Jet Set Radio Future

Jet Set Radio Future
Jet Set Radio Future cover
Developer(s)	Smilebit
Publisher(s)	Sega
Platform(s)	Xbox
Genre(s)	Action, Racing, Platform, Adventure
Mode(s)	Single-player, multiplayer

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 Tokyo. 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 (NTSC), Jet Set Radio (PAL). 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 (the side project of Mike D of the Beastie Boys), Cibo Matto and even The Prunes.

Characters

Jet Set Radio Future has 24 playable characters including several of whom 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

Soundtrack

Soundtrack listing

Humming the Bassline (D.S. Remix) – Hideki Naganuma Aisle 10 (Hello Allison) – Scapegoat Wax ** The Answer (The Latch Brothers Remix) – Bran Van 3000 *** Baby-T – Guitar Vader Birthday Cake – Cibo Matto ** Bokfresh – Richard Jacques Latch Brother Bounce – The Latch Brothers ** Fly Like A Butterfly – Hideki Naganuma The Concept Of Love - Hideki Naganuma Funky Dealer – Hideki Naganuma Shape Da Future – Hideki Naganuma Statement Of Intent – bis *** Koto Stomp – The Latch Brothers ** Count Latchula – The Latch Brothers ** Let Mom Sleep (No Sleep Remix) – Hideki Naganuma I Love Love You (Love Love Super Dimension Mix) – Guitar Vader Rockin' The Mic (The Latch Brothers Remix) – The Prunes ** I'm Not A Model – Russell Simins ** Oldies But Happies – Hideki Naganuma Me Likey The Poom Poom – The Latch Brothers ** Rock It On (D.S. Mix) – Hideki Naganuma The Scrappy (The Latch Bros Remix) – BS 2000 *** Sneakman (Toronto Mix) – Hideki Naganuma Ill Victory Beat – The Latch Brothers ** What About The Future – Richard Jacques Teknopathetic – Hideki Naganuma Like It Like This Like That – Hideki Naganuma Sweet Soul Brother (B.B. Rights Mix) - Hideki Naganuma That's Enough (B.B. Rights Mix) – Hideki Naganuma Grace And Glory (B.B. Rights Mix) – Hideki Naganuma (** Not included on the official "Jet Set Radio Future: Original Sound Track" CD available from Scitron Records but most can be found on the very hard-to-find "Jet Set Radio Future: Music Sampler" CD from Grand Royal Records) (*** Not included on either CD.)

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. 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.

External links

• Jet Set Radio Future Official Website
• Jet Set Radio Future at MobyGames