I actually laughed at the name of this game at first (I figured the title to be a mistake... something I also did with Forrest Gump). I was wrong to laugh. Was it because the game actually had cutting edge graphics, blistering music, or CGI footage of kinky females? No. In fact, none of that was anywhere to be found (though the females in CGI could've increased the sales by a 5% margin). No folks, Parappa won't entice you for any of those reasons. However, it does have one ingredient which most of the current games of today fail to capture in all of their technical splendor. In the simplest of terms, Parappa is pure fun.

Parappa is Japanese for 'paper thin', which explains it's graphics to a tee. So don't expect goraud shading or textures to sizzle your eyes. The main appeal is behind its innocently cute theme. The story is based on a young pup known as Parappa who envisions nothing more than to win the heart of his dreams, Sunny Funny. Our hero will engage certain obstacles such as acquiring a license, fixing his father's broken car, and even finding the right words to tell Sunny how he feels. Cute eh? (I don't write these games, I just enjoy 'em). Digressing here, you'll jump right into Parappa with ease as you are introduced to the rest of his friends via a small intro. Towards the beginning. Though you will never actually play with these characters, at least you can tell your friends that you know the inner circle. =)

As the namesake addresses, you won't be shooting down soldiers or hopping on Goombas in this adventure. Here, you're only weapon is your rhythm and soul. What's that, you don't have any? Well then, that completes this review... move along. However, if you do happen to have that, let's continue as it is a key ingredient in order to prosper. At each stage, a short cinematic intro. will lead you up to the point where you will 'rap' your way to the next stage. Just how will you achieve this you ask? The fundaments are quite simple. Atop of the screen you will see a small gauge which represent the intervals which you must respond to the lyrics. In addition, an icon will trail across this gauge showing you the points in which to hit the corresponding buttons you have been instructed to press. At this point, a Parappa icon will show up prompting you at the point to hit the buttons in the same corresponding fashion.

Now, to convert all that into how it translates to the game; each level is composed of one rap. To illustrate, we will use Chop Chop Master Onion who you will visit at the Fruites Dojo. Upon the conclusion of his monologue, you'll begin the first level. Each level consists of four lessons, respectively to test your hand and eye coordination in order to move to the next stage. The beginning of his song is illustrated in this fashion:

• "Kick, Punch, it's all in the mind, if you want to test me, I am sure you'll find that the things I'll teach ya is sure to beat ya, never the less, you'll get a lesson from teacher, now Kick...!

At this point in time, the symbol which you have been prompted to hit will be displayed on the gauge previously addressed in the last paragraph. You, the player are required to hit this button at the same interval that Chop Chop demonstrated. At the lower right portion of your monitor, you'll notice another gauge. This is your performance monitor which will tell you how well you are responding to the instructed commands. Upon each successful sequence, this meter will blink "Cool", (the highest accommodation you can receive), "Good", "Bad" and "Awful", (which means, don't give up your day job in hopes to be on Showtime at the Apollo). In addition, Parappa will also acquire points for entering successful command input. If you fail to input a sequence incorrectly, not only will you lose points, but you can also disqualify yourself from moving onto the next level.

The environments are quite interactive as well. For example: in Master Onion's level, incorrect command inputs results in his students turning red due to embarrassment, a piece of the floor will periodically come up from the floor and Master Onion himself will begin to lay down due to disappointment and utter boredom. Heh, what's really hilarious is also how the music will also change depending on your skills. If you command, then the music shall remain the same, but if you start to make mistakes, then music will alter slightly in a quite humorous fashion. True ingenious on Masaya's part!

The game consists of six levels. The first, which we have already introduced you to is none other than Chop Chop Master Onion's. You'll also meet a driving instructor (Moussellini), a Used Goods retailer who sings Reggae, a TV baker, and the last level is basically one huge rap contest. No, I didn't forget about the fifth level. This actually requires an explanation. Basically you must rap your way to the bathroom... seriously! You actually encounter all four bosses again who apparently have to go to the restroom as much as you do, and then have to be challenged in a rap battle to win. Thankfully, we don't have to worry about such matters in real life! The rap contest in the end is quite enjoyable and I thought that it was a great touch to conclude the game's final level.

The graphics flat, 2-D look fits the game perfectly. I personally don't believe that I would've been as enticed and amused by Parappa if it were depicted in any other dimension. All of the characters are actually adequately animated as they turn, contort and give you a surrealistic impression that they actually exist! As you watch them maneuver throughout the fictionalized world, you'll find it easy to become involved and sure enough, you'll be memorizing the lyrics too. Yes, you will!

The sounds, specifically the voices, are fantastic. You'll have no problems identifying with each character. Parappa truly sounds like a young hip guy and his supporting characters help shape the funky universe of his (all of the voices are quite professional and that's a plus in my book considering that most titles usually fail in this area). Although you may not find any of these songs as a personal request for your local radio station, they are quite enjoyable. The lyrics are too contagious and entertaining to ignore. My personal favorites are Mousellini and Cheap Cheap (you beef jerky!). I liked them so much that I had to get them!

If you haven't picked up Parappa the Rapper by now, do so. It's truly enjoyable even if you have beaten it a dozen times. It's irresistibly cute themes and addicting song lyrics are just too cool to pass up, no matter selective you may be.

· · · Bahn