Completion time: 46:15

PaRappa the Rapper is magical. Its experience is so unique, special and memorable, that attempts to replicate its success have failed each time, whether it was the PS2 sequel, or the PS1 spinoff Umjammer Lammy. Both failed to reach the high of the original title, and there were plenty of highs.

The characters are full of charisma, the music is exceptional, the lyrics are tight. For me, even more than Guitar Hero: Metallica, this is the end-all-be-all for rhythm video games. About the only shortcomings come from the occasional oddities with button taps being hit perfectly showing as a fail, and the brevity of the experience. I think they could have done two more songs before the game overstayed its welcome.

There really isn’t much more to say that hasn’t been said to death about PaRappa the Rapper. It’s one of the best games of its generation, and it’s an experience you have to try at least once in your life. Cheap Cheap the Chicken is still cheap, but she’s charming, just like the rest of the cast. Supposedly there’s some input delay issues with the remaster that was released years back, so I’d recommend trying to hunt down a PS1 copy, and honestly, whatever you pay is going to be well worth it.

Rating: 10