Game Review: Parappa The Rapper 2

Game: PaRappa The Rapper 2
Console: Sony Playstation 2
Developer: NaNaOn-Sha
Release Date: 5th April 2002

PaRappa The Rapper was an undoubted Playstation classic which, though short featured classic rhythm game action, a whacky plot and a unique art style with 2D-esque steamrolled characters. PaRappa 2 is the first direct sequel, not counting the spin-off Um Jammer Lammy which had similar gameplay with an emphasis on playing the guitar rather than rapping. Ultimately PaRapper 2 isn't radically different in terms of gameplay, music, or style but it's more than just an expansion for the first game since it moved up to the next generation of consoles.

The rhythm in this instalment seems tighter than in the first game, with less input lag and much more room for improvisation. As before the game rewards creativity from players, within limits. It's difficult to know exactly what the game wants for a "Cool" rating, but its easy enough to finish with a "Good" rating, needed to clear a stage. Another small stage is that transitioning between ratings yields a short clip and simplifies or complicates the rhythm inputs. Sometimes this can be disconcerting, but it works well enough.

Characters from the first game make re-appearances in a few interesting ways, and there's definite references for fans that enjoyed the original. The storyline is as off-the-wall as before, and a little longer, but the main advantage here is the replayability of the game. Once the game has been completed, Parappa's hat changes colour, and the lyrics to each rap increase in difficulty with each playthrough. There's also vs. stages where improvisation is key and players are pitted against the computer, which work well and add much needed content.

As a series, Parappa the Rapper appeals to somewhat of a niche audience; the slightly cringy lyrics, 2D characters in bright and simple colours and rhythm gameplay could be drawbacks for some players. To those who can look past the game's unique features though it's a fun experience which is only held back by its overall length. Where rhythm games that feature licensed songs can have an expansive song list, all songs featured were original recordings with each of Parappa's inputs able to be played at any time, for improvisational purposes.

Graphically the game has improved from the Playstation, but as previously mentioned the characters are still stylistically two dimensional. Some stages could have been a little more visually interesting, though players will likely be concentrating on the required button inputs. As ever the music is enjoyable and consistently funky, though some of the near rhymes in the lyrics take some getting used to.

Overall Parappa The Rapper 2 is more of the same for gamers who enjoyed the other games in the series. It could serve as an interesting introduction to the series for new players, but the first game would be somewhat of a step back afterwards in terms of replayability and responsive controls. The Playstation 2 was a console where games of all varieties were able to thrive, and with a 5 year gap between this and the original, we were lucky to get a follow up at all for such a niche but well loved game.

Rating: 73/100
Grade: C