Almost 2 years ago, a game was released, with a totally fresh style and unique gameplay. It followed a group of young graffiti artists as they literally made their mark across a virtual city. That game was Jet Set Radio (entitled ''Jet Grind Radio'' in the States), and while it sold dismally in retail, it greatly influenced gamers and other developers alike. Including Nintendo, with their new cel-shaded Zelda. Smilebit decided to release a sequel, despite the poor sales of the original game, and here it is, just in time for the Japanese Xbox launch.

Many of the original gameplay elements have been revised, and other brand-new elements have been included. In the first title, spraypainting was done using a series of different button-pressing combos. But in this new game, spray painting is done using only one button. Larger tags are done by pressing this button more than once as the player glides by. Also added is the ''Boost Dash'', a supercharged dash move which costs the player 10 spray cans to perform. This move is integral to beating the game. Jet Set Radio Future also has a revamped trick system. Many different sorts of tricks are possible, the most notable example being the ability to speed up during a grind by shifting stance. While the new abilities are too numerous to detail here, note that each one is integral to either progressing through the game or unlocking secrets. Finally, the stage time limits have been removed.

Well, how do the changes made to gameplay affect the new game? The original Jet Grind Radio was the spiritual successor to Yuji Naka's NiGHTS into Dreams and Sonic Adventure; the play style was very similar. The player was rushed through beautiful but fairly shallow locations by means of a time limit, and scores were given for each level based on what sort of move combinations, number of consecutive tricks, and whichever score modifiers the player was able to pick up during this limited time. Future is a totally different style of game, more Miyamoto than Naka. Levels are massive in Jet Set Radio Future, probably 3 or 4 times as large, and offer much more varied gameplay than in the original title. Of course, since time limits are no longer in place (except in one stage), in-depth exploration of the levels is necessary to complete the game. This title is much faster-paced than its predecessor, the player's avatar moves at twice the speed this time, and since painting is only done using one button, it can be done on the fly. Graffiti locations are often very hard to reach, and must be painted while grinding. It's a much different pacing than before, and probably appeals to more players.

Worth mentioning is the difficulty. Jet Grind Radio was a very hard game, and many players found themselves being frustrated and giving up in the last half. Jet Set Radio Future has a more normal progression of difficulty; however, this game may be a bit hard for players unused to platformers. Especially the Skyscraper District and Fortified Residential Area, these two areas are massive and FRA is vertically-oriented, with a time limit.

The XBox is becoming known for its graphical muscle. Jet Set Radio Future is a shining example. Polygon counts on the characters are at least double and probably triple that of the original game, environments are much, much larger, with higher detail in both scene complexity and texture quality, and draw-in (a major problem in Jet Grind Radio) is negligible. Lighting is better this time as well, and self-shadowing is very evident. At times dozens of civilians will be onscreen at the same time, with no slowdown. Many billboards, signs, and props are now animated, and the variety of location is stunning. Alternately, players will find themselves in a dino-themed amusement park, an alternate dimension, a busy bus station, a run-down slum, and an abandoned sewer system. There are perhaps 20 levels, each one with its own unique look. It's hard to fault the game's graphics, it even uses the Xbox's pixel shader to great effect on water and some character models. Cel-shading has never looked this good, the game looks like an anime in motion.

The sound, well, some will love it while some will hate it. The character voices, heard while jumping or grinding, can be a bit repetitive but not excessively so. But the music is where the problems start. There are more tracks this time around, 5 more, although many tracks are remixed versions of songs from the first title. The new songs vary in quality. Some of them, most of the Latch Brothers stuff, is quite good. ''Butterfly'', ''Concept of Love'', and especially ''Count Latchula'' are all great, and some of the other songs are very suitable. However, other songs are jarring... especially when a stage goes on for an hour or more. ''Birthday Cake'' is the stuff nightmares are made of, the song is incredibly irritating. Then again, the first game had some songs that were annoying. It all comes down to personal preference. For me, the soundtrack in the first one was better, but not too much better. And the lack of Rob Zombie in JSRF is a great relief to most of us.

Jet Set Radio Future improves on the original in every way. It offers more content, more levels, larger areas, and refined gameplay. Why am I only scoring it an ''8''? Like every 3d third-person game since Mario64, Jet Set Radio Future has camera issues. There is a first-person viewpoint available, but only when the player has stopped all motion. At some points, the game is made much more difficult because of the camera. That's a detriment to the game. Also, I recognize that this game, much like the first, is not for everyone. So who is this game for? Any gamer who liked the first one, obviously, but also fans of Yuji Naka's NiGHTS and Sonic series. And of course for Sega fans, buying this title is a no-brainer. Jet Set Radio Future has a unique formula for gameplay, and a style all its own. For those who can see past its minor faults, it's a truly memorable experience.