
Jet Set Radio at 25: A Love Letter to Movement and Place
Jun 29, 2025 12:00 PMJet Set Radio is celebrating its 25th anniversary, marking a significant milestone in gaming history. This vibrant game known for its cel-shaded graphics and unique graffiti aesthetics transformed the perception of 3D games. It introduced players to a fantastical Tokyo-like world filled with skater gangs, and its sequel, Jet Set Radio Future, refined the exploration experience by removing timers, allowing players to immerse themselves in the art and environment. The design philosophy of prioritizing movement and place over conventional challenges emphasized the game's artistic merit and its lasting influence on titles like Bomb Rush Cyberfunk and Splatoon. This reflection underscores the timeless appeal of Jet Set Radio and its integral role in the evolution of video game design.
What is the significance of Jet Set Radio's 25th anniversary?The 25th anniversary of Jet Set Radio highlights its impactful role in gaming, showcasing its innovative style and design philosophy that prioritized artistic expression and immersive environments.
Jet Set Radio was initially released on the Sega Dreamcast in 2000 and has garnered a loyal fanbase over the years. It is often regarded as a pioneer in cel-shading and vibrant art design, influencing numerous games that followed. Its unique approach to gameplay combined with a memorable soundtrack has left a lasting legacy in the gaming community.

Casey Loh
Casey Loh is a tech-savvy writer who specializes in the intersection of gaming and technology. With a background in computer science, Casey brings a technical lens to her reviews, breaking down the nuts and bolts of game engines, graphics, and AI innovation.
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Jet Set Radio's anniversary isn't just a nostalgia trip—it's proof that games with bold artistic vision can carve out a legacy that outlasts trends. The fact that its DNA lives on in modern hits shows how timeless its energy really is.

Jet Set Radio’s 25th anniversary is a reminder of how ahead of its time it was—blending style, music, and movement into something that still feels fresh today. It’s wild how a game about graffiti and skating left such a lasting mark on the industry.