UGO writes: "This game isn't dripping in style, it's carved from it." Those are the exuberant words of David Robinson, Senior Producer of Afro Samurai. He walks about the stage at the Namco Bandai press event as if brimming with energy, all too thrilled to finally get a chance to show off the game we've previously seen only in stills and trailers. Afro Samurai is a third-person action game based off the popular anime of the same name that aired on Spike TV last year. The six-episode first season of the show was lauded by fans for it's original style and all-star cast featuring Samuel L. Jackson and Ron Pearlman. I'd like to say that it's a "little bit of this and a little of that", but I'd be selling it short. It's an onslaught of hip-hop infused samurai action, all devilishly painted on top of a completely engaging narrative. For Namco Bandai's first North American production, I'd say the team has their work cut out for them, but who am I to say they cannot dream and achieve?
The first things that jump out at you when seeing the game in motion are its manga-inspired visuals. Pencil lines are sketched across characters and scenery alike, creating a deceptively two-dimensional feel in a stunning 3-D environment. Take a look at any of the screenshots and you'll see just how well this game can strike a pose. Rivers flow beneath vivid mountainside villages. Grass sways as the Afro Samurai bolts over the terrain, cigarette in mouth. It's a visual treat to lose yourself in, and one that is only accented when in motion."
John GodGames Emus has released some new videos, showing Haze, Afro Samurai, Armored Core V and Clash of the Titans running in 4K on the PC thanks to the Playstation 3 emulator, RPCS3.
Whatever happened to Afro Samurai 2? After they took it off the digital store I thought they’d come back with an improved product
Haze was nowhere near as bad as it was made out to be. I actually really liked it.
It was just released at a bad time when Sony and the PS3 could do no right. The developers and Sony over hyped it and it fell on its own sword.
The framerate and rending were more of the concern over resolution for me, and I can see they are making solid strides. Haze runs pretty well and doesn't seem to have many graphical or audio glitches (one cannot say the same for Ghost Recon lol). Given Sony hasn't provided any real backwards compatibility options, this is something I might consider. I still have my PS3 hooked up if I have a hankering for some last gen goodness, but I also wouldn't mind playing those games with either increased resolution or frame rate, whenever the emulator gets to that point :-)
Banner Saga publisher Versus Evil are going to be releasing an Afro Samurai game, they announced this morning. The game is being developed by Redacted Studios for PC and next-gen consoles.
I kinda want a samurai champloo next gen game more. this announcement seems pretty cool none the less.
This is something unexpected! I loved the show and the first game was decent. I hope RZA does the music again for this game like he did the last one.
Very likely since he does the music for anything Afro asamurai. He eveb voiced a character in the movie. Plus i bet he'd b the one to play afro in a live movie.
First one was cool
INtroduced the free cutting mechanic used in games like Metal Gear Rising
You mean the demo was cool, the full game sucked
I played the demo over and over when it was released, loved it, but when I bought the actual game it was lame as hell, one of the most boring/repetitive games i've ever played, should of stuck with the demo I thought afterwards
I would love a new one, and yes keep RZA
Love anything Afro Samurai. Wish they would make another film with soundtrack by RZA again.
was gonna say the same thing hopefully another series/movie accompanies this game with RZA doing the music.
Hope they've got RZA and Samuel L. Jackson (or at least a damn good impersonator). Just wouldn't be Afro without those guys behind it
Samurai games are fun to play because players are able to play as one of not only history's greatest warriors.
I loved Way of the Samurai.
I really wish someone would take on the open world samurai game. I would love to play as a wandering samurai who gets into all kinds of classic stuff. If only it happened,,,
This article is why you make AT LEAST Top 10 lists.
Top 5 never covers everything because there is NEVER JUST 5 at the top.
The next 5 behind those are arguably just as good.
Agreed. They even left Samurai Showdown / Spirit from the list :(
And do you remember Soul of the Samurai by Konami on PS1?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wik...
Very underrated title >.<
Too bad SEGA doesn't localize Yakuza Kenzan. But i hope the localize Yakuza Ishin (crossing my fingers)...
edit:
Anyone play Seven Samurai 20xx for PS2? I don't have the chance to play it. But i heard it's good.
I know Samurai Showdown, a classic, and Soul of the Samurai. As I commented, there are many samurai games to choose from and its difficult to choose the top 5, with other people's opinions. After all, my article is an opinion piece.
Well i knew it's just an opinion. But at least you can mention some of their names on your article. So, your readers knew that you still appreciate the titles, even all of those titles doesn't make on your top five list. Just my little suggestion. No offence ok :)
I loved how strategic the game was as well. Running around the open field trying to find an opening & cursing when your arm is injured & have to go one handed.
Also the lack of music when you battle gave the fights a more realistic feel. You only hear your swords clang & the ambient sounds around you.
Great game by Square when they were experimenting more often with their titles.
I have and played Bushido Blade before and its a wonderful game. It was difficult to choose from the many samurai games out there for the top 5.
I appreciate the comments, negative and positive. Since its an opinion piece, everyone's opinions are different and not everyone is going to agree. Kessen was also a good game too. The list could go to Top 6, Top 10, Top 20, Top 50 and so on. There are many samurai games to decide from and could be difficult to choose for the top 5.
Please add your own Top 5 Samurai Games to the comments.
