You damn kids, with your Dance Dance Revolution and Let's Dance and Rock Bandin'. Back in my day, we had this awesome music game that just used the Playstation controller - Parappa The Rappa.
Well, okay - maybe the game length was a bit low, and the options were a bit lacking. If I'm recalling correctly, there was no stage select, and only five "real" stages: kung-fu, driving, flea market, cooking and the bathroom, followed by the ending.
All of those stages were really, really well-done when it came to the rhyming and rapping, but heck, there weren't that many of them. The game's graphics seemed somewhat simplistic, so even if they added on some not-as-good songs, I think it would have helped the game out.
It also would have helped if the game was a bit deeper. For example, letting you play as more than Parappa, taking different plot arcs, having multiple endings, etc. However, these are minor quibbles about a game that was always marketed as a bargainesque title. I think I paid $30 for it close to its release.
Initially, the game's popularity in October 1997 (13+ years ago, ace!) was helped out by some awesome commercials:
Say what you will about Sony and its elitist attitude at times, but them dudes sure do know how to make a commercial, between these early efforts and Kevin Butler now. And personally, I always had problems with that god damn flea market stage:
Hi Steve! I don't remember this game but the video was fun, especially the lizardy character and the kung fu dude, who incidentally seems like his head is fashioned after an onion. Good times!
ReplyDeletePS: You have been missed over at The Ranter's Box. I'm in the Thank Q for Common Sense blogging tournment. It ends today and I could really use your vote. There is a link on my blog post today. Thanks a bunch!
Never heard of this one. Interesting. You know, they come up with some great stuff these days, but some games of old remain untoppable.
ReplyDeleteWhat was that? Who green lighted including a rap about using the bathroom and a frog with "funky flow"? And was that an onion rapping in the very beginning?
ReplyDeleteGah. I hate getting in rap battles on my way to the bathroom.