Masaya Matsuura made a name for himself when he introduced the Parappa the Rapper series and set off a growing trend in the rhythm-based video game genre. The founder of NanaOn-Sha talks about the potential of the now flourishing game genre and how developers should explore its vast potential. You can read about his interview in the full article after the jump.

More speakers have been added to the 2008 D.I.C.E. Summit's speaker roster. Joining the roster for next year's event are PaRappa the Rapper creator Masaya Matsuura, who is currently working on a new music title for the Nintendo Wii, and newly-appointed Entertainment Software Association president Michael D. Gallagher. More new speakers at the full article.

Being the creator and musical genius behind PaRappa the Rapper (PSOne, PSP), PaRappa the Rapper 2 (PS2), and UmJammer Lammy (PSOne), Masaya Matsuura has a lot of things on his mind right now.

Fresh from the announcement of Musika for the iPod, Matsuura was tagged by 1Up for an interview. Interesting tidbits have surfaced from the sit down, including hints of a possible sequel for the NanaOn-Sha rhythm-based games. With PaRappa the Rapper on the PSP just released, 1Up asked Matsuura if he was interested in doing another PaRappa game in the future.

Matsuura replies with: "Of course, PaRappa was made 10 years ago. [The gameplay style] is a little different in Musika than PaRappa. If I had a chance to make another PaRappa for some hardware, of course I would love to do that."

To fuel our hopes even more, Matsuura's even revealed that even Sony is interested in a sequel as well. Time for the fans to start crossing their fingers and screaming "I gotta believe!" But now that both parties - meaning Maatsura and Sony - have expressed interest, what's stopping them from really penning the said sequel?

Apparently, another factor seems to be the prospect of downloadable content on the PS3 via the PlayStation Network, and to respond to the question, Matsuura says:

Personally, I really love the downloadable games on PS3, but currently I don't have any discussion with Sony Computer Entertainment people right now. We are exchanging casual e-mails, meeting up sometimes. I would not be surprised if these kinds of discussions will be started in the near future.

If this pushes through, we just might see the rapping dog back, a-kicking, a-punching, and a-blocking his way to the PSN.

The North American release of the PSP remake of SCEA's PaRappa the Rapper is fast approaching, and today we're bringing you five new screenshots from the game. The ones down below are various Win and Lose screens while the big one up top is hot of the intro for the game's first level. Check 'em out.

PaRappa the Rapper for the PSP is, as we mentioned earlier, the PSP remake of Masaya Matsuura and NanaON-Sha's original beat-breaking game for the first Sony PlayStation. Players can once again take control of PaRappa as he raps his way through all the stages in the game.

The remake will include support for up to four players through wireless multiplayer and a Game Sharing demo. PaRappa the Rapper is slated for a July release in the U.S.

PaRappa the Rapper will begin kicking and chopping North American shelves this July as Sony Computer Entertainment America finally decided to import the video game. Seeing that the title's gameplay is heavily dependent on rhythm, we reckon that you should be familiar first with how PaRappa the Rapper is played.

Here's a video trailer titled Kick Punch Gameplay. It involves one of the few "lessons" in the game. All you have to do to make the rap sound and look good is perform some kicks, punches, and turn around every now and then. Miss a move and you will be sure to notice the change in the beat.

PaRappa the Rapper was created by musician Masaya Matsuura and graphic artist Rodney Grenblat under the development studio NanaOn-Sha.

Are you ready to dance and rap with PaRappa? Well, you better be because Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) just confirmed that it is finally bringing PaRappa the Rapper to North America this July.

And if we may add, initial details look very promising: four player multiplay and eight playable remixes. The video game title was originally released on PlayStation 1 (PSOne) back in 1996. Ten years after, the PlayStation Portable (PSP) remake of this same title hit Japan.

Basically, the new game is similar to the one that is available in Japan - a remake of the PSOne version. But still, a memorable title such as this deserves to be available in as many markets as possible.

Anyway, PaRappa the Rapper was created by video game development studio NanaOn-Sha with the help of musician Masaya Matsuura and New York graphic artist Rodney Greenbalt. Gameplay involves repeating a sequence of sounds and light, and if you get the sequence and the timing correct, then you will hear PaRappa rap.

SCEA also added that the U.S. version will allow players to share a level demo wirelessly, as well as download eight additional playable remixes.