I had absolutely no idea that there was actually a video game based on the "Afro Samurai" animated series. Then again, I wouldn’t exactly call myself a gamer. But I’m sure some of you were aware, and maybe even own the game.
If you are one of those folks, or a budding gamer, or a veteran who wasn’t aware that a video game based on the series exists, you may be pleased to know that video game publisher Versus Evil has announced that it is developing a sequel to the first game (which was released in 2009, on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360),
The "Afro Samurai" game sequel is in development at Redacted Studios for next gen consoles and PC. It will be a 3rd person action adventure, and will include an original storyline, new playable characters, and improved special moves and combos "which firmly establishes the franchise as the undisputed leader in dynamic dismemberment."
Funny!
“Working with independent studios is truly rewarding and we couldn’t be happier to add Redacted Studios and Tangrin to a growing list of top indie studios,” said Steve Escalante, general manager of Versus Evil, calling it an "excellent and promising" title that they are privileged to be publishing.
More details about the Afro Samurai game will be released over the coming months.
Samuel L. Jackson was supposed to be developing a live action film based on "Afro Samurai," but since our last post on the project (2011), there doesn’t appear to have been much movement on it. Unless we just missed something, but my research returned nothing new.
As we know, Hollywood loves movie adaptations based on existing successful franchises, and "Afro Samurai" (with the animated series, soundtracks produced by RZA, and video games), it most certainly fits.
First announced at the 2006 Comic-Con, a live action version of Afro Samurai was said to be in the making, with Indomina group obtaining the rights to produce the film, with Samuel L. Jackson, Jasbinder Singh Mann (Indomina Group Vice Chairman and CEO), Shin Ishikawa (Gonzo Studios) as producers.
"Afro Samurai: Resurrection" was the first Japanese anime to be nominated for and win an Emmy.
The animated series is available on DVD, if you’ve never seen any of it.
Here’s a look at the gameplay for the first game: