When Jet Set Radio first hit the Sega Dreamcast in 2000, it wasn’t just a game—it was an explosion of style, sound, and rebellion. Blending graffiti culture, rollerblading, and a soundtrack that redefined what video game music could be, it created a unique identity that left a lasting impression on players and the industry. Over two decades later, its legacy continues to inspire a new generation of games and artists, with spiritual successors like Bomb Rush Cyberfunk, Rooftops and Alleyways, and Butterflies carrying the torch.
The Unique Blend That Defined Jet Set RadioWhat made Jet Set Radio so special was its unapologetic commitment to counterculture aesthetics. Here’s what set it apart:

1. Cel-Shaded Graphics: At a time when realism was becoming the norm in gaming, Jet Set Radio went the opposite direction with its bold cel-shaded art style. This technique gave the game a look reminiscent of a living comic book or graffiti mural, perfectly complementing its urban themes. It was one of the first games to use this style, setting a trend that many titles would follow.
2. Soundtrack as a Statement: Composed by Hideki Naganuma and others, the soundtrack was a melting pot of genres, from hip-hop and funk to electronic and J-pop. Tracks like "Let Mom Sleep" and "Rock It On" became instant classics, with their infectious beats perfectly matching the game’s high-energy gameplay. It wasn’t just background music—it was the heartbeat of the experience.
3. Urban Rebellion: The game’s core mechanic of graffiti tagging wasn’t just a gameplay element—it was a declaration of individuality and defiance. Set in a fictional Tokyo-to, the story revolved around resisting oppressive forces and claiming public spaces as your own. It captured the rebellious spirit of youth culture and gave players a sense of empowerment.
4. Movement and Flow: The rollerblading mechanics gave the gameplay a rhythm and flow that felt unique. Chaining tricks while dodging police and spraying graffiti created a dynamic and kinetic experience unlike anything else at the time.

The Spiritual Successors: Keeping the Flame AliveDespite its cultural impact, Jet Set Radio never became a sprawling franchise. Its sequel, Jet Set Radio Future, built on the original’s foundation but was locked to the Xbox, limiting its audience. However, its influence has persisted, and modern developers have stepped in to continue its legacy. Here’s a look at some notable successors:

Style is the answer to everything,
A fresh way to approach a dull or dangerous thing,
To do a dull thing with style is preferable to doing a dangerous thing without it,
To do a dangerous thing with style is what I call art.

Bullfighting can be an art,
Boxing can be an art,
Loving can be an art,
Opening a can of sardines can be an art.

Not many have style.
Not many can keep style.
I have seen dogs with more style than men,
although not many dogs have style.
Cats have it with abundance.

When Hemingway put his brains to the wall with a shotgun,
that was style.
Or sometimes people give you style
Joan of Arc had style,
John the Baptist,
Christ,
Socrates,
Caesar,
García Lorca.
I have met men in jail with style.
I have met more men in jail with style than men out of jail.
Style is the difference, a way of doing, a way of being done.
Six herons standing quietly in a pool of water,
or you walking out of the bathroom, naked, without seeing me.

-Charles Bukowski