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Denshattack! Review Thread - Nintendo Switch 2, PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S

Zuzu

Gold Member
It looks like a good one for Arcade lovers! It's getting good reviews - currently 87 on Open Critic and 88 on Metacritic!

IGN Review - 9/10



Digital Foundry Tech Review


Skateboarding A Train Through Japan? | Denshattack! First Minutes of Gameplay




Game Information

Game Title: Denshattack!

Platforms:
  • Nintendo Switch 2 (Jun 15, 2026)
  • PC (Jun 15, 2026)
  • PlayStation 5 (Jul 15, 2026)
  • Xbox Series X/S (Jul 15, 2026)
Trailer:
Developer: Undercoders

Publisher: Fireshine Games

Review Aggregator:

OpenCritic - 87 average - 96% recommended

Critic Reviews


Console Creatures - Matt Sowinski - 10 / 10
Denshattack! simply rules, with imaginative and creative levels and bombastic bosses. It looks and sounds fantastic, plays great on Deck, and is something entirely new.


Digitec Magazine - Franziska Behner - German - 5 / 5
'Denshattack!' is so crazy that it could only be set in Japan: this train-based trick-shot racing game is a colourful, completely mad ride and is full of surprises.


Game Lodge - Leonardo Costa - Portuguese - 10 / 10
Denshattack! turns the wild concept of riding trains and performing gravity-defying aerial maneuvers into a masterful experience. The game brims with creativity at every turn, constantly introducing new elements to ensure the experience never grows stale. As a bonus, its simple, straightforward story captivates players with its humor, over-the-top events, and an incredibly charismatic cast. Everything is balanced so masterfully that the gameplay flows seamlessly, and before you know it, you're completely swept up in the game's magic.


Gfinity - Andrés Aquino - 10 / 10
I haven't played a game that captivated me as much right from the get-go as Denshattack has. The initial premise is so ridiculously outlandish that it's hard to ignore. But I never even considered it could have such an interesting narrative behind it, one that's surprisingly tied to real-life issues Japan is facing. My only issue is that there isn't more Denshattack to enjoy. Undercoders cooked up a proper gem—a game that reminds you not everything has been said and done in gaming, and an absolute must-play that needs to be in your collection right now. It is my Game of the Year thus far, and it could potentially be yours as well.


KonsoliFIN - Joonatan Itkonen - Finnish - 5 / 5
Denshattack! is a stylish and supremely rewarding genre hybrid that made me giddy with joy from the first minute until the last. It's one of the most purely enjoyable games of the year.


Manual dos Games - Roberto Paggi - Portuguese - 10 / 10
Denshattack is one of those games that, beyond a highly original and unique concept, manages to stand strong thanks to the flawless execution of its gameplay, mechanics, and progression—not to mention its charismatic characters, stunning visual style, and a soundtrack packed with big names.


SmashPad - 5 / 5
Denshattack! is fun, fresh, vibrant, stylish, bold, joyous, and effortlessly cool; an adrenaline-fueled adventure of defiance and friendship, brimming with hope and heart. What a great game. This is a masterclass of design and mechanics, inspired by its differences and uniqueness.


ThreeTwoPlay - Michael Seifert - German - 5 / 5
What initially sparked my curiosity with its absurdity quickly turned out to be one of the most entertaining games I've played this year: Denshattack! is the perfect combination of games like Jet Set Radio, Tony Hawk's Pro Skater and Skate while simultaneously being so stylish, colorful and fast-paced that it's often difficult to grasp everything that's happening at once. The game never lets you catch your breath thanks to it introducing new mechanics, mission structures and gameplay elements regularely. Especially if you're aiming for gold medals in the various levels and chasing high scores there's endless hours of fun waiting for you. Plus the awesome soundtrack is perfectly tailored to the game and its visual style and just slaps.


Digital Chumps - Will Silberman - 9.5 / 10
If you're still on the fence about Denshattack!, I'll leave you with this: Denshattack! is the type of game worth keeping installed on your hard drive. In short bursts, it has just the right amount of high-octane stylish platforming needed for winding down after a long day. In longer-form settings, it rewards those in it for the long haul with exhilarating tricks, multiple forms of mastery, and satisfying high-score chases. It's a must-play of 2026, especially if you've been hankering for a Tony Hawk– or SSX Tricky-inspired locomotive fever dream with outstanding art design and soundtrack.


Duuro Magazine - 9.5 / 10
Denshattack! demands patience during its opening stretch, and some players may bounce off before its controls start to feel natural. It is fast, frenetic, and occasionally so visually busy that its beautiful environments become background noise. Once it clicks, though, it becomes an exhilarating arcade game with a huge skill ceiling, imaginative missions, unforgettable bosses, and a style entirely its own.


Loot Level Chill - Lyle Pendle - 9.5 / 10
Denshattack is as compelling as it is ridiculous, with so many mechanics to master, so many rails to grind, and so many trains to flip.


Pizza Fria - Carlos Humberto Maestre Dutra - Portuguese - 9.3 / 10
Denshattack! is one of those games that reminds me why I love video games. It doesn't want to be a cinematic epic, it doesn't want to make deep social commentary, it doesn't want to reinvent the wheel. It just wants you to pilot trains at absurd speeds, perform tricks like you're playing Tony Hawk's Pro Skater, and come away with a silly grin on your face. And it succeeds. Easily.


Gamer Guides - Lexi Luddy - 91 / 100
It is almost impossible not to be enamored by a game as delightful as Denshattack! A game with mechanics that get deeper the more you invest, and genuinely seems to believe in a better world. It's an absolute joy and not to be missed.


CGMagazine - Eduard Gafton - 9 / 10
Denshattack! is a resounding success and a benchmark for other titles in the genre to be judges by.


Cat with Monocle - Seth Hay - 4.5 / 5
Denshattack! turns trains into trick-performing thrills with stylish visuals, breathtaking arcade gameplay, and an energetic soundtrack. There are a few minor quirks and features that could make it more stylish, but Denshattack! is one of the year's most creative and exciting indie games.


DualShockers - Daniel Trock - 9 / 10
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GamerFocus - Julián Ramírez - Spanish - 9 / 10
Denshattack! is undoubtedly one of the best games of 2026. This colorful and intense train adventure had me smiling the entire time as I overcame impossible obstacles, faced giant robots, and turned my rivals into allies like something out of a shonen anime. It's a wonderful experience filled with great music and spectacular moments that you simply can't miss.


Gamers Heroes - Casey Scheld - 90 / 100
Proving that style is eternal, Denshattack! brings the heat and incredible tunes this summer with the best multi-track drifting this side of Japan.


Kakuchopurei - Jonathan Toyad - 90 / 100
I'm personally glad I get to experience an arcade action title like Denshattack!; it brings hope that there are truly good ideas in the indie gaming space if you put your mind to it while getting inspired by your favourite classic arcade-slash-retro-console romps. Developer Undercoders took their love of the Jet Set Radio and Tony Hawk Pro Skater series, as well as Japan, and put it in a game that amps it up a notch while also being unique with its fast-moving train and literal on-rails theme. It's fast, frenetic, fun, and replayable as all hell.


NintendoBoy - Kat Oliveira - Portuguese - 9 / 10
Denshattack! is a highly interesting experience. Although somewhat derivative in its premise and overly obvious in its influences, the game manages to deliver something truly its own in terms of mechanics, at times even rivaling the quality of the works that inspired it.


PSX Brasil - Paulo Roberto Montanaro - Portuguese - 90 / 100
Proving to be more than just an innovative idea, Denshattack! manages to combine creativity with substance in a game that draws on excellent narrative and design solutions to support a well-structured gameplay system. And even though it may seem bigger than it should be, it offers a complete and diverse adventure, guaranteeing hours of carefree fun.


Pixel Byte - Luis Avilés - 9 / 10
It is not hyperbole when I say that every single level introduced a new creative idea to keep things fresh. Telling a cautionary tale of climate change and ruthless corporations juxtaposed with human ingenuity, it is imbued with an undeniable charisma. I cannot underestimate how much love is put into Denshattack! With deep reverence to classics like Sonic Adventure and Jet Set Radio, it built on those foundations to create one of the most endlessly fun games of the year.


PlayStation Universe - Joe Richards - 9 / 10
Denshattack! is a triumph of a game, and manages to take inspiration and turn it into something far greater. A ridiculous premise is given the weight it deserves, ending with a game I can't help but love. While it might not scratch the itch of a 'true' arcade skater game, what is here is fantastic by its own merits. I only felt the game start to creak towards the very end, and I can't fault that when the concept was so obviously at the core of the vision. Nothing feels like fluff, everything is fantastic.


Restart.run - Imran Khan - 4.5 / 5
I expected to like the game, but I did not expect the extent to which it surprised me, and I am all the more glad for it. Denshattack isn't just a great game, it's guaranteed to be some people's all-time favorite.


The Outerhaven Productions - George Yang - 4.5 / 5
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The Punished Backlog - Miles Johnson - 9 / 10
The latest offering from developer Undercoders is neither expected nor simple. Each time I thought I had Denshattack!'s gameplay or narrative pinned down, I was delightfully lurched in another screeching direction.

There are a few key stops that Denshattack! makes during its nine-part tale that — no spoilers — make this well worth your time, and it boasts a vibrant world and cast of characters who have something critical to say.


Worth Playing - Cody Medellin - 9 / 10
Denshattack! is a throwback to a time when games were allowed to be weird. A train pulling off skateboard tricks at high speeds while fending off a Voltron-style mech sounds strange even during the heights of the PSone/Dreamcast/early PS2 eras. The execution is excellent all around, and Denshattack! nails all of the familiar elements of other games while still feeling very original instead of being a homage to a particular cult title. This is a fantastic game, and the only reason to pass is if you tend to shy away from the extreme sports genre.


Nindie Spotlight - Justin Nation - 8.9 / 10
Part Tony Hawk, part Crazy Taxi, and part roller coaster ride, this is a high-intensity action title that packs in a ton of fun and surprises


COGconnected - Stephan Adamus - 88 / 100
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Console-Tribe - Simone Cantini - Italian - 85 / 100
Denshattack! may not reinvent the genre, but it stands out thanks to its unusual charm and surprisingly solid gameplay identity. Its ability to reinterpret such a specific and eccentric theme through fresh, layered mechanics makes it a game worth discovering, especially for those who appreciate bold ideas. Some trial‑and‑error moments and the lack of Italian don't undermine its overall impact: it's a lively, surprising experience that enthusiastically celebrates Japan's quirky love for trains. A short yet intense ride, powered by the same wild energy as its acrobatic convoy, and one of the most memorable releases of 2026.


NintendoWorldReport - Neal Ronaghan - 8.5 / 10
It's oozing with style and succeeds in driving home the lunacy of a kickflipping train home with a well thought-out arsenal of tricks and enough variety to make this on-rails sonata a pleasing tune of a video game. In some ways, this might be my favorite 3D Sonic game. In other ways, it's a sequel to Tony Hawk's Downhill Jam. The comparisons can carry on, but Denshattack endures beyond it because it doesn't neatly fit a specific comparison or stereotype. Denshattack is Denshattack.


Uagna - Silvia Mannu - Italian - 8.5 / 10
Denshattack! is one of the most original games we've had the chance to try lately. Who would ever think to blend the world of Japanese trains with skateboarding and the vibrant colors of Jet Set Radio? This crazy and incredibly successful idea comes from the Catalan studio Undercoders, which has delivered a game that captivates us with its challenges and its eccentricity. But be warned! Mastering Denshattack isn't for novice train drivers, and you'll need a lot of dedication to impress your friends with the craziest tricks. Now it's up to you: ready to go?


WellPlayed - Adam Ryan - 8.5 / 10
Denshattack! is a fast, fun, and colourful arcade title with infectious positivity that acts as a great companion for its main selling point: trains that can do kickflips.


GAMES.CH - Fabrice Henz - German - 83%
Denshattack!" is mostly a lot of fun, though perfect runs are challenging and demanding.


DayOne - Jesse Norris - 8 / 10
Denshattack! combines Tony Hawk with Japanese-inspired stylings in a fun-as-hell romp across a future version of the country. You'll race gangs, corporations, and even fate itself as a little engine that could, thanks to the power of friendship, rainbow tracks, and a (sometimes overwhelming) variety of gameplay mechanics.


Gameliner - Rudy Wijnberg - Dutch - 4 / 5
Denshattack! is chaotic, challenging, atmospheric, and above all, very unique. You can clearly see where its influences come from, but the game's charm and actual content are entirely its own.


Gamer Escape - Aaron Botts - 8 / 10
I want to see more games that match the ambition seen here, because gaming as a whole can only benefit when we see more people take risks like this more often. So long as you're up for a bit of a challenge, you're gonna have a blast with this game. Don't think twice about picking this up, because it's not going to think twice about showing you what it's all about.


Gamer Social Club - Daire Behan - 8 / 10
Denshattack! takes all the best from its long list of influences and mashes them up into a truly one-of-a-kind experience, complemented even further by fluid controls and stunning artistry in its art and music. That being said, an unengaging story and intrusive technical issues tend to derail things, making for a bit of a bumpy ride.


INFINITY AREA - Blackt0rn - French - 8 / 10
Denshattack! proves that it's still possible to innovate in video games with a completely unexpected idea. While its steep learning curve and unapologetically arcade-focused design won't appeal to everyone, players who enjoy mastering mechanics and chasing high scores will find a rewarding and refreshing experience.


Push Square - Stephen Tailby - 8 / 10
Denshattack is a blast. While it may present a steep learning curve at the beginning, its unique, arcadey gameplay rewards skill and quick thinking in a way that feels old school and fresh at the same time. From its silly, train-tricking premise through its challenging, fast-paced action and colourful presentation, it's a cohesive game that delivers big fun at every turn in the track.


WayTooManyGames - Leonardo Faria - 7.5 / 10
Denshattack is a wacky, over the top experience that demands your full attention and offers plenty of replay value. I will say, though, that for as absurd and fast paced as it is (and believe me, I love my games when they're completely ridiculous), it throws a few too many mechanics and reflex checks at you all at once, all while expecting you to squeeze in trick combos during a run. It can be a bit overwhelming and frustrating at times, but the game is just so damn charming that it's somewhat easy to overlook most of its flaws.


Xbox Achievements - Josh Wise - 70%
Denshattack! is set in a dystopian Japan, though you wouldn't know it. Like Sunset Overdrive and, further back, Jet Set Radio, the colours are che...


ProGamers.life - Nelson Acosta - Spanish - 9 / 100
Denshattack! delivers fun, excitement, and a significant challenge for all arcade game fans, thanks to a unique presentation, excellent music, and refined levels and mechanics that make the experience's frenetic pace a real joy.


Echo Boomer - David Fialho - Portuguese - No Recommendation
Denshattack! arrives on PC and consoles with one of the most unlikely premises in recent years, bringing together radical stunts, drifts, and high-speed action on a railway line.


Gaming-Village - Sebastian Küpper - German - Recommended
Denshattack!! is a great arcade platformer with clear inspiration from Tony Hawk. The exaggerated style fits the unique and energetic gameplay perfectly and the game brings a surprising amount of levels considering its tight design. If you find the idea behind the game at least somewhat interesting, you should give it a try. Personally, Denshattack!! rivals Yoshi and the Mysterious Book as my favourite game experience of the year.


PCMGAMES - José Miguel Rodríguez Ros - Spanish - Recommended
Denshattack! is one of the most original, wild, and surprising games I've played in a long time. Its premise might seem like a joke, but Undercoders has turned it into an incredibly fun, precise, and creative arcade game. It features excellent level design, a wide variety of scenarios, and plenty of replay value. One of the surprises of 2026.
 
It's sad this game is getting little attention here. Demo was great, but the game is a bit hard to master. I hope it gets a physical release one day.
 
Parks And Recreation Wow GIF

Was not on my radar. Now...on my radar.
 
Was hoping this would turn out to be great, I've had this on my wishlist ever since I first saw it. Looks awesome!
 
It's sad this game is getting little attention here. Demo was great, but the game is a bit hard to master. I hope it gets a physical release one day.
Negative threads thrive, you know the rules, most here would rather complain about a big game being "woke" than talking about a niche but cool game.
 
It's sad this game is getting little attention here. Demo was great, but the game is a bit hard to master. I hope it gets a physical release one day.
Already bought it, I'm just busy with Granblue Relink right now. I'm glad it seems to have delivered on the fun.
 
The game is cheap as is, but it's even available for less on third party key shops (13.5-14 EUR). No excuses if you are on the fence!

The first reviews on Steam are extremely positive too:
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I saw some reviews on YouTube today. Definitely went on my wishlist both on Steam and Switch 2.

I would love to see S2 physical even as a GKC.
 
I have it installing now. I love the ridiculous premise here. Nice to see a game focus on fun and not take itself so seriously.
 
There's a story that's pretty meh so far. But thankfully nothing concerning as I was watching the kid play.

Definitely a game with a high skill gap you can do score chases on. Kid was getting frustrated before things started to click, but was able to complete a few of the non-tutorials levels without help.

A really good sense of speed, that has you weaving between different types of obstacles and getting into a good flow state. It's a great deal for the low price.
 
I played the demo.
It's been a very long time since a non-VR game made me that motion sick....
Oh no. I have big issues with motion sickness in games. Some third person action titles and almost every FPS are no go or have to be done very carefully. I still can't play Bananza. This makes me nervous… if it's that much of an issue.
 
Gameplay and in-game videos look strong, nice palette.

The anime stuff and characters all look like some westerner obsessed with Japan made them.
 
These are huge scores. After watching the DF review, I decided this was an easy buy. I also wasn't super impressed with the demo, so I'm happy to hear that that's the shakiest part of the game, and it only gets much better from there.

Also, holy shit, that soundtrack! I can't wait to give this a whirl later today.
 
19.99. Fuckers make it impossible to resist and it almost guarantees a double-dip from me if they go physical.
 
It's only $20. You should support small original devs like this you cheap ass.

Anyway, just copped off PSN. Hopefully can give it a shot this weekend.


I'm supporting them by playing it on the service they got paid for putting the game on.

Save the anger for people who rather pirate a game like this.


Randy Savage Yes GIF by WWE
 
It's sad this game is getting little attention here. Demo was great, but the game is a bit hard to master. I hope it gets a physical release one day.

The games name doesn't help. Also all the people saying it's like Jet Grind Radio got me to buy it, but then I refunded after realizing that yes it is on rails and linear. Even though that should have been obvious.
 
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I'm supporting them by playing it on the service they got paid for putting the game on.

Save the anger for people who rather pirate a game like this.


Randy Savage Yes GIF by WWE

You don't buy shit though. All of your playing is done through GameFly or GamePass.

You champion your plastic box like a child and yet you do absolutely nothing to support the people actually making the entertainment for you.

Pathetic.
 
You don't buy shit though. All of your playing is done through GameFly or GamePass.

You champion your plastic box like a child and yet you do absolutely nothing to support the people actually making the entertainment for you.

Pathetic.

They got paid for putting their game on Game Pass.



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No, that's my excuse to tell you to ease up and take that stick out of your ass, Chucky.

Stop being so bent over on how other people enjoy games.

🙏

What's best is how you don't even deny your lack of actually pitching in keeping dev companies afloat. Such a phony, undedicated skinflint as expected.

It's too bad that like a job, you're probably unable to find another hobby that suits your worthless and empty penny pincher lifestyle.
 
What's best is how you don't even deny your lack of actually pitching in keeping dev companies afloat. Such a phony, undedicated skinflint as expected.

It's too bad that like a job, you're probably unable to find another hobby that suits your worthless and empty penny pincher lifestyle.


Okaay Ok GIF by MOODMAN
 
All yall need to buy this game right now. Even if it doesn't look that compelling to you.

High-quality games with a strong, specific, and unique vision are already rare enough. Now factor in the $20 price point and there's no reason you shouldn't buy this, even just to send the message to the industry.

The more games like this that are successful, the more the big guys will rethink their horrible development strategies.

Plus, the soundtrack alone is worth the 20 bones 😤👌
 
I'm still early on but this game is incredibly cool. Neat concept executed perfectly.
 
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I'm at the end of chapter 4, the game is incredible and this thread not having more posts is criminal. Quite possibly the most creative and original game released this entire gen. It's *super* faithful to Japan and it's different regional identities while mixing that up with some truly bonkers track design and set-piece moments.

Art is bursting with colour, soundtrack is 💯💯💯, gameplay is a high octane fever dream of trains run amok across the Land of the Rising Sun. The tricks you perform are essentially the same kind of thing you get in a skateboarding game but the game keeps layering on new mechanics as you tear headlong through each chapter.

Some tracks are linear (but always with multiple angles of approach), some tracks are objective based with 3 tasks to perform that can be done in any order. There are epic boss battles and tracks that are essentially trick parks with a timer running down, do as much crazy stuff as you can before time runs out. Grading system is present, going to be a real challenge getting all those 🥇

I love that games like this can come completely out of left field and take the industry by storm, all those high review scores are deserved. Buy the fucking game 👌
 
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