For those that don’t know, the first screenshots of Phantom Dust Remastered were recently released on Twitter by Phil Spencer. He also announced that this remastered game will be coming to Xbox One and Windows 10.
While this is good news for fans, it does have others scratching their heads. If an obscure game like Phantom Dust can get the HD treatment, then why the hell hasn’t one of the best original Xbox titles — Jet Set Radio Future — received its own remaster yet?
The short answer is obvious: whether or not a remaster gets made is ultimately up to the publisher — SEGA in this case. But there are so many reasons why Jet Set Radio Future was a truly great game that absolutely deserves a remaster. And there’s no better time for that remaster than right now — especially with new Xbox hardware on the horizon.
Jet Set Radio Future Was Better in Every Way Than Its Predecessor
Don’t get me wrong — I love Jet Set Radio and Jet Grind Radio. I spent countless hours playing them on my Dreamcast growing up, and even enjoyed the 2012 HD remaster on my PlayStation Vita.
But Jet Set Radio Future is better in every capacity. There were some incredible gameplay improvements — better and more fluid controls, more tricks to perform, more playable characters to unlock, a larger world to explore and goof around in. And its improved graphics really showed off its gorgeous cell shaded art style. Jet Set Radio Future was in every way a step ahead of the original — like any proper sequel should be.
And the soundtrack is amazing to boot. Arguable, it’s one of the best soundtracks of any game ever made for the original Xbox.
It Has Potential to Be a Hit on Xbox One
If Microsoft were to pony up the money and help SEGA publish a Jet Set Radio Future remaster that’s exclusive to Xbox One and Windows 10, it could be a great opportunity to increase revenue for the company.
Everyone knows that the Xbox is currently struggling compared to the PS4, since Sony has dominated in terms of exclusive releases for the console. But a game like Jet Set Radio Future could be used to move more units and keep Microsoft in the running as a creator of worthwhile exclusive games. I know a well-done remaster of the game would compel me — and I’m sure plenty of others — to pony up the money when it hits shelves. Heck, some might even pick up the whole console if they love JSRF that much.
It would also be a fantastic game for showing off the Xbox Scorpio’s hardware. Jet Set Radio Future runs on cel-shaded graphics with an art style that’s anything but outdated. If Microsoft managed to get the game running in native 4K resolution, who knows how amazing it would look on their newest console iteration? That alone might give potential customers the incentive they need to upgrade to the Scorpio.
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I’m sure the Phantom Dust remaster is going to be great. But Jet Set Radio Future should definitely be the next game on Microsoft’s docket. There’s so much potential for it to help out Xbox sales, and there’s already a well-established fan base that is more than ready to dive back into that world. Only time will tell, though, if this ever becomes a reality.
But what do you guys think? Would you be interested in a potential Jet Set Radio Future Remaster? Would it push you over the edge even to purchase an Xbox One? Let us know in the comments below!
