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Today's what's old is new again video: PaRappa on the PSP
While we've already had our greasy paws all over PaRappa the Rapper for the PlayStation Portable, we're gracing you with some video goodness from the same game.It's just a port of the original game from the original PlayStation, but it achieved a cult following, a sequel, and a spinoff with UmJammer Lammy. It looks pretty slick, the music was always a lot of fun, and it's another good reason to grab a PSP, now that they're cheaper.
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!
TGS 06: Every PSP game previewed
There are way too many PSP games at this year's Tokyo Game Show. Because not all of us have time to read all the impressions and previews of all the games coming out, PSP Fanboy has created this nifty guide for all the games that were previewed. You'll get a thumbs up or a thumbs down from the major video game news sites. If a game looks like it might be a real winner, we'll award it "The Official PSP Fanboy Entranced Korean Award." These are the games that'll end up in Korea on giant PSPs, luring people to their eventual doom. And, that's pretty cool. Read on to see all the previews!
TGS 06: PaRappa hands-on
Ross "I got to go TGS, so I'm better than you" Miller posted up some new impressions of PaRappa the Rapper on Joystiq. Here's what he had to say:"The graphics have been cleaned up and the audio is a bit crisper than the original, but our lovable rhymester still stutters his words even when we hit the buttons perfectly. None of the new features have been revealed, including the promised multiplayer mode. We recommend dusting off the original game for now, and wait to see if the extra features / multiplayer warrant a new purchase."It's sad to see that the game is only a port, and not a true sequel. Considering how it's a PS1 game, wouldn't it be better off as a download for emulation? Silly Sony.
Joystiq hands-on: PaRappa the Rapper (PSP)
When we heard PaRappa the Rapper was coming to the PSP, we were elated. When we discovered it would simply be a remake of the original title, we were conflicted. While we adore the original PaRappa, we also wouldn't mind a new installment to the franchise, with lessons learned from the underwhelming PaRappa 2. The PSP demo shown on the floor is the exact same demo Sony used for the PS One PaRappa the Rapper demo, which is also the first level in the game. For those who don't remember, PaRappa the Rapper is a rhythm game in the vein of Simon Says. Your opponent will bust a few grooves, and by pressing the displayed button combinations in sync with the tempo you can spit your foe's words back in his or her face. The demo has PaRappa up against Chop Chop Master Onion, a karate teacher with an onion for a head. The graphics have been cleaned up and the audio is a bit crisper than the original, but our lovable rhymester still stutters his words even when we hit the buttons perfectly. None of the new features have been revealed, including the promised multiplayer mode. We recommend dusting off the original game for now, and wait to see if the extra features / multiplayer warrant a new purchase.Check out the awesome PaRappa sticker they had on the PSP demo units after the break.
De La Soul does Parappa, "U Gotta Believe"
GameSetWatch stumbled upon something special on YouTube: American rap group De La Soul performing a song titled "U Gotta Believe" for the Japanese release of Parappa the Rapper 2. Two Parappa music videos in less than a month? This is what nerd Heaven must be like.See also:The intro to the short-lived Japanese Parappa anime series.
Parappa M-I-Xes flour into a bowl, LIVE!
Andreas Wieslander's bachelor thesis, entitled "IN REAL GAME," is "a project about marketing games through live performances, in order to focus on the games feel, rather than its graphics and sfx."He has chosen the infectious beats and charms of the PlayStation classic Parappa the Rapper to illustrate this concept. They act out the roles of Cheep Cheep and Parappa in a rendition of "Cheep Cheep Cooking Chicken's Rap," complete with seafood cake, live backing band, and Parappa's jerky delivery. "Crack. Crack. Crack. The egg. Into. The bowl."The idea is clever and captures some of the fun, and certainly the oddity, of Parappa the Rapper, but how well would it work on other games that didn't lend themselves so well to the idea. Try acting out Prince of Persia.[Via Re:Retro]
