But when you do start to play, you immediately realize that graphics are only a small part of this game. If at first a "twenty-first century in-line skating" game sounds like a smaller part of a larger cliché, I can assure you that JGR is not simply another in this year’s slew of Tony Hawk clones. Rather, it is a fast-paced, plot and action based cartoon set in four massive semi-futuristic cities (a new one was added for the American release).

As a member of an "Overdrive Magnetic-Motor Skating Shoes" gang, your primary job is to mark your turf by means of that twentieth century standby, spraypaint. Each of the ten characters (unlockable through a tutorial-type first mission) has their own set of three different sized graffiti designs, as well as skate tricks. If you have a yearning for the art of the can yourself, there is an edit mode in which they can be customized. The size of your tag corresponds to the length of time it takes you to complete it, a fact that becomes increasingly relevant as the level goes on since the more items you manage to deface, the more police the game sends after you. On early levels, the police don’t pose much of a threat, but as you progress paratroopers, SWAT teams, and some surprise enemies make it their business to put an end to your little spree.

The trick system isn’t nearly as complex as a skateboard simulator, and there really isn’t any reason it should be. The basic compliment of flips, twists, and jumps are pretty straightforward, but can be worked into combos in and out of grinds. Grinding is automatic when you jump onto a rail, so you don’t need to worry about tricky balance issues when being run down by half the town’s police force. Basically, the trick system’s relative simplicity keeps the game moving at a pretty quick clip, and makes the action almost non-stop. Even while being chased by an entire swat team I managed to pull a grind-flip-paint-grind combo without loosing a beat—a fact that, after only minutes of gameplay, was extremely gratifying.

The level designs are interesting, and feature a nice variety of environments (parks, residential areas, rooftops) as well as a number of nice perks: interactive pedestrians, cars, and strategic and time-saving shortcuts. If you are looking for a super-playable, dazzlingly beautiful thrill-ride come this fall, look no further than Jet Grind Radio.