Sony Launches PaRappa the Rapper on PSP

One of the first rhythm action games makes a return in portable form at the height of the gaming trend it helped spawn.

First Sony gives PSP fans a new version of their system, and now: a rejuvenated title from the days of the original Playstation. Although a new PaRappa the Rapper game for PSP has been available in Japan since December, Wednesday will mark the official release of the game in North America.

The first PaRappa for Playstation was released nearly 10 years ago, and is widely credited with being one of the first rhythm action games – the same kind creating buzz today with titles like Guitar Hero III and Rock Band. "Similar to how the hit single ‘Rapper’s Delight’ spawned a generation of hip-hop music, the original PaRappa the Rapper was a smashing success and started a revolution in video games by creating a new type of music and timing gameplay with a unique artistic style," said Rodney Greenblat, one of the artists that contributed to PaRappa.

The newest PaRappa  will harness the PSP’s networking capability to allow four players to battle each other head-to-head, and even download remixes. Many of the original characters, including Chop Chop Master Onion, Instructor Mooselini, MC King Kong Mushi and more will return. Six levels will require PaRappa to do everything from getting his driver’s license to learning how to bake.

PaRappa the Rapper for PSP will retail for $29.99.