Jet Set Radio vs Jet Set Radio Future: Which Game Is Better?

For the longest time, folks in the Jet Set Radio community have debated whether the original game or Jet Set Radio Future is the better game. I take it upon myself as the big Jet Set Radio nerd that I am to finally give the answer to this question. With data from fellow members of the community as well as my own personal preferences, today we will find out which game between the OG and Future is truly THE better Jet Set Radio game.
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[@Mariesun]

I’ve played the OG game first and I did end up 100% completing it before giving Future a try. Saying that, I do vastly prefer Future; it’s more 2000’s edge in music and style while still keeping its artistic strength really resonated with me and helped shape how my own creative pieces look. Speaking of the music, i would say that they’re both of similar quality but Future has grown a lot on me; it feels like they all share the same vision of how the game would sound compared to the og game where I felt it was all over the place. Also how every music artist involved has a phenomenal track in Future, as to where I found the OG game was very hit or miss with its “Many Styles” and “Mix Mastwr Mike”. My only gripe with Future is that Richard Jacques’s tracks and the remixes for the OG game aren’t on Spotify, I have no idea why since SEGA obviously has the rights to them but I guess I’ll never know.

[@Mariesun]

ALSO the difficulty, Fight or Flight REALLY deters me from picking up that game and booting it up on my PC and console, I HATE that mission and the trauma it gave me when I tried to 100% still lingers on me aaaa 😭

[@RisingSonic17]

That mission alone brings down the game. I always Dread it every time I play it and it's the main reason why I actually can't be bothered to ever 100% because Fight or Flight just has no semblance of fun in it

[@squeallymaniac]

Definitely Jet Set Radio Future!

[@proggz39]

I’d agree but it’s locked to the og Xbox, the disk is not backwards compatible and you can no longer buy it on the 360 store. JSR takes it for me since you can still reasonably play it

[@SnaksiXD]

The original JSR had a better soundtrack and a smoother story, but the gameplay improvements alone raise Future over the original for me.

[@RisingSonic17]

Completely understandable

[@raidenstark315]

No, future also wins in soundtrack, t

[@ADukesJustice]

I love that youtubers are including the bangers that is the sf6 ost in their videos Personally I like JSRF more, I like the smoother gameplay and the open world aspect of it.

[@RisingSonic17]

Fete Foraine and Manon's Theme are absolute bangers. I love them and yeah that's pretty much the same for me when it comes to Future

[@SkydrawnIV]

Personally, the open layout of Future along with the fluidity of movement make it infinitely more fun to me, and I find it much more fun to replay. OG definitely has it's own charm, that final level was 10/10!

[@SAZERU]

birthday cake first got me into CIBO MATTO and i will always love that track for that, def up there in the replayed a lot department for jsrf along with aisle 10

[@RisingSonic17]

Yeah honestly if it wasn't for Birthday Cake, I wouldn't have ever listened to Birthday Cake's discographies

[@KyyaJoon]

SAME HERE MAN THEY BECAME MY FAVORITE BAND FROM THAT SONG... SUCH A BANGER

[@Luuncho]

I feel like the only person who likes JSR waayyy more than JSRF and BRC. like no contest imo

[@jctherula]

Same🗣️🗣️

[@ChuckyaDuckya]

Same

[@jedisalsohere]

heeeeell yeah

[@LLotad]

both are goats but i personally prefer the aesthetics of the first game but i love the revisions to gameplay/speed/flow of future, its so hard to tell what i like more. I also prefer the soundtrack of JSRF it feels more diverse with less naganuma tracks

[@RisingSonic17]

That's what I'm tending the notice. That people love the look of the original but love the open world and control aspects of Future more A best of both worlds type of things would be great to have.

[@ecampbell1285]

Lets play both and support the new indie title since sega is slackin

[@picaro_TH]

i love these analysis videos man, genuinely do love your content and i will continue supporting you, homie

[@RisingSonic17]

I really appreicate it man

[@Crushbandido]

what a wonderful treat to find out how people really feel about both masterpieces in comparison. and thanks for helping bring this info out! I own JSR, the original and re-release on the X360 but feel that at this point we deserve a JSRF port at least 😬

[@RisingSonic17]

I'm happy you enjoyed Maybe in the future, Future will become more accessible

[@havikmania2006]

Great video as always man When it comes to which game is better like you said it’s all preference I’ve played the og game a lot more than Future because I have a bad laptop that can barely run Future, but from what I’ve played of Future I do prefer how it controls compared to Jet Set, but if we do see a third game I’d like them to try and mix the two gameplay styles having that balance between momentum progression of the OG and the accessibility and controls of Future so it feels rewarding but also fun to play.

[@RisingSonic17]

It is definitely rough right now to play Future comfortably if you don't have an Xbox or a Good computer. That probably won't change anytime soon. I'm also in agreement that there is a way that you can combine both aspects of the game's to bring a package to appease both crowds

[@NuttBustley]

I was about to click off the video until you identified yourself as a Birthday Cake enjoyer. We are few but we are the only ones who can truly see art. Can't wait to see what other videos you make.

[@vinniechaos]

i always thought those giant sewer lizards were inspired by the japanese giant salamander

[@RisingSonic17]

You're probably right honestly. It's still funny to see the low poly lizard

[@juicepunchplays]

I remember playing OG on my old Ipod touch when I was really young

[@gamecitysavior2910]

I like the original TAB.

[@Mittens2317]

I feel like the debate is the same as ME vs Catalyst. The first is more difficult in terms of the steep learning curve, but leads to higher satisfaction when the controls are mastered. The second is designed to remove frustrations, but ends up being TOO easy as a result. The differences in settings, aesthetics, audio, etc also remind me of the debate. Probably why I choose the originals on both fronts.

[@kingkaaiz]

Hey man, I love your JSR/JSRF content! Keep up the good work! Are you on any other platforms?

[@RisingSonic17]

It's just my Twitter at the moment. It's in the description if you wanna follow

[@radicalcentrist4990]

Originally I wasn't feeling Future's soundtrack as much, mainly because I have played it much later on, so I was more used to the OG, but over time I started prefering it. For the visuals I still prefer the original, it's more colorful and brighter. The city looks better. Same goes for the character designs, the originals are more simplistic which makes them more memorable. As for the gameplay, I can't say one is better than the other because they go for a different aproach, but the smoother controls of Future makes it feel better to play. That being said, I still prefer the stages of the original more.

[@RisingSonic17]

All fair assessments tbh. The stages thing I definitely understand since the level progression was more streamlined

[@radicalcentrist4990]

@@RisingSonic17 I always prefered the first game's stages mainly because they look better. And they feel more grounded too because Future's city you can just tell that it is designed specifically for a game where a lot of places just don't make sense.

[@twilightsparkle75]

My biggest problem with jsr is that every level plays the same 1-2 minute track for all 1000 seconds. And it drives me fucmin bonkers after the 5th repetition lol

[@DJordydj]

Jet Set Radio Future. That game was SICK ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@RisingSonic17]

You damn right it is😤

[@Appleloucious]

One Love! Always forward, never ever backward!! ☀☀☀ 💚💛❤ 🙏🏿🙏🙏🏼

[@dedtoot]

Count latchula hater?? Smh my head u lost subscriber Jk lol cool video

[@LapisArsene]

Outside of the visuals, I can't really see how one could rank OG JSR over JSRF. Wanna say its cause more people have access to the OG since JSRF was never ported. And, I played JSR first. Didn't get JSRF until way later. JSRF was just such a step up in controls and story. The controls had so much more to them and they (along with the animations) felt much more fluid. Felt you could be more stylish in your play. The open areas were cool too. Made you feel the world was connected. But, I do agree JSR had more NPC and boss variety. I didn't notice that. I prefer JSRF having more crowds/people in the areas though since it gave the game more life. The one thing I can say I liked more in the OG JSR is a few of the character designs. I prefer JSRF Beat, but like Gum and Cube had to grow on me. I prefer JSRF Gum now, but Cube I never stopped missing the OG look. lol

[@RisingSonic17]

I was definitely in a weird spot because I've been playing Future since it's Release while OG, I've only had it for 2 1/2 years. So it was like comparing your childhood that you grew up with to finally catching up to something old that was big back in the day. Future's world feels so lively with everything being connected but where as it looks very aged in its coloring, the bright Colors of OG will never make it look drab and it's super cartoony compared to Future where it definitely shows its age as the beginning of that new generation of consoles in terms of animation. But strictly gameplay alone, the accessibility of Future holds up very well for people to get used to

[@LapisArsene]

I can understand that reasoning. Not wanting nostalgia to decide for you. Yeah visually its all taste. In the next game they make, the main thing I think they need to keep/take inspiration from is JSRF's controls. Just update and expand on them. I gotta say doing multiple tricks in JSRF is really fun. lol

[@Marco213s.mexicanpower]

I like Jet Set Radio Future because it doesn't give the time on mission.And Jet Set Radio DC has better music

[@twilightsparkle75]

Yup the level time limit and the music looping a single track every level is what makes the game suck to me. In fact i could look.past the timer, if atleast the music didnt loop!

[@astreakaito5625]

I much prefer arcade games over collection platformers so my answer is obvious Great video

[@RisingSonic17]

Thank you🫡

[@TheBoodercg]

Whats the name of the “want to be close” remix that plays through the first quarter of the vid? I like that.

[@RisingSonic17]

That version is from the Persona 3 Reincarnation CD.

[@mickyas7201]

The Boogie rant got me weak 😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@RisingSonic17]

I had to defend my home girl

[@Noblesavage31]

I played both and didn’t realize it, but I love future and my fave songs are aisle 10 and BIRTHDAY CAKE!

[@RisingSonic17]

Those are all goated picks for favorite songs

[@Bearman851]

I personally love electric tooth brush.

[@jedisalsohere]

I like pretty much every song from both games. Except Super Brother, that one got on my nerves. Also I love the Latch Brothers songs and Baby T, sue me.

[@AVATARW0]

please what song starts from 2:50 ? great video btw

[@VrilyaSS]

19:00 wheres that jump? i cant remember taking it ever

[@ld3534]

The electric toothbrush hate is egregious lol

[@RisingSonic17]

I've always found the song boring.

[@ld3534]

@@RisingSonic17 we all have different tastes it's all good lol great breakdown in the video btw. Being a fan of the franchise, I always thought future was the better product outright, so it was good to see a breakdown like this from a different lense. Well done.

[@3redstreeter256]

Great vid man, but afraid you are wrong about birthday cake, song is trash (jk I don’t like it but it’s totally chill everybody’s tastes are different) much love for keeping the JSR content on KZbin alive ✌️

[@RisingSonic17]

Only doing the best I can talking about what I love Birthday Cake is deep in my veins so I can't hate it. It's everything early 2000s for me

[@onthedre]

JSRF is way better it just improves on JSR in so many ways but JSR is def worth a playthrough or 3. The art and music is top notch. The controls and getting all the Jet rankings is a but troublesome though.

[@RisingSonic17]

Getting Jet Ranks in OG really brings down the game a lot and makes it not fun

[@WD-40_BAYAREA_]

I dig the difficulty of the first game. That's one set back for Bomb Rush is that it's way too easy. I never had x box so I'm waiting to play future.... it's been over 20 years now 😢

[@RisingSonic17]

If you have a good enough PC, emulate up

[@someguy4957]

Future has better gameplay but the story and platforming sections drag it down for me at points, while they og is pure arcade gameplay and really replayable. Both are good but I'm kinda glad the leaked sequel shots look closer to the og

[@RisingSonic17]

I'm surprised you think the platforming of Future bringing down since they wanted to put more focus on the platforming because of the control changes, but understandable about OG being repayable overall

[@someguy4957]

@@RisingSonic17 I mean more like the level design than the controls. Like the Sewers and Skyscraper district were pretty bad for me my first time playing

[@marcovidal9782]

JSRF is in my top 3 favorite games of all time. As much as I do love and appreciate the original it doesn't even break the top 10 for me.

[@smpfox]

Prob the only one here but I prefer the original. For what it did in 2000 for a system not many owned. I prefer the colors of original too.

[@undyne1]

JSRF is the better game, but I still prefer some elements from JSR, like the graffiti gameplay and the story. This doesn't mean JSR is bad, I just think Future did a lot of improvements on what was both flawed and already good in the OG game. I know I just said Future is the better game, technically, but I still love both game equally. I just hope the new JSR game follows that pattern. Btw, Piranha looks better in JSR imo.

[@CHEESE8921]

Future is so much better!!! Hands down

[@WAR3600]

I admit I haven't played JSFR and JSR is like my favourite childhood game, so I am very bias, but from what I see from JSRF I still think the more grounded vibe of the original appeals more to me than the sci-fi grindfest of JSRF

[@RisingSonic17]

I wouldn't say completely grounded but I get what you mean. The Original game has less Sci fi stuff going on.

[@Ohmargod]

You've made the same mistake that I did for years. It's not Teknopathic, its TeknoPathetic. Which, considering the lyrics, makes the title so much much better. Anyhow, onto the rest of the video. Oh and Like this, like that was my favorite song. We always misheard the lyrics and made our own spin on it. "You stink, you're fat, you stink stink, you're fat (oooohhhh)"

[@watchf]

What’s the difference I only played original is it a remake or a sequel or what

[@RisingSonic17]

Jet Set Radio Future is a Reboot/Sequel

[@Beat_JSRF_Lover2829]

Aesthetically, I love Future's designs. So much. Especially Beat with his funky little headphones. But the bright colors and the emphasis on more varied music in the first game is what I personally really enjoy. like Future has a banger soundtrack but then once you beat the game it's the same like 3 music medleys just with the same songs in a different order. in the original game, the soundtrack is much longer and I never got sick of the music. Also in terms of the skating style the first game really feels like how aggressive inline skating is, with it being incredibly difficult to switch grinds in the middle of a rail (This is coming from an actual aggressive inline skater). In future they kept the styles of grinds but made it a lot more flashy, being able to switch grinds to a rhythm. It's fun but it doesn't really feel like aggressive inline skating if that makes sense? (it could also be that I have only been roller blading for about a year now as well lol). The air tricks in the original game are also much more doable, like shiftys (my favorite trick) and like 180s and 360s and 720s, just big spinny tricks. (I love doing midair 360s but they're so hard and I fall a lot) Anyways great video! I can agree that both games are equally as good as each other.

[@RisingSonic17]

Thank you for watching and glad you enjoyed!

[@DraftyRum]

both are good but id also want future to get ported for new systems

[@KyyaJoon]

I LIKED THAT YOU SHOWED THE EMULATOR VERSION OFF OF JSRF BUT FUTURE IS DEFINITELY THE BETTER GAME ALL AROUND

[@blazeneko3384]

I haven't played Jet Set Radio Future in a long time, at it's only on the X-Box, and I just played Jet Set Radio on steam, and I can't work out the grinding, like this one rail, I went to grind one it, but it never worked, and I needed cans, I ended up walking on it, and just thought it was a grinding rail, near the end of the game, I tried to walk on it, and it started to work as a grinding rail, I was blaming my self, but I don't know if some of the ones I missed was because of me, or the game, can someone explain

[@RisingSonic17]

That was most likely a bug in the game

[@blazeneko3384]

@@RisingSonic17 ok, and thanks

[@koopdawhoop.]

The original non remix version of the scrappy is sooo weird and it only gets weirder in the last minute or so

[@enzo1673]

Guys I’m kinda new to jet set radio is dj professor k still alive

[@RisingSonic17]

He does indeed still live

[@enzo1673]

@@RisingSonic17 thank you

[@twilightsparkle75]

​@@RisingSonic17thats wild! Bro had grey hair 20 years ago!!

[@darreinrobinson5681]

Future i think the satellites stage

[@michealhigginbotham4036]

2:36 Persona 5

[@jedisalsohere]

Future has better control, better design, crisper visuals, a more varied soundtrack and - it's just, like, it's just better. And yet, I still find myself preferring the original. I prefer the level-based high-score structure, I think the level design is better, I like the colourful visuals a lot more than the green-and-brown of Future, and I also prefer the soundtrack over Future's. Plus, I've played the original game enough that I've got way better at it than I used to be - there's a depth of mastery to the original that doesn't exist with Future.

[@RisingSonic17]

Completely understandable👍

[@SAZERU]

hahah ayo!!

[@williamoverton7775]

JSFRF and not gran tourismo but what was it forza that sounds right. they were xbox pack ins

[@RisingSonic17]

SEGA GT 2002

[@twilightsparkle75]

Yep Sega GT 2002. I found itnlocally for 20$ and snatchednit up for the jsrf, its backwards compatible on the 360!

[@le563]

Personally I prefer future, but what others like is purely subjective

[@achimappiah4185]

The Graffiti from jsrf is better than jsf! 😎

[@RisingSonic17]

Well you're definitely the first person to say this that I know of xD

[@mdsmithson]

JSR is the better game. JSRF is the better dream.

[@sogiestpieglow]

I think I prefer gba Jet Set radio, the controls seem wonky at first but it gets really intuitive. The soundtrack is easily the weakest and I prefer Futures soundtrack. But Futures artstyle kinda makes me sick, while gba’s art style is similar to the original games, while still having its own charm. I have the most memory’s and playtime in gba. Which makes me unironically prefer Jet Set gba

[@dmaamr]

JSR GBA clears both

[@RisingSonic17]

You are a strange one, I'm afraid

[@AwsmNix]

I can’t see how in any objective manner JSR beats JSRF lol

[@RisingSonic17]

Hey, people got their preferences, lol. I can kind of see it, but it is definitely harder to convince me

[@harveysoloconvo]

Jsrf is better without a doubt

[@stephanpresley2060]

😓 "promosm"

[@ld3534]

How is it a debate? Lol

[@STZACRACK666]

Did he just call 'The Scrappy' garbage?! 🤔 Whats this guy smoking, also the version on future is way better. Actually future is better overall hands down IMO

[@RisingSonic17]

The most i will give The Scrappy is that it's so bad its funny. But I won't compliment it further than that💀

[@VegasD702]

I love the games and know they are set in tokyo-to but these games definitely arent japanese culture.... this is hip hop..🤷🏾‍♂️

[@wicklash9065]

Its actually called techno-pathetic! Not "pathic"

[@MurderToCassette]

JSRF shits on the OG. Controls are way to stiff and make it a chore to play compared to how smooth Future is. The soundtrack is also >>>

[@RisingSonic17]

Understandable. The controls has always been make or break for people in terms of which game they prefer

[@RicShaymin3398]

Couldn't finish video voice was too goddamn annoying and unclear. They're from the same franchise who cares ? Lol

[@RisingSonic17]

Well I'm sorry you feel that way about my voice and issue of speech. And I think it's significant enough to ask the question because JSR community debate about which game they like more. So I figured to compare the two

[@twilightsparkle75]

Saying "same franchise, who cares" is like saying gta 5 is the same thing as gta3 or san andreas lmao.

[@RicShaymin3398]

@@twilightsparkle75 great retort LMAO