NaNaOn-Sha

Created by Masaya Matsuura, the man who pioneered music-generated gaming in Vib Ribbon, Musika is certainly the most baffling game of the four. Not because of any exciting Japanese weirdness or ultra-tough difficulty (both staples of old school rhythm action), but simply because there appears to be no game here.

PaRappa The Rapper 2 had the feeling of an append but came advertised as a full game, and when judged as such it simply doesnt measure up.

It's only March, and it's already been a great season for diverse gamers. For proof, we need look no further than the niche genre of music gaming. For a category of entertainment that had formerly been labeled too Japanese for western tastes, music games seem to be here to stay. It's funny to look back and see that such a thing was almost unthinkable even as recently as five years ago.

According to the ESRB, this game contains: Mild Language

Game Description: You gotta' do what? You gotta' believe that he's back! See if you have enough rhythm to keep the beat with everyone's favorite rappin' puppy. Join PaRappa and a cast of characters old and new on a mission of the greatest importance: to prevent the Evil Noodle Syndicate from turning everything into noodles. Dance along with the foot-stomping tunes and catchy lyrics created by musician Masaya Matsuura, the talent behind the original PaRappa the Rapper. As in the original game, the graphics were created by New York artist Rodney Greenblat. The title includes guest appearances by Lammy and her band MilkCan, plus the ultimate rapping sensei, Chop Chop Master Onion. The multiplayer mode allows two rapping disciples to square off, while the practice mode lets you learn how to get your beat on.

While I agree with some of Dale's gripes, I had a slightly more positive reaction to Lammy. Many of my own initial complaints stemmed more from the start of the game, which seems to mirror PaRappa too closely.

PaRappa was the first music-based video game to hit the market and when gamers took to it right away, it changed just about everything in the industry.

According to ESRB, this game contains: Comic Mischief

Game Description: Where Lammy goes mosh pits follow. She's the guitar-slinging megastar of an all-chick band called MilkCan. Help Lammy make it to her big gig on timeby jamming to everything from rock to punk. You can even take on another player with an awesome two-player mode. Um Jammer Lammy...it rocks.

PaRappa's concept based on rap, plays something like a cross between Simon-Says and Tekken-style 10-hit combos in a music video. While this may sound simple, it no where near demonstrates the depth of the game.