UNDERSTAND- UNDERSTAND, THE CONCEPT OF LOVE
Jet Set Radio Future is a game that just oozes style and attitude that I really don't see many other games pull off. Especially not to the degree of JSRF. It keeps the spirit of the original Dreamcast title intact while expanding on the formula as a whole. It isn't without it's issues, but this is truly a unique experience.
First, like I mentioned is the style of this game. It absolutely wears it's early 2000's atmosphere with pride and I love it for that. The cel-shaded graphics really pop against the lower poly models, giving the game a hugely charming look. Not to mention all the mo-capped dancing that the player and NPC's do, it's awesome. A huge part of the style also comes from the music, mainly composed by the same man as the first game: Hideki Naganuma. This man never misses with his tracks and delivers some truly stellar music, even remixing some of the tracks from the first game. Not to mention there is some licensed music here too, just like the first game and they all generally fit the vibe too.
Now arguably the most important part of any game is the actual gameplay, and for releasing in 2002, I think JSRF delivers pretty well. The main goal of most stages is to roller blade, rail grind, and cover up graffiti as stylishly as possibly; and for 90% of the time, it's awesome. Chaining together tricks and flips while jumping from rail to rail as you blast around the map is incredibly satisfying. Although it isn't without it's shortcoming. There are a good amount of times where it feels like the controls are almost working against you, as they can occasionally show their jank/age. This is especially true when you're doing the tighter platforming that requires split second reactions. But as mentioned this is more of a rarity than a constant.
Story definitely takes more of a backseat in both Jet Set games. But that's not to say that it isn't there. It's a fun story of self expression and the battle against oppression, which it tells in the least subtle way possible and I wouldn't have it any other way. DJ Professor K will every once in awhile pop in to tell you what the Rokkaku Police are up to and how you gotta stop em. It's fun stuff, and a good amount of it is voiced too. The voice acting can be a bit of a mixed bag, although -Minor Spoilers- Gouji Rokkaku has an amazing voice over done by Charles Martinet. He absolutely stole the show towards the end.
If you haven't played Jet Set Radio Future (or the original) yet, do yourself a favor and give them a shot. They offer some of the most unique gaming experiences out there, with some of the best soundtracks in arguably all of gaming. They aren't without a little bit of jank, but honestly it kinda adds to the charm. I loved JSRF, and I'm extremely excited to see what the reboot of the franchise will be like, let's hope Sega is cooking something good.
Jet Set Radio Future is a game that just oozes style and attitude that I really don't see many other games pull off. Especially not to the degree of JSRF. It keeps the spirit of the original Dreamcast title intact while expanding on the formula as a whole. It isn't without it's issues, but this is truly a unique experience.
First, like I mentioned is the style of this game. It absolutely wears it's early 2000's atmosphere with pride and I love it for that. The cel-shaded graphics really pop against the lower poly models, giving the game a hugely charming look. Not to mention all the mo-capped dancing that the player and NPC's do, it's awesome. A huge part of the style also comes from the music, mainly composed by the same man as the first game: Hideki Naganuma. This man never misses with his tracks and delivers some truly stellar music, even remixing some of the tracks from the first game. Not to mention there is some licensed music here too, just like the first game and they all generally fit the vibe too.
Now arguably the most important part of any game is the actual gameplay, and for releasing in 2002, I think JSRF delivers pretty well. The main goal of most stages is to roller blade, rail grind, and cover up graffiti as stylishly as possibly; and for 90% of the time, it's awesome. Chaining together tricks and flips while jumping from rail to rail as you blast around the map is incredibly satisfying. Although it isn't without it's shortcoming. There are a good amount of times where it feels like the controls are almost working against you, as they can occasionally show their jank/age. This is especially true when you're doing the tighter platforming that requires split second reactions. But as mentioned this is more of a rarity than a constant.
Story definitely takes more of a backseat in both Jet Set games. But that's not to say that it isn't there. It's a fun story of self expression and the battle against oppression, which it tells in the least subtle way possible and I wouldn't have it any other way. DJ Professor K will every once in awhile pop in to tell you what the Rokkaku Police are up to and how you gotta stop em. It's fun stuff, and a good amount of it is voiced too. The voice acting can be a bit of a mixed bag, although -Minor Spoilers- Gouji Rokkaku has an amazing voice over done by Charles Martinet. He absolutely stole the show towards the end.
If you haven't played Jet Set Radio Future (or the original) yet, do yourself a favor and give them a shot. They offer some of the most unique gaming experiences out there, with some of the best soundtracks in arguably all of gaming. They aren't without a little bit of jank, but honestly it kinda adds to the charm. I loved JSRF, and I'm extremely excited to see what the reboot of the franchise will be like, let's hope Sega is cooking something good.