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Afro Samurai sends mixed cultural messages
Namco released new screenshots for their "hip-hop infused action/adventure game". Oh, dear. "Hip-hop infused"? Well, 50 Cent: Bulletproof actually sold well enough that a sequel is on the way. Given that this is based on an animated series from a manga, we'll see if gamers are ready for some "hip-hop infusion" in their anime. Afro Samurai will be the first Namco game developed by their new US studio. Patrick Klepek from MTV's Multiplayer blog has an interesting conversation with the game's producer.
I don't know the Afro Samurai series, but I figure anything with Samuel Jackson that doesn’t have the words "Star" or "Wars" somewhere in the title can't be all bad. After taking a look at these screen shots, I'm sold. The pen-and-ink look of the artwork is really lovely, like Okami gone blaxsploitation.
Plus, Afro Samurai smokes while he's fighting. It's all good and well to have a hero who dismembers his opponents in glorious geysers of blood. They all do that. But if there's one thing worse than a nipple in a videogame, it's smoking. Fight the power, Afro Samurai!
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By Cap'n Jack at 9:39 AM ON 06/06/08
Tom, you couldn't be more wrong about Afro Samurai.
First, let me just say that there is nothing wrong with Hip-Hop. Just because something is influenced or includes hip-hop culture, does not mean it's going to be bad (or ghetto, for that fact). Most Hip-Hop tends to be more thoughtful and entertaining, and even nerdier than other rap. Unfortunately, the music industry now labels all rap as Hip-Hop, even though it's really the next step of 90s gansta rap.
Second, Afro Samurai was actually a very interesting and unique series because of its inclusion of hip-hop music and culture, in addition to a great story. By comparing Afro Samurai to 50-Cent, you're doing the series a disservice. Try watching it first.
Finally, how is it that you write for SciFi, but you're dissing Star Wars? While the prequels were only somewhat entertaining, Sammy L. was the greatest thing about all 3 of those movies, so give the guy some credit. Also, consider the expanded Star Wars universe before you dis the whole franchise. Clone Wars Volume 1 was better than all 3 prequels combined.
By Marmosette at 2:14 PM ON 06/06/08
Afro samurai was a good looking series but the story was pretty standard, I think samurai champloo was a far better mix of hip-hop, swords, animation and blood.
Marmosette:
Afro samurai was a good looking series but the story was pretty standard, I think samurai champloo was a far better...More »