The first PaRappa the Rapper game on the PlayStation was widely credited as the first major music game to hit these shores.

After a sequel of sorts in the guitar-themed Um Jammer Lammy, the original development team has brought out a true sequel to the PlayStation 2.

Unfortunately, PaRappa the Rapper 2 does not always hit the right notes.

The game features PaRappa, a laid-back puppy who, together with his best mate PJ, takes life at his own pace.

Although he is delighted to win 100 years' worth of noodles in a hamburger show prize draw, after eating them every morning, noon and night, he craves a new taste sensation.

This is just the start of PaRappa's noodle nightmare as the shadowy Noodle Gang hits PaRappa Town, turning everything into noodles.

So he decides to do something about it.

Like the original, you play by repeating the rap lines of the different stage's characters in rhythm to a song.

You are awarded points according to how well you rap, not just by imitating the other character's delivery, but by freestyling the lines in your own way.

The lines vary in complexity as you make your way through the game but, even at the easiest levels, it's difficult to be a smooth operator unless you have Eminem's timing.

The game features similar cartoon graphics as the original, although the characters have been refined and the jagged edges of its predecessor have gone.

But you can be so busy watching what buttons to press you miss the on-screen action.

The main problem with the game is the soundtrack is less strong than the original, lacking a true outstanding ditty, although the Beard Burger Master's stage one ditty is pretty catchy.

The songs also lack the humour of the original, which is no small criticism when you're talking about a game starring a rapping puppy trying to rid the world of noodles.

PaRappa 2 isn't a bad game and should keep the kids happy for a few hours.

It could also be a pretty decent post-pub game for adults, as it includes a two-player mode to test your rapping skills against a friend. But video games have moved on and releases like Rez and Gitaroo-Man raise the standards in the genre while PaRappa 2 just provides more of the same.

Price: £39.99.

Contact: www.playstation.com
Feel good factor: 7 out of 10.