Ratatan, the spiritual successor to Patapon, continues to build major hype as one of the most anticipated indie games of the year. A brand-new trailer revealed during the Future Games Show Summer Showcase 2025 gave fans a fresh look at the game’s fast-paced rhythm-action chaos. With up to 100 Ratatans on-screen, vibrant visuals, and the quirky new base hub called the “Rataport”, the game looks like a wild blend of charm, chaos, and strategy.
Story-wise, Ratatan carries the quirky soul of Patapon, but with its own lore and cast of cute, rhythm-obsessed warrior creatures. Players command a squad of Ratatans using rhythmic button presses to explore the world, battle enemies, and reclaim their lost melodies. The game doesn’t take itself too seriously—it embraces whimsy, music, and colorful madness while weaving in deeper roguelike elements.
Gameplay is a rhythmic side-scrolling mix of real-time strategy and action. Players tap beats to issue commands like attack, defend, or heal, while maintaining timing to charge special abilities. The game also features online co-op, letting you team up with friends to command Ratatan armies together. The Steam demo, released earlier this year, offers a glimpse into this formula with two stages and four playable characters. Early feedback praised its style but noted areas like UI and tutorial clarity that the devs are currently refining.
Originally set to launch on Steam Early Access on July 25, 2025, the game’s release was postponed after the demo sparked a wave of community feedback. Developer Ratata Arts has acknowledged the response and is working actively to polish key areas before the updated Early Access rollout. No new release date has been confirmed yet, but development updates continue through the game’s Steam community hub.
Despite the delay, Ratatan’s momentum hasn’t slowed. The game took home the Vermilion Gate Award at BitSummit 2025, solidifying its status as a standout title among the indie scene in Kyoto. Backed by a successful $1.5 million Kickstarter campaign, it’s not just carrying the legacy of Patapon, but evolving it for a new generation of rhythm gamers.
