Afro Samurai (PS3) - Game SONY - Free user manual and instructions

Frequently Asked Questions - Afro Samurai (PS3) SONY

USER MANUAL Afro Samurai (PS3) SONY

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A very small percentage of individuals may experience epileptic seizures or blackouts when exposed to certain light patterns or flashing lights. Exposure to certain patterns or backgrounds on a television screen or when playing video games may trigger epileptic seizures or blackouts in these individuals. These conditions may trigger previously undetected epileptic symptoms or seizures in persons who have no history of prior seizures or epilepsy. If you, or anyone in your family, has an epileptic condition or has had seizures of any kind, consult your physician before playing. IMMEDIATELY DISCONTINUE use and consult your physician before resuming gameplay if you or your child experience any of the following health problems or symptoms:

• dizziness • eye or muscle twitches • disorientation • any involuntary movement

Use and handling of video games to reduce the likelihood of a seizure

• Use in a well-lit area and keep as far away as possible from the television screen.

• Avoid large screen televisions. Use the smallest television screen available.

• Avoid prolonged use of the PLAYSTATION

3 system. Take a 15-minute break during each hour of play.

• Avoid playing when you are tired or need sleep.

Stop using the system immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms: lightheadedness, nausea, or a sensation similar to motion sickness; discomfort or pain in the eyes, ears, hands, arms, or any other part of the body. If the condition persists, consult a doctor. NOTICE: Use caution when using the SIXAXIS™ wireless controller motion sensor function. When using the SIXAXIS™ wireless controller motion sensor function, be cautious of the following points. If the controller hits a person or object, this may cause accidental injury or damage. Before using, check that there is plenty of space around you. When using the controller, grip it firmly to make sure it cannot slip out of your hand. If using a controller that is connected to the PS3™ system with a USB cable, make sure there is enough space for the cable so that the cable will not hit a person or object. Also, take care to avoid pulling the cable out of the PS3™ system while using the controller. WARNING TO OWNERS OF PROJECTION TELEVISIONS: Do not connect your PLAYSTATION

3 system to a projection TV without first consulting the user manual for your projection TV, unless it is of the LCD type. Otherwise, it may permanently damage your TV screen.

• Do not bend it, crush it or submerge it in liquids. • Do not leave it in direct sunlight or near a radiator or other source of heat. • Be sure to take an occasional rest break during extended play. • Keep this disc clean. Always hold the disc by the edges and keep it in its protective case when not in use. Clean the disc with a lint-free, soft, dry cloth, wiping in straight lines from center to outer edge. Never use solvents or abrasive cleaners. SIT DOWN, CHILDREN, NINJA NINJA HAS A STORY TO TELL... The Number One headband; symbol of the greatest fighter alive, whose form and skill transcends all to become a work of art, a prayer; he who wears it shall rule mankind as a god. Only the warrior who wears the Number Two headband has the right to challenge the Number One for the sacred powers he possesses, or so the legend goes. But Afro Samurai wears the Number Two not for glory, but with vengeance in mind, for the greatest fighter in the world is also the killer of Afro’s father. Pursued by all men who desire the power of the Number One headband and haunted by memories of those he betrayed and killed to become Number Two, Afro can never rest. If the Number One is closest to heaven, the Number Two is surely closest to hell. His mind confused, fragmented Afro must focus on his memories, relive the events of his life and reconcile his past before he can finally face Justice. It begs the question; is Afro Samurai in hell, or is hell inside of him?

NOTE: Some models of the PLAYSTATION 3 system do not include media slots. For specific features included, refer to the instructions for use of your model of the PLAYSTATION 3 system.STarTINg a gamE: Before use, carefully read the instructions supplied with the PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system. The documentation contains information on setting up and using your system as well as important safety information.Check that the MAIN POWER switch (located on the system rear) is turned on. Insert the Afro Samurai disc with the label facing up into the disc slot. Select the icon for Afro Samurai under [Game] in the PLAYSTATION 3 system’s home menu, and the press X. Refer to this manual for information on using the software.QuITTINg a gamE: During gameplay, press and hold down the PS button on the wireless controller for at least 2 seconds. Then select “Quit Game” from the screen that is displayed. Hint To remove a disc, touch the eject button after quitting the game.Note: To use the controller, you must first register or “pair” the controller with the PLAYSTATION 3 system and assign a number to the controller. For details, refer to the Instructions supplied with the system. Saved data for PLAYSTATION

3 format software Saved data for PLAYSTATION 3 format software is saved on the system’s hard disk. The data is displayed under “Saved Game Utility” in the Game menu.auTOSaVE: This title uses an autosave feature. Game data is saved automatically at certain points. Do not switch off the power when the HDD access indicator is flashing, which are referenced by an icon of two gears grinding. Do not quit the game or power down your console while this icon is on screen. SELECT buttonUSB connectorL2 buttonL1 buttonDirectionalbuttonsLeft stick/L3 button*START buttonR2 buttonR1 button button button button buttonRight stick/R3 button*PS buttonPort indicators GETTING STARTED Saved data for PLAYSTATION 3 format software Saved data for PLAYSTATION 3 format software is saved on the system’s hard disk. The data is displayed under “Saved Game Utility” in the Game menu. Note: To use the controller, you must first register or “pair” the controller with the PLAYSTATION 3 system and assign a number to the controller. For details, refer to the instructions supplied with the system. Using the SIXAXIS™ wireless controller (for PLAYSTATION

• The L3 and R3 buttons function when the sticks are pressed. PLAYSTATION 3 system front GETTING STARTED Starting a game: Before use, carefully read the instructions supplied with the PLAY STAT ION

3 computer entertainment system. The documentation contains information on setting up and using your system as well as important safety information. Check that the MAIN POWER switch (located on the system rear) is turned on. Insert the (title name) disc with the label facing up into the disc slot. Select the icon for the software title under [Game] in the PLAYSTATION

3 system’s home menu, and then press the s button. Refer to this manual for information on using the software. Quitting a game: During gameplay, press and hold down the PS button on the wireless controller for at least 2 seconds. Then select “Quit Game” from the screen that is displayed. To remove a disc, touch the eject button after quitting the game. Hint Insert the disc with the label side facing up. CF SD/miniSD Disc slot CF*

3 system front Using the SIXAXIS™ wireless controller (for PLAYSTATION®3) SELECT buttonUSB connectorL2 buttonL1 buttonDirectionalbuttonsLeft stick/L3 button*START buttonR2 buttonR1 button button button button buttonRight stick/R3 button*PS buttonPort indicators GETTING STARTED Saved data for PLAYSTATION 3 format software Saved data for PLAYSTATION 3 format software is saved on the system’s hard disk. The data is displayed under “Saved Game Utility” in the Game menu. Note: To use the controller, you must first register or “pair” the controller with the PLAYSTATION 3 system and assign a number to the controller. For details, refer to the instructions supplied with the system. Using the SIXAXIS™ wireless controller (for PLAYSTATION

• The L3 and R3 buttons function when the sticks are pressed. PLAYSTATION 3 system front GETTING STARTED Starting a game: Before use, carefully read the instructions supplied with the PLAYSTATION

computer entertainment system. The documentation contains information on setting up and using your system as well as important safety information. Check that the MAIN POWER switch (located on the system rear) is turned on. Insert the (title name) disc with the label facing up into the disc slot. Select the icon for the software title under [Game] in the PLAYSTATION 3 system’s home menu, and then press the s button. Refer to this manual for information on using the software. Quitting a game: During gameplay, press and hold down the PS button on the wireless controller for at least 2 seconds. Then select “Quit Game” from the screen that is displayed. To remove a disc, touch the eject button after quitting the game. HintInsert the disc with the label side facing up. CF SD/miniSDDisc slotCF*1 slot*1 CompactFlash®*2 Secure DigitalSD*2 Memory Card slotMemory Stick™ slotSlot coverPower buttonVentUSB connectorsHDD access indicatorWLAN access indicatorEject buttonEject button4

PAUSE MENU You can resume your paused game, quit to the main menu (losing any unsaved progress), or view the number of Mementos you have collected while progressing through the stage. The pause menu also displays the current stage. SKILLS MENU The Skills menu is separated into five separate lists, according to the function of the skill. There are In-Focus Techniques, A Little Bit of Other Stuff, Chaotic Brutality, Frenzied Awesomeness, and Father’s Legacy. In-Focus Techniques are maneuvers that can only be performed while in Focus. A Little Bit of Other Stuff involves kick-centric attacks, Chaotic Brutality is based around Heavy Attack-centric combos, Frenzied Awesomeness features Light Attack-centric combos, and Father’s Legacy are special attacks that are earned by collecting five Mementos in a level. Moves that you have available will display the command below them, as well as an example video on the right-hand side of the screen. Locked moves have a white slash of paint, indicating that they may not be used yet. To unlock these moves you must battle enemies to gain levels, progress through the game, or collect Mementos. STAYING ALIVE There is not a traditional HUD in Afro Samurai. Rather than life bars, combo counters, meters, and other elements placed around the screen, everything you need to know is displayed on the bodies of Afro and his enemies. As Afro takes damage, his outline will take on a red tint. The redder Afro becomes, the closer he is to death. When Afro nears death, retreat from your enemies. Afro will heal after killing an enemy or hitting a bear. EVERYONE DIES Even the Number Two can be bested by his opponents if they are skilled or numerous enough. When Afro’s health is completely depleted, he dies. After he dies, the screen will fade and you will reappear at the last checkpoint you passed so that you can try the segment again. MAKING MANEUVERS Afro is on a quest for revenge, so the bulk of your experience is going to be in combat. Afro is going to move from area to area, and annihilating all enemies is foremost on his mind. Use the left stick to maneuver around the screen, and the right stick to adjust the camera. Press the right stick button to re-center the camera behind Afro. Pressing x makes Afro jump. Jumping near overhangs allows Afro to grab onto the ledge and pull himself up. Afro can also sprint by pressing N/ R . Sprinting increases Afro’s movement speed, allowing him to escape his enemies when necessary. When Afro comes across a door that needs to be opened, there will be a glowing spark in the center of it. Press c to kick the door and open it. When Afro finds switches high on a wall, jumping up and grabbing the switch will activate it. Switches on the ground can be kicked to activate them.8

SWING BLADES Afro is a consummate warrior and a master swordsman. Press F to perform a Light Attack, D to perform a Heavy Attack, or A to kick. Combining these attacks in specific orders lead to combo attacks, which can deliver greater damage to enemies. The higher your combos go, the more blood appears on the screen. Lengthy combos will bathe the screen in blood and result in Focus Points for Afro. Once your combo has expired, the blood will fade away. Press q to view Afro’s Skills menu. Study his combos and moves to become a skilled player. The moves are sorted into a few different sections, so scroll left or right to turn to the other sections. Afro’s enemies turn red as they take damage. Use this indicator to keep an eye on how close to death your enemies are. Focus your attacks on small groups of enemies at once in order to deplete their health as much as possible. STAY FOCUSED Battling is not as simple as swinging a sword willy-nilly. Afro can focus his thoughts to the point that everyone around him appears to move in slow motion, which opens them up to Afro’s punishing sword strikes. Pressing F makes Afro perform a Horizontal Perfect Slice, D results in a Vertical Perfect Slice, A makes Afro sweep an enemy’s leg, and S makes Afro hop. Successfully using the Perfect Slices adds a bonus to the experience Afro earns when fighting enemies, as well as restoring half the Focus points he spent utilizing the attack. Afro is more maneuverable when in Focus. Moving the left stick while pressing S in Focus mode makes Afro perform a flip. He can flip over an enemy’s head, gaining access to the enemy’s backside, or to the side or back, dodging certain attacks. Holding E and moving the left stick while in Focus makes Afro roll. The Horizontal and Vertical Perfect Slices can be instant kills if performed properly. Hold the button when performing the attack and Afro will swing the sword out wide. A white spark will travel down the length of the sword. When it reaches the end of the sword, release the button. Afro will swing the sword and kill the enemy. Afro can aim the Horizontal and Vertical Perfect Slices when in Focus. Move the left stick up or down to adjust the vertical angle, or left and right to adjust the horizontal angle. By doing this, you can select which part of the body you are going to attack. Beware, however- certain enemies will step to the side, avoiding a Vertical Perfect Slice, or hop into the air, dodging a Horizontal Perfect Slice. Large enemies may require multiple slices to take down. These enemies must be finished another way, through a leg sweep or other attacks, before they become vulnerable to Perfect Slices. Experiment with creating combos involving Perfect Slices to open your enemies up to your blade. You can also aim your Perfect Slice with the left stick to counteract their dodge. ADVANCED MOVES Afro can also wall-run when near compatible walls. To perform a wall-run, press x to jump towards the wall. Afro will latch onto the wall and sprint for a short period of time. Afro can also crisscross jump from wall to wall by pressing x when wall-running, allowing him to reach higher areas or areas that are farther away. Jumping onto a hanging pole can give Afro access to new areas, as well.

If you find yourself lost during the course of the game, press down on the Directional Pad. Ninja Ninja will appear in the stage in a cloud of smoke to guide Afro to his objective. Once Afro arrives at Ninja Ninja’s position, Ninja Ninja will disappear.10

Afro goes up against enemies who have all kinds of weapons, from swords to scythes to rifles. Afro has two special attacks that he can use to defend against bullet attacks. When a bullet is fired, activate Focus. Time will slow down and give Afro the opportunity to perform one of two attacks. Afro can perform a Bullet Reflect by hitting the bullet with a Horizontal Perfect Slice. When the shimmer reaches the end of the sword, release F. Bullet Reflects fires the bullet back at the gunman, killing him instantly. Perform Bullet Slices by hitting the bullet with a Vertical Perfect Slice. Press D when the bullet begins coming your way, and release it when the shimmer reaches the end of your sword. The Bullet Slice will shatter the bullet into many pieces, any of which will cause damage to nearby enemies. OVERFOCUS Overfocus is the next level of Focus. Pressing W activates Overfocus which is an enhanced version of Focus. Afro will no longer have to charge attacks to dismember, bisect, and decapitate his foes. Now, simple sword strikes with F or D will immediately kill an enemy. To earn Overfocus, you must have a fully-charged Focus meter. The pendant on Afro’s sword will shine brightly when he has the chance to activate Overfocus. Keep an eye on Afro’s pendant so that you know when you can unleash your abilities. Use combos and Perfect Slices to build up your Focus points. POUNCING Afro can pounce on vulnerable enemies when the opportunity strikes. Successfully blocking an enemy’s sword strike with proper timing or stunning an enemy leaves them open to pouncing. Oftentimes, Ninja Ninja will shout out when you are able to pounce. Press and hold x to leap toward them and land on their chest. From there, Afro can pound them with Light or Heavy attacks, or throw them into the distance by pushing the left stick in a direction and pressing x again. In Focus mode, Afro can pounce on enemies without stunning or deflecting their attacks first. BODY-PART POKER Body-part Poker is an in-game event that, after you win, rewards you with extra health, Focus points, and experience points. Body-part Poker can be found throughout Afro Samurai. When Ninja Ninja appears on the field of battle during an engagement, run up to him. He will disappear and Body-part Poker will begin. Body-par t Poker is a game played with three cards per hand and a time limit. You have a specific amount of time to cut off a leg, arm, or head from the enemies you are going up against. Each leg, arm, or head is a card. Chopping off the body parts from enemies in certain patterns, which are ous to winning poker hands, results in a win. Missing a body part gives you no cards. Precision is important in Body-part Poker, as chopping an enemy in half, or taking his shoulder with his arm, gives you no points. Focus on cutting your enemies apart cleanly and accurately in order to win. LEVELLING UP As you fight, Afro will gain experience from defeating his enemies. After receiving a certain amount of experience, Afro will gain a level. Gaining levels increases Afro’s life, Focus, and can add new skills to his repertoire. Performing certain actions when slicing your enemy can give you bonus experience points, making the quest for a new level that much shorter. Pay attention to the Skills Menu in order to keep up-to-date on your abilities. Press q to check Afro’s move list and see what is new. Afro’s pendant will sparkle red when experience has been received. Watch for the sign. MEMENTOS There are five murders of crows spread throughout each level. Walking past these crows makes them glow and fly away, giving Afro a Memento. Collecting all five Mementos in a level will unlock one to three new moves in Father’s Legacy. These moves are skills that Afro’s father displayed before he died. The crows may be found in out-of-the-way spots, on alternate paths, or even right in your usual route through a level. Make sure to explore each level thoroughly to find all five so that you can complete Afro’s arsenal of moves.

Otsuru’s Bears are located all over each stage. When you find a bear, slice it. Afro’s health and Focus will refill. Use these when you get low on health or need some extra Focus.12

“ Thinking about your pops huh? Which part – the head or the body?” “ Wait here son; it’ll soon be over…” The former Number One, we can see in Afro’s Father the good man Afro would have become if Justice had not intervened. The killer of Afro’s Father and now ranked as Number One – a god on Earth. Monstrous, yet somehow beguiling and charismatic, Justice is the catalyst for Afro’s odyssey of killing and revenge. With a single act of violence Justice has wrought sorrow, pain and death on the world he presides over as a god. Following the death of his Father, Afro is found and taken in by the master of a Sword School. As he comes to understand Afro’s dark past, Sword Master attempts to dissuade the boy from pursuing his Father’s killer and to live a normal life, creating a conflict that only serves to push Afro further along the path to vengeance. “ Challenge me, when you’re ready to duel a god!” “This is the world you have made – is it everything you hoped it would be?” Afro’s herald, hype-man and a real shit-talker; Ninja Ninja bears witness to Afro Samurai’s search for Justice. Ninja Ninja is a force of nature - mischievous, highly-strung and dangerously irresponsible. When shit goes down he’ll split as fast as his thin veneer of cool. It’s sometimes hard to tell if Ninja Ninja is an ally or an enemy. “Where is Number One?” Only the warrior who wears the Number Two headband has the right to challenge the Number One, and only with the Number One headband in his possession may a man become a god, so the legend goes. But Afro Samurai seeks the Number One simply with vengeance in mind, for the greatest fighter in the world is also the killer of Afro’s Father. Pursued by all men who desire the power of the Number One headband, haunted by memories of those he betrayed and killed to become Number Two Afro can never rest. If the Number One is closest to heaven, the Number Two is surely closest to hell.14