Ratatan’s Roguelike Rhapsody: Marching to Mayhem with 100+ Tiny Titans
Ratatan doesn’t just ask you to play, it demands you perform. From the moment you land on the vibrant shores of Rataport, this rhythm-fueled roguelike throws you into a chaotic symphony of side-scrolling action, where timing is everything and hesitation means defeat. With over 100 adorable yet deadly Ratatans charging into battle, each beat becomes a command, each melody a war cry. This is not just a game, it’s a musical melee, a tactical dance, and a heartfelt journey to The Everafter that pulses with charm, challenge, and co-op camaraderie.
Ratatan Preview Pros
- Awesome cartoon graphics.
- 1.75GB Download size.
- Steam achievements.
- Full controller support.
- Display settings – display mode, resolution, v-sync, send data, and mouse lock.
- Controls can be remapped for both the keyboard and the controller.
- Gameplay settings – welcome mode, crowd finding rewards, rhythm command display, rhythm command mode (default/advanced), rhythm gauge mode (default/classic/hide), call on comtan, button icons, swap keys, display Cobuns’ health bar, display damage values, always display tokens, and player status display position.
- 3 save slots.
- Welcome mode is optional, and it breaks you into the game slowly and with more help.
- Eight playable Ratatan characters, each with a unique trait and abilities.
- Fast loading times.
- Rhythm action gameplay.
- The welcome mode and tutorial menu help you learn the game.
- Rataport is the hub of the game where you can do all things outside of gameplay, like shops, upgrades, and quest choices.
- Level up your character using a variety of resources and treats. What you upgrade depends on what you have, but you can freely clear upgrades and start again.
- The gameplay loop is you command a load of creatures called Cobuns and each one will follow you and have a particular attack, as you hit the notes on screen and depending on which button (Chant) you press, the Cobun will attack or do an ability.
- The bar at the bottom of the screen is like the runway in a game like Guitar Hero or something. Hitting the highlighted bars will trigger an instant rating of how good your timing was, and depending on which button you press, it will determine what will happen.
- The game uses its own noises and language, but the chants you shout out to Cobuns are recognisable and add to the charm of the game.
- It makes sense that devs from the Patapon games made a game like Patapon.
- You play on a 2.5D game world with colourful animated backgrounds and can move around freely, mostly to position yourself for Cobun attacks.
- Levels will be split up into events and can have intervals and special sequences.
- Pick up and recruit new Cobuns as you play.
- During intervals, you usually get the chance to pick one of three random cards that grant a buff or ability for the rest of the turn.
- Loadout for your character can be done in the hub, and it’s for Cobun, accessories, and weapons.
- On-screen button prompts, along with commands shown at all times.
- The support desk sells items that can make runs easier, like having more health appear, etc. You buy from the support desk in the hub.
- The quest board is just a seemingly endless list of quests you can do naturally. Visit the quest board to cash them in and get rewards.
- Collect loot from runs, and enemies can drop loot. Luckily, if you die, you still keep found loot.
- The blacksmith can be unlocked, and he lets you craft and upgrade weapons. Feed weapons into each other to level up weapons.
- At the end of each section, you get a choice between a doughnut or a piece of candy. Doughnuts are the currency for the support desk, and pieces of candy are for levelling your character up.
- It is definitely a game that, once it clicks, is very satisfying as you shout commands to your minions.
- Every run, no matter how bad or how short it is, you are always making some sort of progress. Even low-level loot helps upgrade weapons.
- At times, you will get to choose your path through a run; you do see the choices before committing.
- Online mode lets you choose – random match, friend host, and friend guest.
- Save from the pause menu in the hub. When in-game, you can suspend your run.
Ratatan Preview Cons
- No accessibility options like Colourblind or being able to turn off the flashing effects, etc.
- It’s a lot to take in and learn, I am not a fan early doors of having to try and quickly read the commands, then move to the right place and still try and avoid damage.
- For the first half hour, it will be frustrating as you learn what the flow is. I didn’t find that the welcome mode addressed all my concerns.
- It’s amazing how quickly a run can go from good to bad.
- I wish there were a more detailed help or practice arena.
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Ratatan
Developer: TVT Co. Ltd., Ratata Arts
Publisher: Game Source Entertainment
Store Link:
Ratatan Preview
Summary
Ratatan – The Thrills and Highlights of Gameplay: Ratatan throws you into a rhythm-fueled roguelike where timing is everything and hesitation means defeat. You command Cobuns’ adorable yet deadly minions through a chaotic side-scrolling battlefield, shouting chants to trigger attacks and abilities. The gameplay loop is tight and satisfying, with every run offering progress, loot, and upgrades. With eight playable characters, a hub full of shops and quests, and a musical melee that demands performance, Ratatan blends tactical action with rhythmic precision. The Guitar Hero-style runway and recognisable chant system add charm and clarity to the chaos.
Ratatan – Where It Falls Short: Key Negatives
Ratatan doesn’t offer accessibility options like colourblind support or the ability to disable flashing effects. The early game can feel overwhelming, especially when trying to read commands, move into position, and avoid damage all at once. The welcome mode helps, but doesn’t fully address the learning curve. Runs can collapse quickly, and the lack of a detailed help or practice arena makes the first half hour frustrating.
Ratatan – Immersive Story and Narrative Elements: From the moment you land on the vibrant shores of Rataport, Ratatan sets the stage for a heartfelt journey to The Everafter. The game’s unique language and chants build a world that feels alive, and the co-op camaraderie adds emotional weight to each battle. Events, intervals, and random card buffs shape each run, while the endless quest board and upgradeable loadouts keep the narrative flowing between action and downtime.
Ratatan – Visual and Performance Aspects: Ratatan delivers awesome cartoon graphics with colourful animated backgrounds and fast loading times. You play in a 2.5D world that’s visually rich and responsive, with full controller support and remappable controls. Display and gameplay settings offer flexibility, and the visual chaos is matched by a smooth performance that keeps the rhythm intact.
Ratatan – Overall Verdict: Is It Worth Playing? Ratatan is a chaotic, charming, and rhythmically demanding roguelike that rewards persistence and precision. Once the flow clicks, it’s deeply satisfying to command your Cobuns and shape each run. Despite a steep learning curve and limited accessibility, the game’s depth, style, and co-op energy make it a standout experience for players who love rhythm-based action.
Back of the Box Quotes:
“Ratatan turns rhythm into warfare chaos never sounded so good.”
