Afro Samurai

 

 

 

When I heard that this game was coming out I was both excited and scared.  I was a fan of the anime but we all know how these transitions into a video game always turn out....like shit.  

 

Graphics- 9/10- The graphics are pretty intense with an anime style which seems like to be the trend these days with a lot of upcoming titles like Street Fighter 4 and Mad World.  While playing the game it looks really as if  you are playing the anime.  The action scenes are really great with a ton of combos, moves, and abilities.  There are also many death animations from chopping the persons head off, cutting them in half vertically or horizontally, cutting of limbs or cutting main arteries that make blood squirt out of the person.  One thing that was really interesting was not having any hud at all.  Everything has to do with the characters clothing; the more damage you take the more bloody/red your clothes turn; exactly with the enemies.  When you are charged and ready to do a focus attack your medallion shines and it is not difficult to see and it doesnt distract from the gameplay.

 

Sound- 9/10- I once said before that Heavenly Sword had some of the best voice acting but I may have found someone to take its place.  All the same voice actors from the anime we get Samual L Jackson, Kelly Hu, and Ron Pearlman.  The music is also the same, made from the Rza of the Wu Tang Clan.  Im not a huge fan of hip hop and all that but I really like how  Rza is able to mix it up and give a new sound that is easy to enjoy.

 

Gameplay- 7/10- This is where it goes down a little.  Its not the best game in the world but it is still pretty good.  A Ninja Gaiden like button smasher without the hardness of gameplay.  The game is not extremely difficult but entertaining and fun.  One thing that kind of got to me was the camera, it wasnt a bad camera it just as default the camera goes the opposite way that you push.  I was only able to play the first few levels, but I pretty much see where its going.  I dont think the gameplay is lengthy much like the anime and it has almost no replay value with no multiplayer.

 

Funfactor-7/10- I’ve played many hack and slash games and this one is fun.  The eye and ear candy make this game worth checking out and if you are a fan of the anime you will more than likely appreciate the work they have done on this game.  There seems to only be one difficulty and its not all that hard and the levels are pretty short.  Repetitiveness comes very early in the game but they counter that with harder people and naked ninja chicks that you have to kill.  

 

Total- 8/10- This game is not a bad game...to rent.  I would not waste the 60 bucks ONLY because there is no replay value.  The sound and graphics make up for lack of gameplay and sort of reminds me of games much like Assassins Creed; good concept, good game, just not enough content.  

Developer- Surge

Rating- M for Mutha Fucka

Console- PS3/XB360

Players- 1