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Afro Samurai - Source: Gamefreaks -
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Platform: PS3, Xbox 360
Publisher : Namco Bandai
Afro Samurai is possibly the coolest, freshest and dopest game to come out in quite a while. Mixing science fiction with feudal Japan, big hair, headbands, Samuel L Jackson, sword fighting, a lot of blood and a killer soundtrack by Wu-Tang's The RZA is a recipe for completely awesome genius and we're thrilled to say it's been pulled off with the utmost skill and panache.
Based on the original manga series by Takashi Okazaki, Afro Samurai tells the story of a young samurai named Afro who is on a quest to become Number One and wield powers like a god. You can only become Number One by being Number Two and taking the ceremonial headband off the existing Number One. Afro is currently Number Two and, based on how many challengers he's beaten down, a pretty damned good swordsman. Afro's father was the old Number One, but was killed by a gunman named Justice; his quest is also one of revenge.
Visually, Afro Samurai is gorgeous, with stunning cel-shaded cartoon-like characters mixed with stunning environments and artfully realised cutscenes. The action is fast-paced; the combat is very quick and you are often fighting overwhelming odds.
By stringing combos together you build up focus, which you can use to slow the action and rain carnage down on everyone; you can also shift into focus mode at any time which lets you concentrate your energy in one direction, often inflicting damage on a massive scale.
The quick action and gorgeous visuals are beautifully complemented by the coolest soundtrack to be created in a long time along with fresh voice acting by Samuel L Jackson and Ron Perlman, among others.
There are a few issues, of course; in order to create a more cinematic feel the developers have completely done away with the HUD, forcing you to continually watch for blood on your costume to know when you're low on health; the lack of a map also means you're always wondering where to go next. These are relatively small issues, however, and certainly don't take away from the awesomeness of the game.
Afro Samurai is one of the better little games to come out in a while; if you like your hip hop and your swordfighting you should NOT miss this title.
Synopsis: Utterly thrilling, fast paced sword fighting action with more blood spattering and slicing up of bodies than you can shake an ancient Japanese warrior at. Slight issues surrounding camera battling and not being able to change your camera settings in game make for some frustrations but there's not much to get upset about with this game.
This review brought to you by Gamefreaks.
