Jet Set Radio - Dreamcast

Jet Set Radio is an original and completely addictive game for the Sega Dreamcast. Imagine Crazy Taxi with roller-blading and vandalism. The idea of the game is to collect spray paint cans and then ‘tag’ certain sections of the level within the time limit. Admittedly, some will have certain moral objections to this questionable street behaviour but remember it’s not real.

Jet Set uses the new cell-shading technique of displaying graphics. This involves black outlines around the edges of the polygons to give a traditional animation feel. This approach gives a stylised unique appearance that is so impressive. The music is some of the best that a video game has produced. Hip-hop with a funky twist that is so appropriate and gives Jet Set an uplifting boost.

The control method is intuitive and easy to pick up. The first few levels give you an interactive tour of how to control your skater. There are over ten bladers to be discovered and unlocked. When you skate near an area that needs some graffiti an idea bubble appears over your head. By pressing the left trigger you start to create one of your masterpieces. This is achieved by rolling the controller in different directions according to what’s displayed on screen.

You can create your own tags in the edit mode or alternatively, it’s possible to download images off the Internet to be used in the game. The Internet is full of pictures of kittens and flowers that will look just lovely. Jet Set is so smooth it feels like you are the character in the game. It’s so enjoyable running from the police and leaving a trail of destruction behind you. On your marks, Jet Set, Go!
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