Sony Japan Studio: 28 Best Games They Helped Create

27. PaRappa The Rapper

sony japan studio
SONY

Developed by: NanaOn-Sha

Back when the concept of a rhythm game was non-existent, Japan Studio joined forces with NanaOn-Sha to create this bright, toe-tapping, ambitious musical.

The game's concept centers around a happy-go-lucky pup, named Parappa, who wants to win over his flower girlfriend (who's a girl,that's actually a flower). Doing so, he has to go about upskilling himself, from passing his driving test, to becoming a karate master. All done via rhythmic button-mashing rap mini-games....cause he's a rapping dog.

It was a concept light years ahead of the game industry, and while the title didn't cause the ripples that Dance Dance Revolution eventually would, it grew a huge cult following from its endearing Saturday morning cartoon characters, challenging gameplay, and damn funky tunes.

It was a signifier that Japan Studio wasn't busy chasing trends, but taking risks and innovating.

A spin-off, Um Jammer Lammy, and the sequel, PaRappa the Rapper 2, eventually followed, but the first is still the best, and a remastered version is available on PSN.

All together now: "Kick! Punch! It's all in your mind."

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