Jet Set Radio Future

Added August 11th, 2003 by EminaZ

Introduction:

One of the first cel-shaded games to hit the market, Jet Grind Radio, the prequel to Jet Set Radio Future, set a trend in the videogame market. Games like Cel-Damage, XIII, and Dark Cloud 2; all use the cel-shading method that Sega made popular.

Jet Grind Radio quickly became a classic when released on Sega’s own, sadly last, console, the Dreamcast. Now, a generation later; Sega decided to make a sequel to Jet Grind Radio. Sega also decided to add a twist to it, to make it more original. Jet Set Radio Future, as you can tell by the name, is set in a beautiful, futuristic Japan.

Gameplay:

Smilebit wanted to make this game more action, so much, in fact; they made it non-stop action. They did this by removing the fact that you would have to stop to spray paint, instead of moving the thumbsticks in circular motion variants, you simply press the right trigger to spray paint and this could be done with out the need for stopping.

Your mission is simple, find the floating graffiti icons and spray them – but the way you go about achieving the mission is harder. They are every where! The icons that is, you have to skate your way to the top of sky scrapers, skate on power lines, and almost anything you see that has an edge. But it gets harder, you won’t just keep doing the same thing with out variations. It humours, actually, these street punks you control will get out of control, the only way to stop them would be helicopters and tanks.

Also, you don’t go around spraying anything you see without ever running out of spray paint. So, there are also floating spray paint cans you could find to give you more juice, and classically; if your life runs out – you die and will be subjects to run out.

With the addition of a major mode, multiplayer, this game will win the hearts of even more fans.

Graphics:

Like the original, this game is cel-shaded. This style is new, being so, it would not attract as more people. However, it does add comic book feel – and to those who are able to open their mind and see that the graphics do look great. The graphics are original, which is a refreshing new taste.

This style is not yet perfected as it isn’t used as much as the normal polygon style. There are some clipping, popups, and even some animation cuts that do occur – although it is optimised for the less. The special effect are very nice, the whole graphics, despite the few glitches, are very impressive.

The graphics are a refreshing taste, it may even lead viewers to believe that you are simply watching a cartoon.

Audio:

Sega and Smilebit remained true to the series, thus they didn’t change the audio style of this game. Instead, the added more songs to the game. The whole audio department got a facelift, actually – now officially supporting Dolby Digital surround sound.

Although originally planned to be included the game, custom sound track was removed from the game. Which is sad since most people don’t like the weird Japanese-style music that a lot of the songs are. Sega stated that by adding custom sound track would take away from the mood of the game. Which is true, but most people still want to play their own music in it.

Although most of the songs are weird, they will grow on you; believe it or not.

Controls:

Like the original, this game controls very similar. It is very easy and will be mastered fast.

You spray paint using the right trigger, this could be a bit awkward since, at times, you would have to press it 4 or 5 times quickly, so you will miss some graffiti icons. You will be forced to do a 180, or simply turn, and go back for that icon. But it doesn’t always work like that! Sometimes the icon is so hard to get to, you would have 1 time to get right, if you don’t want to take another 20 minutes trying to get to that icon. This is really one of the few problems associated with controls, so fear not.

You could also perform cool stuff like speed-boast and tricks by pressing one button. It is a shame that the series has no true way to perform tricks, instead, you will have to be going really fast then simply jump, and by timing correctly, you could also perform tricks with a click of button. There are no button combinations what-so-ever.

Replay:

With multiple multiplayer modes to choose from, many characters, and open ended gameplay, this title becomes a must have for all graffiti-lovers. The ability to make your own graffiti and then be able to spray paint it very cool too, although degraded greatly from the previous version.

With all these goodies, this game will find it self on your shelf very quickly after its complete; but unlike most games that are sitting faithfully on your shelf, you see yourself playing this game very now and then.

Summary:

A faithful sequel to one of Sega’s most original titles. This title remained true to its predecessor, music and visuals remained punk and cel-shaded, respectively. If you are looking for a game that can compete with the trick system of Tony Hawk, then this isn’t your title. However, if you are looking for a much more original and a game with attitude, then this game is yours. Despite the minor problems it has, it is still a joy while it lasts. Surely, out of all the characters in the game; you will find one that you will fall in love with. There is one representing almost each personality. Very cool game.