Jet Set Radio as a series really does feel like a capsule of the late 90's early 2000's Counter culture. Loud, in your face, expressive and freedom are what you get from this series. I haven't played other types of skating type games (tony hawk, skate, etc.) but everything here feels like you peering into a small yet bombastic part of culture. I love the aesthetic and the vibe, the soundtrack, the kinda focus you get just jamming out to this game. I've felt this feeling in other games but they seldom come together this well It's super unique and I'm surprised Sega hasn't done anything with this franchise considering its niche but cult status.
Unfortunately I think it's just good. Nothing mind blowing, a bit annoying but fun and I don't regret playing what so ever. It's a straight improvement over the first game in control but I think they want you to do a lot more platforming which I felt was a little cumbersome with vertical levels that often only have one way to get back up. It's a game I feel has the control to be very great but the design I feel like takes away from that control and can be a bit frustrating. Some levels are like really annoying as well. I don't think this series does vertical design super well and it seems to be the same here (skyscraper level was really annoying lol). I also missed the timer levels had to complete task. I get it's removal since levels are bigger but there was a small amount of route planning in the first game that made it fun to tackle a level again and go for a better score. Despite my gripes, I was considering going for 100% for a bit because I was just vibing. The experience is simply unmatched.
I do hope those leaks of a new game are real cause I would love to see what Sega could do with this series now. In the meantime, Bomb Rush Cyberfunk looks to continue the vibe this series cultivated and I'm beyond excited to play.
Unfortunately I think it's just good. Nothing mind blowing, a bit annoying but fun and I don't regret playing what so ever. It's a straight improvement over the first game in control but I think they want you to do a lot more platforming which I felt was a little cumbersome with vertical levels that often only have one way to get back up. It's a game I feel has the control to be very great but the design I feel like takes away from that control and can be a bit frustrating. Some levels are like really annoying as well. I don't think this series does vertical design super well and it seems to be the same here (skyscraper level was really annoying lol). I also missed the timer levels had to complete task. I get it's removal since levels are bigger but there was a small amount of route planning in the first game that made it fun to tackle a level again and go for a better score. Despite my gripes, I was considering going for 100% for a bit because I was just vibing. The experience is simply unmatched.
I do hope those leaks of a new game are real cause I would love to see what Sega could do with this series now. In the meantime, Bomb Rush Cyberfunk looks to continue the vibe this series cultivated and I'm beyond excited to play.