Games Review: Afro Samurai

PS3, Xbox 360, Atari, £44.99

Afro Samurai is a glossy, stylish game, loosely inspired by an equally polished anime series. From the idiosyncratic graphics, which are more similar to the title’s manga roots than the average video game, to the cut-throat, combo- based combat, there’s plenty to like about this. But while beating up multiple enemies at any one time against an impressive backdrop of stunning visuals is great fun, there is a lack of variety in the gameplay that takes the edge off the experience. Although the highquality cut- scenes are easy on the eye, they do little to help the game flow and the endless button- bashing battles let this down. Still, it’s a good-looking treat if you’re after a somewhat shallowthrill.