Review: Denshattack! (Nintendo Switch 2)

Denshattack! is an indie arcade-action game for the Nintendo Switch 2. It combines a vibrant anime style with fast-paced skating action in a unique post-apocalyptic setting. With trains. My review might be a little late, but I promise it’s well worth the wait.

You play the role of Emi Araki. Emi lives in a futuristic, dystopian version of Japan in which society has moved into protective bubbles to avoid the damaged environment outside. Emi’s life is a simple one, delivering ramen to customers using her family’s old train. It sounds like an odd choice, but it’s a handy vehicle to have since the world seems to be covered with train tracks in this version of the future. 

It’s only when Emi delivers ramen to a young man named Fernando that she discovers Denshattack, an underground extreme sport where riders use trains to race and perform tricks. Think of it like skateboarding with trains. It doesn’t take much convincing for Emi to become obsessed with the competition, travelling around Japan to find the best racers and challenge them. 

What I love about Denshattack! is that it’s not just about racing trains. I mean, it is, but there’s a huge amount of variety as you move through each area. There are 9 chapters to work your way through comprising 60 levels in total. Each stage has a set goal, whether it’s a score to meet or a time to beat. There are even boss fights, which are really creative. 

Things start off with a simple tutorial that guides you through the basics. You learn how to control tight turns, blast your horn, and jump. Then, just when you get the hang of it, you’re introduced to tricks, slides, and tunnels. The train can even go off the rails sometimes!

No two levels are the same. You can perform flips to hit switches, jump over flaming lava, ride a ferris wheel, or destroy a bridge. Anything is possible. Although most of the game is played from a third-person perspective (or is that third-train perspective?), sometimes the camera rotates to show what’s going on behind the train. Moments like these stand out, proving that the developers have a true flair for game design. Well done!

The controls are also great. A lot of the moves use the shoulder buttons and joysticks. It feels natural, and it’s easy to master quickly. Not that the game itself is necessarily easy. It’s not that it’s hard, but it’s very fast. Let’s just say it’s easy to crash, especially the first time you play through a level. Denshattack! handles this well, warning you when a move is needed, like a tight turn approaching. It can still catch you off guard when everything is so fast and you’re trying to pull off some sweet moves, but it helps most of the time.

Thankfully, crashing isn’t really a problem in terms of completing a level. The game keeps things moving briskly with an instant restart when you make a mistake. There are no lives or health bars; a crash simply places you back on the tracks a little ways back to try again. And when I say instant, I mean it. There’s literally no downtime. It’s perfect for keeping the adrenaline pumping. It also gives you the chance to master those tricky sections without feeling bad about yourself. It’s the perfect balance. This is a game about high scores and cool moves, not punishing yourself.

Each level also features several challenges. Firstly, you’re given star ratings for your points and time. Secondly, there are optional objectives to complete. If you’re a completionist, you’ll want to revisit each and every level to get the best score. It’s a strong incentive to replay.

The story is silly yet compelling. It’s a fun journey as Emi and Fernando come up against colorful characters full of energy and enthusiasm for this extreme pastime. There are plenty of cutscenes to keep you engaged, with an underlying theme regarding the state of this world. It’s not all about racing trains, it seems. I enjoyed seeing the characters come together, united through their love of Denshattack.

Graphically, everything looks fantastic. This is the most vibrant dystopian world I’ve ever seen! The colors and slightly punk style give Splatoon vibes crossed with an anime aesthetic. It works really well, and the music matches, with upbeat tunes to accompany your matches. As I said, there’s no downtime. This is a Switch 2 game, and it shows. Everything runs super smoothly.

Overall, Denshattack! is a unique outing that’s fast and fun. Pulling off tricks using a train is such a strange concept, but it works really well. The team has built a wonderful world, putting a twist on the skating genre and coupling it with neat characters and an anime style. If my review hasn’t convinced you, there’s even a free demo to check out.