The developers behind Denshattack, Undercoders, have detailed how their train-stunting game evolved from a fascination with Japanese counterculture and a reflection of contemporary societal concerns. Game director David Jaumandreu and producer Àngel Beltran explained that the game's satirical take on a near-future Japan, targeted by a malevolent big tech company, emerged organically from the world-building process.
Denshattack pits players against a corporation deploying issues such as enforced inequality, mass surveillance, misinformation, and AI replacing human craft. Players counter these forces by assembling a crew inspired by Japanese normbreaker groups and ramming their train through oppressive structures. While the game can elicit a "daft grin," its developers emphasized that it possesses a "radical heart" that transcends mere comedy.
"It was just like setting up the world, what happened there, and the issues there... it was extrapolating what we're living nowadays, I guess. It's kind of a reflection of our worries," Jaumandreu stated. Beltran noted that the initial prototype in 2022 predated the current AI prominence, but the theme has become increasingly relevant, linking to concerns about AI and data centers.
This thematic approach echoes Undercoders' previous title, SuperEpic: The Entertainment War, a metroidvania that satirized the games industry itself, criticizing microtransactions and exploitative business practices. Jaumandreu observed that SuperEpic's criticisms became more prescient years after its release, a phenomenon they hope Denshattack's commentary on current issues will also avoid.
Denshattack differentiates itself by incorporating a wider array of real-life countercultural movements. Playable character Emi is joined by a crew including gyaru queen Yoshie, delinquent Madoka, rockabilly mechanics Shin and Fumihiko, and outlaw Yamagata, who hails from the bōsōzoku youth motorcycling subculture. Jaumandreu's extensive personal experience and research in Japan, dating back to 1998, informed the depiction of these groups. He noted that while some subcultures have faded, their spirit persists.
Melding distinct cultural expressions, such as Japanese subcultures with Western skateboarding, presented a fun challenge. Beltran explained that the team focused on the backgrounds and motivations of these groups rather than relying on stereotypes. They explored why characters joined specific gangs and pursued Denshattacking, finding common ground in the countercultural spirit shared with skateboarding.
Protagonist Emi, initially a ramen delivery girl drawn to Denshattacking for fun, evolves into a character with a revolutionary spirit. Her journey mirrors the player's experience, from the thrill of performing train stunts to a growing desire to challenge societal ills. The developers highlighted Emi's empathetic nature and her belief that positive change doesn't require extensive activist experience.
"For me personally, one of the powerful things about Emi as a character is that we took a pretty optimistic approach with her," Beltran said. "I think Emi is a great character because you can see yourself in her. It’s like breaking the fourth wall because you, as a player, are also entering Denshattack because you want to have fun, and then you realise you are caring about these characters and about this world."
Catharsis plays a significant role in Denshattack's optimistic outlook. The game allows players to enact revenge on the systems that cause real-world hardship through increasingly fantastical setpieces, such as fighting mechas or riding Ferris wheels. Jaumandreu described these moments as collaborative fantasies, stemming from a shared team vision of what makes Denshattacking cool.
The game grounds its fantasy in real-world problems, but its sincerity lies in the belief that anyone can contribute to positive change. This message, whether intentional or emergent, underscores Denshattack's uplifting spirit, suggesting that even playful rebellion can be a force for good.