THE EPITOME OF STYLIZED ACTION READIES TO SLICE ITS WAY INTO HOMES AS AFRO SAMURAI® GOES GOLD
Hip-Hop Inspired Samurai Showdown to Deliver Cutting Edge Gameplay and Striking Visuals
SANTA CLARA, Calif., (January 9, 2009) – SURGE™, a cutting edge studio and publisher created by NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc., announced today that Afro Samurai® has gone gold and will be released throughout North America on January 27, 2009 for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system. Based on the acclaimed animated series starring and executive-produced by Samuel L. Jackson, Afro Samurai expertly blends hip-hop culture and traditional Japanese aesthetics into a brutally fresh cinematic experience.
Follow Afro on an epic hunt for his father’s killer, as he ascends into the timeless mysticism of the Samurai code. Staying true to the soul of the animated series, Samuel L. Jackson reprises his role as the aloof protagonist and his loud-mouthed sidekick, Ninja Ninja. Featuring additional material and background for fans of the series and newcomers alike, players can bludgeon to the beat of music as Afro Samurai is set to an original hip hop musical score with a new track by The RZA of Wu Tang Clan fame.
Visually innovative, Afro Samurai’s striking cross-hatch art style and cut scene paneling gives the game a truly unique animated look and feel as Afro wages a brutal war against anyone standing in his way. Featuring a one-of-a-kind combat system, players can dismember opponents with surgical precision in limitless ways by executing dynamic finishing moves. Make a statement by cleaving an opponent in two from skull to sandals or perform cosmetic surgery, samurai style, by lopping off the nose of an adversary with an effortless swing of the blade. Afro Samurai lets the player feel the swagger and swordsmanship of the ultimate hip-hop warrior.
To support Afro Samurai’s upcoming release, a comprehensive national marketing program will generate more than 200 million consumer impressions. Television ad campaigns will run throughout January and February, consisting of :30 and :15 second spots aimed at cable programming in the U.S. and Canada. Additional initiatives for this premier title consist of online and print programs, as well as promotional partnerships that include Church’s Chicken®, one of the largest quick-service chicken concepts in the world.
Afro Samurai is rated “M” for mature by the ESRB and carries a suggested MSRP of $59.99. For more information about the videogame, please visit: http://www.bloodisbeautiful.com. For more information about Afro Samurai, please visit www.afrosamurai.com.
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About SURGE
SURGE is a cutting edge studio and publishing label created by NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc. to develop electrifying and inspired interactive entertainment. SURGE creates genre-defining games that are attuned to the tastes of western gamers. Afro Samurai® is the first game to launch under the brand with additional intellectual properties currently in development and slated for 2009.
About GDH K.K.
GDH is a globally-focused Japanese media company founded in February 2000. The group produces cutting edge entertainment for teens and young adults through its GONZO animation brand. Kids and family product is distributed through the GONZO FILMS and GONZINO brands.
GDH is a world leader in content development targeting both domestic and international audiences with Japan‘s trend-setting animation culture and, usually, GDH controls licensing management and international distribution for the content it produces. For additional information, visit www.gdh.co.jp/english (for GDH) and www.gonzo.co.jp (for GONZO – Japanese only).
GDH group companies include GONZO Rosso K.K., GONZO K.K., Future Vision Music K.K., GONZINO K.K., and GK Entertainment K.K.
GDH group companies include GONZO Rosso K.K., GONZO K.K., Future Vision Music K.K., GONZINO K.K., and GK Entertainment K.K.
SURGE is a trademark of NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc.
Afro Samurai® & © 2006 TAKASHI OKAZAKI, GONZO / SAMURAI PROJECT. Program © 2008 NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc.
All rights reserved. “PlayStation”, “PLAYSTATION” and “PS” Family logo are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. Xbox, Xbox 360, and Xbox Live are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.
