Denshattack! Preview – The Art of Train-tricking
The full version better have Thomas in it.
Denshattack! was revealed earlier last year, and I do not think I have seen an announcement trailer with this much energy in quite some time. It had everything I want from a game reveal: fast-paced gameplay, a unique hook, and a distinct art style to tie it all together.
Ahead of its Steam Next Fest demo release, I had the chance to play Denshattack! and came away hungry for more. Here are my thoughts on its early levels.
Tony Hawk Train Conductor?
As soon as you start your train’s engine, a burst of speed is immediately conveyed as it blasts down the tracks with impossible momentum. Everything about Denshattack!’s presentation works overtime to sell that sensation. You will drift, jump, change tracks, stomp down, and leap forward, and none of it feels awkward or unintuitive. It takes a bit of practice to learn the moveset of this mechanical beast, but it all comes together after you have fallen to your death a few times.
Respawns are quick, the track always telegraphs obstacles in time, and there is nothing in the UI to distract you from what matters. It is a clean game despite its colorful and punchy aesthetic. Like any good skating game, once you have nailed the basics, you are introduced to tricks. These form the backbone of your score and give you the freedom to express yourself on the rails.
As insane as it sounds, the tricks are straightforward to execute and are mapped to the right stick’s motion. There are numerous basic, intermediate, and advanced tricks to learn, which can be explored in the Tricktionary. That simplicity is vital because, unlike Tony Hawk, you are not confined to an arena or level. Instead, you are barreling down a track filled with incoming obstacles, speed boosts, and varied environments that continue to become wackier as you progress through a stage.
Each new level of Denshattack! blends two ideas. On one hand, it is a race track packed with dangers, extra objectives, and collectibles. On the other hand, it is a playground for expression and style, encouraging you to perform tricks at every opportunity. They may sound like distinct aspects, but they work in harmony, pushing you to be reactive and stylish at the same time.
The story side was a bit light in the preview, but I really like how everything was presented, and I’m really excited to see where it goes further. It’s a beautiful game with a lot of energy radiating from every corner, whether it’s the characters, the tracks, or the effects.
Play the Demo During Steam Next Fest
Denshattack! is high on my list for this year’s most anticipated titles, and if you want to check it for yourself, make sure to download the demo, which is available now on Steam.
Denshattack! is coming to PC, Xbox Series S|X, and PS5 in 2026.
