For the longest time, we’ve been hearing rumors that Sega was set to return to the land of Jet Set Radio, for the first time in well over two decades. But, surprise, they remain rumors – unless Sega has a big surprise planned this week for Gamescom.

In the meantime, however, Team Reptile has managed to pick up the slack with its long-awaited Bomb Rush Cyberfunk. This game happily recaptures the spirit of Sega’s classic Dreamcast and Xbox endeavors, while adding its own personal touches to help it scoot into today’s modern gaming scene.

It doesn’t quite nail every aspect – the combat feels surprisingly soft – but if you’re down for building up mega-points, spray painting your way to mega-success and having a groovy time with a robotic head – then this Bomb is definitely a Rush.

You Do All of This Without a Head

The game puts you in the shoes of Faux, an up-and-comer in a city where things can turn on their head, thanks to the police force and the existence of gangs. In fact, one of the gangs’ more prominent leaders, DJ Cyber, decapitates you and steals your skull. But not to worry, as the leader of the Bomb Rush crew, Tryce, assists you in finding an AI one.

You’ll then set out to try and overtake the city, using graffiti and stylish moves to get the job done. The story doesn’t always hit the mark, but it’s inspired enough to send you on your way, which certainly beats nothing.

This ties into the gameplay, which feels very good in nature compared to Jet Set. Pulling off combos like grinding, manualing (remember that from the Tony Hawk days?) and getting to new areas is almost second nature, and the spray painting is done rather well, as you go from point to point with a pre-set grid, pointing in the next desired direction.

You can build up some crazy points here, and rank up – allowing you to reach new areas within this nice, free-flowing world. It’s all handled very well, save for one tiny aspect – the combat.

There are occasions where you’ll need to beat up guards or other thugs to make a slick escape. However, the punches and kicks your character have, while, again, stylish, aren’t really as innovative as the stuff you do on skates. It’s not terrible, by any means, but it lacks the same punch.

Overall, though, Team Reptile understands the Jet Set basics and, for the most part, absolutely nails them. And the way you can build up your score and your rank is really something.

That Jet Set Style Is About Perfect

Along with the gameplay, Team Reptile also knows how to capture Jet Set Radio’s style with Bomb Rush Cyberfunk, almost down to a science.

Some very minor glitches aside, the world that Faux works his way through is phenomenal. It’s a nice, sprawling area with secrets to find, like upper ledges that appear out of reach; as well as neat little characters to spy on and new places to explore. Not to mention the animations are very cool, particularly the dances that your character can come up with. I wish I could hot-step like that. But I digress.

Along with that, Bomb Rush also benefits from a terrific soundtrack, including a nice entry from one of the Jet Set team members. There are times that the tracks can repeat a little bit, but considering the groove that they deliver, you likely won’t mind. Throw in some inspired voice samples and sound effects, and you’ve got a game that won’t let you down on the audio front.

The Student Has Learned Well From the Teacher

One day, we will see the return of the Jet Set universe, and it’ll likely be a glorious one. In the meantime, however, fans should indulge in Bomb Rush Cyberfunk. It’s got inspired gameplay that works well for the most part, backed by visuals that pop to life and a soundtrack that won’t quit. And it’ll last a pretty good while too, with all the objectives and hidden stuff you can complete.

Get to steppin’ and add Bomb Rush Cyberfunk to your collection. Even DJ Professor K would approve.

GAMERHUB RATING: 4 (out of 5) JOYSTICKS