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PaRappa Puppet Pals tell a scary story
People love PaRappa the Rapper. PBC-Productions has crafted an original puppet creation featuring Sony's musical mascot. This video features PaRappa and his friends telling a scary story ... Enjoy this weekend treat!
Rodney Greenblat reveals his inspiration for PaRappa
Although PaRappa's return to PSP hasn't met the best reviews, the character remains one of gaming's most iconic. What inspired the design of music gaming's premiere mascot? Rodney Greenblat, famed artist and creator of the PaRappa character explains: "In the case of PaRappa they wanted a character that was trustworthy, loyal, hardworking, romantic and a little insecure. That made me think of a dog. I made several sketches of dog rapper characters. We all worked together to pick the best design." Thinking back about the game's inspirational "you gotta believe" mantra, it's clear that Greenbalt's design really works.Greenbalt reveals other details in a lengthy interview at the PlayStation website.[Thanks, Random!]
PaRappa creator discusses possible PSN sequel
Fresh from the release of musika, Masaya Matsuura was ready to talk a little bit about his most well-known creation, PaRappa the Rapper, hinting that a downloadable sequel on PSN is something he'd be interested in. And, he told 1UP, Sony has expressed interest too. Before you have your mom drive you to Orange Beanies and Frog Embroidery 'R' Us, know that there's nothing official at this point, not even the discussions are official, limited as they are to "casual e-mails." But, we imagine that fans of the series know what they "gotta do."
Father-daughter team wins PaRappa rap contest
Sony asked PaRappa fans to submit videos of their performances for a chance to win a trip to Penny Acade Expo. Well, it looks like one team rose above the rest. Adam S (and his daughter?) took home the gold with their cheap cake rap. It's cute, and sure to brighten up your Sunday morning. Check it out.
PSP Fanboy review: PaRappa the Rapper
We all have fond memories of PaRappa the Rapper when he first arrived on PlayStation 1 a decade ago. Now, our beloved rapping puppy is back on the PSP. However, nostalgia doesn't make a good game. Although PaRappa fathered the modern music game genre, it simply doesn't offer enough content or gameplay to compete with modern games.%Gallery-3221%
Make PaRappa tee, win $2,000
PaRappa <3 Threadless.The trendy t-shirt site is now running a contest where designers can create t-shirts inspired by Sony's classic music game. The Grand Prize winner will get $2,000 in cash and various PaRappa prizes.This Master Onion tee is just one example of what a Threadless regular has created. Will you design something?
PSP Fanboy presents: PaRappa the Rapper soundtrack
Unfortunately, we've distributed as many downloads of the soundtrack as we could. We didn't expect this to be such a huge success! Thanks for checking out PSP Fanboy and remember ... PaRappa the Rapper for PSP is now available in stores.
Vote for your favorite PaRappa the Rapper video
Did you enter the PaRappa the Rapper Chop Chop Master Onion's Rap Showdown? Hope so. Contestants performed their own renditions of their favorite PaRappa songs for a chance to win some pretty awesome PaRappa swag. In addition, the grand prize winner will get an all-expenses paid trip to the Penny Arcade Expo. But, who's going to win?That's where you come in. Visit the official PlayStation website to vote for your favorite. Heck, you don't even have to vote ... it's funny enough to see these classic songs get the real-life treatment by fans. Check it out.
PSP Fanboy hands-on: PaRappa the Rapper
PaRappa the Rapper used to be the coolest kid on the block when he came out ten years ago. Although this game was the pioneer of a genre ten years ago, our recent hands-on with the upcoming PSP version has left us underwhelmed. PaRappa is back, but he's just not as cool as you remember him. Like parachute pants, PaRappa hasn't aged very well.The greatest flaw we see with the game so far is its awkward input mechanism. Sure, music games have always been about pressing buttons at the right time. The problem with PaRappa is that its hard to tell if you're doing well or not ... until it's too late. In Dance Dance Revolution, for example, one would receive a confirmation of a "Great!" or a "Bad" immediately after pressing the button. Without an instant response, its hard to tell how you're performing ... and how to improve yourself.Also, navigating the menus is a chore, and it's far from intuitive. We're also disappointed to see that the cinematic sequences in the game are bordered horribly: where's our full-screen video? There's still a lot of potential in the game: the game is charming, moves at a brisk pace, and the downloadable content will be available immediately at game's launch. We still have to play through the game some more, but our initial impressions are far from glowing. Stay tuned for more. Until then, check out new images in our gallery.%Gallery-3221%
U rappin' good? Go to Penny Arcade Expo for free
U Gotta Believe!Sony is hosting a new contest, encouraging wannabe rappers to perform their best PaRappa rap. It just takes some ambition, a camera, and some YouTube know-how to enter. Choose one of three songs provided on Sony's official contest page, and swallow your pride.There are some awesome prizes: PaRappa PSP skins, PaRappa PSP charms, PaRappa's signature beanie and a copy of the game. The first 100 entrants will get the awesome PaRappa tee. Finally, one winner will get to go to Penny Arcade Expo with a friend ... absolutely free. If you're thinking of entering, definitely show us. We'd love to see your moves!
Limited edition PaRappa tee by Paul Frank
Want this ill-lookin' PaRappa the Rapper tee? We sure do. To help promote the upcoming PSP version, Sony has contracted Paul Frank Industries and PaRappa's "co-creator and artist", Rodney Alan Greenblat, to create a limited edition t-shirt. The shirt will display Paul Frank's signature character Julius and Sony's adorable PaRappa the Rapper. According to Sony, there will be several PaRappa promotions throughout the summer: both online and at numerous PlayStation promotional events including Wizard World, ComiCon, LollaPalooza, PAX and more.We begged Sony to give us a couple of shirts to give away to our readers. Let's hope they've heard our pleas.
Rumors: PaRappa 3 to PS3, Silent Hill 5 has US developer
As they do just before every new Electronic Gaming Monthly issue hits newsstands, 1UP is teasing us with a few tidbits from their Quartermann rumor section. Most prominent is that PaRappa the Rapper 3 is coming to PlayStation 3, and "none of the that ported PSP nonsense."Another eye-catcher is that Silent Hill 5 is being developed "by a US team" for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. The PSP Silent Hill Origins is currently in development by US-based Climax Group. The third teaser from 1UP is more of a no-brainer: "Electronic Arts isn't happy just controlling the NFL -- they want the MLB and NBA, too." We never really thought EA would stop until they had every sport from Football to Segway polo under their belt.Joystiq's Kyle Orland calculated that Quartermann's rumors "are just as likely to be true as they are false," so flip a coin for Silent Hill 5 and PaRappa 3. Ya gotta believe! [Image Credit]
PSP Fanboy Theatre: Volume 20
PSP Fanboy offers the latest and greatest movie and game trailers, formatted for the PSP in this new weekly feature. Check it out every Saturday. PSP owners can download files wirelessly via m.pspfanboy.com.Instructions: Save all movie and thumbnail files to the VIDEO folder. These high resolution 480x272 videos require firmware 3.30 or above. (Note: OE custom firmware will also play these videos.) Syphon Filter: Logan's Shadow [PSP]Download MP4 (8.1MB) | Download JPG The following Gamers Day videos are featured after the break: Jeanne de Arc (PSP), PaRappa the Rapper (PSP), Pursuit Force Extreme Justice (PSP), SOCOM Tactical Strike (PSP)
SGD '07: PaRappa the Rapper
Sony Gamer's Day was filled with tons of goodies, such as the new PSP version of PaRappa the Rapper. There isn't much new to see here, considering its simply a port of a PS1 classic. Regardless, feel free to check out some screens in our new gallery below.The game hits PSP systems this July.%Gallery-3221%
Parappa designer raps PS3 for being 'too big', plans Wii game
In what's either a stunning triumph of naiveté or a startling display of practical knowledge, Parappa the Rapper creator, Masaya Matsuura, has opined that the PlayStation 3's sluggish sales in Japan are largely to blame on its physical size. Speaking to GamesIndustry.Biz at the Nordic Game Conference (they have those, you know), Matsuura describes Sony's black behemoth as being "too big for the Japanese." It's not the only technological powerhouse having trouble finding a home -- the Xbox 360's critical flaw is "not the size of the hardware but of the AC adapter." Matsuura's obsession with size doesn't extend to his Wii though, as he's currently planning a title for Nintendo's comparatively diminutive box. He calls it a "very good piece of hardware," noting that the unique controls pose quite a challenge from the designer's point of view. He confidently asserts that development on the game begins "soon,maybe."
PaRappa creator to rock the Wii
PaRappa the Rapper creator Masaya Matsuura recently spoke with gamesindustry.BIZ about the current state of consoles and revealed that NanaOn-Sha is in the planning stages for a new game on the Wii. We couldn't be happier to inform you of this news, as PaRappa the Rapper was one sweet piece of gaming. Why not go with the PS3 for your new project though? "It's too big for the Japanese."OK, so the physical size of the console is preventing the Japanese from enjoying it? Sure, we'll go with it (we thought it was the price tag). So, the Wii should be just right? "Wii is a very good piece of hardware. Many talented people from Nintendo make great ideas for game hardware, of course. Already I've been starting to think about Wii software, but it's very hard sometimes. Because can you keep shaking the controller for hours? Players can't spend a long time on gameplay, so this can be tough. So I respect Nintendo's activities, but for software designers like us, it's very hard."We'll relay information on this new game as it comes in.
Battle of the ports: PaRappa versus Crazy Taxi
Battle of the ports: which do you want more? PaRappa the Rapper Crazy Taxi: Fare Wars Neither: PSP doesn't need any more ports! Free polls from Pollhost.com If you haven't noticed, the PSP Fanboy team is totally "t3h b145!!!1" We've been bashing Crazy Taxi: Fare Wars for its sloppy Dreamcast-era graphics. However, we've been going totally gaga for the barely enhanced PaRappa the Rapper. Isn't that unfair? We're going to let you, the PSP Fanboy reader, tell us which of these hotly anticipated PSP ports we should be more excited for. Just check out the videos after the cut, and tell us which one you want more. If you're digging both of them, feel free to vote for both. Of course, if you're feeling particularly jaded today, you can also admit that maybe we shouldn't get so excited over ports--don't we have too many already?
A brief history of PaRappa the Rapper (with screenshots)
PaRappa the Rapper is largely accredited as the first modern rhythm game. More than ten years after its first release on PS1, gamers will be able to relive the game on PSP. In light of the US announcement, we wanted to take a brief look into the history of the game, and offer you some new screenshots (after the break).The game was developed by NanaOn-Sha (roughly translated as Seventh Sound Company), and has seen release in over 70 countries. The story of the rapping dog that "gotta believe" became so popular that the series branched off into new areas. For example, McDonald's promotions. It eventually transformed into a 30-episode anime series in 2001. The franchise grew with the eventual sequels, PaRappa the Rapper 2 and Um Jammer Lammy.Its initial release was met with nearly universal critical acclaim. Rodney Alan Greenblat, a popular artist in Japan, created illustrations that came to life in a way the gaming world had never seen before. The music was also unlike anything the gaming world had experienced. It wasn't long before it built a dedicated fan community. We hope the upcoming PSP version will revive the long-dormant franchise. Isn't it time for an entirely new addition to this series?
PaRappa heads to US for PSP remake
Ready to rap? Good. PaRappa the Rapper is heading to American PSP systems this July, ten years after the release of the original. This remake features all the characters, levels and songs from the original and adds a slew of new wireless options. According to the press release, players can "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.""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."For those unaware, PaRappa is considered a pioneer in music games, launching the genre to the mainstream. With Gitaroo-Man Lives!, DJ Max Portable, beaterator, and PaRappa all available on one console, PSP is quickly becoming the gaming machine for music lovers.
PaRappa battles his way to American PSPs July '07
We knew we just had to believe. Finally, Sony has announced that the PSP port of legendary 2.5D rapping dog simulator, PaRappa The Rapper, is coming to North American PSPs. Yes, it's the same PSP port that we got our hands-on at the Tokyo Game Show last September, which means the same levels, same jams, and the same kooky characters (yeah, we're talking about you Chop Chop Master Onion) as the 1997 PSone original.But Sony isn't about to play you like that, they've gone and added some juicy PSP features to the rhythm gaming OG: four-player head-to-head rap battles (oh snap!); wirelessly share a demo level (Instructor Mooselini's rap please); and use infrastructure mode to nab eight additional playable remixes. No Game 3.0-style user remixes, or are we saving that action for Beats?PaRappa em-eye-eckses flour into the bowl on North American PSPs this July. You gotta believe!
