PaRappa the Rapper

 PlayStation
  • Publisher: SCEA
  • Release Date: Oct 31, 1997
Metascore
92

Universal acclaim - based on 15 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 15
  3. Negative: 0 out of 15
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  1. Electric Playground
    100
    This game would be super fly at a party You won’t be whizzing through it unless you’re super smartie.
  2. GamePro
    100
    The kind of inexplicable game that you have to own.
  3. Official U.S. Playstation Magazine
    100
    PaRappa will win over anyone with his hipster looks and smooth style. [Nov 2001, p.50]
    All this publication's reviews
  5. Cheat Code Central Platinum
    100
    From the beginning the music grabs you and sucks you in. It's so poppy and strange that you can't help but instantly like it, although you may not know why.
  6. Gaming Age
    100
    Maybe it's because the cinemas that push the game forward are so amiable and bizarrely infectious with their dubiously likeable characters and ridiculous story that you simply can't escape the essence of the game.
  7. Gamezilla!
    92
    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!
  8. IGN
    90
    PaRappa's only real problem lies in the length of the game -- it's way too short. However, once you've beaten it in good standing, you can ad-lib, or 'freestyle,' in the levels.
  9. GameCritics
    90
    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.
  10. Hot Games
    90
    The game is on the short side and once you are well practiced it won't take much longer than 30 minutes to beat it. But believe this, this is one great party game, you'll be in stitches as people fumble their way through the rap when they first start. Parappa is a must have game.
  11. Games Domain
    90
    The music is incredible, catchy and well-written. But best of all, the concept is original.
  12. GameSpot
    85
    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."
  13. Electronic Gaming Monthly
    83
    Great! Now even dorky white gamers think they can rap. [Jan 2004, p.188]
    All this publication's reviews
  14. TotalGames.net
    82
    As a party game, PaRappa the Rapper is top notch. It is totally hilarious when you have the cheesy cartoon hip-hop pumped up loud and people get into difficulties trying to follow the lyrics in time.
  15. Absolute Playstation
    80
    The amusing storyline, catchy tunes and the 'just one more go' gameplay combine to make it the perfect party game.
  16. All Game Guide
    80
    The only real problem with Parappa is concerning the depth as this title really does not allow much variation and Sony have only included six fairly short levels.

Awards & Rankings

3
#3 Best PS1 Game of 1997
4
#4 Most Discussed PS1 Game of 1997
5
#5 Most Shared PS1 Game of 1997

User Reviews

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User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 105 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 67 out of 105
  2. Mixed: 24 out of 105
  3. Negative: 14 out of 105
  1. asdfjaffsdgk
    Dec 13, 2015
    10
    Kick! Punch! It's all in the mind! If you wanna test me, I'm sure you'll find, the things I'll teach ya, is sure to beat ya, but neverthelessKick! Punch! It's all in the mind! If you wanna test me, I'm sure you'll find, the things I'll teach ya, is sure to beat ya, but nevertheless you'll get a lesson from teacher!!! If you read that in Chop Chop Master Onion's voice, you already know why this game was so awesome.… Full Review »
  2. KendylKlownfish
    May 14, 2011
    8
    It is far from perfect, but it is essentially one of the most original and appealing games on the PS1. Pros: It is one of the funniest gamesIt is far from perfect, but it is essentially one of the most original and appealing games on the PS1. Pros: It is one of the funniest games I've ever played -- and heard; the 2-D sprites and art style are cool; the story and characters are unforgettable. Cons: Too short and too shallow; no replay value; frequent mechanical bugs.… Full Review »
  3. AnGoodCritic
    Aug 14, 2015
    4
    Very difficult, you need to tap the buttons exactly at timing but in stage 3 or in stage 5 its pretty much impossible and that does it for itVery difficult, you need to tap the buttons exactly at timing but in stage 3 or in stage 5 its pretty much impossible and that does it for it nothing else really to do but the cutscenes are funny i rather play 2nd one instead of this one!… Full Review »
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