Kessen II (決戦II, Kessen Tsu) is a strategy game loosely based on the Three Kingdoms period of China. It is the sequel to Kessen in name only; both Kessen and the later sequel Kessen III are based on events in Japan and China. The gameplay involves playing out major battles as the storyline progresses, with cutscenes between each battle for the development of the events and major characters. Before battle, players are given a choice of strategies to take, although they can manually control all units in the battlefield. All units are controlled by the AI unless the player directly intervenes, and battles between forces are carried out in real-time. While in control of a unit, players are able to use special skills or magic spells to turn the tables, although enemy characters are also able to do so.[1][2]
Unlike Koei's other games based on the 14th century novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms (Dynasty Warriors and the Romance of the Three Kingdoms game), the plot of Kessen II is a heavily fantasized version of the novel. The last of the Han dynasty family, Liu Bei, begins a rebellion against the kingdom of Wei led by Cao Cao, with much of the game's events being based on the novel with alterations due to the different storylines. A significant change to the story involves a romance between Liu Bei and the character Diao Chan, being a significant factor behind Liu Bei's decision to go to war, and Himiko, a semi-fictional sorceress (the historical Himiko ruled Wa [ancient Japan]). In addition to the fantasized theme, Kessen II departs from its realistic predecessor. Koei introduces elements of magic, especially with the portrayal of notable strategists such as Zhuge Liang and Sima Yiassorcerers. In battle, these characters are able to cause earthquakes, summon lightning storms and hurl fireballs.[1][2]
Liu Bei - Leader of the Shu forces and Lord of Xu. Lover of Diao Chan and unwilling ruler.
Mei Sanniang - Long-time female friend of Liu Bei. Described as reckless and a beauty. Her character was created for the game and is a heavily fictionalized combination and interpretation of Lady Mi and Hu Sanniang.
Guan Yu - Sworn brother of Liu Bei and Zhang Fei. Wields the Black Dragon and Liu Bei's greatest warrior.
Zhang Fei - Sworn brother of Liu Bei and Guan Yu. Former bandit who is hot-tempered and overfond of drinking.
Zhuge Liang - Initially "unaligned" in the conflict he later becomes Liu Bei's main advisor and warlord. One of the most powerful magicians in the game.
Zhao Yun - Head of the Han Imperial Bodyguard. Joins Liu Bei with the hope of restoring the Han Empire.
Diao Chan - Lover of Liu Bei, kidnapped at the start of the game by Cao Cao because she alone knows where the Mandate of Heaven exists.
Mei Mei, Li Li, and Luo Luo - Daughters of the Zhang Fei. Mei Mei is killed off-screen at the beginning of the game by Cao Cao's forces. Loosely based on Zhang's historical daughters Empress Jing'ai & Empress Zhang.
Cao Cao - Leader of the Wei forces. Former officer for the Han Empire who has set out to conquer the world.
Himiko - Powerful sorcerer from a foreign land who serves Cao Cao. Jealous of Diao Chan.
Xun Yu - Female version of the historical Xun Yu. Cao Cao's main warlord and advisor. A powerful magician.
Hu Zhi - One of Cao Cao's strongest generals. Good friends with Himiko. A female version of Xu Chu.
Sima Yi - A wandering hermit who joins with Cao Cao later in the game to become his advisor and warlord. One of the most powerful magicians in the game.
Xiahou Yuan - Cao Cao's most powerful general and warrior. Killed by Zhang Fei in a duel in the early parts of the game.
Cheng Yu - Warlord of Cao Cao who is constantly playing the role of "scheming villain". A powerful magician.
Cao Ren - Powerful general and relative of Cao Cao.
Zhang Liao - Trusted general of Cao Cao. Has a rivalry with Guan Yu since they used to be close friends, but fell out after a duel over a woman.
Yu Jin - General of Cao Cao who is overly flamboyant and portrayed as a joke. Famous for running away. Attracted to Cao Cao for his "manliness" and portrayed as a queer character.
Guo Jia - Hermit who joins Cao Cao on the suggestion of Xun Yu.
Cao Hong - Officer and relative of Cao Cao with little to no character.
Xiahou Ba - Eldest son (historically the second son) of Xiahou Yuan. Tries to live up to his father.
Cao Bu - Uncle of Cao Cao who tries to get Cao Cao to return to a way of peace. A fictional character loosely based on the historical Cao Song, father of Cao Cao.
Dong Xuanfeng & Xi Xuanfeng - Two female warriors and assassins who work for Cao Cao's general Yu Jin. Two original characters created for the game.
Yue Jin - Officer of Cao Cao, both he and Li Dian are portrayed as insecure.
Li Dian - Officer of Cao Cao, both he and Yue Jin are portrayed as insecure.
Xu Huang - Former officer of the Han Empire who is recruited to Cao Cao's cause.
Zhang He - A strange masked officer serving Cao Cao.
Xiahou Dun - One-eyed warrior who is the brother to Xiahou Yuan.
Cai Wengi - Ruler of the Northern Xi. A powerful general and magician. Can join either Cao Cao or Liu Bei depending on who defeats her. She is a highly fictionalized version of the historical poet and writer Cai Yan.
Deng Ai - Officer under Cai Wengi and Ma Chao. Defects to Cao Cao.
Ma Chao - Ruler of Western Xi. Joins Liu Bei after a failed attack on Cao Cao.
Ma Dai - Officer under Cai Wengi and Ma Chao. Defects to Liu Bei.
