Indie title Denshattack blends skate‑board style tricks with a high‑speed train set in a dystopian Japan, delivering a fresh gameplay loop. Its anime‑inspired visuals and deep trick system make it a standout in the crowded indie market.
Key Takeaways
- Innovative train‑trick mechanics set a new benchmark for indie games
- Rich, dystopian Japan backdrop offers varied missions and tracks
- Complex trick input system rewards style‑focused scoring
Denshattack feels like a love‑letter to the golden PS2 era, yet it lives exclusively in the modern indie space. The premise is simple yet daring: imagine Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater fused with Dragon Ball’s fusion dance and Jet Set Radio’s graffiti vibe, but replace skateboards with a high‑speed train racing through a bleak Japanese future.
Story and Setting
The narrative follows Emi, a ramen‑delivery driver navigating a climate‑ravaged Japan aboard the VACTRAIN. Most citizens now live in domed megacities controlled by the shadowy corporation Miraido, which also operates the very train Emi rides. Outside the domes, life is harsher but free from Miraido’s grip. Emi meets Fernando, a zine‑making enthusiast of the underground sport Denshattack, and is drawn into a world where train jockeys compete by performing outrageous tricks.
Gameplay Mechanics
At its core, Denshattack turns a train into a skate‑boarding avatar. Players execute ollies, kickflips, 540‑heelflips, and more by flicking the right analog stick in patterns reminiscent of fighting‑game inputs. The in‑game “Tricktionary” provides instant references, while the style‑centric scoring system pushes players to chain diverse combos rather than repeat the same moves.
Level Design and Variety
The campaign spans roughly 10‑15 hours, taking players across 20+ tracks that range from soaring over stone statues to racing on a Ferris wheel in an abandoned city. Each level offers multiple paths, hidden exits, and optional objectives—such as destroying Miraido’s cell towers, rescuing a piece of censored art, or delivering soba. Mastery unlocks the “Yaoyorozuo” or “8 Million Roads” – vibrant, rainbow‑lit routes that feel like an ever‑present Mario Kart Rainbow Road.
Overall Assessment
Denshattack is more than an indie novelty; it showcases how limited resources can still produce groundbreaking design. Its anime‑style graphics, eclectic soundtrack, and layered world‑building immerse players in a dystopian Japan, while the depth of its trick system rivals mainstream titles. The game rewards both skill and creativity, making each session feel fresh.
