Ratatan is an Action, Adventure, with splashes of Rougelike elements from TVT and Ratata Arts. It’s a game that has you command a legion of minions to fight for you with rhythm and rhyme. Going to the beat of the music and the tempo that starts with the same 3 notes to hit. Which playing with headphones on does improve your need to think and not see the notes timing. Now let’s Ra-Ta-Tan onto the review.
If the game is something to go off of, Ratatan means to Follow. Where’s my source? The Ratatans themselves when I use the command to Follow.
Gameplay
Ratatan allows you to pick your character from a group of eight leaders. Each specialize with different groups of Chorus that handle different weapons. Which come in a nice array of weapons from bombs to swords and shields to even magic staves. Yet, you’ll need to make sure you look at who you pick as your leader. Now that you’ve selected your leader, time to start the one part that makes it a Rougelike game.
With each door you approach, you’ll choose between two options. No more, no less. You’ll get options that vary from candy and donuts, to element cards and shops to even mini-boss fights. Which all leads to fighting the boss of the level. The area falls into the same pattern of which area you visit each run.
Whenever you get a game over, you’re sent back to Rataport. Which you’ll help unlock different parts of the port and yourself the more you play. You can make weapons, make improvements to yourself and the Chorus. Which with the resources you’ve collected during your run, can help improve everything.
Just make sure whenever you return to port, go to the Quest Board to collect more loot. And at the very least, do one run with each character to unlock their Fever move. Another tip I’ll give you guys is, if you’re low on Chorus, give it time to respawn. You’re important and if you die, the run ends!
Graphics and Audio
I won’t lie, the whole appearance and design for the game. It’s bright, cute and upbeat. Fits a very pleasant feel for the game…even though we’re trying to reach the goddess. The whole design and aspect of the game is whimsical from the areas we visit and the bosses we fight.
The theme of the game gives me Patapon vibes since it seems to have slightly similar mechanics. From the minions who fight for you, to even the music being a big part of the game. Heck, even the name of the game is close to one another. Ratatan…Patapon. Literally 7 letters with the name sounding like onomatopoeia than anything else.
Now the music and the voice lines are catchy and adorable. To the point that I’m dancing in my seat while playing the game. After a few minutes, you’ll get used to the tempo and start to focus on attack and commands. However if you miss the chance just because you are dodging, the chorus gives us a countdown. Which is both great and adorable. Honestly it is all adorable.
Longevity
Ratatan does have some replay ability when playing solo. But oh man does the chaos of people with other make things both interesting and boost difficulty. I did have some playthroughs with others, but my gods, did having them feel counter productive. Which honestly I loved ever second of it. See people reach Fever levels and using their Fever moves either when needed or not.
Final Thoughts
Ratatan is really a blast to play and a great tool for people to dip their toes into Rhythm games. It’s user friendly and there isn’t a huge learning curve to jump on in. Which is great, and I would definitely recommend this for beginners. One thing I would also point out, the steam page states it’s not compatible/supported on the Steam Deck. However, I’m here to tell you I played it entirely on the Steam Deck with no issues. Now go out there and Ratatan the world!
I give Ratatan the Thumb Culture Gold Award
Disclaimer: A code was received in order to write this review.
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