Denshattack! Review – Skate, Grind and Kickflip a Train Through Dystopia
Hop on a gravity-defying train that ollies, grinds and races through neon-drenched Japan. A stylish blend of Tony Hawk energy and Jet Set Radio vibes with wild bosses and an irresistible soundtrack.
Denshattack! is one of those rare indie ideas that sounds like a joke on paper — and then turns out to be outrageously good. You pilot a custom, gravity-defying train, chaining kickflips, grinds and drifts while racing through domed Japanese cities, volcanoes and oceans. It wears its influences (Tony Hawk, Jet Set Radio, Crazy Taxi) proudly but manages to feel wholly itself thanks to bombastic boss fights, relentless pace and a soundtrack that keeps your hands glued to the controls. If you like arcade thrills with a cheeky, anime-tinted attitude, this one’s worth your time.

Kickflips on the Bullet Line
The core loop is gloriously simple to get into and deliciously deep to master. You accelerate along tracks, launch into the air, chain aerial tricks and stick landings, then slide along rails and surfaces to keep combos alive. Levels are scored on trick points and on speed, and the game cleverly separates those goals so you can chase a stylish high-score run or a flawless speed clear. Controls are snappy: drift, boost, trick, and an intuitive grab/flip system that rewards timing. Expect to re-run stages to learn routes, nail alternate lines and squeeze extra seconds from risky shortcuts — it’s all about risk vs. reward.
From Trainyards to Kaiju Face-Offs
What elevates Denshattack! beyond “skate-on-rails” novelty is its variety. Each region brings new gimmicks — domed cities, snowy fields, volcanic hazards — and unique boss setpieces that turn the track into an arena. Bosses are theatrical: mecha magical girls one moment, moving castles and mechanical worms the next, and they demand you apply everything you've learned about movement and tricks. There’s a light progression of train customisation, unlockable parts and cosmetics, plus optional dares and collectibles that beg for repeat runs. The story and cast of outcasts add charm without bogging down the arcade momentum.
Neon, Noise and Performance
Presentation is a highlight: bold, colorful art that nods to late-90s Dreamcast-era style, but with modern polish. The soundtrack is a show-stealer — J-pop, techno and guest vocals that push levels forward and make replaying runs feel cinematic. Sound cues do gameplay work too, giving audio hints for incoming hazards or boss telegraphs. On PC it runs smoothly on Windows (the release targets Win), and community reports even mention Linux compatibility in the wild — handy if you like tinkering. Accessibility options are sensible: clear tutorials, gradual skill ramps and plenty of difficulty for players aiming to master the high-skill ceiling.

Denshattack! is an audacious, joyful arcade ride that turns a silly premise into serious fun. It’s perfect for players who love score-chasing, expressive trick systems and loud, characterful presentation. Buy it if you want a short-term adrenaline hit and a long-term mastery goal — just be ready for a bit of learning curve and the occasional grind groove that won’t click for everyone.











Pros
- Insanely catchy soundtrack with standout guest artists
- Stylish, energetic level design that constantly surprises
- Deep, rewarding trick system with a high skill ceiling
- Fantastic boss battles and varied region gimmicks
Cons
- Grinding feel can be unsatisfying for some players
- Officially Windows-focused release (though community reports Linux runs)
- Occasional repetition if you only chase speed without variety
Player Opinion
The community response has been overwhelmingly positive. Players praise the game’s nostalgic yet fresh vibe, constantly comparing it to Jet Set Radio, Tony Hawk and Dreamcast-era arcade classics. Many highlight the soundtrack and level variety as reasons they keep replaying stages, and several reviews call it a contender for Game of the Year. Common criticisms are few but repeat: a few players find grinding mechanics clunky and some worried about potential repetition — though most note the optional dares, alternate routes and boss variety keep things fresh. Overall, the player consensus: addictive, stylish and worth multiple playthroughs.




