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KOEI, recognized worldwide as a leading
brand of strategy and action games, today announced that KESSEN III is
shipping to retailers throughout North America. KESSEN III is a Kou
Shibusawa production and is exclusive to the PlayStation(r)2 computer
entertainment system.

"Kessen III's completely re-invented gameplay capitalizes on the strengths
that have formed the foundation of our success. Whether you're a gamer
seeking action or strategy, producer Kou Shibusawa's martial arts epic is
tailored to provide a compelling combination of the two," said Amos Ip,
Vice-President of Sales & Marketing at KOEI Corporation, "With over 120
minutes of cinematic sequences, the game also represents another approach by
the company to further blur the line between cinematic storytelling and
gaming."

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.

The new sequel 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 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.