Our preview of Denshattack! reveals a game that no one expected: an extreme sports title on rails that finds its inspiration somewhere between Tony Hawk's Pro Skater and Initial D. What initially sounds like a wacky indie gag quickly reveals itself as a surprisingly serious arcade experience with plenty of pace, flow, and style.
We had the opportunity to take a look at the demo version – and we'll tell you what you're getting yourself into.
Dreamcast vibes and high speed
Even in the first few fast-paced minutes, it becomes clear: Denshattack! doesn't hide its inspirations. With vibrant graphics and a style reminiscent of the Dreamcast era, it relies on nostalgia without feeling dated. If you remember classics like Jet Set Radio or Crazy Taxi, you're not far off. It is precisely this energy—loud, colorful, and over-the-top—that the game conveys.
We step into the shoes of Emi, a food delivery driver who doesn't shy away from even the most daring stunts to reach her customers faster. Drifting through tight corners, daring jumps, and improvised shortcuts quickly become part of her daily routine.
An early job leads to a turning point: After a spectacular downhill drift, the client turns out to be an avid Denshattack enthusiast. This opens up a new world for Emi – an extreme train sport dominated by rival gangs and eccentrically designed characters. Curiosity turns into ambition, and Emi decides to climb to the top of the leaderboard herself.
High score hunt on rails
At its core, Denshattack is about winning races and optimizing tracks by completing them as quickly as possible and with the highest possible score. The levels are usually compact, often around two minutes long, and clearly designed for high-scoring attacks.
The game's pace is fast. Obstacles sometimes appear abruptly, and a small mistake can instantly disrupt your flow. Therefore, a lot of potential lies in perfection. Which route is the fastest? How many tricks can you combine before the risk becomes too great? How often can you execute the perfect drift through a tight corner?
The gameplay feels surprisingly precise. While comparisons to Tony Hawk's Pro Skater are obvious, the controls lean closer to Skate. Tricks are executed via movements of the right analog stick—semicircles and quick direction changes—which feels challenging but fair. Those who practice can build up spectacular high-score chains.
The trick system is also interesting. Although comparisons to Tony Hawk's Pro Skater While it might seem obvious, the controls are more similar to those in Skate. Tricks are executed via movements of the right analog stick – semicircles, changes of direction, quick combinations. This feels challenging but fair. Those who practice can build up spectacular combos.
In addition to classic arcade and racing game elements, collectibles await in the levels. Some require alternative routes, others demand a certain number of tricks, or require the destruction of specific objects. This creates additional replay value – tracks invite players to master them multiple times and perfect them step by step.
Some sections even function as pure trick zones. Closed circuits with multiple levels, halfpipes, and loops where you maximize your score for a limited time. These passages act like staged high-score playgrounds and demonstrate just how creative level design can be.
More speed, more possibilities
As the game progresses, new moves are unlocked and additional track elements such as halfpipes, wallrides, and grinds are introduced. This constantly expands the trick repertoire and makes the level design more dynamic.
According to the developers at Undercoders, the finished game will feature over 50 levels – each track with its own, sometimes spectacular, set pieces. The demo already shows rides across giant Ferris wheels, through volcanic landscapes, and over suspended track structures. Much of it feels choreographed and unique, not simply recycled track sections.
The narrative framework is also surprising. Denshattack The game is set in a futuristic Japan where environmental disasters have changed the world. People live in domed cities, while the railway lines connecting them serve as risky transport routes. The so-called "Denshattackers" handle deliveries and compete against each other.
The developers cite anime influences such as Dragon Ball, Naruto, and JoJo's Bizarre Adventure. Accordingly, it's less about saving the world and more about the classic shōnen approach: a protagonist who wants to be the best in her field. This focus on rivalry and personal growth fits the high-score concept surprisingly well.
First impression
After our time with the demo, we leave behind Denshattack It makes a positive impression. The unusual concept works surprisingly well, the fast pace provides an adrenaline rush, and the presentation gives the game a clear identity. Above all, the immediate playability is convincing. You understand what it's about within seconds – and why it's fun.
It remains to be seen whether the game can maintain its appeal throughout its entire runtime. High-score chasing thrives on motivation, variety, and progression. The potential is there, the ideas too. The crucial question is how consistently these are developed in the full version.
Denshattack is scheduled for release in 2026 on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.
Rating: Good!
