Jet Set Radio Future

Could this have come at a better time? Just when some people were starting to doubt that the XBox would have strong Japanese support along comes Jet Set Radio Future and totally blows away most games that are currently available for any platform! This game is not just some punk ass port of the DC version, this is a brands spanking new game that totally uses the XBox’s potential. Rebuilt from the ground up JSRF is a game that defines what an innovative title should be and is yet another welcome game into the XBox’s growing library.

When the original JSR came out on the Dreamcast most people swept it under the rug as a Tony Hawk wannabe on rollerblades, nothing could have been further from the truth. Underneath it’s flashy cover was a game that delved into something Sega has been known for since they first started making games…awesome game play! The game screamed innovation and quality straight outta the box. Now that the DC is laying in it’s eternal bed we have Sega making games for other consoles and the results are amazing!

The first noticeable difference in JSRF over it’s DC predecessor is the visual impact this game makes. The cel shading has been redone on the XBox and looks even more incredible than it did on the DC. Full of vibrant color and amazing animation this game shouts for attention and gets it bar none! Watching this game is like watching art being created in real time, you get to see the beauty behind what makes this game look so damn good and it shows in the level design and the characters that are just incredible to look at.

The audio in this game is also outstanding, the music is just as fresh and original as it was in the first game and the sound effects are top of the line. The only thing I can see missing is a custom soundtrack option, now do not tell me it would not be awesome to see Gumm dancing around to some Mudvayne or perhaps some Slipknot?? Custom soundtracks should be an option in every game. That is the only drawback as this game supports Dolby Digital 5.1 and running through a good soundsystem it shows, so turn it up!

The game play has undergone a few tweaks, for instance the graffiti spraying is a bit different this time around. Instead of having to do button combinations you actually just have to skate past the desired area and pull the right trigger. I know this sounds easy but in situations where you are timed you thank the maker that it is that easy. Also a trick system has been added so now if you are losing steem on a long grind just bust out some tricks and gain some momentum. You are also scored on your tricks so make them count!

Overall I highly recommend buying this title if you own an XBox. This game rates right up there with Halo and DOA3 as one of the best games on the system. Include some multi-player aspects and this game is a complete package that cries to be purchased. So get your asses over to the local game shop and pick up your copy of JSRF and tell them ZT said so! ZT

Written by
Ken is the Editor-in-Chief of this hole in the wall and he loves to troll for the fun of it. He also enjoys long walks through Arkham Asylum and the cool air of Shadow Moses Island. His turn-ons include Mortal Kombat, Metal Gear Solid and StarCraft.