I know the game has been out a while.  I waited for the price drop to pick it up.  So sue me!  I’m a little strapped for cash what with the economy on the decline and my three year old growing out of clothes after wearing them once.  I know I am not the only one with concerns such as these, but I’ll tell you who isn’t concerned: AFRO!!!!

Afro is on a mission.  He has one concern on his mind:  avenging the death of his father.  He certainly has the skills to do so.  With sword in hand, Afro will cut through waves of samurai, ninja, and topless warrior strippers (no joke, it happens.)

The developer, Surge, did a great job with the graphical presentation.  The game features a slick, cell-shaded look that is perfect for the source material.  Since there is no HUD in the game, you get to see all the bloody, beheading action perfectly.  The cut-scenes are also very enjoyable and the voice talent is incredible.

Samuel L. Jackson, Ron Pearlman, and Kelly Hu reprise their roles from the hit anime as Afro, Ninja Ninja, Justice, and Okiku.  The dialogue is mostly hilarious, especially when Sam L. is involved.  I played the game in surround sound and I must say, the music by the RZA is awesome.  At certain points in the game, I just left Afro idle for a few to take in the tracks.

Now that I have that out of the way, I have to mention this.  Afro Samurai  is a licensed game based on a very popular anime.  That means the developer took the opportunity to ignore some of the games flaws.  This game is a beat-em-up with some platforming elements.  Sure, there are lots of combos to use, but when push comes to shove, you’ll be mashing buttons like there’s no tomorrow.  The game also has a leveling system, but since you don’t decide how to use your EXP, it does very little to add depth.  Luckily, there is a game play mechanic called “Focus” which will give your fingers a break and allow you to pull off “perfect strikes” that will instantly kill most foes.

The fighting is relatively fun, but the platforming is tedious and needed some tweaks.  The camera is a little difficult to get used to, but manages to get the job done.  All in all, Afro Samurai is a decent game.  If you are a fan of beat-em-ups or Afro, try this one out.  Afro Samurai gets a 3/5.