Jet Set Radio

 PlayStation 3
User Score
7.3

Mixed or average reviews- based on 66 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 40 out of 66
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 66
  3. Negative: 15 out of 66

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  1. supermegablox
    Aug 18, 2014
    10
    This is my favorite game of all time, i bought it because i heard its music was good, and it has amazing music. its nothing like most other games music, its similar to that of Sonic Rush and The World Ends With You.
  2. Bigzoobs
    Jul 17, 2013
    6
    I'm mixed on this game. I received this for free via Playstation Plus, and decided to jump right in without playing the tutorial.i enjoyed the first few stages, figuring out the controls on my own, and decided to hop into the tutorial. Big mistake. This game has the most difficult and frustrating tutorial I have ever seen in a game. It only provides basic information, and you're going toI'm mixed on this game. I received this for free via Playstation Plus, and decided to jump right in without playing the tutorial.i enjoyed the first few stages, figuring out the controls on my own, and decided to hop into the tutorial. Big mistake. This game has the most difficult and frustrating tutorial I have ever seen in a game. It only provides basic information, and you're going to have to view some external sources to get a grip on the game physics, and just how to approach certain tasks. Once you've cracked the shell, however, you'll be surprised. Jet Set Radio is different, from the floaty in-line skating controls, to the art style that makes it look like a three-dimensional cartoon, the game doesn't contain a real worthwhile story, but it seems nonessential to the overall package in the first place. No doubt about it JSR is a blast once you learn it's tricks, but it can be frustrating to learn those tricks in the first place.… Expand
  3. fuyuyuki
    Sep 7, 2020
    8
    definitely not a perfect game, but one that has a lot of charm, which is only enhanced by the cell shaded art style and the phenomenal soundtrack
  4. JafarYellow
    Sep 6, 2021
    10
    The remaster of this game is awesome!!! Let's hope we get it in switch too and another sequel.
  5. nerrstyBthirsty
    Sep 21, 2012
    10
    I've been waiting on this game for years. It was by far my favorite Dreamcast game, and with PSN and XBLA releasing titles such as Crazy Taxi and Sonic Adventure, I had always wondered to myself, "WHY IS THERE NO JET SET RADIO?!" Alas, it's finally here, and alas, it's the most perfect version of the game. Sure, it has the framerate drops of the original. But that just adds to the exactI've been waiting on this game for years. It was by far my favorite Dreamcast game, and with PSN and XBLA releasing titles such as Crazy Taxi and Sonic Adventure, I had always wondered to myself, "WHY IS THERE NO JET SET RADIO?!" Alas, it's finally here, and alas, it's the most perfect version of the game. Sure, it has the framerate drops of the original. But that just adds to the exact feel of the game as I played it religiously so many years ago on my black sports edition Dreamcast. This version of the game also includes much, much better camera control. You can turn the auto camera reset off and the graffiti camera off for when you're painting small tags around the beautifully rendered, gorgeously HD remastered cities. I loved this game as a kid, and I love it now. For me, it was 'the' Dreamcast game to have back then. Now, it's simply one of my favorite games of all time, in hindsight. It's so near perfect it makes me sick with happy. It looks great. It sounds great. It controls great. IT'S GREAT. If you ever played this, buy it. If you never had the chance to play this, just go ahead and buy it. You'll be in for a nice surprise. Sure, a game about rollerblading around a city doesn't sound fun. But the game doesn't control Tony Hawk style. Not at all. It controls more like a platformer, where you're given the simple task of marking your territory with a set amount of spots to tag with your paint cans throughout the levels. Don't let the childish, cartoon absurdity fool you. Deep down, this game is as gritty as 90s culture wanted you to believe it was. It's centered around gang warfare, living in a police state, and a lust for power, just to name a few. It's, quite simply, one of the best overlooked gems ever made, and I'm definitely not the type of person to throw that term out there. I can't say enough good things about Jet Set Radio, so I'll stop for now. Just do yourself a favor and spend the 9 or 10 bucks on it. You won't be sorry.… Expand
  6. TheQuietGamer
    Dec 8, 2013
    4
    I can see why so many love this game, but honestly it just was not for me. The game's bizarre style and unique gameplay reminds me of a Suda51/Grasshopper Manufacture game. The soundtrack is also crazy and excellent. It's the gameplay that turns me off from this title.

    Cheap hits, irritating time limits, and awkward controls ruin an otherwise charming experience for me. The gameplay is    I can see why so many love this game, but honestly it just was not for me. The game's bizarre style and unique gameplay reminds me of a Suda51/Grasshopper Manufacture game. The soundtrack is also crazy and excellent. It's the gameplay that turns me off from this title.

    Cheap hits, irritating time limits, and awkward controls ruin an otherwise charming experience for me. The gameplay is completely unique. You skate around spray-painting buildings while dodging rival gangs and cops. It's unlike anything I've ever played before, so you may find it refreshing, but I just found it irritating thanks to the flaws I previously mentioned. The controls are loose and I never really felt like I was totally in control of my jumps, which is especially irritating when you need to be precise to stick a landing. Enemies in this game only serve the purpose of getting in your way and slowly chipping away at your health bar. They aren't really an issue but it did make me wish that more health cans were scattered throughout the levels. By far the worst issue with this game are the constrictive time limits in each level. They constantly made me rush through levels and were really the only reason I had to restart levels. I never really had any fun playing the game at all.

    Like I said before this game just wasn't for me, but who knows you might find that you love this game. I question though whether or not most of the praise for the game comes from those who played the game back on the Dreamcast and are nostalgic. When it comes down to it I appreciated the game's style, but did not appreciate it's gameplay. Do with that info what you will.    … Expand
  7. VidsRule
    Sep 27, 2012
    7
    This has the worst control of any game I can remember. But do you know what? That's not the point. This release is all about originality and nostalgia. When a game that seemed ahead of it's time years and years ago still seems ahead of it's time today, it really makes you think. I feel this way when I first played it on the dc and I still feel this way now. However, if you never playedThis has the worst control of any game I can remember. But do you know what? That's not the point. This release is all about originality and nostalgia. When a game that seemed ahead of it's time years and years ago still seems ahead of it's time today, it really makes you think. I feel this way when I first played it on the dc and I still feel this way now. However, if you never played this back in the day, there's a very good chance you will hate this game more than anything you can possibly imagine. We have the worst controlling game ever, but it is still kinda fun. Also, I only paid $9 for this and I always take into account price. Anymore $$$ and my review score would drop like crazy.… Expand
  8. dc203
    Dec 10, 2015
    8
    Firstly, I'd just like to state I have no nostalgic connections with Jet Set Radio. I bought a Dreamcast and Jet Set Radio for the first time just less than a year ago - and I thought it might be interesting to check out this HD Re-release.

    Jet Set Radio is set in Tokyo-To, a city in which 4 rival gangs compete over territory which they mark out by spray painting graffiti. As a member    Firstly, I'd just like to state I have no nostalgic connections with Jet Set Radio. I bought a Dreamcast and Jet Set Radio for the first time just less than a year ago - and I thought it might be interesting to check out this HD Re-release.

    Jet Set Radio is set in Tokyo-To, a city in which 4 rival gangs compete over territory which they mark out by spray painting graffiti. As a member of a gang called GGs, the player must roller-blade around the city, spraying the necessary buildings and objects before time runs out. As you 'tag' the streets, you are also pursued by the police and rival gangs, so being quick as possible is vital. You are also rewarded for performing tricks and grinds and you spray paint the city streets. This creates spectacularly fun, fast and addictive gameplay - Jet Set Radio really is quite unlike anything I have played before.

    Visually this game is gorgeous. The Cel-shaded graphics and textures have been sharpened up for the re-release and the vibrant colours really pop out of the screen. The bizarre cast of characters are all animated in a smooth and cartoonish manner, which really helps bring the game's world to life. And if you've read any reviews of this game, you'll have heard about the amazing soundtrack, which kept my foot tapping throughout each of the many stages. As a result of all these factors, Jet Set Radio is a gaming experience like no other, even a decade after its initial release.

    Unfortunately, the game does show its age is some areas: an awkward camera and unprecise controls can make the game very frustrating for new players. After a while though, I have more or less gotten used to it. It's not perfect, but it'll do. What won't do, however, are some claustrophobic level designs and clunky side missions - particularly ones where you have to 'tag' the backs of rival gangs. Combined with occasional frame rate drops, the fast and frantic flow which makes the game so much fun can be brought to a sudden halt. Thankfully these issues do not occur too often, and before you know it the game is a blast again.

    Another problem I don't see mentioned by other reviews is the lack of a restart feature. This is mainly due to the time based nature of the challenges. Part way though a mission you may realise that you have no chance of completing a stage within the time you have left. So you either have to wait for the timer to run out, or tediously quit to the main menu, wait for loading, select the stage, select the character and wait for loading again. It takes longer than it sounds and can be very tiresome if you've gotta do it several times.

    However, despite some flaws and a lack of polish is certain areas, Jet Set Radio is one of the most unique gaming experiences I've ever had, utilising both addictive gameplay and stunning presentation. If you are prepared to set aside some time to familiarise yourself with the floaty controls, I would recommend it. Just don't expect the perfect game that many nostalgic fans claim it to be.    … Expand
  9. Xuvall
    Jan 8, 2022
    7
    So I was late to playing this game. I never played the original Jet Grind Radio on the Dreamcast but I did manage to play some of it's sequel, Jet Set Radio Future back in 2002. However I saw a cheap price for Jet Set Radio HD on the PS3 store so I thought why not. i had been meaning to get to it eventually.
    From the soundtrack & presentation this game is still great. Jet Set Radio is the    So I was late to playing this game. I never played the original Jet Grind Radio on the Dreamcast but I did manage to play some of it's sequel, Jet Set Radio Future back in 2002. However I saw a cheap price for Jet Set Radio HD on the PS3 store so I thought why not. i had been meaning to get to it eventually.
    From the soundtrack & presentation this game is still great. Jet Set Radio is the pioneer of the Cel Shaded graphics style which would later pop up in games like Zelda Windwaker & Sly Cooper and the Thievius Raccoonus. This game is pretty solid but it hasn't aged the best in some of it's design structure, camera & movement system. Despite these flaws I still enjoy this game.    … Expand

Awards & Rankings

72
#72 Best PS3 Game of 2012
87
#87 Most Shared PS3 Game of 2012

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 12 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 12
  3. Negative: 0 out of 12
  1. Playstation Official Magazine UK
    Nov 15, 2012
    70
    Uniquely, irresistibly charming. [Dec 2012, p.114]
  2. Official PlayStation Magazine Benelux
    Nov 12, 2012
    85
    The Dreamcast classic returns. In HD! The soundtrack is still brilliant. Depending on who you ask, the gameplay might not have aged as well. But for any true nostalgic fan, Jet Set Radio is still the best rollerblading game around. [November 2012, p.92]
  3. Thunderbolt
    Oct 18, 2012
    70
    Jet Set Radio is by no means a perfect game, nor was it originally, but it's the world, its ideas and that same unique energy that keep it relevant today.
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