, this will keep you entertained for hours. The graphics are excellent and the details show the full extent of the PS2's capabilities.

An impressive range of music keeps up well with the action and no sooner do you pick up your joypad and you are thrown into battle. Luckily for the novice, the tutorial is only a button away.

On the downside, the cut-scene battles are very impressive the first few times but soon become repetitive and appear to interfere with your battle plans.

On the plus side, the fights are plot-driven which means you can lose a battle without losing the war.

This is a truly brilliant game if you are prepared to put the time in.

Graphics 4/5

Sound 3/5

Gameplay 3/5

Gamespan 3/5

Overall 4/5