Ratatan review

Patapon first introduced rhythm-based tribal warfare to the world on the PSP in 2007. Since then, the rhythm-based strategy game has seen two sequels and a couple of remasters. With Ratatan, we get to see the spirit of that beloved franchise return with a fun cast of commanders across an addictive roguelite adventure. Will you be able to lead the cobun to the Everafter to meet the Goddess?

First, let’s discuss the obvious similarities to the Patapon franchise. You’ll input commands to the beat, and each properly input chain will give your army orders. Your army consists of a group of small, one-eyed creatures called “cobun,” who can wield a variety of weaponry. You’ll march your army across the world of Rataport with the goal of meeting the Goddess in the Everafter.

Now, let’s discuss a few of the mechanics that set Ratatan apart from Patapon. First, this is a roguelite game. You’ll march across the world, gathering power-ups and conquering the armies that stand in your way. As the player, you’ll control one of eight “ratatan” - the game’s commanders. Each has a distinctly nature-focused aesthetic and commands a particular set of warriors. For example, Mimizukyun is an owl and controls an army comprised of archers and warhammer-wielding soldiers, while Keroronpa is a frog that commands swordsmen and bombers. Each world consists of a series of rooms you’ll have to work through, which typically present a combat challenge or offer some respite, like a shop. You’re typically rewarded with coins and an element-based power-up of some sort. While most elemental skills offer some sort of passive benefit, there’s also one for normal attacks and one for special attacks that grant a special elemental bonus, too. Play through enough rooms, and you’ll face the stage boss. If you can topple those challenges, you’ll get to move on to new locations and adventures.

Once you’ve played a bit, you’ll earn the right (with each Ratatan commander) to utilize multiple special attacks and a unique rhythm ability. These rhythm abilities, called “Super Fever Skills”, can turn the tide of a tight battle and range from shielding your warriors to dishing out massive damage.

Each cobun can be equipped with a weapon and an accessory. You’ll obtain new, rare weapons as you play. To make your cobun army more powerful, you can upgrade their weapons by sacrificing unused weapons for weapon XP. Beyond sheer firepower, weaponry can contribute to a cobun’s health, attack power, or special traits, making each piece of gear worthy of consideration.

You’ll also earn tons of materials to purchase permanent upgrades for your team. Health, power, inspiration, and more can be augmented to keep your squad fighting harder for longer. As you defeat bosses, you can earn special materials that can be used to make special weapons for your cobun army. Each run contributes to the long game, so it’s never wasted time.

Ratatan’s aesthetic really is a vibe. All of the characters are bright and stylish, as is the world they inhabit. Rataport is a vibrant place to hang out. What would a rhythm-based game be without music, though? Thankfully, I found virtually every stage tune to be a bop. For the entirety of my time with the game, I bounced my head along to the beat...not just because it helped my timing, but because the music was just fun. The various tunes with all the little high-pitched singing critters have an earworm-like effect that left me humming along long after I’d stepped away from the game.

For as much as I like Ratatan, I’d like to see some considerations made for the future. Yes, it’s a roguelite…but there has to be a better way to do progression than the same basic level progression over and over. I’ve beaten the first few stages so many times at this point; I see them as more of a necessary evil than anything newly engaging. There is some variety with the per-room goal, but it would’ve been nice to see that cadence shaken up a bit.

Barring the early-game repetitive nature of its roguelite formula, Ratatan is a bright, fun rhythm-based game with a gorgeous aesthetic and bangin’ tunes. Combine that with the steady drip of permanent progression and plenty of replayability, and you have an excellent package you’re set to enjoy for hours on end.