Ratatan review: the Patapon heir drums its way to a full release
After more than a year in early access, the rhythm roguelite launches on 15 October for Switch 2, PS5 and Xbox as well. Reviews award 7 to 8 out of 10.
Graphic: TERRA WORLD NEWS (own graphic based on the sources listed)
Trailer: YouTube · Ratatan · youtube.com
Critics' rating
Scores: Nintendo Life 8/10 · WayTooManyGames 8/10 · Pocket Tactics 7/10
- Platforms
- Switch 2, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC
- Studio
- Ratata Arts, TVT / Game Source Entertainment
- Release
- 15.10.2026
+ Pros
- Colourful, striking art style
- Catchy music and rhythm combat
- Roguelite runs with many build options
- Runs well in handheld mode
– Cons
- Some runs end in chaos through bad luck
- Stutters and visual glitches despite long early access
- Very small text, thin tutorial
- No local multiplayer
Critics' verdict
A charming Patapon successor with a strong rhythm core that still lacks some polish for a full release.
Summary of published reviews – sources below.
Ratatan is regarded as the spiritual successor to Sony’s Patapon series and comes from its creator Hiroyuki Kotani. After early access on Steam since September 2025, version 1.0 launches on 15 October for PC, Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. The crowdfunded game was developed by Ratata Arts and is published by Game Source Entertainment. According to the publisher, the full release adds the concluding chapters 3 and 4 with the final area and the last boss; the standard edition costs $34.99.
Players control a Ratatan leader who does not attack but commands an army of small creatures called Cobun to the beat. During runs you collect cards that change the battles. Nintendo Life gives the Switch 2 version 8 out of 10, praising the visuals, catchy music and the roguelite pull that keeps you coming back for more runs. WayTooManyGames also gives 8/10, highlighting the soundtrack and the fun factor.
Pocket Tactics lands at 7 out of 10 and misses polish: stutters, visual glitches when picking cards, very small text with no scaling option and a sparse tutorial. Nintendo Life criticises runs that end in chaos through bad luck, an empty hub area and the lack of local multiplayer – co-op is online only.