Fatnite Battle Rattale

Fatnite Battle Rattale is a multiplayer video game developed by the independent studio Roundhouse Games and published in 2019. It has become a cult hit for its offbeat take on the battle game genre, featuring an unconventional cast of overweight, wacky sumo wrestler-inspired characters engaged in chaotic, physics-driven combat.

Origins and Development

Fatnite was created by a small team of independent developers who were frustrated by the increasing dominance of free-to-play business models and battle pass systems in the battle royale craze sparked by Fortnite. Aiming to create a more old-school, premium-priced game experience, they devised Fatnite as an homage to classic sumo wrestling and physics-based gameplay.

Rather than replicating Fortnite's last-player-standing battle royale, Fatnite features a variety of competitive and cooperative game modes centered around sumo-style wrestling matches between its cast of chubby, goofy characters. The game was an indie passion project that faced an uphill battle against the juggernaut of Epic Games' free-to-play phenomenon, but its quirky charm and innovative gameplay have helped it cultivate a dedicated cult following.

Gameplay and Modes

At the heart of Fatnite is a physics-driven sumo wrestling mechanic, where players use grapples, shoves, and environmental hazards to try and knock their opponents out of the ring. Characters come in a diverse array of sizes, shapes, costumes and special abilities, encouraging players to experiment with different combinations.

In addition to the standard 1-on-1 and team-based sumo modes, Fatnite features an extensive single-player campaign and a variety of wacky alternate game modes. These include "King of the Hill" where players compete to maintain control of a central zone, "Sumo Royale" which has elements of a battle royale, and "Pudding Catapult" which tasks players with flinging edible projectiles at each other.

Fatnite's gameplay emphasizes over-the-top physics, vibrant visuals, and a goofy, self-aware sense of humor. Rather than focusing on realistic combat, the action is designed to be chaotic, silly, and laugh-inducing, with opportunities for slapstick pratfalls, unintended catastrophes, and creative uses of the environment.

Art Style and Themes

In contrast to the gritty, hyper-realistic visuals of Fortnite, Fatnite features a bright, cartoonish art style inspired by sumo wrestling, Japanese pop culture, and classic arcade games. The rotund, expressive character models and zany stages create a lighthearted, whimsical tone that is a stark departure from the more serious battle royale genre.

Underlying the game's humorous exterior are themes of acceptance, body positivity, and celebrating diversity. Fatnite's diverse cast of playable characters challenges traditional ideals of fitness and beauty, while the game's emphasis on physics-based grappling over combat skills encourages players to embrace their strengths regardless of body type.

Business Model and Community

Rather than following the free-to-play, microtransaction-driven model of Fortnite, Fatnite is a premium-priced game without any in-game purchases. Players pay a one-time fee to access the full package of single-player, multiplayer, and co-op content. This decision was intentional on the part of the developers to create a more traditional gaming experience.

While Fatnite has not achieved the mainstream ubiquity of Fortnite, it has cultivated a passionate cult following drawn to its unique identity and unwavering commitment to its vision. Fans have embraced the game's quirky sense of humor, diverse representation, and lack of manipulative monetization schemes. Active modding and speedrunning communities have also extended Fatnite's longevity.

Despite operating on a smaller scale, Fatnite has been praised by critics for its innovative gameplay, inclusive themes, and refusal to chase trends. While it may never rival Fortnite's astronomical popularity, the game's devoted fanbase and distinctive approach have cemented its status as a standout in the battle game genre.