*Jet Set Radio* is a re-release of the classic Sega Dreamcast game. One of
the first games to use cell-shaded graphics, Jet Set Radio combines action
and platforming in a three dimensional environment, allowing you to use your
in-line skates to grind around levels to collect spray paint cans so you can
tag (spray signs) around the level. *Gameplay* Since the original Dreamcast
controller has a lot less buttons than current generation controllers, you
could consider Jet Set Radio a simple game to play. With buttons to jump,
sprint, and tag with spray paint, combined with directional and camera
controls, Jet Set Radio does not require a lot of button memorization. The
fictional city of Tokyo-to is broken up into *individual levels*, and you
have to expand your gang's territory by defending your turf and expanding
into other rival group's areas. This is accomplished by skating around
levels and spraying your tag over theirs to claim the area. Each level
contains a *time limit* to completely tag the area. Tokyo-to's police force
is also out to stop you from tagging each area and send out SWAT police to
stop you. You have a life bar in Jet Set Radio that falls each time you are
hit by the police or vehicles that drive around each area. Also if you do not
finish tagging an area by the time limit, you also fail the level. The
controls in Jet Set Radio still prove to be a challenge. Using a controller,
you have to use the analog stick to perform patterns to complete tags. The
larger the tag, the more patterns you have to complete. There was a *problem
with the controller recognizing the patterns* that the game required, causing
the loss of the combination for the score. Character movement is also really
loose so changing directions in very easy, but try and use precise controls
and you may have a problem. Jet Set Radio's core gameplay returns without
any changes, but that also brought back the slightly annoying controls.
*Graphics* If anything, Jet Set Radio's *graphics are bright*. It features
a new high definition resolution, causing the brightness to reach insane
levels. The *cell-shaded visuals* allow for a cartoon and comic book effect,
but the neon color palette can cause some eye strain. The characters are
heavily stylized from the non-playable characters to the main characters that
you can use. Jet Set Radio's environments are detailed enough to give the
world a real feeling in the game, but do not expect high levels of detail. It
is an old game, but the cell-shading can hide the age of the game somewhat.
It is surprising how well the game aged, considering newer games that use the
cell-shaded technique, but *Jet Set Radio's visuals are also great*. A nice
feature in Jet Set Radio is the ability to *create your own tags* to use in
the game with the included editor. You can create almost anything you want
based off the tools supplied, and it will not be long until players create
very impressive tags that they created. It adds a level of customization to
the game. *Audio* Jet Set Radio had one of the *most incredible soundtracks*
and contains the *majority of the original songs*. The sound effects like
spray painting are the same as the original and sound real. Other effects
like the police officers are slightly cartoonish and there is a good amount
of English voiceovers. You will enjoy the soundtrack to Jet Set Radio, but
most other sounds get lost because the soundtrack is just so good. *Worth the
time?* *Jet Set Radio is an excellent classic game*. It is entirely worth
playing if you have never experienced it before. Old school players who
actually owned a Dreamcast will enjoy replaying it. It does have a different
style than other action games because it actually meets quicker play
gameplay. The timer in levels is slightly long and levels can get
frustrating, but once you get past the learning curve it is a lot of
fun.Download *Jet Set Radio* in Softonic
