About Denshattack
Based on a wild concept, Denshattack is a unique game from Undercoders studio. Set in Japan, the game takes place in a dystopian future reminiscent of The Simpsons. Much like Springfield, the country’s major cities are enclosed beneath massive domes erected by a megacorporation called Miraido. Its influence is so pervasive that it also controls the national rail network and the entire consumer goods supply chain. The rails, once a symbol of freedom, have become a symbol of slow and silent oppression.
This life under domes has given rise to a social divide, with residents considered outcasts—from whom rebels have emerged to fight against Miraido’s grip. A divide has emerged between the “Uchigawa” (those on the inside), who accept this control in exchange for a dream life, and the “Sotogawa” (those on the outside), who reject this manipulation.
In this dichotomous context, the player meets Rin Kagawa, a young train driver introduced to the concept of “denshattack” by her new friend, Takeshi Morimoto. A symbol of rebellion against Miraido, this discipline involves taking the controls of a train hurtling at full speed across Japan. Much like in Jet Set Radio, where graffiti clans sport distinctive looks, Denshattack showcases various characters who champion a certain idea of freedom—whether through their attire or the special abilities of the trains they drive. These men and women, descendants of those who refused to bow to Miraido’s control, fight against the megacorporation’s yoke. In short, Denshattack is a sort of digital caricature of our hyperconnected societies, where security and comfort come at the expense of individual freedoms.
Why Should I Play Denshattack?
The game from Undercoders studio is a true showcase of style. While the game’s DNA clearly draws inspiration from the famous Dreamcast title Jet Set Radio (and its Xbox sequel, Jet Set Radio Future), Denshattack also draws heavily on numerous masterpieces of manga and Japanese animation: Akira, Ghost in the Shell, Gunnm, and so many others. Undoubtedly, the developers were raised on 1990s cyberpunk anime, as well as cinematic classics like Mad Max. The result is extraordinary: inspired cel-shaded art direction, music composed by big names (Tee Lopes, Ryō Nagamatsu, Kōta Takahashi, Richard Jacques…), and unapologetically fast-paced gameplay.
Imagine a train that you control like a skateboard. It’s a bit like the world of Jet Set Radio has been transplanted into Densha de Go! with a fully embraced arcade vibe à la Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater. The player takes control of a train hurtling at breakneck speed and capable of performing all sorts of surreal moves: jumps, aerial stunts, sideways leaps, and more. The futuristic, colorful Japan resembles a gigantic amusement park that defies the laws of gravity. The controls are intuitive, and you can even activate a horn—which has also been modified—to cause destruction and clear urban obstacles.
Along the course, there are several objectives to achieve: beating a certain score, collecting artifacts and other collectibles, performing a certain number of tricks, completing the race in record time, and more. To do so, you have a range of tricks at your disposal: jumps, controlled slides, drifts, wall bounces, rail slides, and many others. When you string together a series of stunts, a multiplier activates, allowing you to build combos and achieve higher and higher scores.
The fun of the game comes from the speed, the thrills, and the wide variety of moves—all wrapped up in stunning graphics. Between levels, you can customize your train to give it an even more distinctive look. The boss battles, meanwhile, help reinvigorate the progression and force the player to rethink their previous strategies. All of this makes Denshattack a truly unique and downright exhilarating game.
Is Denshattack Free-to-play?
Denshattack is a paid game, but it doesn't follow the usual pricing model for blockbuster titles. It's available at an affordable price and can be played for free through the Xbox Game Pass catalog by all subscribers to Microsoft's service.
Where Can I Download Denshattack?
Undercoders has prioritized maximum accessibility by releasing this gem on a wide range of platforms. You can download Denshattack on Windows PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and Nintendo Switch 2. Xbox Game Pass subscribers can download the game or play it via cloud streaming right now.
What Games Should I Play If I Enjoy Denshattack?
Unfortunately, Jet Set Radio has been removed from Steam, but you can find an interesting alternative to Denshattack by choosing the excellent Bomb Rush Cyberfunk. Released in August 2023, it comes from the Dutch studio Team Reptile and is intended to be the spiritual successor to the Dreamcast title. This game lets you explore the fictional metropolis of New Amsterdam by stringing together acrobatic tricks, graffiti, and slides using skateboards, rollerblades, and BMX bikes. The art style echoes Jet Set Radio’s cel-shaded aesthetic, and Hideki Naganuma, the original composer for the Sega game, makes a triumphant return here. An exhilarating game where the freedom of movement is a sure hit with any fan of Denshattack.
In the world of skateboarding, Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2 is a remaster that will appeal to anyone who enjoyed Denshattack. Giving two absolute classics of arcade skateboarding a fresh new look. These games bring together the skateparks from the original series, revamped with enhanced detail, reworked physics, and a soundtrack enriched with around thirty new tracks, in addition to the all-time classics. For any fan of tricks, bold moves, and high-score runs, this is a sure bet. The Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater series proves it was ahead of its time, and it’s a pleasure to rediscover it in the form of a successful remaster.
There’s no shortage of skateboarding games, but if there’s one you truly must try, it’s OlliOlli World. Developed by Roll7, this title plunges us into a 2D side-scrolling game set in the imaginary land of Radlandia. With its colorful and polished art style, the game lets you perform tricks, slides, and jumps with great fluidity, offering gameplay of astonishing depth. Boasting a huge learning curve and a truly captivating atmosphere, OlliOlli World is an excellent choice to extend the Denshattack experience.
