Jet Set Radio is a classic game breathed some new life into on modern platforms. Originally for the Dreamcast it was fairly ambitious for its time with the striking cel shaded visual art style, large open environments and incredible soundtrack. Does it hold up today however? That would depend if you can bare with some of the janky mechanics.
Unlike its sequel Future which was more of a free roam game with no set time limit, the original game is more of a time attack. You're given up to 10 minutes to graffiti areas around each level while trying to avoid dangers and reaching high places. It can be daunting at first but this is the kind of game that becomes easier once you learn the level and the fastest route through it.
Unfortunately the mechanics haven't aged well. Trying to jump from a half pipe will fail most of the time and running into anything puts your character at a complete stop. If you run into an enemy it will spin you around 180 degrees. It's all a recipe for frustration and can feel a bit janky at times especially when you're under a fairly strict time limit. With all that said however the game is still enjoyable but you just need to bare with mechanics that truly feel they are 15 years old.
Visually the game is still as gorgeous and striking as it was when it first came out and the HD remaster really brings that out. There is some slowdown when things get crowded but that's a fairly rare occurrence. The music is still incredible and it was a joy listening to all the tracks again. Thankfully none were removed so you can fully enjoy the original soundtrack in the HD version.
The HD remaster doesn't change anything about the game except the increase in resolution. There are some songs from Future thrown in there but strangely you can't listen to them anywhere except from the extra menu. There's also a short albeit interesting making of documentary with interviews from some of the games developers.
If you're in it for the trophies then you may want to stay away as they can be quite challenging for newcomers. It will require multiple playthroughs and mastery of the level layouts and mechanics. It is however much easier than the Xbox 360 version which has a few playthrough challenges thrown in but are missing from the Vita trophy list.
If you want to play one of the best games from the Dreamcast era and can look past the dated feel then you're sure to love this game. Now if only Sega would give the HD treatment to Future.
3.5