Arnold-KatayevCan you believe it's been 10 years since we've seen Parappa the Rapper on the PlayStation? Time flies doesn't it? Well, in case you're having a hard time tracking down a copy of the PSOne original, take solace in knowing that Sony will finally be bringing over one of the very first rhythm games responsible for the emergence of the genre.
The original game contained six levels, all of which you had to complete in order to move onto the next. What made Parappa such a hit wasn't that it was a simple game to play along to, but that its music was so insanely intoxicating that it remained stuck in our heads for the years to follow. Till this day I can still recite most of the game's songs. All of that will remain intact in the PSP port, but with the ability to download eight additional remixes onto your PSP.
Not only that, but the game will now allow for up to four PSPs to participate in freestyle events to find out who is truly the best Parappa player. If you're short on games, then Parappa the Rapper will also allow you to game share, but the sharing is limited to combat in one level, unfortunately. Visually, the game has been left the same for the most part, with a change made to the game's aspect ratio from 4:3, to the PSP's standard 16:9.
For those who were too young to play Parappa and aren't aware of its concept, controlling the game is a simple Simon-says method where you have to not only repeat the buttons pressed, but also make sure that you replicate the timing. When the Master of each stage delivers a rap, it'll be your turn to repeat. You'll see corresponding buttons that you'll have to hit scroll across the top of the screen. The better you do, the higher your rank. If you're rapping poorly, the stage will end and you will have to repeat. It's essentially like Dance Dance Revolution, minus the dancing.
Look for Parappa the Rapper to hit the PSP this July for a mere $29.99. At that price, the game is a steal. Make sure you own this masterpiece rhythm title.