SEGA says it hopes to display an “edginess and rebellious mindset” when it revives five classic franchises in the near-future. The legendary Japanese publisher confirmed at The Game Awards that it’s working on new versions of Jet Set Radio, Crazy Taxi, Golden Axe, Shinobi, and Streets of Rage – an effort enabled by the ongoing success and growth of the Yakuza, Sonic the Hedgehog, and Persona franchises.
“The concept of games like Jet Set Radio is advanced,” SEGA of America bigwig Shuji Utsumi told the Washington Post. “The original creators are involved again, and its time is now. It’s a good time where people can appreciate all kinds of concepts.”
Elsewhere in the interview, Utsumi admitted that his company is exploring ways it can bring back other franchises, like Virtua Fighter. It was rumoured for a little while that the publisher was working on new versions of Dreamcast classics Jet Set Radio and Crazy Taxi, but seeing all of these projects at once was a highlight at The Game Awards. We can’t wait to learn more information.
[source washingtonpost.com]
Comments 16
I’m really happy to see these IPs revived but “edginess and rebellious mindset” is a bit rich when this kind of thing is the mainstream. Rehash, reboot or repackage is en vouge because it makes bank.
Wait when did SEGA confirm platforms for the new games? JSR could be a live service android game. Also, Microsoft could buy the game for Game Pass due to the platform's history with JSR.
I really hope though that the new games are fully console games without the nonsense exclusivity that SEGA Ages and Virtua Fighter 5 currently have.
@AgentCooper It's rebellious for a Japanese studio probably, seems very western to make reboots/remakes/remasters.
Can’t wait to play the new Jet Set, it’s one of my most favourite games series’ from yesteryear. Played Bomb Rush recently and that did a great job of mimicking the game, but I definitely want the real deal! Hopefully Sega put as much effort into this as they did with JSRF and I hope that it doesn’t end up as an Xbox exclusive since SEGA have a new found love with Microsoft! I’d also love to see a new Panzer Dragoon whilst they are in the mood to reboot their best games! Make it happen SEGA!! 😄
@EchoRange You may be correct friend, though with the global presence of Sega I find it hard to believe. Regardless I’m excited for more if these IPs.
Excellent avatar by the way 👍
I have been ready for this for the last 15 years. Please don’t make me buy another console as you did with JSR Future and PD Orta 🫶🏻
All they have to do is focus on the quality of those games, even though internal teams within Sega might outsource some of them. But they will be supervised by producers and directors within Sega.
I cannot wait for the new JSR. I loved the other two games in the series and always wondered why they stopped. Glad the original creators are involved in the project.
@belmont SEGA is japanese. It will be out on the PS5 (and likely the switch or sucessor). Remember the Xbox is virtually inexistent in japan and japanese devs want to bring their games to their home audience.
Can also come to Xbox, but no way is it exclusive.
@Nem I’m sure Japanese developers want to bring their games to their home audience, but belmont does make a good point about JSR’s past with Xbox. SEGA and Microsoft have seemed pretty close lately, I wouldn’t be surprised if that game was exclusive. Sometimes a big bag of cash sways one’s mind. My guess is all the games are multi plat, but time will tell.
@EvilSilentFrame the "history" is one release, JSRF. JSR remaster was in a multitude of systems. I don't think that history means anything anymore.
@belmont Sega would have to be straight up stupid or be paid a huge bag to do something like that. These games are already pretty niche. Releasing them on every main console would be the best option. But I guess we wont know till the next announcement
Yes to all five for me..
@Nem and even if it was just JSRF, it still has that history. It wouldn’t surprise many of us if it is exclusive. I’ll be good either way as I have all three of the consoles, but I’d rather more people get to play it.
My main concern is that they might be mobile games. SEGA did just release Sonic Dream Team on Apple Arcade, after all.
I just hope they put their best foot forward and it isn't just a pep talk to get fans hyped.
If these games can deliver, it will be definitely be a turnaround for Sega.
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