Customer Reviews

Jet Grind Radio

5 star:		(75)
4 star:		(22)
3 star:		(8)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I just picked up this import and have not quit playing it! This game finally lets you be the "thug" you've always dreamed about being. The game is presented beautifully, from the cartoon-ish graphics right down to the city's themselves. The breaks between stages are absolutely AMAZING! The animation is beautiful! I also love the option to create your own tags or download them via internet. But all in all, we can't forget the music. If this game had a soundtrack, I'd buy it in a heartbeat. The music goes along perfectly with the games atmosphere and frantic play. My only complaint on this game is (with almost every other game with it) is the camera. Hopefully this will be fixed for the American version. This game is THE reason to buy a dreamcast. I can safely say this game blows Crazy Taxi out of the water. If you have a DC, BUY THIS GAME!

Jet Grind Radio is yet another impressively creative title to come out of Sega (which is why I'm so fond of Sega), and definitely rates as a success.

The concept is simple, you skate around towns, tagging (spraypainting) certain objects while evading police officers, police dogs, rockets from helicopters, and other baddies. The animation style is really what cements the experience as being something out of the ordinary, though. Dubbed "cel-shading", the end result is something that looks very much like a cartoon. It's really beautiful to watch as well as play.

The gameplay is fun, but has some problems. The first, which likely everyone has addressed, is camera control. There are 3 unused buttons on the controller, and the developers still decided for some unknown reason to double up controls. It's annoying, but you learn to live with it. The other issue that bugs me is that you're constantly on the run from police with no real defense other than fleeing.

One other problem I have is with the menu system. When you boot up, you're given the choice of starting a new game, playing a tutorial, or loading an existing file. However, once you have a game in play (through creating a new game or loading), you have to reboot the system to load another. This is really a patently ridiculous feature and particularly annoying if you like alternating w/ a friend but keep seperate game files.

One other note I should make is that the worlds may seem smaller than they were described by other reviewers at first. I was pretty aggravated and disappointed for a while until I got far enough that I was actually given the opportunity to skate more or less freely without worry of harassment by police, etc.. It's a bit into the game, but worth noting if you get discouraged.

All in all, Jet Grind Radio is still a fantastic game, and definitely a game to get for the Dreamcast. There are minor points that really should have been taken care of, but other than that, a solid effort.

Really worth much more than the price tag, this is a game that anyone will like. The fairly juvenile premise did turn a lot of folks off when the game was first released (myself included) but I am very glad I looked past that and picked it up.

Awesome gameplay, good cohesive storyline, fresh stylish animation, very inventive and compelling level design that shows how much the Dreamcast as a system is capable of. Not to mention a fairly decent amount of playtime in order to beat it, no arcade 5-minutes-and-you're-done syndrome. Cruise around a portion of the city, bumping off opponents & painting over their graffiti. Eventually the cops show up, which you can usually deal with just be keeping active and running away. But then the Chief shows up, and this dirtbag has a loaded gun! I still get freaked out when I try to run away and the dude is firing live rounds in my general direction as he's chasing. Yikes!

All I can say is "Try it, you'll like it!" It may not be the ultimate skating simulator, but it isn't meant to be. There really are so few decent original action games for the Dreamcast and that makes Jet Grind Radio stand out that much more. The game is pure fun, no matter what age you are.

…But the world turns a deaf ear. ...As gazed at, I really began to wonder to myself; “Did it do that bad commercially?” Apparently so. But then again, brilliance is often over-looked at first.

If there has been one thing that I have wanted to applaud Sega for, it was for trying something different. Attacking the norm and attempting to elicit a reaction from it. Games like Crazy Taxi; Shenmue, Metropolis Street Racer, and now Jet Grind Radio have all tried to do something different from the competition (with varying results and success). Which is what brings me to Jet Grind Radio. I think its entire purpose was to try some thing different and be able to get a person to put down another rehashed, “up-dated” and try something new for a change. That alone was why I took notice of the game (I’m a sucker for creative, quality products).

…And quality is what JGR shows. From its unique and very colorful “cel-shaded” graphics, to it’s amazingly good J-pop/hip-hop/trance/electronica soundtrack (I'm not normally keen on most of the for mentioned, but I found it quite endearing this time), this game is bursting at the seems with personality. The characters (a bizarre and interesting mix of roller skating punks called “Rudies”), the graffiti tags (which look great) and the cityscapes are all well crafted and implemented well.

But with out quality game-play, this game would just be another pretty face for the next-generation systems (something that seems all too common in most games these days). Luckily JGR talented team of designers also made this game an absolute blast to play. Essentially what JGR is non-linear mix of roller-blading and spray painting in which you must paint designated areas as fast and as smoothly as possible. The painting is done simply by walking up to an arrow and pressing the spray button while avoiding cops and other evil figures. Follow the simple analog commands and you’re finished. It takes some time getting used to, but the learning curve is so smooth in the game, you won’t even notice. But as you will learn the more you play the game, the game’s enjoyment is limited only to your own level of creativity. Nearly everything can be grinded or pushed off of to start a combo of linked tricks. And since the spaces of the game are so varied, the possibilities are endless. With a quick, effective and simple trick system, it becomes even more enjoyable.

But alas, this game is not perfect. The camera work tends to be a bit iffy sometimes (and with limited control over it, it can become frustrating). Not all the music is as great as others (songs like “Super Brother”, “Dragula”, and a few others are just really irritating). The simplistic trick system, though I love it, is certainly going to annoy others who weaned off of Tony Hawk for so long. But none of these things destroy (or even really dent a marvelous game).

So in the end, I guess its up to you. Do you really want another boring, uninspired shooting game? Or how about another dreadful RPG? Jet Grind Radio is the game for people who want something different in their library of games. Heck, it doesn’t even have to be that. Buy it because it’s fun game. Period.

It's not perfect. The controls could use some work, and some of the levels are overly difficult.

But you can't help but laugh and smile while playing the game. It has a Parappa the Rapper quality. The gameplay isn't perfect, but the fun factor is absolutely over the top. Some of the Japanese tunes are a little quirky, but the majority are hip with deep beats that get even the most jaded gamer (and sister who hates video games) to tap their foot in unison.

Buy it. It's original. It's fun.

Jet Grind Radio welcomes you to the underground world of the street artists a.k.a. Taggers. You're probably asking yourself what's so great about this underground world. Well I'll tell you, this game is the one that finally gives you the opportunity to revile the Tagger within you and express your artistic ability to the world.

The object of the game is to start a gang called GG's and to make sure no other gangs, such as The Noise Tanks or Poison Jam take over your territory, and at the same time you are trying to gain more territory by knocking off the rival gangs and obtaining their territory. Of course there is always the Law to watch out for and Captain Onishima is the one to watch out for here. He is the type of Cop that has the attitude of shoot first and ask questions later.

Jet Grind Radio starts off with My Man Beat who is the leader of the GG's. Beat hangs out in a garage that is located in back streets of Shibuya. The fist person to join in with Beat is a good-looking girl named Gum. She decides to give Beat a test to see if he was cool enough for her, of course Beat is and she joins.

Later on that day My Dog Tab hears about this new gang called the GG's. He decides to go to Shibuya where he has heard that they hang out. While walking around town he notices their artwork all over the place. He finds out where they stay and decides to go and check them out. He wants to make sure they are the real deal and after he discovers they are real he decides to join and now there are three GG's.

One of their rival gangs hangs out in Kogane-cho and calls themselves Poison Jam. They have a strange symbol for their trademark, they wear fish masks. And they are supposed to have special powers that let them talk to animals. The other rival gang calls themselves The Noise Tanks and they hang out in Benten-cho. The Noise Tanks are probably the only rival gang that can come close to the GG's because they can travel at night with their special high-tech glasses.

Each gang listens to Jet Set Radio because this is their underground radio station that lets them know what's happening in the tagger world. Who has taken over what area and they also play the hottest beats around.

Now that I have gotten the story out of the way let me give you the answer you seek. Is Jet Grind Radio worth buying? Well if you really want a great game for the Dreamcast that won't hurt your wallet. This is the one for you. And that is especially true if you're a music fan because it has some of the best house, rock, and hip hop music in the industry with artist such as Rob Zombie, Jurassic Five, and Mix Master Mike. Good night and game on.

Game Play 9/10

Jet Grind Radio is the best unique game to come out in a long time.

Graphics 9/10

I love the way Sega and Smilebit made the background look real and the characters look animated, this really works well with this game.

Replay Value 7/10

The replay value is ok but the bottom line is the game is really fun.

Music 8/10

This is the best game sound track to come out in a long time. I am thinking about picking it up.

Bottom Line 8/10

If you want a really great game for the Dreamcast that won't hurt your wallet this is definitely wroth picking up.

Jet Grind Radio is truly an original game. In its plethora of innovations, there are only a few faults to be found. First of all, I should warn any would-be buyer that JGR is not exactly the type of game it appears to be. Although the game's concept certainly revolves around skating about different urban settings, it is not, at its heart, a racing or skating game (I would highly recommend Tony Hawk 1 or 2 for those who want a true skater). After playing for a while it becomes obvious that JGR is really more of a platform game in most ways, since the majority of the levels involve reaching new areas in which to leave your mark in the form of graffiti. The game has control that I can only describe as somewhat "floaty", and the execution of tricks is automatic, and without the variety I would have expected from a game that, at first, identifies itself as a skater.

With these few criticisms aside, Jet Grind Radio is an exceptional game in almost every category. Utilizing a new technique dubbed "cel shading", the multitude of characters and environments in this game come across as wholly unique. Although this graphical method seems simple enough (objects and characters are enveloped in a black outline), it gives the entire world and its inhabitants an almost hand-drawn feel. Expect to see this feature in many more games in the future as its presence here is simply gorgeous at times.

In addition to its graphical achievements, JGR delivers in the sound department too. Of all the tracks on the album, I found only the Rob Zombie song to be out of place and somewhat obnoxious. Don't be fooled by the description of the game music on the back of the jewel case; JGR's music can more accurately be called Quirky Hip-Hop, and not "Industrial". Regardless of its nomenclature however, JGR delivers hip beats that compliment both the graphics and style of the game even if you don't consider yourself a fan of the musical genre.

All in all, Jet Grind Radio is a very strong game in most aspects, and its lack of depth or tightness in control fade away in the presence of the sound and especially the graphics. This game was obviously created in pursuit of a unique style, and the developers have succeeded totally in this arena. JGR is highly recommended to all those looking for a very slick package that falls somewhat short in just a few areas. Have fun.

This game is hands down one of the best games i've ever played. Sega dreamcast may be dead, but the games still live on. This game is a definite must for anyone who owns one. Whether its the cel shaded graphics, ingenius story line, or creative gameplay, this game owns.

Rating:A
While the Sega Dreamcast will always be known for its niche following of specific licenses, and projects that were well thought out but never received the commercial accolade they so deserved, it is by sifting through the grains of sand and finding specific games of this long gone system that we find a hugely underrated, and classic game in the wake of Jet Grind Radio. Featuring a cast of characters that never seems to get old and the continuous joy of tagging graffiti and running away from the police becomes increasingly more enjoyable as you collect graffit souls that open up newer and bigger tags. While I personally prefer the quicker pace of Future, don't let that fool you into tinking this game is not as enjoyable, it's just not as polished, and as quick paced. In this iteration, spray-painting is accomplished by doing motions on the controller similar to StreetFigthers fireball motions, etc. The music is as equally impressive as the visual style, which at the time of this games release was one of the original titles to featre cel-shading, a technique employed just recently to Capcom's Killer 7, with excellent results. Perhaps a game like this deserves to stay as an underground success, but it is unfortanate that we will probably never see a third game in this excellent series, after the lukewarm sales of JSRF. Oh well though, at least we've got the two games, but who knows maybe one day SmileBit will grace us with another excellent entry into this forgotten artistic masterpiece of a game.

Why does a game like this, so grand, so fantastic, so SUPERIOR sells like crap while anything that EA puts out (sometimes good, sometimes bad, but never as good as JGR) sells 50 times more than this?

Quite honestly, everyone Dreamcast owner has to buy this game. It has originality (You hear that, Nintendo?), it has gameplay (You hear that, 989 studios?), it has presentation (you hear that, the other 11 Sega softhouses?)

The main idea of the game is that you skate around town spray painting the walls and running away from the police (helicopters? Tanks?) It sounds like a THPS clone with some Grand Theft Auto elements, but it's far from it. You don't have to worry about doing tricks because they're done automatically. All you have to do is run, jump and spray. While I was disappointed at first, I was thankful near the end of the game. It would've been downright impossible having to worry about pressing the right trick buttons while trying to run away from the police.

The story starts simple enough. A small Turf war going on on Neo-Tokyo. Too bad Smilebit got a bit carried away and decided to make some sort of crazy mob group who wants to take over the world and you crush their plans by spray-painting on the guy's forehead. "Oh no! My forehead! My plans are doomed!" What the heck?

The only downside to this game is that it only takes 10 hours or so to finish. But I must've spent over 70 hours just for the infinite grinds (try to find them all!) and different combinations. Plus hidden graffiti and hidden characters. When I think about it, this game couldn't POSSIBLY be long enough. It's just too much fun.

The graphics introduce Cell-shading. It draws a thick black line around the models and along with colorful textures, makes the game a moving cartoon. It's amazing result has been copied OVER AND OVER by other companies, which makes me angry at Sega for not having copyrighted it before the game came out. Other games like Fear Effect try to emulate cartoons by using only lighting and colorful textures, and it's obvious that Cell-shading is much better at this. Sadly, there are times where the framerate drops, and there are a couple of small colision detection problems in the game. But they come very rarely throughout the whole game.

The sound is incredible as well. Great songs that vary from Techno to J-pop make the soundtrack (over 20 of them!). They are great, but Sega of America insisted upon adding some 5 other american songs that have NOTHING to do with the game AT ALL. Bunch of colorful japanese teenagers running away from stereotypical police in an animé setting. Music, DRAGULA BY ROB ZOMBIE.... Why Sega? WHY? The voices are nice as well, but they consist mainly of one-liners said by the characters while jumping. The narration by Professor K and sometimes Combo is done perfectly.

I would've gladly forked over one hundred dollars for this game. Buying it for (...) was the greatest move I've ever made in videogame-buying this year. Right now I'm downloading this game's MP3s so I can make a soundtrack CD.

*walks away Humming the Bassline*