One way you know this is definitely a Koei developed game is when you look at the battlegrounds and environments in general. Do not get me wrong, there is plenty of variation in the large maps and environments, tons of elevation changes and strategically placed buildings, trees, etc, but it all looks so drab and dull. You will fight in forests, deserts, mountainsides and various other locations, but they are almost all big open areas with a few objects placed around. Here’s hoping that in the next game in this genre, Koei spends less time rehashing the same tired gameplay and gives the series a fresh visual overhaul.

The sound is also very hit or miss. The intro theme and menu music in particular are bloody fantastic. In fact, most of the music in this game is surprisingly awesome. Plenty of classical instruments and orchestra fit the tone of the game perfectly. What is better than entering a huge battle with an orchestra at your back? Especially when it is presented in surround sound!

One thing you do not want to hear is the voice acting. I am being serious here; this is some of the worst delivery I have heard since the original Resident Evil and House of the Dead. I am from Montreal and the French accents in this game are god awful. You are given three vocal tones to choose from when you first create you character. The third male is so bad I spent quarter of an hour listening to the various phrases being spoken with my jaw on the floor. I cannot believe this was allowed to be published in the final game! Please hire some decent voice actors Koei. A French pub owner with an eye patch that sounds like an Italian vampire totally ruins the experience. “Come hither I want to suck your blood bro! “  Okay he doesn’t say that but he might as well; it is really that bad.