Ratatan Review: A Rhythmic Roguelike With Patapon's Spirit

October 20, 2026 - 00:58

Ratatan carries much of what made Patapon so good in its DNA, though the roguelike twist freshens the package up a tad. The presentation, weird dialogue, and beats are grand, and though your first few runs will be a bit slow for my tastes, once you've started gathering upgrades and the like, Ratatan proves itself a worthy successor to the rhythm strategy formula.

The game builds on the core idea of commanding a quirky army through rhythmic button presses, but layers on roguelike progression that changes how each session plays out. Early runs feel deliberately restrained, asking you to learn enemy patterns and timing before handing over the more exciting tools. That pacing might test the patience of players expecting instant chaos, but the payoff arrives once upgrades begin stacking and your squad transforms into a properly tuned fighting force.

What stands out most is the commitment to personality. The strange dialogue and energetic soundtrack give every encounter a sense of theater, and the visual presentation keeps the action readable even when the screen fills with units and effects. It is the kind of game that rewards attention and repetition, slowly revealing its depth to anyone willing to stick with it past the opening hours.

Ratatan does not simply replay old hits. It takes a beloved foundation and pushes it in a direction that feels both familiar and refreshed, making it an easy recommendation for fans of rhythm games and strategic army builders alike.