Akuji the Heartless: Review and History

Get your arm blades and shrunken heads ready…it’s time to talk about Akuji the Heartless.
This 1999 game is one of the few 3D platformers exclusive to the PlayStation, and though it’s not all that mechanically inventive, it has a unique aesthetic identity and touches on mature themes that dramatically set it apart from its family friendly contemporaries of the era.
So why does nobody remember Akuji? And how does it hold up when examined through a modern lens?
Let’s peek beyond the veil and discuss the creation of Akuji the Heartless, how it was received upon release, and how this fascinating amalgamation of voodoo inspired 3D platforming gameplay, simplistic combat, and VERY 90’s edge holds up.
Further viewing:
• Vodou: Haiti's African...
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*Music Credits*
All music from Akuji the Heartless OST
*Copyright Disclaimer*
This video is for educational purposes only. No copyright infringement is intended.

[@anotherman9039]

Fuck I love it when someone covers games that are obscure...

[@dittm3r]

😐 don't say fuck

[@austindecaux7895]

One of the greatest joys in life 🫡

[@JoseCruz-dm6ew]

Remember playing this in junior high. Of course me and the fellas would say " Akuji.....The Fartless"....

[@mikmalot]

The link to appropriate educational material is a neat touch.

[@laurenjpiper6893]

Wow super thorough, great job

[@thrasherwartooth]

Holy shit I thought I was the only one who has ever heard of this game! I played the fuck out of it as a kid. It kinda gave me the creeps playing it at that age but man I loved it.

[@clappagemcphee]

Absolute fucking banger of a video

[@tonyeltigre]

Naw I gotta play me some Akuji!!

[@gunz.]

subbed

[@rabbitcouch15]

I remember renting Gex 2 from my local video store in like 2002. I was too afraid to beat the first level though lol

[@atomagevampn308]

Fantastic video man. I completely forgot about this game but I remember getting it in a bargain bin as a kid and digging it. Might have to throw it on my retroid and giving it a go. Again, great video and I'm glad I found your channel.

[@ForgottenCodeGaming]

Thank you! Much appreciated. Report back if you do get a chance to play it.

[@lyns4440]

lets gooooo!

[@LutraLovegood]

There was no console wars when I was a kid. The Nintendo 64 was for the rich and privileged, the Playstation was for everyone else. Thanks for including some of the soundtrack. Dark and gritty was pretty common in US comics too before 2001. I don't remember if I finished the game, but I liked it for what it was, I particularly remember the early level design. Though I spent a lot more time playing, or rather getting lost and being confused in Soul Reaver.

[@laurenjpiper6893]

Ayooo 🙌

[@3L_B4R7O]

Nice

[@Sommeill]

I overall like the aesthetics of the game, but Shadowman(remaster in particular) just does the thing this game tries to do and does it better.

[@ctmcreature]

A fellow reviewer, how goes it brother

[@FranciscoFranco-r3c]

Baron Samedi is a hatian god. Not African. I loved your review though. Subscribed.

[@fritzdrybeam]

Games by RARE, were tedious collect 'em ups. Awful dross.