As we approach 2025, Sega is dropping tantalizing hints about what lies ahead for the beloved Jet Set Radio series, just in time for its 25th anniversary. The original game, launched on the Dreamcast, still holds a special place in the hearts of fans who are eagerly awaiting news of either a remaster or a brand-new installment. Recent releases, like Bomb Rush Cyberfunk, suggest there’s a strong appetite for games that capture that unique Jet Set Radio essence.
In a recent interview, Sega confirmed that it’s conscious of the milestone anniversary and has something special in store for the future of Jet Set Radio. Known for its funky beats and distinct hip-hop vibes, players were drawn to the colorful cityscapes where they’d rollerblade and graffiti-tag their way across town while keeping a step ahead of the authorities.
The original Jet Set Radio is hailed as a Dreamcast classic owing to its rebellious spirit and its nod to 90s and early 00s skate culture. Drawing inspiration from the cinematic grit of Fight Club and the vibrant world of 1980s American hip-hop, director Masayoshi Kikuchi crafted a game with roots in graffiti art. Complementing this was Hideki Naganuma’s unforgettable soundtrack, widely celebrated among fans as one of the best in video game history. Recently, news leaked that more details about a new Jet Set Radio game might be on the horizon.
In a chat with 4Gamer, Kikuchi, who helmed the original games, hinted at what might be coming for this silver anniversary. “I’m working on a new Jet Set Radio game, and with the 25th anniversary around the corner in 2025, we’re brainstorming ways to celebrate it,” he remarked. Although he was coy about specifics, there’s speculation about a Jet Set Radio reboot, which was briefly teased at The Game Awards in 2023. Additionally, Sega is reportedly breathing new life into some of their other cherished yet dormant franchises, including Crazy Taxi, Shinobi, Streets of Rage, and Golden Axe.
The gaming world has seen a resurgence of titles echoing the spirit of Jet Set Radio. Bomb Rush Cyberfunk, which dropped in 2023, showcases just how much nostalgia and demand there is for this type of gameplay. The success of Bomb Rush Cyberfunk, which features enhanced graffiti mechanics and a variety of movement options like BMX bikes and skateboards, proves there’s a solid market for a Jet Set Radio revival. It seems Sega’s original team is listening.
Fans of Sega’s classic lineup will be thrilled to learn that the original Jet Set Radio creators are collaborating on this reboot. In a conversation with The Washington Post, Sega’s Shuji Utsumi confirmed that key figures from the developers’ team are involved. Art and game designer Ryuta Ueda joins Kikuchi once again, aiming for a release possibly in 2027.
Jet Set Radio is celebrated for its vibrant urban landscapes and beat-driven energy. Players can immerse themselves in Tokyo-to, where they defy authority as they tag everything from walls to billboards while showboating on inline skates. All this is set against the backdrop of one of gaming’s most iconic soundtracks. The anticipation for the next chapter in the Jet Set Radio saga couldn’t be higher as fans look forward to how Sega will reinvigorate this cherished series.
