How game developers worldwide are reliving Y2K Japan, fro...

What’s Happening

Okay so Many of today’s game designers have, like me, grown up with Japanese Y2K style - the style of the late 90s and early 2000s that gave us not only fear of the end of the world because of a calendar change, but also the WipEout series, futuristic PlayStation 2 ads, and fashion that incorporated everything from glitter to holographic fabrics and cute crop tops.

In a media landscape that seldom shies away from homages and sequels, I ve waited a long time for the influence of childhood favour Home Features How game developers worldwide are reliving Y2K Japan, from Jet Set Radio to Dance Dance Revolution The makers of Unbeatable, Hyperyuki and Denshattack discuss their influences, from trains and Digimon to music and the Dreamcast Image credit: Acclaim, Inc Feature by Malindy Hetfeld Contributor Jan. 17, 2026 Follow Bomb Rush Cyberfunk Many of today’s game designers have, like me, grown up with Japanese Y2K style - the style of the late 90s and early 2000s that gave us not only fear of the end of the world because of a calendar change, but also the WipEout series, futuristic PlayStation 2 ads, and fashion that incorporated everything from glitter to holographic fabrics and cute crop tops. (let that sink in)

After all, plenty of Western developers have taken inspiration from Japanese role-playing games, giving us Sea of Stars , Undertale and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 , to name a few.

The Details

Just, I found some fr cool games that are living the Y2K dream with me, so it was time to dive into their inspirations and compare some childhood anime with some nerds. One such developer is David Jaumandreu, studio director at Undercoders, who are making Denshattack - a game that asks the brave question what if Tony Hawk s, but with trains?

From the name (densha is a Japanese word for a train) through the colourful Jet Set Radio -influenced style, bursting with speed lines and manga sound effects, to its tracks set near Japanese landmarks, Denshattack proudly wears its love for the country on its cab. Gameplay Reveal Trailer Watch on YouTube Jaumandreu remembers the time anime became mainstream on Western television as pivotal to his development as an artist, with series such as Dragonball, Captain Tsubasa and Dr.

Why This Matters

This is the kind of news that gets gamers talking across social media.

Gaming fans have strong opinions about moves like this, and for good reason.

The Bottom Line

This story is still developing, and we’ll keep you updated as more info drops.

Are you here for this or nah?