PaRappa the Rapper

 PlayStation
  • Publisher: SCEA
  • Release Date: Oct 31, 1997
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
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  1. mugsy
    May 9, 2020
    7
    This game had big problems with the timing. I could never keep a good Flow and score. But the songs and animations were funny and catchy.
  2. ashketchum
    Apr 30, 2018
    6
    Parappa never takes itself seriously, allowing it to be one of the more unique games in terms of visual design and story. It's a fun game, especially once you start to understand the rhythm of the game, which is different from what appears on screen. The soundtrack is great, and the lyrics are also well-written to match the beats and the game itself. Parappa is extremely short, though, andParappa never takes itself seriously, allowing it to be one of the more unique games in terms of visual design and story. It's a fun game, especially once you start to understand the rhythm of the game, which is different from what appears on screen. The soundtrack is great, and the lyrics are also well-written to match the beats and the game itself. Parappa is extremely short, though, and lacks any replay value. It feels more like a demo than a full game. Also, as aforementioned, the rhythm of the music doesn't sync with the rhythm shown on screen, which is confusing at first, making the first mission seem harder than it should be. Still, for what it's worth, it is a great experience.… Expand
  3. supermariofan12
    Apr 28, 2018
    3
    worst game ever you cant clear a stage without failing once or twice BUT MY VISION 85 times say i suck but i acully DO WHAT THE GAME TELLS ME TO DO what for your icon to hit the symbol when i do that it brings me down to bad you cant even get cool the first time only after.
  4. FireBroFilms
    Aug 15, 2022
    9
    ‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎
  5. JenL.
    Feb 16, 2004
    10
    The funniest game I've played in my life!
  6. 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 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.
  7. EvanJ.
    Oct 2, 2005
    10
    Super duper cool!
  8. 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 it nothing else really to do but the cutscenes are funny i rather play 2nd one instead of this one!
  9. 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 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.
  10. Newsleet12
    Nov 10, 2016
    0
    Funny lyrics and great music, but very bad timing leaves this rhythm game virtually unplayable, i say don't waste your time playing it, just go to youtube and listen to the soundtrack, it's better heard than played
  11. TheDarkMudkip47
    Jun 27, 2015
    9
    It's a nearly perfect game it's fun enjoyable and probably the best playstation game to date it's also hilarious if you are a sony fan who has the original playstation try to get it off ebay or amazon
  12. MarkD.
    Nov 12, 2006
    4
    The most over rated game ever. The gameplay is so simplistic it's barly a game and the only funny thing about it is the fact so many people believed the hype. Sure, it was original but that don't mean it's good.
  13. zombieskull24
    Feb 7, 2013
    8
    Parrapa the Rapper is always fun to play! its songs are catchy and fun to finnish. although, it is kinda hard to get the beats right for some reasons. a lot of times i could be doing bad but more score would be good and when im good my score is bad. the programing for that isn't so good but thats a ps1 game. all the way its still a good game!
  14. PolisKanin
    Feb 28, 2014
    9
    I am a Nintendo fan, but I play Playstation for this amazing musical title. Parappa the rapper has a cheesy story line, but that's not what music games are about. The gameplay is great, and a great playstation game, and personally my favourite playstation 1 title.
  15. Sophie
    May 27, 2005
    0
    EEEK! It's so wrong! "Slurp it, suck it/I know you all like it/Long and chewy, occasionally gooey/Yeah, your little slippery thing our tastes so good all this time." With lyrics like that, I gotta say I'm speechless!
  16. RossBoss
    Jun 17, 2016
    9
    A pioneer to the rhythm game genre, Parappa the Rapper remains a unique and fun experience of beat boxing through an odd but relateable series of scenarios. The songs are memorable, the stages are hilarious, the artwork is appealing, and the mechanics are solid. Difficulty increases at a fair level and never becomes too challenging or too easy. Entertaining throughout and definitely a gameA pioneer to the rhythm game genre, Parappa the Rapper remains a unique and fun experience of beat boxing through an odd but relateable series of scenarios. The songs are memorable, the stages are hilarious, the artwork is appealing, and the mechanics are solid. Difficulty increases at a fair level and never becomes too challenging or too easy. Entertaining throughout and definitely a game you'll want to share with friends just so they have the experience. I have to say, it's as fun for me now as it was when I first got the game about 15 years ago.… Expand
  17. GamecubeLover
    Jul 22, 2016
    9
    My only 2 problems of this game is the game is cheesy and strange that is all. Everything else is rather super fun or very memorable. This is an instant classic.
  18. brownyfan
    Oct 22, 2016
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I haven't even played this hip-hop game about a dog, but MAN is it good. I've been wanting this game for awhile, and while I still don't have it, I know when I get it, I'll have a fun time. Sure, the plots are strange, Parappa does karate, drives, sells, bakes, and then holds a **** and gets a party for it. It gets weirder each plot game, but still, it's fun as hell. I can't wait for Parappa's new anime, or his new game, as this Hip-Hop dog's only existence had died...But then light shone out, and Harappa was suddenly given a second chance. Fans played more, made more, and reviewed more. I mean, hell, he's actually what brought music games to it's fame. So without this hip-hop-rapping-pup, other amazing music games probably wouldn't have make me. As you know, when you say Boom-Boom-Boom, I'll say Bam-Bam-Bam, No pause in between, we all jam! Sorry that this review isn't, well, a review, it's more or less just me celebrating Parappa's 20th Anniversary. Which now that I say that, let's all Say ho, ho ho, ho ho ho, and scream for Parappa's 20th Anniversary! We Gotta believe! I give this game a 10 outta 10, the voices and the characters are fantastic!… Expand
  19. KaleSungurCrane
    Nov 20, 2020
    8
    OVERALL - 85%

    Gameplay - 6/10 Graphics (for time) - 8/10 Story - 7/10 Game Length - 7/10 Characters - 9/10 Level/Area Design - 9/10 Atmosphere - 9/10 Sound Effects - 7/10 Soundtrack - 10/10 Replay Value - 8/10 In 1997 this was conceptually, graphically and play style was very original. I was a child when this came out and loved the artwork and characters. The music is catchy    OVERALL - 85%

    Gameplay - 6/10
    Graphics (for time) - 8/10
    Story - 7/10
    Game Length - 7/10
    Characters - 9/10
    Level/Area Design - 9/10
    Atmosphere - 9/10
    Sound Effects - 7/10
    Soundtrack - 10/10
    Replay Value - 8/10

    In 1997 this was conceptually, graphically and play style was very original. I was a child when this came out and loved the artwork and characters. The music is catchy and cool. Still a lot of fun today.    … Expand
  20. mashedtatter
    Mar 3, 2017
    10
    Kick, punch, it's all in the mind! This was THE game that got me hooked on rhythm games at an early age. It wasn't hard at all, like other people seem to be whining about. If a seven year old can beat it and become a rap legend, ANYONE can!

    Disclaimer: I was amazing at this game when I was 7, in 1997. I am now 27 and suck at it. I lost all sense of rhythm somewhere in the last 20 years.    Kick, punch, it's all in the mind! This was THE game that got me hooked on rhythm games at an early age. It wasn't hard at all, like other people seem to be whining about. If a seven year old can beat it and become a rap legend, ANYONE can!

    Disclaimer: I was amazing at this game when I was 7, in 1997. I am now 27 and suck at it. I lost all sense of rhythm somewhere in the last 20 years. I cry every time I remember.    … Expand
  21. TheWaluigiGamer
    Mar 18, 2017
    9
    This Game is Hard, If you have never played a rhythm game before, I do not recommend this game for you.
    But if rhythm games are totally your thing or your are button perfect at rhythm games, this game is for you!
    This is a Great Game, when playing it you will smile. My Only Problem is even if you have good timing at Rhythm games you will fail multiple times, the button presses are a bit    This Game is Hard, If you have never played a rhythm game before, I do not recommend this game for you.
    But if rhythm games are totally your thing or your are button perfect at rhythm games, this game is for you!
    This is a Great Game, when playing it you will smile.
    My Only Problem is even if you have good timing at Rhythm games you will fail multiple times, the button presses are a bit off especially on stage 4 and 5, your TV is not lagging it (unless it is :/) the game was just made that way, and the game is incredibly short, like 6 levels short, but those 6 levels are the best 6 levels ever, and the reason is the music, the music is just fantastic.

    Music 10/10 Art Style 8/10 Gameplay 7/10 Characters 10/10 Story 7/10
    Final Score: 9/10 A Great Game, but with problems.
    -TheWaluigiGamer    … Expand
  22. QuoteStrife
    Apr 6, 2017
    10
    best game of all time best game of all time best game of all timebest game of all timebest game of all timebest game of all timebest game of all timebest game of all timebest game of all timebest game of all timebest game of all timebest game of all timebest game of all timebest game of all timebest game of all timebest game of all timebest game of all timebest game of all timebest game ofbest game of all time best game of all time best game of all timebest game of all timebest game of all timebest game of all timebest game of all timebest game of all timebest game of all timebest game of all timebest game of all timebest game of all timebest game of all timebest game of all timebest game of all timebest game of all timebest game of all timebest game of all timebest game of all timebest game of all timebest game of all timebest game of all timebest game of all timebest game of all timebest game of all timebest game of all timebest game of all timebest game of all timebest game of all timebest game of all timebest game of all timebest game of all timebest game of all timebest game of all timebest game of all timebest game of all timebest game of all timebest game of all timebest game of all timebest game of all timebest game of all timebest game of all timebest game of all timebest game of all timebest game of all timebest game of all timebest game of all timebest game of all timebest game of all timebest game of all timebest game of all timebest game of all timebest game of all timebest game of all timebest game of all timebest game of all timebest game of all timebest game of all timebest game of all timebest game of all timebest game of all timebest game of all timebest game of all timebest game of all timebest game of all timebest game of all timebest game of all timebest game of all timebest game of all timebest game of all timebest game of all timebest game of all timebest game of all time… Expand
  23. sebastianali
    May 2, 2021
    4
    Desgraciadamente los gráficos y la música son lo único bueno que este juego tiene. Una de las cosas mas importantes que debería tener un juego de ritmo es nulo input lag, y por alguna razón, este juego lo tiene a montones. Al tocar un botón el juego te lo toma como 1 segundo después y sencillamente hace al juego casi imposible de superar incluso en el tutorial, lo que te obliga a adaptarteDesgraciadamente los gráficos y la música son lo único bueno que este juego tiene. Una de las cosas mas importantes que debería tener un juego de ritmo es nulo input lag, y por alguna razón, este juego lo tiene a montones. Al tocar un botón el juego te lo toma como 1 segundo después y sencillamente hace al juego casi imposible de superar incluso en el tutorial, lo que te obliga a adaptarte al funcionamiento del juego, elevando la dificultad artificialmente. Es una pena la verdad que el juego acabara así. Ademas de ser super corto. Suponiendo que seas bueno de manera tal que no pierdas, puedes pasártelo en tan solo media hora, lo que lo convierte también en un juego con nula rejugabilidad.
    Una de las cosas que tengo que alabar sin embargo, es que puedes hacer ritmos diferentes al que el juego te pide, y si haces uno "lógico" te lo contara como bien, cosa que me sorprende que otros juegos de ritmo no sigan con esta mecánica.
    Ser uno de los primeros juegos de ritmo no lo excusa de estos fallos.    … Expand
  24. edxtan
    Jun 12, 2023
    3
    PaRappa the Rapper makes up for its poor design with tracks that are absolute fire.
  25. LoneWolf912s
    Jul 3, 2022
    8
    juego de ritmo muy divertido y desafiante y artísticamente muy bueno!!!!!!!
  26. Za_Uvek
    Jun 7, 2021
    6
    The big question might be, does Parrappa The Rapper hold up to the test of time? A better question might be, did it ever hold up?

    No one can deny that this games presentation was great and still is today. From the cute characters to the 3D 'paper like' animations to the hip hop songs. It all comes together in a nice bundle. However, the game-play suffers tremendously. For a game that is    The big question might be, does Parrappa The Rapper hold up to the test of time? A better question might be, did it ever hold up?

    No one can deny that this games presentation was great and still is today. From the cute characters to the 3D 'paper like' animations to the hip hop songs. It all comes together in a nice bundle. However, the game-play suffers tremendously. For a game that is all about button prompting along with the rhythm, it sure is inconsistent. It's biggest failing is that there is very little direction as to when the player should hit each button. Sometimes you score for a late press, sometimes for earlier, sometimes on the beat, sometimes on the off-beat. I'm sure some of the allure can be trying to figure all this out level by level. But without clear decisive rules to the game, it can cause a hell of a lot of frustration.

    Very novel in it's day, but the problems stated above sure do overshadow this games originality. Could have been a staple in history if the timing issues weren't there, but is more of a cult classic for the nostalgic.    … Expand
  27. Dandys1
    Jun 30, 2020
    8
    Despite its short story and only 6 levels, Parappa the Rapper is charming cartoony rhythm based game which is targeting for young audience, but might be appealing for anyone nevertheless. The premise is pretty simple, rap your way through every tough situation in your life and don't forget, YOU GOTTA BELIEVE!
  28. WWD2
    Sep 14, 2021
    3
    Generally speaking, I have no problem with games with absurdist plots (I always took a Wozniakian liking to the original Chibi-Robo) but the plot to this rhythm game felt a bit more like a distraction with how strange and out-of-pocket it was. While the plot has no bearing on the gameplay, it just felt like one long non-sequitur, and the fact that the things PaRappa says in cutscenes areGenerally speaking, I have no problem with games with absurdist plots (I always took a Wozniakian liking to the original Chibi-Robo) but the plot to this rhythm game felt a bit more like a distraction with how strange and out-of-pocket it was. While the plot has no bearing on the gameplay, it just felt like one long non-sequitur, and the fact that the things PaRappa says in cutscenes are silly but apparently trying to sound inspiring makes me feel pretty disconnected from the character.

    I try not to fault gameplay when I’m just really bad at it, but for a rhythm game the timing of everything seemed…off. It’s hard to explain, but when you’re listening to a song and pick up on the beat, you’re able to predict the rhythm the lyrics come in at. But during the game, the button presses (or PaRappa’s “rapping”) come in too early for the established beat. It doesn’t render the game unplayable, far from it, but you kind of have to abandon following the rhythm of you want to progress.

    This game DOES get a number of things right, hence the cult following it has gained over the years. The songs are catchy, particularly the first one, and the game compensates for the extremely difficult levels by only offering six of them. It also has a pretty intuitive practice section, which I got a lot of utility from.

    I could really only see a PS1 collector picking up this game, but to be fair it’s a pretty important title to have to make a collection feel complete, since it was pretty significant back in the consoles heyday. However, if you haven’t played PaRappa the Rapper as a casual PS1 owner, you’re not missing out on much.    … Expand
  29. WillCantCode
    Sep 17, 2021
    10
    original rhythm game and retro, cute characters and amazing graphics for PlayStation 1. Catchy songs that you can’t get stuck out of your head, and funny story
  30. Jattaman
    Jan 12, 2023
    8
    Stile grafico e personaggi fantastici, musichette che ancora ricordo dopo tantissimi anni.
    Qualche problema con il timing non gli impedisce di essere ricordato tra i simboli della sua generazione.
    Un punto in più per la coraggiosa unicità e originalità del gameplay.
  31. JaydonB
    Oct 25, 2022
    10
    PaRappa the Rapper is an interesting game. It has a lot of great wit, humor, and 90s nostalgia that'll make you go, "Wow!".

    It's talked highly about for a good reason, and definitely deserves a high ranking. It has problems with poor input delay and the story being incredibly short, but this game sticks to you in terms of it's characters, music, and replayability. I absolutely love    PaRappa the Rapper is an interesting game. It has a lot of great wit, humor, and 90s nostalgia that'll make you go, "Wow!".

    It's talked highly about for a good reason, and definitely deserves a high ranking. It has problems with poor input delay and the story being incredibly short, but this game sticks to you in terms of it's characters, music, and replayability. I absolutely love Rodney's character design and I personally will go out to say that PaRappa has one of the most unique, eye catching appearances I've seen from a video game character. T

    This game hasn't aged well, but it's better to play this original over the remaster. I love this game and I hope you'll be able to see past the mistakes and love it as much as I do.    … Expand
  32. AnthonyStf
    Jun 18, 2023
    7
    Although a 7 is yellow, I still consider it a green. It would be a 10 if it wasn't for the sequel

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

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
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
  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.
    Read full review
  2. 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!
    Read full review
  3. 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.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »