Platform: Dreamcast

Genre: Action

Publisher: Sega

Developer: Smilebit

ESRB: T (Teen)

Released: Q4 2000

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Jet Grind Radio

Score: 9 / 10

Pros:

- Solid, fresh visuals

- More gameplay than you can shake a stick at

Cons:

- Occasional wonky cameras

- Repetitive music

Review: Mat Hoffman's Pro BMX (Dreamcast)

"...The unique gameplay alone makes the title worth spending some time with..."

Sega has really been pumping out some innovative games during 2000 with titles like Crazy Taxi and VOOT, and upcoming titles like Phantasy Star Online and 18 Wheeler American Pro Trucker. Jet Grind Radio is another such title. Combining action, extreme sports, and an almost Pa Rappa-styled gameplay, this game has a lot to offer and will keep Dreamcast owners busy for quite a while.

Even the visuals are unique. The presentation has a very original quality that has never been seen in a game before. Instead of going for a very realistic, or traditionally cartoony look, Jet Grind Radio’s graphic design emulates the style and feel of the graffiti art that is prevalent throughout the title. The characters and environment have a 2D, paper cutout look to them that is very different, and the design is just like that of the figures one would expect to see on a piece of graffiti. Adding to the quality of the visuals is a smooth frame rate that doesn’t chug for a minute. The only trouble comes in the somewhat slow cameras. Sometimes they don’t stick on the characters as well as they should, and it becomes difficult to see where you’re going for a moment, causing a collision, and letting the police catch up to you and inflict some damage. Other than that, though, the game’s visuals are very, very good.

Unfortunately the games audio doesn’t hold up as well as its visuals. While the sound effects and voice work are quite acceptable, the music is very repetitive. It doesn’t take long for the songs to become irritating during the course of a level, making the use of one’s stereo a must.

What makes the title shine is its gameplay. The unique mix of different genres slapped together makes for a very interesting package. It’s wonderfully fun trying to avoid the SWAT teams, gunships, and the good ol’ police captain while trying to defend your turf from

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the thugs in rival gangs. Being able to a variety of tricks off of the various obstacles in the levels makes the fun even greater. Putting up the graffiti art is performed similar to the dancing games on the market, oddly enough. The player gets on-screen prompts that tell what directions to move the joystick, and after going through the paces the tag is completed. All in all the gameplay is very fun.

Gamers looking for something different to play on their Dreamcast should seriously consider getting Jet Grind Radio. The unique gameplay alone makes the title worth spending some time with.

Reviewed by Mr. Nash

(December 20, 2000)

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