PaRappa the Rapper – The Very First True Rhythm Game
Back before the days when every other game was a bonified shooter, true creativity would be the thing that set many franchises apart.
Innovative gameplay mechanics, unique graphical style, and charming narratives enriched our experiences rather than dopamine hits and one game did all of the above and more. Introducing PaRappa the Rapper, a game that when released was so unique that it created a lifelong fanbase that still today loves the game, and is even considered the first true game of its own genre.
Released in 2006 in Japan and 2007 worldwide exclusively for PlayStation, PaRappa the Rapper is a rhythm video game developed by NanaOn-Sha. The game has an unmistakable art direction, blending 2D and 3D together to create a playful, and sometimes uncomfortable, looking world. Despite the abnormality of how the graphics and world come together, it’s this wonderfully unique aesthetic that really helped shape PaRappa the Rapper to be an all-time classic; that, and of course, it's addictive and down-right brutal gameplay mechanics.
As mentioned before, this was a rhythm game that as the name suggests, focuses on rapping. You play as PaRappa, a paper-thin rapping dog that is determined to win over a flower-like girl he has a crush on named Sunny Funny. This then sets him on a journey to do numerous things that will impress her. The game has you meet different people and engages you in rapping sequences which tell the story.
The gameplay wise on the surface is extremely simple. This does not mean it is not challenging though, especially to get everything perfect. You must hit the correct corresponding buttons in the correct rhythm, and the better time you get it the better score you receive. The game teaches you to keep on beat and match the flow of the other character on the stage.
The game was critically acclaimed, with the only real flaw at the time being that it was so short. Designed by Masaya Matsuura, a musical artist at the time, and artist Rodney Greenblat, it's clear to see how the game took this unique turn when looking into both creatives.
