PaRappa the Rapper 2

 PlayStation 2
Metascore
67

Mixed or average reviews - based on 26 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 26
  2. Mixed: 18 out of 26
  3. Negative: 2 out of 26
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  1. GamerWeb Sony
    85
    Sure, the story is a little weird, and yes, the music isn't quite as good as it was in the first game, but PaRappa 2 is a solid effort, nonetheless.
  2. GameSpy
    81
    It’s short, it’s easy, but it’s also highly entertaining. This is also one of those titles that you could easily go back to and play in a few months and still enjoy it.
  3. TotalGames.net
    80
    Disregard this misalignment though, and you’re left with an enjoyable aural romp which, whilst slight and, on occasions, extremely forgiving, makes up for most of its shortcomings by hitting you with damn funky music.
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  5. GamePro
    80
    The addition of two-player modes makes PaRappa more of a party experience and extends the game's life beyond novelty. The story is just plain weird, but it's still a great hoot.
  6. TotalPlayStation
    75
    PaRappa may not be the most worthwhile purchase for some due to the fact that it’s ridiculously short, and the replay value doesn’t really add any new gameplay elements, but it is PaRappa, and if that floats your boat, the short bit of fun you’ll glean from the game may be enough.
  7. Game Informer
    75
    It's nice that this sequel let's you freestyle more often, and the scoring seems more logical than before. [Feb 2002, p.82]
    All this publication's reviews
  8. Gaming Maxx
    74
    Adequate for those seeking a second dose of some hoppin beats and humorous raps from the crew.
  9. Gamezilla!
    73
    With the amount of time between the original Parappa, and the release of the PS2, I don't see how this game can take so long to load, and lack any kind of improvement on the original gameplay or graphics.
  10. Hot Games
    70
    Brevity is what kills this game. It's not impossible to play through the whole game in under an hour, and some of the side games, like a 2-player head-to-head game, just don't seem to extend the fun.
  11. Official U.S. Playstation Magazine
    70
    That storyline is absolutely ridiculous. [Feb 2002, p.112]
    All this publication's reviews
  12. IGN
    70
    It's a short, short game. I haven't found anything more than earning new colored hats each time I beat it.
  13. Yahoo!
    70
    Mothers and fathers concerned that their impressionable offspring are being perverted by dalliances with Liberty City and Max Payne will open their arms to Parappa and his wholesome morals.
  14. Media and Games Online Network
    70
    A very short game, which brings loads of fun. That may sound odd, but it is true.
  15. Cinescape
    67
    The game needs more polish and some more ingenuity with the songs, but this will keep you satisfied until the third installment releases.
  16. XenGamers
    67
    Even without the bells and whistles that other recent rhythm-based games have offered, PaRappa the Rapper 2 is a lot of fun.
  17. GameSpot
    66
    An almost total lack of innovation makes the game seem pretty dated when compared with other games on the market.
  18. GameShark
    65
    There's a total of eight rounds, and the story is still genius (if you like extremely quirky non-sequitors), but I don't feel like I'm getting a new game. More like Parappa Version 1.2.
  19. GameZone
    60
    A fun game that doesn't have nearly enough gameplay -- or enough replay value -- to warrant a purchase.
  20. GamePen
    60
    No worse than the original, in some ways it’s even better than. But where "Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3" or "Metal Gear Solid 2" improved the engine, graphics, feel, and design, Sony seems content in only making PaRappa 2 look better.
  21. Electric Playground
    60
    When the levels are as easy as this, you end up spending less time with the music, which is where most of the joy in this game comes from.
  22. G4 TV
    60
    What began as a simple tale of a dog and the flower he loves has become a farcical, overblown imitation of a cheesy action movie with little challenge or replay value. As unfortunate as it is for gamers to be let down so early in the new year, it must be said that PaRappa 2 is the first disappointment of 2002.
  23. Electronic Gaming Monthly
    53
    Offers less gameplay than the first and lacks the ingenuity and novelty. [Feb 2002, p.154]
    All this publication's reviews
  24. PSM Magazine
    50
    Most players will also find the game to be far too easy. It can be played through under an hour. [Feb 2002, p.40]
    All this publication's reviews
  25. All Game Guide
    50
    The game is more akin to a single episode of an interactive cartoon than a fully fleshed-out experience worthy of a full price purchase.
  26. Game Revolution
    42
    This game features bland, unmemorable beats and lyrics. You don't get anything close to the kick ass reggae dub of the flea market scene in the original or Chop Chop Master Onion's awesome intro.
  27. PSX Nation
    40
    Oh, my how the great have fallen...$50 for Parappa 2 is "highway robbery."

Awards & Rankings

30
#30 Most Discussed PS2 Game of 2002
10
#10 Most Shared PS2 Game of 2002

User Reviews

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User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 50 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 38 out of 50
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 50
  3. Negative: 6 out of 50
  1. AnGoodCritic
    Aug 14, 2015
    9
    Awesome game first one is very short as much anyone else say its amazing, the first one isnt better its from 1997 the graphics are so terribleAwesome game first one is very short as much anyone else say its amazing, the first one isnt better its from 1997 the graphics are so terrible the critics should do remember about graphics but hey atleast im not only the one who knows that there is 4hats to collect and get the dog house! the bonus game isnt really fun game is short but its awesome i dont get few critics saying "Enough replay value" the game does have secrets and replay value, for challange get all the crowns.. music's are good only the one i disliked was 2nd stage well its too weird!… Full Review »
  2. Keitaro004
    Dec 27, 2014
    10
    I have no idea why this Parappa game has so bad reviews. I absolutely loved this game. Sure, it's very short, probably an hour long at most,I have no idea why this Parappa game has so bad reviews. I absolutely loved this game. Sure, it's very short, probably an hour long at most, but the replayability is fantastic. You get a new colored cap every time you beat the game and the difficulty rises and makes the songs into a (addictive) remix. The remixes changes for every time you beat the game. Beat the game five times and get the "gold" cap, the last one you can get. There's also some CPU challenges to beat, where you get an album if you complete them all.

    The music is really addictive, the best in the Parappa series if you ask me. I've had every song stuck in my head, much like the songs from the original and Um Jammer Lammy. The timing is even better than the PS1 version and a lot easier to beat. The story is awesome as well. Weird, a little bit stupid, but funny and interesting.

    This is one of the best rhythm games for the PS2 ever made together with "Gitaroo Man". Try this out, it will be a blast!    … Full Review »
  3. MCKingKongMushi
    Feb 27, 2014
    9
    PaRappa the Rapper 2 is one of the few PS2 games that I find myself constantly sliding into my disc drive, even to this day. The music isPaRappa the Rapper 2 is one of the few PS2 games that I find myself constantly sliding into my disc drive, even to this day. The music is catchy, the graphics serve their purpose, and the versus mode adds to its replay value, making it a great party game. Say what you will, but PaRappa 2 will always be one of my favorites.… Full Review »
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