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Jet Set Radio

Sega's 15-year old ode to street culture may suffer from a few dated design choices, but the skating-and-tagging title remains an enjoyable experience due to its fast action, humor, and excellent soundtrack.
Jet Set Radio Game Cover
88%Game Brain Score
music, graphics
grinding, stability
91% User Score Based on 6,998 reviews
Critic Score 80%Based on 4 reviews

Platforms

PCDreamcastWindows
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Jet Set Radio Game Cover

About

Jet Set Radio is a single player action adventure game. It was developed by Smilebit and was released on September 19, 2012. It received mostly positive reviews from critics and very positive reviews from players.

Jet Set Radio is a classic action-packed game set in Tokyo-to, where you skate through levels, tagging graffiti while avoiding police. As part of the GGs gang, players must outrun rival gangs and authorities, all while keeping their crew ahead in the underground street race for turf and fame. With its unique cell-shaded graphics and punk soundtrack, Jet Set Radio delivers a thrilling and unforgettable experience.

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91%
Audience ScoreBased on 6,998 reviews
music1.3k positive mentions
grinding134 negative mentions
  • Incredible soundtrack featuring Hideki Naganuma, with a mix of genres that keeps the gameplay lively and engaging.
  • Timeless cel-shaded art style that still looks great today, capturing the vibrant atmosphere of Tokyo-to.
  • Fun and unique gameplay that combines skating and graffiti tagging, offering a satisfying challenge once players get used to the controls.
  • Controls can feel clunky and unresponsive, making it frustrating for new players to navigate levels and perform tricks.
  • Camera angles can be awkward, leading to difficulty in judging jumps and landings, especially in tight spaces.
  • The game suffers from a steep difficulty curve, particularly in later levels, which can lead to frustration and repeated failures.
  • music
    2,231 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The music in Jet Set Radio is widely praised as one of its standout features, with many reviewers highlighting the exceptional soundtrack composed by Hideki Naganuma. The eclectic mix of genres, including hip-hop, funk, and electronic dance, creates a vibrant atmosphere that enhances the gameplay experience. While some players note that the controls can be frustrating, the infectious beats and catchy tunes keep them engaged and often lead to repeated playthroughs just to enjoy the music.

    • “The soundtrack is a bop and a half, the gameplay is fun.”
    • “The music is phenomenal, hideki naganuma did a great job.”
    • “The soundtrack is one of the defining aspects of jet set radio.”
    • “My biggest complaint so far is it seems to only play one song in the background on a loop.”
    • “The music with this terrible gameplay always gives me a headache almost instantly.”
    • “Some music is fine, but I wanted to keep the music as low as possible because every track in the game is a loop that gets annoying fast and they fail to keep a variety going.”
  • graphics
    996 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The graphics of Jet Set Radio are widely praised for their vibrant cel-shaded art style, which has aged remarkably well since its original release in 2000. Reviewers highlight the game's unique aesthetic, colorful visuals, and the successful integration of graffiti art, making it visually appealing even by today's standards. While some note minor graphical limitations and dated elements, the overall presentation, combined with a legendary soundtrack, contributes to its status as a cult classic.

    • “The visuals are stunning, which is enough to keep me wanting to play the game and collect the graffiti.”
    • “The cel-shaded graphics were still somewhat new at the time, and it helped the game to stand out.”
    • “The art style is timeless, the use of cel shading makes the game look good even by today's standards.”
    • “Now for the major disappointment and basically a big f you to the original game is that the graphics look like a shitty unity remake that would have been released prior to the original game in 2000, and this was released 12 years later in 2012!!”
    • “The graphics (ironically for the artstyle) are the parts of the game that aged the worst, but even then they don't matter with a gameplay full of tricks and sprays, and so tight and enticing that you'll forget the 3D sonic's.”
    • “The only reason people "like" this game is because of the OST and aesthetics.”
  • gameplay
    946 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The gameplay of Jet Set Radio is a mix of fun and frustration, characterized by its unique mechanics of skating and graffiti tagging, which can feel clunky and dated by modern standards. While many players appreciate the vibrant art style and iconic soundtrack, they often note that the controls can be awkward and the gameplay mechanics lack polish, leading to a challenging experience that requires patience to master. Overall, despite its shortcomings, the game remains a nostalgic and enjoyable experience for those willing to embrace its quirks.

    • “Fun gameplay, superb music, absolutely stunning visuals for its time.”
    • “The gameplay feels just right, grinding rails, flips and tricks feel amazing.”
    • “The gameplay is fantastic, very fast and rewarding when you get skilled with it.”
    • “The controls are abhorrent, the gameplay is clunky and boring and there really is no need to torture yourself.”
    • “Slow, sluggish, frustrating, annoying, all words that describe the gameplay of Jet Set Radio.”
    • “Unfortunately, the actual gameplay is just... awful.”
  • story
    578 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The story of "Jet Set Radio" is generally viewed as simple and somewhat lacking in depth, often overshadowed by its vibrant visuals and iconic soundtrack. Players engage in a lighthearted narrative centered around youth rebellion and graffiti culture in a stylized Tokyo, narrated by the charismatic DJ Professor K. While some find the story entertaining and quirky, others feel it serves merely as a backdrop for the gameplay, with mixed opinions on its coherence and memorability.

    • “The story is pretty simple, but is presented bombastically by DJ Professor K, the cool and crazed disc jockey of the pirate radio station 'Jet Set Radio'.”
    • “The main story has strong anti-establishment themes, as you play as a gang member in Tokyo spraying graffiti on everything.”
    • “Between the story, the cel-shaded visuals, and not to mention the standout soundtrack, the entire game is an absolute treat.”
    • “The game's story is also something that I have a hard time following.”
    • “The story is really basic, and without DJ Professor K it would suck.”
    • “The story isn't much, it plays mostly like a parody movie, but for a game like this it isn't expected to, instead, it is filled with many humorous and witty lines, spoken from the mouth of DJ Professor K.”
  • grinding
    136 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The grinding mechanics in Jet Set Radio are a mixed bag, with many players finding them both fun and frustrating. While the automatic grinding system allows for fluid movement and chaining tricks, it can feel clunky and imprecise, leading to issues with landing and maintaining speed. Overall, mastering the grinding mechanics requires patience, but once learned, it can be an enjoyable aspect of the gameplay, especially when paired with the game's vibrant soundtrack.

    • “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
    • “The controls feel choppy by modern standards and I can't stand the grinding mechanic.”
    • “The grinding mechanics stink because you have to land the blades perfectly in the center of the rails.”
    • “It's not easy to accelerate when grinding unlike in JSRF and it's even difficult to land on the railing you're aiming for.”
  • humor
    81 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The humor in the game is widely praised for its charm and over-the-top exaggeration, particularly in its portrayal of characters and situations, such as the absurd reactions of the police to graffiti. Players appreciate the witty dialogue, quirky storylines, and the comedic elements woven throughout the gameplay, making it a fun and engaging experience. Overall, the game's humor, complemented by a vibrant art style and catchy soundtrack, contributes significantly to its appeal.

    • “Definitely play this game, it does take some time to get used to but this game was very charming, the story was incredibly funny and exaggerated as well as the characters and overall just fun to skate around and grind on things while you tag things.”
    • “The humor in this game is top notch, the dialogue is hilarious and quirky.”
    • “It's hilarious how over the top the police's reaction to graffiti is.”
  • replayability
    58 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game is widely praised for its high replayability, with players enjoying the blend of engaging gameplay, unlockable content, and a captivating soundtrack. Despite its short story mode, the ability to explore different routes, achieve high scores, and collect items encourages players to return for more. Overall, it offers a satisfying experience that keeps players coming back, making it a cult classic with lasting appeal.

    • “Neat little game with one of the best blends of art style, music, characters, and gameplay that I've experienced so far, as well as a ton of replay value if you get used to the controls and mechanics.”
    • “These end up feeling exciting not only because you're being taught about so many things that were always there that you probably just didn't know about, but it all links back into making replaying those stages later all the more satisfying as you once again get to entirely redefine your route with these new tricks and passages in mind, feeding into the remarkable replayability that the game has.”
    • “Jet Set Radio contains simple and highly replayable arcade gameplay, great music, and a wacky story about cops and assassins getting really mad and subsequently really wrecked by a bunch of graffiti-spraying teens.”
    • “There's still no HD remaster of JSRF, but I don't care. Mediocre mechanics and badly aged gameplay make me return to JSR over and over. Its replay value is even higher than JSRF. Once you complete JSRF, there's nothing left to do, and the game ends in a blank slate with no missions or threats apart from the scripted ones in Hikage Street, 99th Street, and Dogenzaka Hill. That game is so forgettable that I don't even care about emulating it in CXBX-Reloaded.”
    • “Camera can get a little messed up and jumping is awkward at first, but it's a great short experience with achievements, collectibles, and rankings giving a lot of replayability.”
    • “The story lasts for about 8-9 hours, and the game still has some replayability with extra areas after the end game credits.”
  • atmosphere
    56 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The atmosphere of Jet Set Radio is widely praised for its vibrant, funky aesthetic and nostalgic soundtrack, which together create a unique and immersive experience reminiscent of early 90s urban culture. While many players appreciate the game's artistic flair and engaging environment, some find the clunky controls and level design detract from the overall enjoyment. Ultimately, the game's atmosphere is a defining feature that resonates strongly with fans, though it may not appeal to everyone.

    • “If you just want a game for the experience and the atmosphere, and the controls aren't a big deal to you, give this a try; it bleeds personality and it's a very unique game, you won't get another game like this with the exception of JSRF.”
    • “What makes Jet Set Radio more than the sum of its parts is its atmosphere, flair, and style.”
    • “The art style aged really well and I love the atmosphere this game creates, especially the funky and hip-hop art style and soundtrack.”
    • “I tried playing this game, I really tried, because I love so much its atmosphere and its attitude, but as it is a game, I cannot force myself to play something that does not entertain me and rather makes me frustrated.”
    • “There's not much substance to the game besides its atmosphere, which makes it seem a bit overrated.”
    • “Jsr has a ruthless devotion to its aesthetic and atmosphere; the focus on making JSR's city of 'Tokyo-to' a believable pocket of early 90's urban escapism is uncompromising, so much so that the level design ends up suffering for it.”
  • character development
    42 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Character development in the game is highlighted by its exceptional and unique character designs, which are often described as iconic and vibrant, reflecting a strong 90's aesthetic. Despite limited dialogue, players feel a connection to the characters through their distinctive attire and visual presentation, which enhances the overall atmosphere and style of the game. The combination of fluid animation and detailed textures further elevates the characters, making them memorable and engaging within the game's world.

    • “The character designs are also exceptional, each very iconic and despite not having much dialogue, you can still get a sense of who they might be.”
    • “The game's presentation, style, UI, features, and character designs are quite impressive for a Dreamcast game, as these features are very robust and complement the vibe and aesthetic of the game very well.”
    • “There is a strong 90's aesthetic in the game, with bright colors and almost retro-ish character designs all over the place.”
    • “The character development feels shallow and lacks depth, making it hard to connect with the characters.”
    • “While the character designs are visually appealing, the lack of meaningful growth or change throughout the game is disappointing.”
    • “The characters seem one-dimensional, and their arcs are predictable, which detracts from the overall experience.”
  • stability
    30 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game's stability has received mixed reviews, with many players reporting frequent glitches and crashes that detract from the overall experience. While some users noted that the game runs well on their systems and is enjoyable despite these issues, others expressed frustration over persistent bugs and problematic controls. Overall, the stability of the game appears to be a significant concern, impacting its recommendation.

    • “Next to no glitches or crashes.”
    • “It runs great on my two-year-old laptop, so yeah.”
    • “The game runs great, but does have a few issues.”
    • “Can't recommend this game due to glitches and crashes.”
    • “Sega disappoints in the development of this game, with it being a buggy rerelease which has been patched numerous times but the errors remain.”
    • “The controls are super buggy and the controller is spotty.”
  • optimization
    30 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Overall, the game's optimization is mixed; while it runs smoothly on lower-end PCs and offers decent graphics, it suffers from poor mouse and keyboard controls, making gamepad use preferable. Some players noted that it feels more like a port of the Xbox 360 version rather than a fully optimized PC experience, with slight performance issues and unoptimized environments affecting gameplay. Despite these drawbacks, many still found it to be a fun and engaging experience.

    • “Runs smoothly, even on my dinky laptop.”
    • “Amazing port, great optimization, nice and smooth in every aspect.”
    • “The game isn't demanding on PCs, and all but the weakest rigs should see good performance.”
    • “Maybe it's better with a controller, but still doesn't change the fact that the mouse and keyboard optimization is almost nonexistent.”
    • “This was literally not even optimized for PC; it's just the Xbox 360 version and nothing else.”
    • “The environments are not completely optimized for the gameplay, which adds some difficulties.”
  • emotional
    14 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The emotional responses to the game are mixed, with players expressing frustration over outdated controls and challenging gameplay mechanics that can lead to feelings of disappointment. However, nostalgia and the thrill of improving skills and achieving high rankings evoke a sense of love and attachment to the game, highlighting a complex emotional experience that balances frustration with joy. Overall, the presentation and personal connections to past experiences play a significant role in shaping these emotional reactions.

    • “It made me feel love.”
    • “I grew up playing Jet Set Radio Future, which made me feel so inclined to buy the prequel.”
    • “A lot of your points are based on how many tricks you can do in a row without touching the ground, which sets an incredibly high skill ceiling, where every time you play, you feel as if you're improving, and getting that combo higher and higher, until you get the highest ranking possible on every single mission.”
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80%Critics’ scoreBased on 4 critic reviews
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8h Median play time
6h Average play time
7h Main story
21h Completionist
5-8h Spent by most gamers
*Based on 14 analyzed playthroughs
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Frequently Asked Questions

Jet Set Radio is a action adventure game.

Jet Set Radio is available on PC, Windows and Dreamcast.

The main story can be completed in around 7 hours, while the entire game is estimated to take about 21 hours to finish. On average players spend around 6 hours playing Jet Set Radio.

Jet Set Radio was released on September 19, 2012.

Jet Set Radio was developed by Smilebit.

Jet Set Radio has received mostly positive reviews from players and mostly positive reviews from critics. Most players liked this game for its music but disliked it for its grinding.

Jet Set Radio is a single player game.

Similar games include Bomb Rush Cyberfunk, Sonic Generations, Marc Eckō's Getting Up: Contents Under Pressure, Oddworld: Abe's Oddysee®, Rayman Origins and others.