Ratatan Review (Xbox Series X|S)

There are certain games that immediately feel familiar while still carrying enough new ideas to carve out their own identity. Ratatan is exactly that. Developed by Ratata Arts, the team behind the beloved Patapon series, this rhythm roguelike blends musical command-based gameplay with side-scrolling action and cooperative multiplayer for a surprisingly fresh take on a cult formula. It combines rhythm mechanics, roguelike progression, and army management into something that feels nostalgic and modern at the same time.

The basic premise is simple: you're a Ratatan, a colourful hero leading an army of Cobun followers. Rather than attacking directly, you're issuing commands in rhythm to direct your forces across vibrant battlefields. Marching forward, attacking enemies, defending, and unleashing special abilities all depend on maintaining the beat. It's a clever system that rewards both musical timing and tactical thinking. When everything clicks, battles become a hypnotic dance of sound, movement and chaos.

What makes Ratatan stand out from many rhythm games is how much freedom it gives the player. Unlike the more rigid structure of traditional rhythm titles, you can freely move your commander around the battlefield while issuing orders. Positioning becomes just as important as timing, creating moments where you're simultaneously dodging attacks, managing your army, and keeping pace with the music. It adds a layer of tension that keeps each encounter engaging.

The roguelike elements fit surprisingly well. Each run brings new opportunities to strengthen your army through upgrades, equipment and various power combinations. The constant drip-feed of progression makes failures easier to accept because you're almost always unlocking something new or discovering a different strategy. Combined with procedural elements and varied enemy encounters, Ratatan manages to avoid feeling repetitive despite its core loop remaining relatively straightforward.

Visually, the game is bursting with personality. The colourful art style, expressive animations and toy-box aesthetic give the world a welcoming charm that's difficult not to smile at. Battles can feature well over a hundred characters on screen, creating wonderfully chaotic spectacles that remain readable even when the action becomes hectic. The presentation feels like a natural evolution of the artistic style that inspired it.

The soundtrack deserves special praise because it isn't merely background music, it's the foundation of the entire experience. The rhythms are catchy, upbeat and memorable, helping players naturally settle into the game's flow. When you enter Fever mode and your army starts tearing through enemies in perfect sync with the music, Ratatan reaches its highest highs. Few games make success feel this satisfying.

Online co-op is another major highlight. Supporting up to four players, the multiplayer mode transforms battles into huge musical spectacles where teamwork and coordination become essential. While the solo campaign is enjoyable on its own, Ratatan truly shines when friends join the adventure. The sheer scale of battles combined with multiple armies charging across the screen creates some wonderfully chaotic and memorable moments.

That said, Ratatan won't be for everyone. The rhythm-based command system has a learning curve, especially for players who struggle with timing-focused mechanics. Early runs can feel overwhelming as you're asked to manage positioning, enemy attacks and musical inputs simultaneously. Some may also find that the roguelike repetition occasionally slows the pace of progression.

Still, those frustrations are minor compared to the satisfaction of mastering the game's systems. Ratatan successfully honours its spiritual predecessor while introducing enough new ideas to stand confidently on its own. It's charming, inventive and packed with enough replayability to keep rhythm and roguelike fans occupied for a very long time.

Pros

• Excellent blend of rhythm gameplay and roguelike progression

• Charming visual style and character design

• Fantastic soundtrack that enhances every battle

• Rewarding tactical depth beneath its colourful presentation

• Chaotic and highly enjoyable four-player co-op

Cons

• Rhythm mechanics may be intimidating for newcomers

• Some runs can feel repetitive before major upgrades unlock

• Battles occasionally become visually overwhelming

Ratatan feels like a successful evolution of a beloved formula. Rather than simply recreating what made Patapon memorable, it expands the concept with roguelike progression, larger battles, free-form movement, and enjoyable online co-op. The result is a rhythm game that demands both musical timing and strategic decision-making, creating an experience that feels fresh even when its inspirations are obvious.

While the learning curve and occasional repetition may put off some players, those willing to embrace its unique blend of genres will find a colourful, energetic, and surprisingly deep adventure waiting for them. Whether you're a long-time fan of rhythm strategy games or simply looking for something different from the usual action releases, Ratatan stands out as one of the most inventive rhythm-based experiences available on Xbox today. It doesn't just march to its own beat, it confidently leads the parade.

XPN Rating: 4 out of 5 (GOLD)

Ratatan is available now!