PROJECT RAP RABBIT
PaRappa and Gitaroo creators show new game
Proud PS1 players of the past, prick up your ears. The geniuses behind two kooky titles that inspired a genre have teamed up to sing a new tune on PS4.
Project Rap Rabbit is the working title of a joint creation by Masaya Matsuura (the man behind rhythmaction classics PaRappa The Rapper and UmJammer Lammy) and Keiichi Yano (who gave us button-tapping musical battler Gitaroo Man). Bring both together, and what we get is a fresh rhythm-action game that has you perform in comedy rap battles.
The best setting for a hip-hop showdown? 16th-century Japan, obviously. And the hero that’s about to reunite a world divided by fear? You – as Toto-Maru. This bunny boy has a unique power: he can win hearts and fell foes by spitting bars. Along with sidekick/hype frog Otama-Maru, you’ll put the lyrical hurt on rivals. It uses the typical ‘call and response’ system – but with a twist. “We’ve set out to challenge the established gameplay systems in the rhythm-action genre,” Yano-san says. “We’re intent on having players play this game actively, not passively.”
RHYME AND BUN-ISHMENT
Key phrases in your opponent’s raps are highlighted. When it’s time to retort, make ‘em eat their own words like linguistic linguini. Tapping w,r, q, or e selects a phrase to pick up on, then an emotion wheel – like in Mass Effect and Fallout 4 – lets you set the tone. Boastful? Jokey? Dismissive? Certain options deal more damage to your enemy’s Swag Gauge; reduce it to zero for the win. You’ll keep that flow funky by pressing buttons on the beat; bad timing will reduce your Swag Gauge.
With advanced tactics, tricks, and bonuses galore to ramp up scores and dominate the leaderboards, this bunny’s bound to have even parappa pipped for true MC mastery.
Need Project Rap Rabbit? Donate to the Kickstarter here: bit.ly/RapRabbit.