Denshattack!, the latest offering from developer Undercoders, stands as a testament to the power of dedicated aesthetic and exceptional game feel. Drawing clear inspiration from cult classics like Jet Set Radio, the Tony Hawk's Pro Skater series, Hi-Fi Rush, and the OlliOlli games, Denshattack! carves out its own unique identity as an arcade grind-'em-up that is as unpredictable as it is engaging.
The game presents a "train skateboarding" premise, asking players to navigate a series of levels primarily on rails with a skateboard. This unusual concept is executed with a vibrant, cel-shaded art style, a high-contrast aesthetic, eclectic music, and a surprisingly robust narrative. Denshattack! manages to be both humorous and competent, avoiding the pitfall of many comedic games by not merely parodying its influences but by genuinely embodying their spirit while forging its own path.
While comparisons to Jet Set Radio are understandable given the emphasis on tricks, grinding, music, and Japanese-inspired style, Denshattack! shares more gameplay DNA with the OlliOlli series, particularly OlliOlli World. This similarity is evident in its world map, which guides players through various biomes in a mostly linear fashion, and its steep, front-loaded tutorial curve. The game is challenging, designed to instill a "just one more go" mentality from the outset. The initial hours can be particularly demanding as players grapple with the nuanced controls for jumping, braking, drifting, special moves, wall-riding, and chaining combos. However, once these mechanics are mastered, the game opens up into what can only be described as arcade video game nirvana.
As players progress through the first two worlds, they are introduced to the game's extensive move set. Mastering these controls allows for seamless level completion, high scores, and unlocking special rails through combo multipliers. What sets Denshattack! apart is its embrace of the absurd. Characters are eccentric, settings range from Edo-era castles to bizarre sticker-obsessed vendors, and customization options are maximalist. New mechanics, such as "dream rails" and mounting ferris wheels, constantly challenge player expectations. The game's humor is not merely slapstick; it is deeply integrated into its light-hearted yet earnest premise. Even serious themes, like an enemy-to-friend narrative with rival drivers, are handled with a kind spirit.
The visual presentation of Denshattack! rivals that of modern Persona titles, with cohesive vision in its menu transitions and character designs. The game's soundtrack is equally impressive, featuring tracks that are compelling enough to be added to personal playlists. Considering its scope and quality, the price point of £15.99 feels remarkably accessible.
Initially, the game's linear design and somewhat repetitive early levels might feel a bit flat. However, as Undercoders gradually introduces new elements, the experience expands. Players discover branching paths, secret exits, and collectibles that evolve into in-game currency for new shops. This sense of discovery echoes the profound moments found in games like Breath of the Wild or Dark Souls, demonstrating that even an arcade game can evoke a similar sense of wonder.
Denshattack! also offers a range of accessibility options. Players can remap controls for both keyboard and controller, adjust vibration settings, and customize screen effects like bloom and chromatic aberration. The UI features high contrast and unique icons, making it playable for individuals with various forms of colorblindness, and audio can be set to Japanese or English.
For players who, like the reviewer, feel compelled to perfect each level before moving on, Denshattack! presents a significant challenge. While early objectives like beating a time limit or achieving a gold score are manageable, later tasks become considerably more demanding, often requiring numerous attempts to locate hidden collectibles or complete specific challenges. Despite their difficulty, these goals rarely feel unfair; failures are attributed to player execution, a testament to the game's refined design and feel. The game's ability to absorb frustration, even after a 30-minute attempt ends in failure at the final stretch, is a hallmark of its quality.
In a landscape where recent remakes of classic skateboarding games have felt sterile, Denshattack! delivers the irreverent, rebellious spirit that defined the originals. Combined with the style of Jet Set Radio and the gameplay focus of OlliOlli, it offers a refreshing and original experience. Irreverent, unpredictable, funny, and undeniably addictive, Denshattack! is a powerful distillation of anti-capitalist, pop-punk optimism. Its existence and quality feel almost impossible, making it a standout title that is difficult to put down.