How long has it been? Two maybe three years since Parappa captured the hearts of millions of people across this great planet. Now he has returned in his PS2 debut, is he 3D now you ask. Why hell no! Parappa is still in his 2D one dimensional, glorious self. Is it just a rehash of the same old Parappa we loved before? Well that is left in the eye of the beholder.
The first question you should ask yourself is, were you a huge fan of the original. I know I was, playing Chop Chop Master Onion’s stage until I got a cool from beginning to end was a goal I did not leave un achieved. This game had a great deal of replay value that to this day has been unmatched. Was it the catchy songs, or the simplistic gameplay, or the simple fact that the game a flare about it that kept you playing for hours on end? Who knows, the fact was this game changed how people felt about these type of games and captured a new audience of Parappa fans that would never die, hell we even lived through Um Jammer Lammy for god’s sake.
Parappa The Rapper 2 is just as much fun as the original and better in some ways. Granted it doesn’t have the impact of the first game, but that is only because we have seen it before. The story is corny as usual but that isn’t what kept you glued to the game in the first place. The music is awesome, blasting out some of the catchiest tunes this side of modern radio.
The visuals are very reminiscent of the original Parappa, 2D characters slapped onto a cartoon style world full of so much color and vibrance Walt Disney would be jealous. The backgrounds make some use of the PS2 hardware that is evident in the clean textures and higher poly count. I personally have always enjoyed the relief from jagged backgrounds and grass textures found in most games, and that is what Parappa is all about escape.
Playing this game brings back memories of the first time I got my hands on the first incarnation. Finding myself singing along with the tunes and tapping my feet to the rhythm of the beats. This is what gaming should be about, no worries of graphical prowess, who has more textures, what game has more characters! Parappa is a game that can be enjoyed by anyone and should be enjoyed by everyone.
The game play is also identical to the original using button combinations for the different lyrics. Almost like a giant game of musical Simon Says. You can also add your own flavor if ya got the shythm and mix up the lyrics in order to gain a cool score. This actually changes the level and the events in the stage you are on.
In the end, Parappa 2 is an awesome addition to the PS2 library. It adds flavor to a mixed bunch of games and originality to it’s lineup. I recommend giving this game a rent if you are even remotely intrigued by the thought of a rapping dog and his flower girlfriend haha. A great game that Parappa fans have been waiting for, let us hope he returns when PS3 arrives.
