Rec Room Unveils ‘Run the Block’, a Mini-game Inspired by ‘Jet Set Radio’ with New Trailer

Rec Room has long been a hub for social VR adventures, perfect for teaming up with pals or diving into activities with strangers. Their newest addition, ‘Run the Block,’ draws inspiration from the iconic Dreamcast game, Jet Set Radio, which first charmed players back in 2000.

Since its launch on December 11th, this multiplayer mini-game has already captivated more than a million players. Much like Jet Set Radio, ‘Run the Block’ challenges you to outpace up to nine opponents as you skillfully navigate and parkour through a vibrant urban landscape.

Though it skips the classic rollerblades from the 2000s, you’ll still be sprinting, leaping, and grinding across sweeping pathways that snake through the city, all while leaving your personal mark in the form of graffiti tags in this color-splashed metropolis.

In recent times, the frequency of Rec Room’s first-party game releases has declined compared to previous years. Their last major endeavor was the pet farming sim ‘My Little Monster.’ This year, the platform has shifted its focus towards introducing branded content, including avatar packs from the ‘Monster High’ universe and Bungie’s popular game, Destiny. More so, there’s been a concerted effort to enhance the creator suite. Now, users not only craft detailed worlds but also create and sell assets in the game’s creator-driven marketplace. Plus, the introduction of full-body avatars earlier this year has expanded the range of personalization options.

November saw the release of Rec Room on the Nintendo Switch, further expanding its reach to an extensive list of compatible devices. These include PC VR, all Quest models, the original PSVR, iOS, Android, Pico, Xbox, and PlayStation.