Ratatan, Patapon’s Spiritual Successor, Is Officially Launching on PS4 and PS5 in 2025

The highly anticipated rhythm-action game Ratatan, developed by Ratata Arts in collaboration with TVT, will be released in 2025. Ratatan will be available for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, and PC.

Designed by Patapon creator Hiroyuki Kotani and featuring art by renowned illustrator Nelnal, Ratatan combines the rhythmic strategy of its predecessor with fresh, innovative mechanics.

Fans got a sneak peek of the game through a playable demo showcased at the WePlay Expo 2024 in Shanghai, creating buzz around this spiritual successor to the cult-classic Patapon series. Here’s a look at what you can expect from the game releasing sometime in 2025:

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Everything to Know About Ratatan

Carrying the Legacy of Patapon

As mentioned above, Ratatan is a vibrant blend of rhythm, side-scrolling action, and roguelike gameplay. Designed by Hiroyuki Kotani, the creator of the beloved Patapon series for PSP and developed in collaboration with Tokyo Virtual Theory (TVT), Ratatan builds on the legacy of Patapon while introducing fresh ideas and gameplay innovations.

Players step into the role of the Ratatan, magical musicians who use enchanted instruments to command their armies of Cobuns. By following rhythm-based commands, players engage in attack, defense, and traversal sequences, all while unleashing unique character abilities that add layers of strategy to the action.

Features

Listed are the features players can expect in Ratatan:

• Rhythm Meets Roguelike

The game introduces roguelike mechanics to its rhythm-based gameplay. Each adventure generates randomized power-ups and rewards, ensuring each playthrough feels fresh and dynamic. Players can experiment with various combinations of upgrades and abilities, creating countless gameplay possibilities.

• Fever Mode

When players flawlessly follow the rhythm, they enter Fever Mode, where the background music intensifies, and characters perform enhanced actions. This mode elevates battles visually and mechanically, providing a thrilling payoff for rhythmic precision.

• Cooperative Multiplayer

Supporting up to four players in online co-op, the game offers a shared experience where friends can team up to command Cobun armies, tackle enemies, and explore vibrant environments.

• Unique Characters and Skills

Each Ratatan character has unique skills and movement capabilities, allowing players to customize their approach to challenges. These abilities deepen the game’s musical and strategic elements.

• Stunning Art and Mini-Games

With Nelnal as the lead illustrator, the game boasts visually rich graphics and a quirky cast of characters. Players can also enjoy mini-games designed for multiplayer fun, adding variety to the gameplay.

• Advanced Engine for Online Play

The game uses TVT’s Theory Engine to ensure a fast and stable online multiplayer experience for seamless co-op gameplay across platforms.

Ratatan Is a Crowdfunding Success

To those in the dark, Ratatan owes much of its existence to a successful Kickstarter campaign in 2023, as it quickly garnered support from fans eager for a Patapon-style revival. The campaign’s success underscores the enduring love for rhythm-based strategy games and the anticipation surrounding the game’s release.

For example, the demo at WePlay Expo 2024 allowed attendees to experience firsthand the fusion of rhythmic commands, strategic gameplay, and roguelike randomness. Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with players praising its nostalgic ties to Patapon and its bold steps forward.

Closing Notes

With everything considered, Ratatan represents a bold evolution of the rhythm-action genre, combining strategy, music, and roguelike gameplay into a single, cohesive package.

Moreover, fans of Patapon have long awaited a revival, and Ratatan’s development, led by Kotani and composer Kemmei Adachi, feels like a love letter to the original series.

While no specific release date has been announced, the 2025 launch window promises a game rich with potential. For the latest updates on the game and more upcoming titles, follow our Instagram page for timely coverage of the game’s announcements.