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. 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
  4. 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.
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  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
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