Denshattack, the latest offering from developers Undercoders, is an uproariously kinetic mashup of racing, rhythm, and score attack stuntery that proves itself to be far more than a mere novelty. Set in a climate-ravaged Japan where rail travel is the only means of traversing the scarred landscape, players step into the shoes of Emi, a train driver operating a humble ramen-on-rails service. This culinary delivery quickly pivots into a country-spanning career in Denshattack, an illegal yet spiritual and mystical endeavor that involves physics-defying stunt racing.
A Unique Blend of Speed and Skill
The core gameplay loop encourages a unique driving style that is both distinct and rewarding. Players will find themselves multi-track drifting down hills and grinding over ruined bridges, experiencing a delicious sense of barely-controlled velocity. The game's thumbstick flick-based trick system is easy to pick up but hides significant depth, offering enough complexity to keep score attack enthusiasts engaged for hours. The "Tricktionary" meticulously lists each move and its corresponding input, showcasing the depth available to those willing to master it. This drip feed of new skills, ranging from utilitarian abilities to more flamboyant rainbow-riding techniques, keeps the experience fresh throughout the approximately nine hours of story stages.
Denshattack's set pieces are a highlight, appearing not just in climactic boss duels but also in regular stages. Almost every level features a smile-raising megastunt or a visually stunning vista of an enduringly verdant Japan. The game possesses a keen eye for spectacle, drawing clear inspiration from titles like Jet Set Radio and Tony Hawk's Pro Skater.
Earnest Challenge Amidst the Spectacle
Despite its dazzling presentation, Denshattack is not a game that allows players to simply switch off their brains. The sheer speed at which the game operates demands constant attention to rapidly approaching hazards, incorporating a rhythm game-like demand for reflexes reminiscent of Dance Dance Revolution. Players must also contend with dynamic level design, where sections of track can suddenly fall away mid-race, or entire stages can take place amidst collapsing skyscrapers or tornadoes. Reacting to these last-gasp level rearrangements becomes as crucial a skill as balancing grinds or executing tricks.
Mastering advanced tricks is not strictly necessary for completion, but achieving high scores requires chaining flips and manuals into lengthy, multiplier-raising combos. The risk and reward associated with these combos are immense; a single mistimed jump or dodge can instantly erase an entire track's worth of accumulated bonuses, heightening the emotional impact of both success and failure. The elation of a 30x combo is palpable, making its loss all the more agonizing.
Cultural Homage and Counterculture Themes
Undercoders has filled Denshattack with inventive scenarios, including mech fights, kabuki theatre performances, boat hijackings, and even a section that directly mimics Guitar Hero. The game complements these with regular dramatic camera shifts and a high-energy original soundtrack that blends funk, rock, jazz, and electronic genres, often featuring lyrics with a train theme. The developers have embraced elements of wider Japanese culture, though this can be a delicate balance for Western developers. While the game features ramen bowls and onsen visits, it transcends surface-level "Cool Japan" tropes.
The game's primary antagonists are a power-grabbing, AI-hocking big tech conglomerate that has become the nation's de facto government. Emi's rejection of authority and conformity aligns with themes of Japanese counterculture, embodied by the various Denshattack gangs she encounters and befriends. These outlawed crews draw parallels to real-life bōsōzoku motorcycle subcultures, with corrupt private cops and the Yakuza serving as clear villains who are ultimately overcome.
Minor Criticisms
If there are any criticisms to be leveled, they are minor. One specific Denshattacking upgrade, allowing the player to drive on inverted tracks, is introduced perhaps a bit too late in the game to be fully integrated into the braintwisting challenges before the finale. Additionally, the absence of a free-ride mode, even as an unlockable extra, is notable. While story missions offer replayability within their set time limits, a mode for pure exploration or practice would have been a welcome addition.
Despite these minor points, Denshattack is overwhelmingly joyous, wonderfully vibrant, and far too intelligent to be dismissed as a mere comedy train stunt game. It stands as one of the year's best games, offering a thrilling and unique experience that includes the satisfying act of blowing up a data center with a locomotive.