PlayExclusive: Afro Samurai

Consoles: Xbox 360, PS3
Genre: Slash-em-up
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: Mature 18 +

Slicing it's way from TV series and movie to gaming consoles, Afro Samurai combines exotic Japanese Aesthetic and Urban Hip-Hop culture to make this months most stylishly violent slash-em-up.

Story
The dark and deep story takes place in “futuistic feudal” Japan, following the story of a legendary “Number-One” headband, which when worn, would grant the powers of a god. The only one able to challenge the “Number-One” is a person who wears the “Number-Two” headband, it's current wearer, Afro Samurai.


As Afro makes his way to the mountain keep to slay the “Number-One”, in revenge for his fathers death, many, including a shadowy “Empty Seven Cult” stand in his path, seeking to take the headband he wears.


The story scenes in the game might seem sparing in some cases, but anyone and anything important is explained in one way or another, and though some moments in the game diverge from the comic and TV series, it shouldn't be too much of a bother to fan's and newcomers alike.

Graphics and Sound
The in-game graphics jump out in a sleek Cel-Shaded style, bringing the feel of the comics or the TV series, and they're everywhere; from the actual gameplay, loading screens, and even the cut scenes are all beautifully rendered.


The many enemies you'll meet along the way are all just as amazing, and not just on outward appearance as well. Well placed slashes send bits, pieces and whole limbs flying in different directions, making for some gruesome fightscenes.


Just as impressive as the style of the entire game, is it's soundtrack and voice-acting. This thumping soundtrack provided by the RZA and supporting artists is a smooth fusion of traditional Japanese instruments and modern day Hip Hop that fits perfectly with the feel of the game, setting the scene for insane battles with armies of Ronin and Ninja, or heated showdowns with bosses.


Gameplay
The first thing players will notice is the total lack of an HUD. No health bars, or compass, or any thing else to distract you from the action onscreen. Health is shown by the color of Afro's clothes getting redder as he accumulates damage, and your level of Focus needed for powerful focus moves is shown by the glow of the pendant attached to Afro's sword.

Even with no compass or minimap, you can always rely on the Ninja-Ninja compass to point your way; Samuel L. Jackson as Ninja-Ninja barking both directions and insults at you to lead you down the right path.


Close range combat makes for the bulk of Afro Samurai's gameplay, focusing on quick and simple combo's made of fast attacks, strong attacks, and kicks, and Afro's own agility to dodge incoming blows.


Afro Samurai's true power however, comes from “Focus” moves, attacks that when fully charged, have the power to dismember enemies with precision. The game hits slow motion, and everything but the color red is turned to black and white.


From there, attacks can be thrown to slash enemies into pieces with a white line as a guide, making for precision dismemberment, like no other ultra-violent game has done before.

Overall
For all it's style, story and action, Afro Samurai leaves some mixed feelings. The entire game comes down to one word: simple.

The lack of HUD cluttering your screen, and the easy-to-learn combat style are indeed simple, but it's for that same reason, that players may become bored with the game leading to very little replay value.

Thankfully, it has it's stunning visuals and interesting story to drive it home. For any fans of slash em up games, Afro Samurai makes a nice, stylish distraction for more than a few hours.






Review by Johar Aston, TheLAG

This review may not be reproduced under any circumstances except for personal, private use. It may not be placed on any web site or otherwise distributed publicly without advance written permission. Use of this guide on any other web site or as a part of any public display is strictly prohibited, and a violation of copyright.

All trademarks and copyrights contained in this document are owned by their respective trademark and copyright holders.

Copyright 2009 Johar Aston, TheLAG