Jet Set Radio Future

Infobox VG| title = Jet Set Radio Future


caption = Jet Set Radio Future cover
developer = Smilebit
publisher = Sega
designer =
engine =
released = vgrelease|JP=February 22, 2002|NA=February 28, 2002|EU=March 14, 2002
genre = Action, Racing, Platform, Adventure
modes = Single-player, multiplayer
ratings = vgratings|ESRB=T|ELSPA=11+
platforms = Xbox
media = DVD-ROM
requirements =
input = Gamepad

"Jet Set Radio Future" (often abbreviated "JSRF") is a video game developed by Smilebit and published by Sega. It was released on February 25, 2002 in the United States, near the beginning of the Xbox's lifespan. After the game's initial release, it was added alongside "Sega GT 2002" onto a single disc and bundled with new Xbox systems.

Similar to the original, it depicts a future Tokyo where freedom of expression is outlawed. The user plays a character in the GG's, a gang of in-line skating graffiti artists who skate around Tokyo covering up rival gangs' graffiti, knocking over Rokkaku police, and dancing to the eclectic soundtrack. The game uses the cel-shaded style of animation, and has been widely acclaimed for its unique music stylings, detailed art, and fun gameplay.

Synopsis

In 2024 Japan, a group of teenage skaters (Groups collectively referred to as Rudies) called the GGs vie for control of the many districts of Tokyo against many rival groups. A mega corporate enterprise (the Rokkaku Group) has taken over the many districts of the city and their leader is now the mayor of Toyko. It is oppressing the people, taking away freedom of speech and expression, and is forcing other gang members to give up their territory using the corrupt police force of Tokyo.

The game begins with the player in control of a character called Yoyo, who has to complete a set of basic training exercise to prove himself worthy of joining the GGs. After these challenges are completed, the game is interrupted by a pirate radio broadcast by 'DJ Professor K' who fills the player in on the turmoil within Tokyo. After this cutscene, the player is released into Tokyo itself, where they pursue their mission to 'bury Tokyo in graffiti' and fight the authoritarian Rokkaku Police.

Music

As shown below, the music of Jet Set Radio Future was very diverse and the playlist (for its time) was gigantic, much like its Sega Dreamcast predecessor: Jet Grind Radio (US), Jet Set Radio (UK). The music was played in a premixed format consisting of certain playlists directed to certain levels. The music was in stereo and was not interactive, although there is a jukebox and the end of the game features a song only available through the jukebox. Additionally, the soundtrack introduces artists that are either foreign, not found mainstream or work under gaming licenses such as Guitar Vader, BS 2000, Hideki Naganuma, Scapegoat Wax, The Latch Brothers (a name under which the Beastie Boys sometimes produced tracks), Cibo Matto and even The Prunes.

Characters

Jet Set Radio Future has 24 playable characters including several who were not featured in "Jet Grind Radio". Furthermore, many characters had their names changed when Sega localized the game for the American market.

* Beat
* Gum
* Corn (Tab)
* Yoyo
* Rhyth (Mew)
* Combo
* Cube
* Garam
* Soda (Slate)
* Boogie (Piranha)
* Jazz
* Clutch
* Zero Beat
* Doom Riders
* Rapid99
* AKUMU
* Immortals
* NT-3000
* Pots
* Noise Tank
* Poison Jam
* Love Shockers
* Rokkaku Gouji
* Roboy
* Suga

Soundtrack

Xbox 360 backwards compatibility

On April 19, 2007, a backwards compatibility update from Microsoft allowed most users to play the game on the Xbox 360. However, gamers who had the Sega Bundled version (with "Sega GT 2002" on the same disc) found that it would not run on the 360. PAL support was also completely lacking.

A fix for JSRF hit Xbox Live on July 12, 2007, fixing many of the bugs gamers came across since the initial patch. The fix also enabled the owners of the bundled version and all PAL regions to play JSRF on their Xbox 360. However, the bundled PAL version will not work through a VGA cable, as the menu for selecting which game to play only works in 50Hz.

Reception

JSRF received critical acclaim, with high reviews in most, if not all, gaming websites and magazines. [ [http://uk.xbox.ign.com/articles/354/354328p1.html IGN: Jet Set Radio Future Review ] ] [ [http://uk.gamespot.com/xbox/action/jsrfjetsetradiofuture/ JSRF: Jet Set Radio Future for Xbox - JSRF: Jet Set Radio Future Xbox Game - JSRF: Jet Set Radio Future Xbox Video Game ] ] However, this was not followed by high sales, landing it the title of the most unfairly ignored game in the OXM UK awards the year of its release.

References

External links

* [http://www.jsrf.com Jet Set Radio Future Official Website]
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