Press release: 2002-02-26: Sega's JSRF -- Jet Set Radio Future for Xbox Delivers Extreme Action, Style; All-Star Soundtrack Features Tracks From Grand Royal and Wave Master

This is an unaltered copy of a press release, for use as a primary source on Sega Retro. Please do not edit the contents below. Language: English Original source: The Free Library

SAN FRANCISCO--(ENTERTAINMENT WIRE)--Feb. 26, 2002

Sega(R) of America today announced the release of "JSRF - Jet Set Radio Future(TM)" for the Xbox(TM) video game system from Microsoft(R). Fusing fast action, mind-blowing cel-shaded graphics and a slammin' soundtrack from the hip-hop maestros at Grand Royal Records and Wave Master, this sequel to the Dreamcast(TM)-released "Jet Grind Radio(TM)" delivers extreme skating, extreme action, and of course, extreme style.

Loaded with new environments, new characters, insane new aerial maneuvers, refined artificial intelligence and retina-searing special effects, "JSRF -- Jet Set Radio Future" picks up the storyline of "Jet Grind Radio" 10 years later.

"`JSRF -- Jet Set Radio Future' makes good on the promise of the Xbox hardware, delivering enormous interactive environments, gorgeous anime-style graphics and a truly inspired soundtrack," said Mike Fischer, vice president of entertainment marketing, Sega of America. "Blurring the lines between art, culture, music and video games, Sega will continue to bend genres and define the future of entertainment with titles like `JSRF - Jet Set Radio Future.'"

The setting is Tokyo, 2024. Freedom of expression is a distant memory as a corrupt corporation controls the streets with its baton-brandishing militia, and it's up to street-smart skate crews, led by a mysterious pirate radio DJ, to save the soul of the city. Armed with rocket-powered skates, wicked freestyle tricks and an arsenal of aerosol cans, players must navigate a massive interactive city, battling rival crews for new turf and ultimately squaring off against the oppressive Rokkaku Group.

Filling the airwaves of the game's pirate radio station is a hypnotic blend of hip-hop, techno and electronic beats courtesy of some of the hottest names in music. With a soundtrack by Grand Royal Records and Sega's Wave Master, "JSRF -- Jet Set Radio Future" features original music and rump-shaking remixes of hits from Grand Royal artists including The Latch Brothers, Russell Simins, Cibo Matto, Scapegoat Wax, Bran Van 3000, Bis, BS 2000 and The Prunes.

With intuitive pick-up-and-play controls, "JSRF -- Jet Set Radio Future" lets gamers jump right into the action, exploring an expansive cityscape teeming with rival crews, corporate goon squads, cars, busses and pedestrian traffic. Take control of street-savvy characters like the enigmatic b-boy Beat and the sexy fly girl Gum as they apply graffiti art to marked targets and perform gravity-defying tricks and combos in a battle for the freedom of self-expression.

"JSRF -- Jet Set Radio Future" also features five all-new multi-player modes. Join forces with your friends, or compete against them in modes such as "City Rush," "Ball Hog," "Flag," "Graffiti Wars" and "Tag" for hours of replayability. An in-game graffiti art editor also allows aspiring artists to create their own distinctive "tags" for use within the game.

"JSRF -- Jet Set Radio Future" will be available at retailers this week and carries a MSRP of $49.95. The game is rated "T" for Teen. For screenshots and artwork, visit the following link: ftp://ftp.accesspr.com/public/Sega/Sega_Games/Microsoft_Xbox/Jet_Set _Radio_Future/

About Sega

SEGA(R) of America is the American arm of Tokyo, Japan-based SEGA Corporation, a $3.5 billion corporation by market capitalization, recognized as a worldwide leader in interactive entertainment both inside and outside the home. The company develops, publishes and distributes interactive entertainment software products for a variety of hardware platforms including PC, wireless devices, and those manufactured by Nintendo, Microsoft and Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. SEGA of America's Web site is located at www.sega.com.

About Xbox

Xbox (www.xbox.com) is Microsoft's future-generation video game system that delivers the most powerful game experiences ever. Xbox empowers game artists by giving them the technology to fulfill their creative visions as never before, creating games that blur the lines between fantasy and reality. Xbox is now available in North America at the suggested retail price of $299.99.

*Reseller prices may vary.

About Grand Royal Records

Grand Royal Records was founded by Beastie Boys in 1993, its first release being Luscious Jackson's classic: "In Search Of Manny EP." Since then, the label grew into a full service worldwide media conglomerate encompassing a label roster featuring At The Drive-In, Bran Van 3000, Scapegoat Wax, BS 2000 and others and the widely acclaimed Grand Royal magazine. Despite being inches away from the 10-year and GR100 mark, Grand Royal has closed its doors. In a final mail to fans, here is what Mike D had to say: "Thank you to our friends, staff, interns, bands, supporters, fans, contributors, online peoples, etc -- everyone who has put a little bit of themselves into the Grand Royal world over the years. Hopefully we did more good than bad and gave people enjoyment, amusement, fun and some stuff to think about along the way. We never knew or even really thought about what Grand Royal could and would become when we started it, we just did it. And we certainly had no idea how it would end. Hopefully others will embark on missions of their own in the future or as of now with that same unknowing spirit and will fill whatever void may be created in our absence. Thanks again everyone." - Mike D

About the Latch Brothers

The Latch Brothers are: Mike D a.k.a. "The Latchin' Duke," Kenny Salcido a.k.a. "Count Tickula" and Chris Wagner a.k.a. "Sir Poom A Lot."
COPYRIGHT 2002 Business Wire
No portion of this article can be reproduced without the express written permission from the copyright holder.
Copyright 2002, Gale Group. All rights reserved. Gale Group is a Thomson Corporation Company.