Sega Reviving Crazy Taxi, Streets of Rage, Shinobi & More!

Key Highlights:

• Sega announced at The Game Awards plans for new games based on classic series: Jet Set Radio, Streets of Rage, Shinobi, Golden Axe, and Crazy Taxi
• No details yet on developers, release timeframes, or platforms
• Part of an effort to revive interest beyond just Sonic the Hedgehog games
• Follows success of Streets of Rage 4 in 2020, but unclear if using same indie developer approach

In a surprise reveal that delighted longtime fans, Sega has announced intentions to develop new entries in several of their most iconic legacy series, spanning acclaimed titles like Golden Axe, Jet Set Radio, Streets of Rage, Shinobi, and Crazy Taxi. A trailer which you can watch above, has been released, showcasing some action from the upcoming titles.

The brief announcements came amid the glitz and glamour of The Game Awards, light on specifics but heavy on implications that Sega is finally ready to dig deeper into its vaulted back catalogue beyond just Sonic the Hedgehog.

For industry veterans and younger players alike craving sequels to classics last seen one or two decades ago, the tightly produced “Power Surge” trailer conjured intense nostalgia. It also carried a thrilling signal that Sega is reengaging with the creative wells that birthed some of gaming’s most innovative and best-loved franchises back in the 1980s, 1990s, and early 2000s.

While substantive details remain sparse, the return of dormant Sega properties like the fast-paced 3D action of Jet Set Radio, the grimy brawler streets of Streets of Rage, and the frantic taxi racing antics of Crazy Taxi represents a bold new phase for the company. The Sega of today appears ready to re-embrace the diverse and daring creative spirit that once made them such a beloved gaming giant.

More Questions Than Answers

However, with no release windows, formats, developers, or gameplay specifics formally confirmed, the announcements also left fans with more questions than answers.

Are these long-demanded sequels or full reboots for modern platforms? Will beloved elements be preserved or are we getting completely new re-imaginings? Are outside studios involved or is this a Sega-led affair? And why rekindle so many classic universes all at once rather than focusing resources on just one beloved franchise?

The original Streets of Rage 4 in 2020 took the form of a polished indie-developed labour of love. But for this much talked-about slate of retro title revivals, the Japanese giants may desire more direct control and internal leadership over creation. They certainly have the incentive and resources to justify going bigger across planning, staffing, marketing and more.

Building the Hype

As such, the brief Game Awards trailers seem intentionally crafted more to stoke anticipation than showcase final products. Their arrival together under the “Power Surge” umbrella implies a coordinated initiative within Sega rather than one-off licensing deals.

It signals an encouraging investment into sequels for these long underserved fan favourite series. But it may still be the tip of the iceberg, with so much still unsaid regarding what shape these revivals will ultimately take.

At the very least, it confirms the gaming company hears and understands fan demand for follow-ups to these iconic franchises. While more information can’t come soon enough, for now the nostalgic faithful have reason to feel optimistic about the future of Jet Set Radio, Golden Axe, Crazy Taxi and other properties so foundational to the company’s legacy.

More Sega Content:

• Tails, Amy & Knuckles Return to 3D in Sonic Frontiers DLC
• President Drops Hints About Sonic Reboots And Remakes
• Power Up with Sonic Superstars: Chaos Emeralds Info

After years confined to little beyond Sonic and niche strategy titles, Sega is tapping back into the creative wells that made them a gaming juggernaut. Where revivals of this scale and ambition ultimately lead remains to be seen.