- Game: RATATAN
- Developer: TVT Co. Ltd. & Ratata Arts
- Publisher: Game Source Entertainment
- Genre: Action, Adventure, Casual, RPG & Indie
- Review Platform: PC
- Release Date: Out Now
Author’s Note: A Game Key for Keep Driving was kindly provided by Press Engine and Rennassiance PR
RATATAN!
Okay, with that out of the way, today we are taking a look at the fun and exciting rhythm rougelike game RATATAN. A game that takes rhythmic gameplay with side-scrolling action either solo or with up to four other players.
With mighty battles ahead and over 100 different fighting characters waiting to unfold. Players will find themself teaming up with their Cobuns to attack, jump, defend and advance throughout the game all while accompanied by a very catchy number of tracks.
RATATAN is the spiritual successor to the highly popular PSP game Patapon. With this game being developed by Ratata Arts, Tokyo Virtual Theory and pH Studio alongside original creators Hiroyuki Kotani and composer Kemmei Adachi, who are also part of the RATATAN development.
Table of Contents
RATATAN Trailer
RATATAN has a storyline that accompanies you throughout the game. You’ll find yourself in Rataport, a lively island described as a bit of a toy box. This is where you’ll find the little peculiar animal-like creatures called Ratatan. They live contently with their friends, and while they may all look different and have different personalities, they all share the same dream.
This is to go to a place called The Everafter and to also meet someone called The Goddess, who lives there. As the Ratatan undertake a new journey filled with challenges just to get to The Everafter, it doesn’t matter how many times they fail, they’ll keep trying again and again until they finally meet The Goddess.
Curious to find out more? Take a look at the trailer below!
My RATATAN Experience
Well, as much as I love rhythm games, I’ve always been terrible, and Ratan has been no exception. Now this is not a reflection on the game itself but more so a skill issue with me, the player. Did I know what to expect? Not really. Was I curious to find out more? Of course. So, I jumped full speed into Ratatan to see exactly what the game was all about.
I did exactly that and began to make my way through the opening stages of the game. Guided by the tutorial, soon enough I was armed and ready to go with my team to take on some interesting rhythmic battles. It took a little bit of getting used to the controls to nail the different combinations in the right way, especially with getting the timings just right, but I could still see some small improvements.
With my little army ready at my side, I continued to take on each challenge, each battle in my stride. Sometimes it went to plan the first time around. Sometimes it took me a few attempts. Yet, despite that, I found the gameplay addictive, and while it did at times feel repetitive, I could see past that thanks to the accompanying music and visuals. I did struggle at times distinguishing enemies from my own mini army, but if I’m honest, that added to the fun of it all.
As I continued my way through the game, I spent time upgrading different things and exploring various options to help strengthen my team. At times I did feel that I was limited by the variety of different builds I could create, but with time I managed to try out different options, and that worked for me.
Before I round this off, I have to say that RATATAN played very well on Steam Deck. It does warn you that some text may be difficult to read, but it was just right for me. Controls were easy to adapt to as well as seamlessly switching from PC to Steam Deck too.
Overall, Ratatan was a game that was a fun experience and, despite being challenging at times, was a game I was glad I was able to check out. I still have a lot to learn, and I’m curious to see if a fresh playthrough will show the way I approach the levels differently.
If you are in the realm of looking for a new rhythm game that mixes roughlite features into it, or if you are a fan of PATAPON then RATATAN is certainly worth looking at!
In the meantime you’ll find me dancing along to the catchy music from RATATAN as I continue my own chaotic adventure!
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