Ratatan demands your attention, rhythmically

Sometimes you launch cannons,, zombies, And Sequels; Sometimes you want to lead a bunch of tiny creatures and walk rhythmically in the fight, letting the waves of confusion you wash. It’s what Ratatan is there to do.

It is the spiritual successor of the Japan studio and the beloved of Pyramid Patapon Rhythmic action series. However, you no longer control the pataons, but the ratatans – which are completely different. These animal characters (ISH) shelter the Bouton button orders to their small team of Cubun characters, who can launch attacks, assemble around the character you control, escape attacks and more. The entry of command sequences also facilitates the “fever” bar, also improving the effectiveness of these actions.

I did not play the Patapon series, which extended to three (!) Games on the PSP, in the years, and although the mechanisms are similar, Ratatan is more elaborate, evolved and customizable. Basically, however, it is the same mechanic who asks you to maintain the rhythmic entry of the controls and to avoid attacks. It seems quite simple, but the fact of tightening your cubilities to follow you in the battle and balance the special attacks by avoiding damage looked like the game equivalent to tap your head and rub your stomach. In addition, it is 2025, it is therefore a rhythmic action rhythmic action. Of course.

You can select between several different animals with weapons and an eye, and everyone comes with a different load from Cubun Warriors. Some are melee fighters, while others are distance attackers. You can also buy (or crafts) more powerful weapons for each cobun, adding to the feeling of progression. I think it is necessary because Ratatan is a Roguelike version of the Patapons that preceded it. You will dive into a portal and fight several waves of enemies, often picking up buffs or treasures at the end of each wave.

Each race is then generally crowned with a boss fight, either against a smarter and smaller enemy (and its subordinates) or a more monstrous threat. During my demo, I was especially beaten by a giant hermit crab, despite having picked up a very useful freezing attack buff during this race. I had to learn this lesson: you can pick up all the buffs you want, but you will always have to nail the pace of attack and defense, while simultaneously keeping an eye on enemy attacks and the placement of your character and your adorable Cubun fighters. (Ratatan characters’ conceptions are inspired by Nelnal, better known for their work on Pokémon and Deltarune.)

The additional combat dynamics include a jump movement and a childcare movement that combines ratatan and cobun movements to avoid end -of -game damage. Fortunately, the first parts of the game did not require control.

There is an early demo ratatan always available to play on Steam, but the construction available at SGF 2025 seems much closer to a finished version. I was able to explore the world of the game hub, full of stores for upgrades, manufacture and organize the Cobun Warriors band of your ratatans. These pieces seemed a little confusing when they were served alongside the starting levels of the game, but should add a longevity and an interest when they are folded throughout the game.

Ratatan Will launch later this year on PC, Nintendo Switch, PS4, PS5 and Xbox Series X / S.