Rhythm games feel bigger than ever in recent years, with many games from series both new and old releasing across PC and consoles. One of the most beloved rhythm games came in the form of Patapon, released in 2007 for the PSP. As you clear different stages, you command an army of one-eyed creatures using buttons to input different combos to the tune of the beat. Following this release, a series was formed, with two sequels being released for PSP. While Patapon was largely left untouched besides a remaster for PlayStation 4, a spiritual successor from both the Director and Composer was revealed in the form of Ratatan.
Ratatan puts a new spin on the world of rhythm games, combining the Patapon-like style of rhythm input with a roguelike. While it follows in the footsteps of Patapon as a spiritual successor, Ratatan is more like an evolution, offering brand-new ways to experience a world of rhythm. Naturally, making a successor to Patapon is an exciting thing in itself: over 150,000 people have wishlisted the game on Steam, and Ratatan was the top video game Kickstarter project of 2023. At the beginning of each run, you will select your Ratatan. There are dozens of these, with each having unique and charming designs.
Your Ratatan will lead your Cobun in any way you choose. You have the ability to command them, and your fate depends on it. The better that you’re able to time your input combos with the beat, the better that all the characters perform. Each stage you clear will give you a reward, with some offering you the choice of three different cards to add to your run. These all give different perks or abilities, as you might expect.
The visuals are genuinely beautiful, with crisp sprites complemented by gorgeous drawn backgrounds. The 2D animation that’s created with this is simply perfection, offering a game that is endlessly charming. I never got tired of watching my Cobun march onwards and attack the various enemies and bosses.
By far, the most interesting thing about Ratatan to me is the ability to play with four players. That’s right: as you command different characters to defend, fight, and march forward, you can do so alongside other players. Offering multiplayer seems like a recipe for a ton of fun, and I’m looking forward to seeing how these levels are handled in the game with four players. Regarding multiplayer, I see this as a game that will be a true joy to play on Steam Deck and other handheld PCs, especially.
Of course, music has to be the most important thing in a rhythm game. Patapon Composer Kemmei Adachi is back for Ratatan, and the level I had the opportunity to check out offered some very catchy music. After some time with the game, I have no doubt I’ll be humming the various themes all day long. Admittedly, I’m curious to see how the rest of the soundtrack pans out since this was only a sample, but I have high hopes. Beyond Adachi’s compositions, it’s been confirmed that David Wise has composed a guest track for the game, which I’m looking forward to hearing.
In addition to our hands-on preview, we had the chance to speak with Producer Saisu Sakijiri Kazuto from TVT Co. Ltd, who are developing Ratatan in collaboration with Ratata Arts.
Ratatan is building off the legacy of Patapon, yet carving a new path forward. What are you hoping that players will take away from the game?
Kazuto-san: Of course, we’re very happy that fans of Patapon are excited for Ratatan. However, what we’re really excited about is the fact that Ratatan is a brand-new, original game. There are similarities between the two IPs, but obviously a lot of differences, too. We’re excited for fans of Patapon to come enjoy Ratatan for what it is, but we are also looking forward to new players experiencing the game.
One of the defining features of Ratatan is multiplayer. What went into the decision to make multiplayer a key feature of the game?
Kazuto-san: At TVT, we have developed multiplayer technology in the past, so that was one of the main reasons that we implemented that into Ratatan. Additionally, with Hiroyuki Kotani, the original designer of Patapon, coming back to work on this title, this was a feature he also wanted to implement into the game.
Finally, which Ratatan is your favorite? I know it’s probably a tough choice!
Kazuto-san: I like all the characters – they’re all my favorite! If I had to choose one, though, I would have to choose the cat since I am a fan of cats.
Ratatan is set to enter early access on July 25 on PC via Steam.
