Gameplay and story

Afrika (video game)

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Afrika
North American boxart.

Afrika, is a photography and safari simulation video game for the PlayStation 3. Developed by Rhino Studios, the game was first announced in a promotional video during the Sony press conference at E3 2006. Afrika has been referred to as being similar to the Nintendo 64 title Pokémon Snap.^[2] On November 19, 2008 it was announced that the former Asian territory ‘exclusive’ is going to be released in North America. The game is being published by Natsume.^[3]

Gameplay and story

In Afrika, the player assumes the role of a photojournalist hired to take images of various animals. Gameplay is mission-driven; players receive e-mails at base camp instructing them as to which animals they must photograph. Players may then travel by foot, jeep, or hot air balloon to the areas where requested animals are found in order to photograph them.^[4] The in-game camera is controlled by the Sixaxis. Depending on the quality of the photograph taken, the player will earn in-game money. This money can be used to purchase new supplies such as an upgraded camera.^[5]
Additional to the actual gameplay are unlockables such as various footage and real-life snapshots of the animals that can be encountered, which are collected and stored in the “Animal Library”.
The soundtrack for the game was composed by Wataru Hokoyama.^[6] The music was awarded Best Original Video Game Score by The Hollywood Music Awards 2008.^[7] Movie Music UK has the only review of the soundtrack and gave it 4.5/5.0, saying "Hokoyama has left a strong impression with the wonderful music he has composed. This is a soundtrack you cannot pass up." ^[8]

American version

Afrika in the U.S. was announced at E3 2009. The game's original release date was October 6, 2009, but it was postponed and released on October 13, 2009.^[1] The U.S. version has a downloadable trophy patch.