14 DAY TRIAL // The weird offbeat manga and anime series Afro Samurai is looking at a second video game adaptation, this time around the project introducing new characters into the mix.
The first Afro Samurai video game was released for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 back in 2009, and was the first game published by Bandai Namco's western label, Surge.
The entire thing started back in 1999, as a manga, and since then it has garnered a cult following, and its anime adaptation, on which the game will be based, also became wildly successful.
The game is set in a future version of Japan, seeing the country return to its feudal traditions, and follows the protagonist on a quest for revenge, against the men who killed his father.
It's got a pretty unique take on the action, being very gory and highly stylish, presenting the medieval warrior state of Japan and borrowing heavily from modern culture, and having a distinct retro vibe.
Mainly a 3D brawler with platformer elements, Afro Samurai 2 is being developed by Redacted Studios, founded and led by former Bandai Namco producer David Robinson, to be published by Versus Evil.
Robinson worked on the first Afro Samurai title, obtained the rights to the franchise after leaving Bandai Namco in order to make his own studio, and is now busily working on the sequel with a team of 17.
Afro Samurai 2 will feature a brand-new and original storyline, and will focus on a side character, Kuma. There will also be the option for cooperative multiplayer, and gamers will be able to assume control of characters that they couldn't play as in the original game.
For the time being, there is no information regarding a prospective release window, nor on the platforms that the upcoming action game will be available on.
To give you an idea of the IP and game's mood, check out the E3 2008 trailer of the first Afro Samurai below. The 2009 action game featured the voice of Samuel L. Jackson, and hopefully the acclaimed actor will make a return for the sequel.
The PS3 and Xbox 360 game managed to capture the stylistic elements of the series but received a lot of criticism for lacking any substance, offering a monotonous and repetitive experience that only got fans of the series excited.
Hopefully, this time around, with a new generation of consoles to power the game and a fresh point of view, a game worthy of the source material will be delivered.