Revival of Parappa Creator's Vib Ribbon Likely

Much to the joy of music game fans, PaRappa the Rapper (PSX, PSP) and Um Jammer Lammy (PSX) creator Masaya Matsuura's Vib Ribbon (PSX) may very well be receiving a modern update. Speaking with Gamasutra, the former pop idol and head of developer NanaOn-Sha revealed that he has been inundated with requests to revisit the dancing wire-frame rabbit. "I really think I have to do that," Matsuura noted. "ItÂ’s been many years since then, so I have to." Vib Ribbon achieved notoriety due to its option for players generate new levels by swapping the game disc with any music CD, the selected track of which would then play during the corresponding level--a feat few games have since accomplished. Though it saw retail in both Europe and Japan, many have long lamented the title's lack of a North America release. Matsuura's statements regarding a new Vib Ribbon title reflects some progress since he last spoke on the subject. "We are discussing the possibility of making a downloadable version of Vib Ribbon for Sony," he revealed back in May. "But, I don't know yet--Sony only recently launched their downloadable service in Japan, so maybe we need to wait a while before releasing a title with that kind of appeal." According to the creator, any new game would be "for new hardware, or downloadable," suggesting a possible release through the PlayStation 3's online PlayStation Store. Some have speculated that a new Vib Ribbon could potentially use MP3s or other digital audio formats in addition to or instead of music CDs. Despite the apparent good news, Matsuura also delivered a bit of a downer when he confirmed that the original will not appear as one of the PlayStation Store's downloadable legacy PlayStation offerings. However, he remains optimistic for the Sony-owned IP. "Sony is [currently] a little open with treatment of IPs, so if I get a lot of money, I can buy it from Sony," Matsuura mused.