The rhythm-action roguelike from the Patapon designer is coming to PC

Hiroyuki, the creator of the famous PSP rhythm-game Patapon is back with Ratatan. It will be released on PC and other platforms in 2025. Ratatan is a combination of side-scroller and rhythm game. It will support up to four players online in co-op. Players will defeat their enemies by sending rhythmic battle commands to their troops. Ratatan is also a roguelike game, which means that your powerups and rewards are randomized every time you play it.

In a press statement, Tokyo Virtual Theory said that players will take on the role of the Ratatan and use magical instruments to give different commands to Cobun's armies to attack their enemies. "In addition to attack-and-defence rhythmic sequences there are also actions which allow the Ratatan the freedom to move, with unique skills and abilities for each character. This further deepens the musicality of this game."

The "fever mode" will be a key feature in the rhythm gameplay. Players who follow the rhythm sequences accurately can alter the background music to gain new powers.

Ratatan is a game that looks a lot like the classic Patapon. However, the art style and backgrounds are much more detailed. This is a departure from the simpler gameplay of the old style.

Ratatan received funding through a successful Kickstarter Campaign earlier this month.

The developer Tokyo Virtual Theory has also noted its own engine, the Theory Engine. This engine was designed to provide an environment that is fast and stable for multiplayer play with others -- essential in a rhythm-based game.

Patapon became a hit when it was released on PSP in 2007. Its engaging rhthym game was described as "addictive." The game had two sequels but Kotani, the creator, hasn't been in the designer's seat since Patapon 3 was released in 2011.