The first sequel in almost three years, Kessen III marks the highly respected franchise's return to Japanese history and aesthetics. The story begins at the heart of Japan's turbulent Sengoku or 'warring states' period. Endless chaos and plunder have consumed the once isolated islands. A young teenager, known for his extravagant appearance and unconventional attitude emerges from Central Japan - he is Nobunaga Oda. While elders admonished him, Nobunaga's contemporaries admired him. Blessed with an indomitable vision and fearless constitution, the soon-to-be legendary Nobunaga will stand against legions of samurai warriors in order to resurrect a land filled with chaos and sorrow. Unlike any of the previous Kessen games in the series, players will have direct real-time control of troop movements, offensive and defensive manoeuvres. Each troop belongs to a unit. A unit is comprised of a primary troop and up to two support troops. The player can assume direct control of the primary or support troops at any point in combat. The marching speed of a unit depends upon the unit type. For example, cavalry and ninja units can travel much faster than normal foot soldiers. The terrain (inclines, marshes, water) can negatively affect a unit's mobility. Conversely a troop's speed will increase on downhill movements.