A Rhythmic Resurrection on Modern Consoles
Ratatan, the spiritual successor to the 2007 rhythm-strategy game Patapon, launched on October 14, 2026, for PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch 2. Developed by Ratata Arts and TVT, the title revives the original’s core mechanics while introducing a roguelite structure, according to a review by videogiocare.it.
From Japan Studio to New Frontiers
The original Patapon series debuted on the PSP in 2007. Created by Japan Studio, the game gained a dedicated following by tasking players with issuing commands to an army of creatures through rhythmic button sequences. Following the closure of Japan Studio, the future of that formula seemed destined to live on mostly through nostalgia and re-releases. Hiroyuki Kotani, creator of the original series, had other plans. Alongside several former collaborators, he created Ratata Arts and started the development of Ratatan, a project funded through Kickstarter that acts as a spiritual successor to Patapon.
From Kickstarter to Global Launch
The project was initially funded through a Kickstarter campaign. Following a period of development, Ratatan debuted in early access on PC in September 2025, before reaching its final version on October 14, 2026, on PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch 2. The transition to a roguelite format allows players to embark on expeditions, facing increasingly difficult bosses and gathering resources to upgrade their army between runs.
Commanding the Beat
Players control one of eight available Ratatan commanders, each with specific characteristics, while leading an army of faithful Cobun. Unlike the original series, the commander can move freely, jumping and moving around to avoid enemy attacks while continuing to give orders to the Cobun. Precision remains essential; failing to maintain the rhythm results in compromised effectiveness for the entire army. The game also features a “Fever” mode that boosts troop performance when players successfully execute sequences.
Visual Ambition and Clutter
The game features a very rich, colorful, and cartoony style that distinguishes it from the minimalist style of Patapon. The soundtrack, with the return of Kemmei Adachi—already linked to Patapon and LocoRoco—together with the contribution of David Wise, gives the game a very strong musical identity. Despite the visual appeal, videogiocare.it reported that the screen can become overcrowded during intense battles, making it difficult for players to track enemy movements and critical indicators amidst the visual effects.
The Missing Features
While the game introduces new strategic layers through character customization and Ratakarute cards, some limitations remain. The experience currently lacks a local multiplayer mode, though it supports online cooperative play for up to four players. It remains to be seen how the developers will address the ongoing concerns regarding visual clarity in high-intensity encounters or if further content updates will mitigate the repetitive nature of the roguelite expeditions.
Related reading