Denshattack! Preview
Some games aim to capture the nuances of reality, offering a small slice of life, while others kick realism in the balls, embracing the absurd to create something far more hectic. Denshattack! sits firmly in the latter, with a ridiculous premise and an over-the-top presentation. Chaotic and original, it channels the spirit of ’90s and early-2000s arcades, but will this strange experiment create the perfect formula, or will it crash and burn? Oh, and did I forget to mention you’re a train that does skateboarding tricks?
After a cataclysmic event altered Japan’s climate, the world changed. The wealthy now live inside domes with purified air, while the poor languish in the wastelands outside. With no central control, gangs fight for territory. As a member of the rebellious Denshattack, you aim to earn the respect of rival groups and take down the megacorporation that controls the domed cities. While the premise is designed to house the chaotic gameplay, its presentation is strong, leading to engagement with the story. Although I only experienced a brief glimpse in the preview, it has the potential to tell a compelling underdog story.
Hold on Tight!
The 30-minute preview consists of a handful of the opening levels, designed to help you get to grips with the mechanics and flaunt its chaotic gameplay. Each level is a linear course with some split paths that take you on alternate routes around the area. Your goal is to collect items, perform tricks and complete objectives to 100% the area. Similar to games like OlliOlli, there’s an addictive quality that permeates the game, which beckons you to replay levels and 100% each one.
Undercoders nail the mechanics. Each twist and turn requires a precise pull and release of the trigger, and when executed with perfect timing, granting a boost. In addition, you can leap from the railroad to perform spins with your analogue and must also jump between multiple tracks to avoid hazards. This creates a wonderful sense of speed and momentum, keeping you immersed from start to finish.
Levels serve up surprises, requiring you to make dead drops mid-jump to avoid barriers, and at one point even taking you off the confines of the rail as you ride a Ferris wheel across the terrain. The use of camera also accentuates these moments, pulling out to emphasise the absurdity, growing intimate to maximise the intensity, reversing to show the chase, and at times shifting side-on to magnify the backdrop. This dynamic approach helps create memorable segments that pull you back for another run.
A Surprise Around Every Corner
A strange and weird premise, Denshattack! successfully combines skating and trains to create an addictive gameplay loop that captures the spirit of ’90s and early ’00s arcade experiences. Levels are well designed, keeping you focused on upcoming hazards, searching for collectibles, and performing tricks to rack up high scores and complete objectives. The fast, frantic nature of the game makes it endlessly replayable. With its slick, cel-shaded art style and a concept that’s simply brimming with originality, I, for one, can’t wait to see what the game has in store when it releases in Spring 2026.
***Code provided by the publisher for preview***
Thank you for keeping it locked on COGconnected.
- For amazing videos, head over to our YouTube page HERE.
- Follow us on X HERE.
- Our Facebook page HERE.
- Our Instagram page HERE.
- Listen to our podcast on Spotify or anywhere you listen to podcasts.
If you are a fan of cosplay, check out more of our cosplay features HERE.
