Games

Afro Samurai

Title: Afro Samurai

Release date:  March 27 2009
 
Publisher: Namco Bandai Games

Format: PS3, Xbox 360

RRP:   44.99

Rating: 5/10

'Afro Samurai' is based on the popular manga and anime series which started out in Japan before becoming a hit worldwide. Namco Bandai has since turned this title into an eagerly awaited release.

Keeping with the style of the series, the hack and slash game features the voice of Hollywood superstar Samuel L. Jackson. He plays a lone ninja by the name Ninja Ninja who takes it upon himself to "watch Afro's back".

This stereotypical character provides some much needed comic relief that is executed perfectly from the way the actor delivers his lines.

The basic story is set in a world of men, there are two bandannas, number one and number two. These bandannas mark the best samurai warriors and only the number two can challenge for the number one.

You play Afro, whose father was the number one before he was killed by a man named Justice. He then embarks to avenge his father while trying to fight off competition for everyone else who wants the number two bandanna that he holds.

And there are many foes to destroy. Slice, chop, stab, execute, and sever limbs, or what ever your preference may be and simply kill the enemies until your thumbs begin to hurt.

With plenty of blood splattered around the screen, 'Afro Samurai' lives up to its hack and slash genre. But the twist really makes this game stand out.

Using the Focus attacks, players can slow down time and precisely dissect anyone in the way, displaying every gory detail. This really emphasises the beautiful cel-shaded animation style apparent throughout the title and provides a much needed break from the endless button bashing.

This artistic style is particularly smooth when an enemy is floating through the air in slow motion moments before imminent death.

Button bashing isn't the objective by any means (even though that is what tends to happen). Players can try to fight more strategically by blocking and using combos.

But these combos seem wasted as you never receive any onscreen credit for your hard work. Instead you have to pause and go through the main menu to uncover what you have done and find out what it was worth.

The biggest let down however is the constant camera-sitting which seems to float away if left unattended for too long. This is particularly annoying considering you're often attacked by numerous enemies from behind.

'Afro Samurai's' artistic presence is awesome and faithful to its origins, but it doesn't take long for you to become used to it - leaving an unremarkable action game that by no means is bad, but is only slightly above other average hack and slash titles.

A recommended rental by any means, if not only to feel as though Samuel L. Jackson is talking to you for a week. But a 45 full price purchase really can not be justified.