PlayStation

PaRappa the Rapper

Parappa the Rappa is the kind of inexplicable game that you have to own - even if it's just to take to a friend's house who might find the concept unbelievable.

If you are looking for a game that will be fun for the whole family, look no further. Parappa the Rapper has gone where no game has gone before and pulls it off with ease. If you sit down and give the game a chance, you will be hooked. One word of caution, though; if you have a bad neck, stay away from this game. It is virtually impossible to play without bobbing your head or moving some part of your body. You have been warned!

PaRappa isn't for everybody. It's very silly and odd, and somewhat childish. But if you're the kind of gamer that still watches cartoons, you may just fall under the spell of PaRappa. I know I did. I gotta believe!

Overall, the game is short and is easy to beat, but this is another example of how games shouldn't be judged by the length of the game, but the quality of the experience. The magic of PaRappa will not be easily cloned and we'll probably only get one like it in our lifetime. Sure to transcend cultural differences, PaRappa is special; plain and simple.

PaRappa is undeniably cute and hip - the ideal PlayStation mascot in that he's so universally acceptable and nonthreatening. Many have purchased PlayStations solely on the basis of seeing PaRappa, justifying their purchases as toys their families could enjoy. For the record, chicks dig PaRappa too, so if having a cute game means you can convince your otherwise game-loathing girlfriend to pick up a controller, "it's all good."

The simple controls require you to hit combinations of buttons to the rhythm of the song, causing Parappa to rap, although his words sound a bit disjointed. The characters and backgrounds transform depending on your performance, and there's even some room for you to get creative. Parappa the Rapper is a triumph of originality, and younger gamers in particular should have a ball with it.

I would have to say there are very few gamers who wouldn’t enjoy Parappa. It could be longer, but there are always the expert levels to conquer. I’d recommend at least renting it for a night. If you’re up until 2, you’re probably going to want to buy it later that morning!