Highlights
- Sega confirmed that the original creators of Jet Set Radio are involved in the upcoming reboot, adding excitement for fans.
- The return of Jet Set Radio and other classic IPs is just the beginning of Sega's plans for the future, hinting at the possibility of more iconic series being revived.
- The success of the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise has given Sega the confidence to bring back its classic titles, including Jet Set Radio, for new audiences to enjoy.
Sega gave Jet Set Radio fans some additional good news, as the company confirmed that the series' original creators are involved in the upcoming reboot. Though the Jet Set Radio series has been dormant for over a decade, its most recent contribution being Steam and mobile ports in 2012, the news gave fans some excitement.
The news came following a massive reveal at The Game Awards, in which Sega confirmed Jet Set Radio was returning in a trailer spanning a minute and a half. The trailer also showed titles from Sega's past that were in active development, including Golden Axe, Shinobi, Crazy Taxi, and Streets of Rage. While classic Sega series such as Virtua Fighter and Shining Force remained in limbo, the trailer left room for the company to revisit them in the future. Following the trailer, Sega fans took to social media to express their excitement over the news. However, Sega did not reveal any additional details about what these new titles would be called, or when they would be released.
Sega Addresses Demand for New Virtua Fighter Game
Following the reveal of Sega's new initiative in bringing back older properties, Sega's co-COO addresses the possibility of a new Virtua Fighter.
While indie titles such as Bomb Rush Cyberfunk have filled a void left behind in Jet Set Radio's absence, Sega fans have been assured that the series is not done yet. In an interview with The Washington Post, Sega of America CEO and Sega Corporation co-COO Shuji Utsumi stated that the developers originally from SmileBit and BlitWorks are involved with bringing Jet Set Radio back. Originally released in 2000 for the Sega Dreamcast, which Utsumi was involved with, Jet Set Radio blended rollerskating action with graffiti and music in a cel-shaded art style that has become synonymous with the series and games inspired by it.
In addition, Utsumi said that the timing of Jet Set Radio's return was right, and stated that people who enjoy games and concepts of different kinds would enjoy what Sega has to offer in the coming years. Plus, Utsumi stated that Jet Set Radio's revival was due to the success of the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise in recent years. Utsumi said that the Sonic series' success has given Sega the confidence to bring its classic titles to the forefront for new audiences to enjoy. Whether the reboot of Jet Set Radio will enjoy as much or more success than it did in the past remains to be seen.
The concept of games like 'Jet Set Radio' is advanced. The original creators are involved again, and its time is now. It's a good time where people can appreciate all kinds of concepts.
As one of Sega's top franchises, Jet Set Radio's return is just the tip of the spear for Sega's plans going into 2024 and beyond. Only time will tell what other series Sega will bring forward.
