Western gamers, prepare to be satiated. Namco Bandai has just announced Surge, a new studio and publishing label it says will provide "cutting-edge, genre-defining games that are targeted at satiating the appetite of western gamers."

Afro Samurai (PS3, 360) will mark the first Surge release when it hits on January 27. More Surge games will follow later in the year, with the company stating that they will cover "a wide assortment of categories and platforms."

"Through passion and innovation, Surge will complement our portfolio of established franchises and intellectual property while positioning the company as a creative force," said Namco Bandai marketing VP Andrew Lelchuk.

Surge "personifies our commitment to deliver compelling content for the discriminating player who is looking for games that are not only groundbreaking but also push the envelope," Lelchuk added.

Namco Bandai has released a batch of new screenshots from its internally developed adaptation of anime Afro Samurai, showing some action in a Shinto shrine--and our hero Afro stabbing a dude in the mouth.

Offering the voice of Samuel L. Jackson and a soundtrack from The RZA of Wu-Tang fame, Afro Samurai gets to work on Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 on January 29, 2009.

In honor of the Tokyo Game Show, set to get underway in just a couple hours, Namco Bandai sent along some new screenshots of Afro Samurai, the anime adaptation in development at the company's American office.

Sporting the voices of Samuel L. Jackson, Ron Perlman and Kelly Hu and a soundtrack by The RZA of the Wu Tang Clan, the Blaxploitation Bushido hits Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 on January 27 of next year.

Namco Bandai's samurai anime adaptation Afro Samurai (PS3, 360) will hit retailer shelves on January 27 of next year, the developer announced today.

Namco Bandai had previously slated the title for a vague fall 2008 release date, marking a slight delay for the hack-and-slash title.

Based on the anime of same name, Afro Samurai features action gameplay with a pronounced emphasis on strategic swordplay and dodging. As with the North American adaptation of the animated series, the protagonist will be voiced by veteran actor Samuel L. Jackson.

Namco Bandai has released new screenshots of its upcoming game adaptation of the stylish anime series Afro Samurai.

Similar to the North American localization of the anime which aired on Spike TV, the titular protagonist will be voiced by veteran actor Samuel L. Jackson. The Afro Samurai game will focus on hack-and-slash gameplay with a pronounced emphasis on strategic swordplay and dodging.

Afro Samurai is expected to hit the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 this fall.

Fresh from its 2008 Editor's Day, publisher Namco Bandai has issued a smattering of screenshots and artwork from many of its upcoming titles, including Warhammer: Battle March (PC, X360), Tales of Vesperia (X360), Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm (PS3) and more.

If available, more information can be found by clicking on a game's name. Be sure to scope out the full post for all the goods, as there is so much media we couldn't possibly put it all on our front page.

Soul Calibur IV (PS3, X360) - July 29, 2008

Warhammer: Battle March (PC, X360) - September 2008 ... Read more