Sega Hints at Jet Set Radio Announcement for 25th Anniversary Celebration

Sega is stirring up excitement with hints about the future of Jet Set Radio, aligning with the classic game’s 25th anniversary coming up in 2025. This iconic Dreamcast title has maintained its popularity over the years, and fans everywhere are hopeful for either a remaster or perhaps an entirely new chapter. Recent releases like Bomb Rush Cyberfunk have only amplified the demand for games reminiscent of Jet Set Radio’s unique style.

In a recent discussion, Sega nodded to the 25th anniversary of Jet Set Radio, suggesting there might be news about what’s next for the beloved series. Originally celebrated for its funky vibe and hip-hop flair, Jet Set Radio offered players the thrill of roller-skating through urban landscapes, tagging them with graffiti, and dodging the ever-present police.

This classic is still considered a standout among Dreamcast games, continuing to capture the anti-establishment ethos blended with the laid-back skater culture that was a hallmark of the late ’90s and early ’00s. When creating the game, director Masayoshi Kikuchi was influenced by the film Fight Club and ‘80s American hip-hop, particularly its graffiti art. The music, crafted by Hideki Naganuma, cemented the game’s reputation, with its soundtrack still being hailed as one of gaming’s best. Fresh details about a new installment are on the horizon, according to recent reports.

In a chat with 4Gamer, Kikuchi, who led the original development, teased about ongoing work for a new Jet Set Radio project commemorating its 25th year. “I’m brainstorming ways to celebrate the milestone,” he shared. Although he didn’t lay out specifics about what’s planned for the anniversary, he hinted at the reboot previewed during The Game Awards 2023. Sega is busy reviving several of their classic, long-shelved franchises, such as Crazy Taxi, Shinobi, Streets of Rage, and even Golden Axe, with new projects in development.

Recently, we’ve seen a resurgence of games inspired by Jet Set Radio’s style, possibly reviving interest in this long-quiet series. Bomb Rush Cyberfunk has thrived since its 2023 launch, proving that there’s a strong appetite for similar experiences. This game took cues from Jet Set Radio but added fresh twists like enhanced graffiti mechanics and new movement options using BMX bikes and skateboards. Its success indicates that a new Jet Set Radio could resonate well with today’s gamers, and it seems the original creators agree.

Fans of Sega will be pleased to learn that the minds behind the original Jet Set Radio are involved in its reboot. During an interview with the Washington Post, Sega’s Shuji Utsumi mentioned the involvement of the original developers in this new project. Art and game designer Ryuta Ueda has joined forces again with Kikuchi, targeting a release for the eagerly anticipated reboot around 2027.