After playing both extensively, it's hard to say which is better. They both have issues. They should just take the best of both.
They should used De La Jet Set Radio, the 2nd Japanese release because the name Jet Grind Radio sounds wank
The licensing problems with Daytona USA weren't related to its music, but rather the actual game title and use of the flag logo, which I believe is a trademark of the International Speedway Corporation. Also, if anything I'm guessing the reason Sonic CD has reverted back to the Japanese/European soundtrack for the latest version is because there are now more issues getting the rights to Spencer Nilsen's US music over the original songs that originated from Sega's own in-house composers. Regarding the possibility of Jet Set Radio losing key tracks, I'm not actually too concerned since the majority were created by Hideki Naganuma, who seems to still be involved with Sega. If anything, I'd actually like to see new pieces from Naganuma and Richard Jacques, even though the latter only provided one song in the original Jet Set Radio. While the likes of Reps' 'Bout The City and Guitar Vader's Super Brothers would be missed, aren't there enough other games already that feature Rob Zombie's Dragula? Besides, the majority of the licensed tracks in JSR were in the overseas editions, and similarly I don't think many would miss the two extra areas that were added, either - I found the Times Square inspired stage in particular was a bug riddled mess, and despite being upgraded to fix known flaws I go back to the original Japanese version more than De La Jet Set Radio or even the PAL edition. Finally, one other feature that I fear may disappear from JSR on XBLA and PSN is the ability to create your own tags, whether entirely or as an extra that will be restricted so that users can pay to download specially created designs... I'd best not give them ideas, as I suspect Inkie* or even Banksy packages would actually prove quite popular! *In case you didn't already know, Inkie was responsible for a significant number of the original JSR tags, and considering his past links to Banksy it's possible Sega could draft in this influential stencil artist to provide some work as well. Then again, I'd love to see contributions from Xavier Prou (Blek le Rat), Delta or Ian Anderson, formerly of The Designers Republic. Maybe these could be convinced to jump on board for a sequel in the future, even?
No, what I'm refering to specifically is the arcade re-release of Daytona USA, which lacked the Daytona license and thus was rebranded Sega Racing Classic, removed the iconic "DAY-EE-TO-NA (let's go away!)" song. And Sonic CD has BOTH soundtracks, but when it was announced, they claimed that they wouldn't be including the US soundtrack due to licensing issues. After fans complained, they caved to negotiation demands of Spencer Nelsen and included both soundtracks.
Didn't they just replace the "Daytona" vocal with a guitar line playing the same melody? I'm fairly sure I heard the same song in videos, only lacking that one minor part - and I can fully understand why that had to be dropped if licensing was an issue. I honestly wasn't aware that Sega had managed to get Spenser Nilsen's music in the final version. The last I'd read on the subject was that it would have been too difficult, not to mention his work was far less popular than the original soundtrack. Still, with this track record perhaps Crazy Taxi style reissues are now a thing of the past?
Indeed they did, but that's sort of the point. It would have been easy to just port over SRC and keep the non-licensed music, but so many people spoke out about how the theme song (and name) were so important to their memories of the game that Sega went out and licensed all the materials to give us a (stellar) port of the game. I can understand why you might have missed it - sega was vocal on their blog about how the US soundtrack wouldn't be included for licensing issues. When people complained, Sega said they'd explore options, including releasing the US soundtrack as DLC (thus passing the licensing fee onto the end-user) and never really talked about it again. Then, when the game came out, both soundtracks were included, with the option to switch at will, without any fan fare. It was a pretty wonderful surprise. Overall, sega's digital output recently has been fantastic. Most people point to Sonic Adventure and Crazy Taxi as proof that sega puts out bad ports... but those came out in 2010. Since then, their DD has been among the best in the industry. Look at the work they did with Sonic CD, Daytona USA, Afterburner Climax, Outrun Online, and the work they're doing with VF5 FS and HotD 3&4. They've come a long way since their days of outsourcing backbone to put out a rom and emulator package. Incidentally, considering that info on JSR leaked via partnernet almost a year ago, it's safe to say that the next game Sega will put out will announce will almost certainly be Shenmue I & II, since they were also spotted in the partnernet leak alongside JSR.
A shimmer of hope, Sega better let them make a new JSR before they kill themselves after doing Sonic&Mario BDSM olympics or some other shit And shenmue? the only reason would be to get some money back after the sales disaster it was.
I've actually known about this one for quite a while... sadly, according to one source, it appears Shenmue will probably end up being the last resurrected Dreamcast title for a while - nothing like going out with a bang, right? If you want an idea of what Sega may be planning after this, let's just say they're keeping a VERY close eye on the progress of SSF. Let's not forget that the recent Sonic CD remake was originally a fan-based project, so maybe a fully licensed Saturn emulation pack is on the cards next? Personally, I'd rather we got a Model 3 compilation, since Supermodel is also progressing at a fantastic rate. Besides, the world finally needs to play Daytona USA 2: Battle On The Edge and SCUD Race on consoles properly (rather than just through Outrun 2)!
Preaching to the choir. Let us not forget that Sega bought Giri Giri ages ago and did nothing with it. And that's not because of a lack of desire. Sega absolutely wants to provide some Saturn games.
Fantastic news. Although I'm sure I have the PAL version of JSR in a box upstairs somewhere. I always expected to see a sequel on the Wii, using the motion controls for the graffiti spraying could have been quite cool if implemented correctly. Hopefully there will be a third game in the series sooner rather than later. The real question is, do you prefer the original or Future??? Now Sega, about Skies of Arcadia........
The news made me play the American release and finish it during the weekend. As good as I remember it being, but seriously, they need to fix the camera. Not just how the camera works. The next to last level is so frustrating because of it, since the camera lags behind when you turn a corner, so you literally disappear from view. Also, the Dreamcast had more buttons that could have been used to center the camera or something. If they fix the camera, add brief cinema showing the exact area you are supposed to reach in the races to tag and add 16:9 it would be perfect. Hope they can keep most of the music. Would not mind the Cold song getting cut, tough. I think even Dragula works in the game, it makes sense that the 2 levels based in America have American music on it, a slightly different feel from the rest of the game.
Do we know yet if this is going to be a port of the original Japanese game, the upgraded "De La" edition or overseas expanded version with two extra areas and additional music? I'm willing to bet it probably won't be the US/PAL revision, since this would cost more in licensing... besides, wasn't the reason those new stages had so many glitches because they weren't actually created by the original JSR team, but rather a group within Sega of America instead? Whatever the case, there's absolutely no doubt Hideki Naganuma's contributions to the soundtrack will remain due to his continued links to Sega. Also, based on the first teaser video it's clear they can still use a few of the licensed pieces so I'd assume they've been able to get everything from at least the classic first release of this game. Whatever the case, I must confess to being slightly more thrilled about the Shenmue I & II pack (even though it will still be great to see a new generation having the opportunity to sample Jet Set Radio as well)! Perhaps the most recent wave of resurrected Dreamcast titles could form a second compilation disc in the near future, along with a physical release for Daytona USA?
