Ratatan is a rhythmic strategy Roguelite that should make Patapon fans proud
Blog Andrew Joseph 21 Jun , 2025 0
The Patapon series on the original PSP helps define the quirky and easy-going nature of the beloved handheld handheld. As one of the first games in what you call the rhythm game, Patapon is directing a follower who follows the believer against a growing series of battles, all of which are the beats of their leader’s songs. The franchise has been dormant for a while, but that hasn't stopped the original developers from creating their successors, adding to the clever Roguelite twist.
During the 2025 Summer Game Festival, I had a special opportunity to see the latest Ratatan construction, which has made me a new leader in guiding my firm flock through some challenging skirmishes. It took me a few runs to find my groove facing ruthless opposition, but I can still see that Ratatan's idea is more than just to be a revival of the PSP Classic.
Ratatan takes place on the redone land, and music directs the fate of the little cape. After facing a fierce conflict with the invaders, Cobun works with a team of music guardians called Ratatan, who directed Cobun in a campaign to defend his land so that they could reach the legend of everafter. By choosing one of several Ratatans equipped with special instruments, you will be able to guide various Coben units and infantry with enemies, regain settlements and score enough power to shoot down each big boss.
Ratatan triggers the flow and rhythm of the original Patapon game, but raises the sense of scale to the action. Once the action starts, I love to see whimsical, more vibrant art styles coming soon. You can control the leader of the packaging, but not the subsequent units. In order for them to start moving, you need to execute commands that match the beat of the Ratatan stream. These commands include movement, jumping, defensive skills, and of course an offensive strike. Like the Patapon series, Ratatan’s biggest trick is to keep pace in battle.
While accepting a speech by game producer Saisu Sakijiri, Kazuto discusses the differences in how the game plays between Ratatan and Patapon, which tend to be more inclined to the action of the gameplay than the original game.
“Looking back at Patapon, these games have RPG-style influence, but with Ratatan, we'll be more focused on the gameplay, and of course, the elements that come with Roguelite Elements are there,” the producer said. “I was inspired by games like Hollow Knight, and I'm a big fan of mine, and I want to offer this rhythmic action gameplay.”
Finding your rhythm is essential, and I admit I definitely took some time to find mine. I kept asking myself if I was rushing or dragging when it comes to the beat of the command, but I also had to remember that I needed to anticipate and react to the enemy's attacks. In one example, I led my unit forward, but they walked almost immediately into the devastating counterattack of the enemy. It’s frustrating to face these setbacks, but once I recovered my grooves, things finally merged together, and I was locking the attack, dodging the enemy’s laser explosions and other hazards, making it easier.
The key to the gameplay style set with the Patapon series is to turn to the Roguelite experience. Each run lets you choose from a Ratatan lineup with trumpet, drums, tabas and guitars, all with special modifiers and privileges to use for combat. After the stage I was over, I was able to pick up different modifiers that applied attack and skill bonuses to units and ratatans.
It's a very familiar Roguelite loop, but it feels particularly exciting and fun in the context of rhythm games. Just like Hades and other Roguelites, you can set it in settings, and you can also access a hub base for characters that can chat with. These characters will help Ratatan by giving you the opportunity to purchase continuous upgrades for the squad, thus preparing them for fresh runs.
According to Ratatan’s producers, long-term fan feedback has emerged after a rapid success on Kickstarter in 2023, leading to the distinction between Ratatan and the focus on the unique experience.
“We're glad that the fans of the Patapon series enjoyed our games so far, but I do feel that Ratatan is very much the successor to Patapon and is doing their own things,” the producer said. “Modern things with the Roguelite element is a challenge, but also realizing that it's a challenge for players too. The game certainly has a learning curve, but we're glad to see the feedback we get from players.”
From my practice on the latest version of Ratatan, it's been a fun but really challenging rhythm game so far. But I can’t help but be attracted by its infectious world and flow. It's a revival that captures the original, quirky tone and gameplay, hoping its larger structure will blend together, possibly surpassing its predecessors.