TerrantheHuman

Jet Set Radio HD Review

7.5/10 Good

Introduction

Think back to the year 2000. We just survived Y2K, Backstreet Boys were popular, and the N64 and Playstation were at odds.  enter Dreamcast, the new, fresh face of Sega and, if it wasn’t for Segas previous blunder like the God awful Sega Saturn they might’ve been a true contender to the Playstation 2 and first Xbox.  One thing the Dreamcast had the other consoles at the time were struggling with is first party console support and originallity.  A slew of games, like Space Channel Five, Crazy Tazi, Power Stone.  All unique, intriguing, and fun.  One of these great games that Dreamcast also had was Jet Grind Radio.  Due to liscensing reasons it was changed to Jet Grind Radio, but with this released HD version, it’s changed to the original title “Jet Set Radio”. Here’s what I think of the recent release: 

Presentation

The story is set in the streets of the town of Tokyo-to, but everyone just calls Tokyo.  You’re a group of In-line skaters who are in competition with other gangs to paint the streets.  But as you begin your competition with rival gangs a big wig up swoops in and starts kidnapping people and the plot thickens.  Overall the story is a decent plug full of style and loads of cool.  One thing that sets this game apart from the rest of the others is its killer soundrtrack.  Every song, and I mean every song, is memorable, catchy, and never a chore to listen to.  The music fits the game perfectly. Something that most games tend to overlook or simply lay on generic soundtrack music.  This game has style, and lots of it. 

The Gangs All Here!

Graphically, even back in 2000 the game was beautiful.  Now, with the HD remake, the game has indeed stood the test of time for me.  Environments are rich and large, graffiti is interesting and fun. You can even invent your own if you so choose.  Character models, while still nice to look at, are blocky and just a bit chunky.  There are a lot of characters to choose from as well, and all control just a bit differently enough to make you want to play every character.  While the graphics and characters do control nicely, the game does start to show it’s age in design.   Trees, bycycles, cars, everything is something you will bump into and not in a good way.  As soon as you make contact your character stops all together, breaking the experience and really showing the games age.  

Gameplay

The simple yet challenging gameplay is what will keep you hooked throughout this game and give you the love it or hate it feel. This game is all about style, so whether or not you like that style hinges on you liking this game.  The graffiti spraying is fun, different, and stylish.  Basically everything you do has loads of style poured on it.  The rubber movement and stiff controls do show it’s age, but it can be overlooked.  Things they added that I do love and something that can even make you pick it up even if you own it on Dreamcast. Achievements, trophies, and online leaderboards.  Of course this is something that can only come from current consoles and it’s something that I do appreciate.

The game is wonderfully remade in HD

There also a few graphical issues as well with the remake that Sega didn’t have the courtesy to fix I suppose.  Slow downs, screen tearing, and glitching in and out of objects.  While this is something I kind of knew that would come to the remake, it would’ve been nice if Sega had handled these issues.  Since the game is old, it’s also difficult as well. It’s going to take some skill and practice to pull off the jumps as well as time the graffiti sprays so you don’t get caught by the police, tanks, helicopters, jet fighters, flamethrowers, and yes. Guys with swords.  Regardless of the graphical and gameplay glitches the game still runs great.  You’ll have a blast using a unique graffiti joystick control that’s different for each character.  Just gliding around the world itself with the pumping tunes is fun.  

Final Thoughts

Jet Set Radio is an awesome look back at one of the greatest consoles that could’ve been.  It’s a reminder that originality, despite it’s slot in time, can transend the ages of game design and still be an impressive display.   If you’re an old Jet Set Radio lover then you’ll love this faithful rendition and appreciate the trophies and achievements. If you’re new to the Jet Set Radio world it is a true love it or hate it kind of game. But with it’s kind of style I hope you’ll learn to love it.  It is a true one of a kind experience and something that won’t be often repeated. 

7.5/10 Good

+Full of style and flavor
+Solid and Fun Gameply
+Kicking Soundtrack
-Its age shows a little; love it or hate it