Kessen III

Strategy Real-Time Historic

Kessen III 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. [KOEI]

Romance of the Three Kingdoms IX

Strategy Turn-Based Historic

With Ancient China as the backdrop, the game chronicles the dramatic events of the 2nd and 3rd centuries when the once grand empire fell into civil war. While retaining many of the features that have become hallmarks of the Romance series, RTK IX (Romance of the Three Kingdoms IX) is vastly different from previous games in the series. Most notable is that players immediately take the rank of a Ruler. Traditionally reserved as the highest rank in the series, the role of Ruler will test any player?s leadership, management and strategy skills. As a Ruler, one of the keys to maintaining authority is a strong corps of loyal officers, so RTK IX?s Officer Development System has been enhanced with a new point and item system. With the new point system, players earn points to increase officer abilities and skills. With the item system, certain items can further an officer?s development, heighten intelligence or improve his abilities in war. Players can now use save data from Dynasty Warriors 4, Dynasty Warriors 4 Xtreme Legends or Dynasty Tactics 2 to obtain a new officer. [KOEI]

Monster Rancher 4

Strategy Breeding/Constructing

Mocchi, Suezo and Golem are back in Monster Rancher 4. The latest entry in the Monster Rancher series is comprised of a mass of new features including a multi-breeding and training program, full customization of training facilities, and a brand new interactive action/adventure element, creating a new game that goes years beyond its predecessors. Along with a host of new features Monster Rancher 4 will bring back some of its fan's favorite elements including everyone's favorite characters, Mocchi, Suezo, and Golem! Monster Rancher 4 includes a multi-breeding and training program where you can breed and train multiple monsters simultaneously. Fully customize your training facilities with a variety of training equipment to select from. The more efficiently you plan out your training facilities the better you will be able to train your new monsters. [Tecmo]

Disgaea 2: Cursed Memories

Strategy Turn-Based Fantasy

Darkness is back. Overlord Zenon has cursed the land, and now, Veldime is transforming into a nasty Netherworld. Memories are sterlized, bodies demonized, the world is falling into chaos. The only one unaffected is a young man, Adell. He stands up to fight the curse, but things never go as planned. The haughty daughter of Zenon, a filthy little frog, lovable demon siblings and a washed-up rock star!? No one can ever predict what goes on in the world of Disgaea. And of course, other Overlords refuse to sit still watching. [NIS America]