J-J-J-J-Jet Set Radio!

So here we are. I think that I should start with a game that is near and dear to my heart. While this isn't a retro classic, it is still considered a classic to me all the same.

Jet Set Radio Future. Released in 2002. System: Xbox.

Also known by Jet Grind Radio, this game is a sequel to the Dreamcast cult hit Jet Set Radio. From the crazy art style to the awesome soundtrack, this game is easily in my top ten of favorites of all time. In this quirky and escentric skating (read: inline skating) game the player is thrust into a sort of turf war with the Rokkaku Police. You start as Yo-yo who has to prove himself in order to join the GGs, a ragtag group of skaters who set out to cover Tokyo in graffiti and recover control back from the Rokkaku Police. As you venture into different areas you will find rival gangs and cover their tags with yours along with recruiting other members of various gangs along the way.

With the synopsis out of the way, here are my thoughts and gushing praises. This game is a must play for anyone who, like myself, loves unique art styles and great music. Another amazing feature of this game is the customized tags you can make. If you take the time and effort in this department you can slap your peices of art all over Tokyo and marvel at your handiwork. A big pull in venturing around and recruiting other gang members is doing to an awesome soundtrack. The songs that bellow out your speakers are super catchy and add to the sense of futuristic culture that the game is set in. You may find yourself, as I often have, humming or singing the amazing songs throughout the day. Speaking of songs and music, the game moves itself along with the help of the pirate radio DJ 'Professor K'. This excitable and hilarious DJ will chime in with what is happening on the streets and in the allies or where the Rokkakus are showing up next. Next up is the cell shaded graphics. The style and way everyhting moves is super cartoony and over the top. I love the way the colors pop out from the screen against the hustle and bustle of the city. All the members of the gangs and tags are vibrant and great to look at. In a stark contrast to the wildly colored gang members and locales are the grey suited police that try and stop the onslaught of freedom fighters around Tokyo. While the controls can be a bit janky at some points, overall it controls pretty well on the Xbox 360. I was on the hunt for this title and found it in the bargain bin because it came bundled with Sega GT 2002 and, like most titles with years stuck to them, it was a super cheap four dollars. So if you stumble across this game anywhere I would highly suggest picking it up.

Well there is one down...if you like what you read please let me know. I also will love to take requests and critiques so feel free to give me some feedback. Also catch me with some friends on the Jumponmycake podcast.