Ratatan Emerges as Patapon’s Spiritual Successor

The infectious, hypnotic beat of “Pata-Pata-Pata-Pon” defined a generation of portable gaming. For years, fans of the beloved Patapon series have longed for a return to its unique rhythm-action battlefields. That wait is finally over. Ratatan, the direct spiritual successor crafted by key original developers, has launched into Early Access, promising to recapture the magic while forging a bold new path for the genre. This isn’t a mere nostalgia trip; it’s a full-blooded revival designed for a modern era.

What is Ratatan and How Does it Evolve the Classic Formula?

Ratatan stands as the highly anticipated spiritual successor to the iconic Patapon series. At its core, the gameplay loop remains blissfully familiar and uniquely engaging. Players command an army of charming creatures called Cobuns by inputting drumbeat-like button sequences in time with an infectious soundtrack. Each four-beat combination issues a different command: attack, defend, advance, or retreat. Mastering the rhythm is the sole path to victory, creating a flow state unlike any other game.

However, Ratatan is far more than a simple rehash. The development team has significantly expanded upon the original formula with several key innovations:

• Roguelike Elements: Each run through Ratatan’s stages is now unique. Randomized upgrades, weapons, and enemy encounters ensure no two playthroughs are identical, adding immense replayability.
• Deeper RPG Systems: A more robust progression system allows for unlocking and upgrading a wide arsenal of weapons and gear, letting players tailor their army to their preferred playstyle.
• Increased Chaos and Scale: The developers have emphasized a goal of creating more chaotic and large-scale battles than were possible on the PSP, with screen-filling enemies and spectacular special attacks.

How Did Ratatan Come to Be?

The journey to Ratatan’s creation began not in a boardroom, but in a much more personal setting. The project was born from a conversation between the original Patapon creator, Hiroyuki Kotani, and producer Saisu Sakijiri Kazuto. Their shared desire to revisit this unique style of gameplay after 14 years was the catalyst. The team expressed a profound respect for the legacy of Patapon but was equally driven to deliver a fresh experience that modern audiences would embrace. This meant looking at contemporary gaming trends, with the roguelike genre being a primary inspiration for its structure and replay value.

What to Expect from Ratatan’s Early Access Launch

The initial Early Access build on Steam provides a substantial glimpse into the full vision for Ratatan. Players can immediately dive into five distinct stages and command all eight launch characters. This content offers a solid foundation, showcasing the core rhythm combat, the new roguelike progression, and the charming visual style that honors its predecessor while establishing its own identity. The developers have outlined a roadmap that includes two major content updates during the Early Access period, which will add more stages, features, and refinements based on community feedback before the game’s final full release on PC and consoles.

Ratatan successfully resurrects the irreplaceable thrill of rhythm-based warfare, transforming a beloved classic into a modernized, chaotic, and deeply engaging experience for a new generation. By honoring the past while boldly innovating for the future, this spiritual successor is poised to win the hearts of Patapon veterans and newcomers alike. Join the rhythm revolution and command your Cobun army by wishlisting Ratatan on Steam today.

Must Know

Is Ratatan a direct sequel to Patapon?
No, Ratatan is a spiritual successor. It is developed by key members of the original Patapon team but exists in its own universe with new characters, specifically the Cobuns, and expanded gameplay mechanics like roguelike elements.

What is the main gameplay loop of Ratatan?
The core gameplay involves inputting sequences of buttons in time with a musical beat to issue commands to your army of Cobuns. These commands make them attack, defend, or move. The game incorporates roguelike elements, meaning each run features randomized upgrades and challenges.

Who is developing Ratatan?
Ratatan is being developed by Ratata Arts and Tokyo Virtual Theory. The team includes producer Saisu Sakijiri Kazuto and the original creator of Patapon, Hiroyuki Kotani.

What platforms will Ratatan be on?
Ratatan is currently in Early Access on Steam. The developers have confirmed plans for a full release on PC and consoles at a later date, following the Early Access period.

What does the Early Access version include?
The Early Access version on Steam includes five playable stages and all eight initial characters, providing a solid foundation of the game’s core rhythm-action and roguelike progression systems.