About
Ratatan is a side-scrolling action game built on a rhythm-game core. Players command an army of cute creatures by tapping out beats, ordering them to attack, defend, or march forward. Pitched as a spiritual successor to the 'Patapon' series, it adds a roguelike structure and four-player online co-op to the formula. Each run involves battling through stages to gather resources and upgrades before facing a boss.
Verdict
Ratatan marches onto the screen with a gorgeous art style and the unmistakable beat of a beloved PSP classic. For a few runs, the rhythm-action gameplay captures some of that old magic. But the beat quickly fades. The roguelite structure feels shallow and repetitive, turning each expedition into a chore rather than a tactical challenge. With a severely limited soundtrack and a long list of missing features that disappointed its backers, Ratatan feels less like a finished symphony and more like an unfinished demo.
You'll like it if …
- +You're looking for a simple, casual rhythm game and don't mind repetition.
- +The 'Patapon' aesthetic is all you need for a few hours of fun.
- +You can appreciate charming art, even when its accompanying music is on a short loop.
You'll dislike it if …
- −You expect a deep roguelite with meaningful progression and variety.
- −Repetitive music in a rhythm game is a deal-breaker.
- −You were a Kickstarter backer expecting the full list of promised features.
Breakdown
- +The core rhythm-based command system is initially satisfying.
- +Co-op play can add a layer of chaotic fun to the beat-keeping.
- −The gameplay loop quickly becomes a repetitive grind.
- −Feels less like its strategic 'Patapon' ancestor and more like a shallow action game.
- −Enemy and level variety is thin, making runs feel identical.
- +A variety of troop types exist, hinting at build diversity.
- −Strategic decision-making is minimal, with few meaningful choices per run.
- −Progression systems offer little sense of growing power or new options.
- −Most equipment and troop upgrades feel inconsequential.
- −The roguelite elements lack the variety to encourage repeated playthroughs.
- +The overall charm and character design carry a lighthearted tone.
- −Lacks any meaningful plot or character development.
- −Story is a thin wrapper for the gameplay loop, not a driving force.
- +Gorgeous hand-drawn 2D art style is consistently charming.
- +Character and enemy animations are lively and full of personality.
- −The soundtrack is offensively repetitive, with only a few tracks for the entire game.
- −For a rhythm game, the lack of musical variety is a critical flaw.
- −Reports of performance hitches and instability.
- +The basic menu interface is functional, if occasionally clumsy.
- −Feels unpolished and unfinished, riddled with bugs and translation errors.
- −Missing many features promised to Kickstarter backers, creating significant ill will.
- −UI can be clumsy, especially when managing your large army.
score