PaRappa the Rapper 2 (2001)

I have always liked the idea behind Parappa the rapper. The gameplay might look simple, but it's still really fun to play trhough once you get into it. I recently played through parappa the rapper 2 while staying over at a friend's house, and I had a really good time.

I really like the premise of parappa mostly repeating what the other characters are saying. It's cute and fun and it makes the times where parappa sings on his own feel a bit more impactful. The gameplay is simple: Just repeat the same line the other rapper's singing by pressign the sequence of buttons they tell you to press. It should be super easy but I am not used to the playstation button layout so I struggled with it for a bit. Still, I was able to beat every level of the game on my first try.

It's a rhythm game, so music should be the most important thing. And while the songs are good (specially the burger cooking one), they're way more forgettable than the songs on the first one. Playing through them is a fun time, but it could be better.

I think the game shines the most when it comes to its presentation. The characters are all very fun, and the whole paper aesthetic the game has is impeccable. The 3D environments are all really well done, and I especially love the character animations, how they don't just look like paper, but move like they're two dimensional as well. Simply put, the game looks beautiful.

The story is also very fun. It's about every food getting replaced by noodles because the villain is sick of having to eat burgers every day. It's a silly plot for a silly game and I really like that.

I don't think there's much more to say about the game. Parappa is a classic, and most people already know about it. It might not be a heart-wrenching masterpiece or anything, but not every game needs to be that.

In the end It's just a silly little game. 8/10

What makes a rhythm game is its music and PaRappa the Rapper 2 has one of my favorite soundtracks ever. The ad libs the chef has in level 1 with this disco funk tune added to it make it an incredible introduction that lingers in my mind. If level 1 doesn't convince you then level 2 will seduce you into enjoying the game. Level 3 bops with Guru Ant having one of the smoothest voices ever. The soothing basslines when you're small and the overblown orchestra accomodated with more syllables per measure make this a favorite. The bounciness in level 5 made me amp up my headphones to maximum volume. Level 7 is where we first have a rap battle in the series. Although clunky and inconsistent with its rhythm system, I really loved my time this game.

FINAL RATING: GREATLY RECOMMENDED

The PS4 release of PaRappa 2 is MUCH improved over the first. The controls are accurate and responsive, everything seems to work properly, meaning you can actually enjoy playing the game.

I had a fun time during the short play-through, it’s too bad these games don’t have any secret levels to unlock or anything (as far as I know).

Two annoying things to mention - the last level pulls a similar stunt to the first where you have to rap on your own, to correct button presses instead of free styling. However, in this one, it’s really confusing where to start, and it starts with a pickup. So you’re wrong before the bar even starts. It also appears you have to do the button presses for the teacher as well. It’s kind of a mess thrown at you right at the end of the last level.

The other thing is, you can’t pause and resume levels. Hitting pause forces you to either restart or give up. So be careful! I learned this the hard way.

Props are deserved for a MUCH improved practice system that actually will help you out with some difficult bits to expect in the upcoming level.

Otherwise, still just as quirky and insane as the first, but the gameplay is miles ahead.