PaRappa The Rapper (PSP)
- Publisher:
- Sony Computer Entertainment
- Developer:
- Sony Computer Entertainment
- Release Date:
- 17.07.2007
- Number of players:
- n/a
- Type:
- Music
- Reality Factor:
- Fantasy
- Perspective:
- Third-Person
- Extra:
- Traditional
- Combat Status:
- Non-Combat
- Age:
- Modern Times
We play PaRappa The Rapper...
As if to say the modern gaming world doesn't offer enough entertainment value in itself, publishers and developers currently seem to be clamouring to re-release pretty much every 'classic' title in the videogame canon to a welcoming and slavering retro-starved public. Whether as a cheap cash-in or a fully re-worked and re-imagined envisioning of a previously heralded gem, there is no doubting the powerful marketing dream of appealing to a lost childhood, and the sales figures to back it up. On that note, Sony's 'Parappa the Rapper' re-release arrives here on the PSP with a minimal amount of alteration, and the same punishing difficulty level as the 1997 Playstation original.
For anybody brought into the rhythm genre via Guitar Hero or Dance Dance Revolution, Parappa's PSP debut marks a chance to see how some of the core play mechanics were originally founded. Widely regarded as a classic at the time, Parappa's unique take on the rhythm genre left behind a legacy of iconic button presses and timelines, and to some has still yet to be matched.
Freestyle rap is the order of the day, with Parappa repeating a series of lyrics via the classically designed horizontal rhythm bar at the top of the screen. Each level consists of a 'teacher' character paving the way for Parappa's own attempts, which generally consist of reciting back the words of the mentor in the same rhythm and style. All four face buttons along with the two PSP triggers are fully utilised throughout, but without too much over-stretching in the dexterity stakes. Each level gradually introduces new rhythms and pacing, with the final stages sometimes combining previous characters into one hellish mix of varying speed and difficulty.
Taken on its own, Parappa is a basic experience, and although the hellishly difficult timing mechanics stretch the gameplay over the course of six fairly short stages, the real design genius lies in the intensely quirky graphical style and presentation, along with one of the best soundtracks ever to grace a modern game.
Parappa's world is rendered in vibrant 3d cel-shaded artistry, which the clear widescreen aspect of the PSP only serves to enhance throughout. Every character is lovingly designed and shines through with personality, even down to some of the boss characters that you should really hate. Every aspect of the game world, from the animation down to the incidental detail in objects and the environment, simply oozes with vibrancy. Game design doesn't get much more eclectic than this, and the bold choices made here paved the way for games like Jet Set Radio and Katamari Damacy to take centre stage years later.
The soundtrack, probably the most crucial part of any rhythm game, is intensely catchy and supremely silly at the same time. Each rap is imbued with a different personality and flow, from the basic and slow lyrics recited by Chop Chop Master Onion, through to the more Jamaican-influenced and almost ragga stylings of Prince Fleaswallow. Re-playing sections of the game can become a chore, but the high quality of the musical accompaniment manages to soften the blow nicely.
So Parappa is unique, highly stylised, and almost certainly a modern videogame classic in every sense. However, whilst re-releasing a game of this stature for a modern audience is certainly commendable, the format and the lack of attention given to the port leaves a lot to be desired.
Whilst the game itself is as enjoyable as ever, unfortunately time has not been kind to the duration. Parappa can take a matter of a few hours to complete even at the best of times, with the six short stages offering up a scant experience in reference to modern gaming. There are a couple of new remixed versions of each stage up for download via the PSP online service, but no other enhancing additions have been included. If you could download Parappa as a Playstation network title for play on the PSP it would have been perfect, but as a full retail value UMD disc, it really is hard to recommend an experience similar in length to a cinema visit.
Top game moment: Kick, punch, it's all in the mind!
Also, the rhythm genre has moved on so much in the years since this release, that unfortunately Parappas best strengths will be lost on most of its intended new audience. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend a playthrough for the visual stylings alone, but without any enhancements to the structure of the game, Parappa's charm alone may not be enough to save it as a re-release. But as the man himself says, if nothing else, You Gotta Believe!
 |
 |
|
| Not much has changed since the original PS1 release all those years ago | You gotta do what!?! |
For anybody brought into the rhythm genre via Guitar Hero or Dance Dance Revolution, Parappa's PSP debut marks a chance to see how some of the core play mechanics were originally founded. Widely regarded as a classic at the time, Parappa's unique take on the rhythm genre left behind a legacy of iconic button presses and timelines, and to some has still yet to be matched.
Freestyle rap is the order of the day, with Parappa repeating a series of lyrics via the classically designed horizontal rhythm bar at the top of the screen. Each level consists of a 'teacher' character paving the way for Parappa's own attempts, which generally consist of reciting back the words of the mentor in the same rhythm and style. All four face buttons along with the two PSP triggers are fully utilised throughout, but without too much over-stretching in the dexterity stakes. Each level gradually introduces new rhythms and pacing, with the final stages sometimes combining previous characters into one hellish mix of varying speed and difficulty.
Taken on its own, Parappa is a basic experience, and although the hellishly difficult timing mechanics stretch the gameplay over the course of six fairly short stages, the real design genius lies in the intensely quirky graphical style and presentation, along with one of the best soundtracks ever to grace a modern game.
 |
 |
|
| You will be rapping awful... a lot | Character design doesn't get much more esoteric than this |
Parappa's world is rendered in vibrant 3d cel-shaded artistry, which the clear widescreen aspect of the PSP only serves to enhance throughout. Every character is lovingly designed and shines through with personality, even down to some of the boss characters that you should really hate. Every aspect of the game world, from the animation down to the incidental detail in objects and the environment, simply oozes with vibrancy. Game design doesn't get much more eclectic than this, and the bold choices made here paved the way for games like Jet Set Radio and Katamari Damacy to take centre stage years later.
The soundtrack, probably the most crucial part of any rhythm game, is intensely catchy and supremely silly at the same time. Each rap is imbued with a different personality and flow, from the basic and slow lyrics recited by Chop Chop Master Onion, through to the more Jamaican-influenced and almost ragga stylings of Prince Fleaswallow. Re-playing sections of the game can become a chore, but the high quality of the musical accompaniment manages to soften the blow nicely.
So Parappa is unique, highly stylised, and almost certainly a modern videogame classic in every sense. However, whilst re-releasing a game of this stature for a modern audience is certainly commendable, the format and the lack of attention given to the port leaves a lot to be desired.
 |
 |
|
| You will learn to hate this stage, a whole lot... | Sure will! |
Whilst the game itself is as enjoyable as ever, unfortunately time has not been kind to the duration. Parappa can take a matter of a few hours to complete even at the best of times, with the six short stages offering up a scant experience in reference to modern gaming. There are a couple of new remixed versions of each stage up for download via the PSP online service, but no other enhancing additions have been included. If you could download Parappa as a Playstation network title for play on the PSP it would have been perfect, but as a full retail value UMD disc, it really is hard to recommend an experience similar in length to a cinema visit.
Top game moment: Kick, punch, it's all in the mind!
Also, the rhythm genre has moved on so much in the years since this release, that unfortunately Parappas best strengths will be lost on most of its intended new audience. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend a playthrough for the visual stylings alone, but without any enhancements to the structure of the game, Parappa's charm alone may not be enough to save it as a re-release. But as the man himself says, if nothing else, You Gotta Believe!
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