Sega just released a teaser for their next Dreamcast to XBLA/PSN port, and while they don’t say the specifically name the game in question, I’m sure anyone who owned a Dreamcast immediately figured out what game it was as soon as they heard that trademark funky music. Yup, cult classic Jet Set Radio (originally known as Jet Grind Radio when it was released in the US) is getting an HD update.
I love Jet Set Radio. Sure, it had some camera and control problems, but it wasn’t anything that you couldn’t overcome and get used to, and it’s bizarre but charming aesthetic and personality was more than enough to compensate for any technical shortcomings. It was one of the most criminally overlooked and beautiful games of its time, and I can’t wait for the chance to play it in HD.
While I’m glad that Sega is giving JSR another chance, I’m a little apprehensive about this release: previous Dreamcast to XBLA/PSN ports like Sonic Adventure and Crazy Taxi were infamously half-assed, and it’d be a shame if Sega gave JSR the same level of neglect as they did their previous ports (You can read my review of the Dreamcast Collection here.) Please Sega, I’ve put up with a lot of your crap over the years (*cough*Sonic 4*cough*,) so please, don’t sully the name of Jet Set Radio. Give this game the quality HD port it deserves.