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This review was originally published on Gaming Horizon, GameBump's predecessor. Its format does not match our own but we support its content. It was written by Eric Dayday.

About ten years ago, a two-dimensional happy-go-lucky rapping dog came out of nowhere and gave the fledging music rhythm genre a jump start into the mainstream fast lane. While the genre itself hasn't looked back with such giants as Dance Dance Revolution and Guitar Hero, PaRappa the Rapper, its one time poster boy, hasn't aged well as made evident by this port of the original PlayStation game to the PSP.

For those of you unfamiliar with one of the grandfathers of the music game genre, PaRappa the Rapper tells the tale of a young pup's journey to win the heart of Sunny Funny, his sunflower best friend. To do so, he'll have to learn how to fight, drive, peddle wares, bake a cake, and even fight his way to the head of a bathroom line by rapping. If it sounds too outrageous, it's because it is. However, it's delivered with such great humor and charm, you can't help but smile. From PaRappa's irritable bowel to Joe Chin's obliviousness to his own narcissism, there's something for everyone to laugh at.

Surprisingly, the graphics have held up decently too. They were simplistic even by the standards in 1997, but the vibrant colorful palette translates well onto the handheld's screen. What also helps is that a lot of the rough edges were smoothed out, giving both the characters and backgrounds a much cleaner look.

The sticking point of any sort of music rhythm game is the title's soundtrack. It can easily make or break a game. Of course, PaRappa's catchy and original tunes are easily its strongest points and they still hold up well after all this time. The fact that people can say a mere two words – "Kick, punch" – and have someone else finish the line with "it's all in the mind" speaks volumes of how great PaRappa's was and is. Going back through the PSP version brought back a massive wave of nostalgia especially when I realized that I still remembered all of the lyrics and their cadences. That said, you would think that would make the game easier since I have that head start, but that's another story.

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This preview was originally published on Gaming Horizon, GameBump's predecessor. Its format does not match our own but we support its content.

 

Remember back in 97’ when Sony Computer Entertainment released their first rhythm game entitled PaRappa The Rapper? How about that thin paper looking dog? Or even the famous line, “Kick, Punch, It’s all in the mind”? Well, he’s back and this time coming to the PlayStation Portable. Today at the annual Sony Gamers Day in San Diego, we had a chance to go hands-on with the game and were quite shocked with what we saw.

Gamers take on the role of PaRappa, a paper-thin rapping dog who is trying to win the love of Sunny Funny. Your job is to learn the moves of fighting, driving, raising money, baking, and so much more. To do this, the teacher will rap a line that consists of the buttons on the PSP handheld such as the D-Pad and shoulder buttons. Once the teacher raps a line, you will need to repeat it. There is a grading structure, so you must stay above good, avoiding the bad or awful areas.

PaRappa isn’t getting a makeover, but the game will indeed receive a couple more modes that will keep the replay value up high as it’s pretty much the original that was released back on the PlayStation. Some of the new modes consist of Ad hoc, in which players can connect wirelessly and share a demo level with four PSP systems simultaneously. Essentially it’ll download onto the gamer’s PSP even without the game, and then friends who don’t own copies of PaRappa will be able to play with you. Once the gamer turns off his or her handheld, the game will then disappear.

As stated, the game is basically the PlayStation original, but players will be able to download eight remixes from the internet. These remixes can be downloaded from the PSP or downloaded onto your computer and then transferred over via the memory stick. Visually, the aspect ratio was tweaked tremendously making it look really crisp and smooth on the PSP’s screen, but there weren’t any graphical modifications made according to a Sony representative.

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Just in case you missed it, SCEA announced April 30 that it intends to publish its PaRappa The Rapper on the PlayStation Portable this July in North America. The game was developed by SCE "in association" with Masaya Matsuura (popular multimedia musician) and Rodney Greenblat.

Parappa was first introduced to the industry 10 years ago on the original PlayStation and helped pave the way for the music genre within the videogame industry.

“Bringing PaRappa The Rapper to PSP allows true PlayStation fans to re-connect with this timeless classic,” said John Koller, Senior Marketing Manager, Sony Computer Entertainment America. “This also introduces the beloved PaRappa and his cast of colorful friends to a new generation of fans and potential hip-hop stars on the move.”

Here's the news from Sony:

Featuring all the characters, levels and songs from the original, PaRappa The Rapper increases the franchise’s social appeal by offering a host of new PSP exclusive features, including the ability for up to four PSP systems to go head-to-head in ad-hoc battles; wirelessly share a demo level through Game Share; and use the PSP Infrastructure Mode to download eight additional playable remixes for players to rap along to.

Parappa The Rapper for the PSP system stays true to its stylish flattened animation technique and gameplay, combining fun and vibrant characters with hip music and a humorous storyline. Masaya Matsuura’s infectious music and lyrics accompany PaRappa as he attempts to rap his way into the heart of his dreamy love interest, Sunny Funny, through various musical adventures. Using a rhythm, timing and coordination-based gameplay mechanic, players will bob their heads along with PaRappa and a cast of vibrant characters as they master its addictive gameplay. Players will first have to harmoniously press a designated controller button to help Parappa mimic the actions and lyrics of the Masters. As the player’s skill level progresses, they will be able to break free into a one-of-a-kind freestyle session, giving them the freedom to create a new experience with each play.

PaRappa the Rapper is rated E. Screenshots are below.

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Originally written by Shiva Stella

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