Densha de Go!! Hashirō Yamanote-sen | Review | Switch

[@gello88]

I found this game in a Bic Camera store in Tokyo and had to get it to bring back home to remind me of all the commute we did during the trip. Amazing game and amazing country!

[@JasonMabone]

Thank you for the review. Many people on KZbin don't go into detail about the games they play, so I greatly appreciate the work you put in. I know zero Japanese, but started to get into Densha de Go just by playing. Perseverance really helped out, and little by little, I started to understand how most of the games are played. Online forums and translated guides also played a major role in helping me move forward in the game and unlock new content. These are unique experiences and I didn't want to give up. I love these games for what they are, and I'm happy to see the series continue. For those who are still interested in the Densha de Go games, give them a try. Just be aware of how hard the first games are, especially the first two games, which nearly required the player to memorize speed limit changes on each route and often hits you with harsh penalties. Later games are more fair, and in my opinion, a lot more fun to play. I can only hope for English translations, official or not, and maybe a better understanding of other games in the Japanese language (I'm still trying to figure out Kisha de Go, and Jet de Go 1 & 2). Some of you maybe should also look into the Tokyo Bus Annai games for Dreamcast and PlayStation 2 and the Airport Hero series on various platforms.

[@TheFamicast]

Thanks for the awesome comment, Jason! I’m going to try to fit this into our next episode of the show! Man. I really want to try out that Dreamcast/PS2 bus game now. They’re pretty cheap so I just may pick them up. Cheers! - Danny

[@scottianson5133]

I still don't understand Kisha. I got it just to have a complete collection.

[@Cynim]

The missing melodies of the train stations is such a huge shame......! But the game still looks awesome!

[@TheFamicast]

If you can get over the missing chimes (I could!), it’s an awesome game! - Danny

[@heotak3408]

Thanks for your explanations it rlly helped. Few tips i’ve found while playing 1. Change the settings for more power notches b7-p5 and not having to hold the l stick. 2. Match the blue speed limit for extra points. 3. There are 4 difficulties for engineers road by pressing x. overall a very fun and engaging game!

[@LeonSKennedy7777]

I’ve been playing an imported copy for the PS4 since it released last year, but I love hearing how the Switch port turned-out. Thanks! You concisely address the most important details we’d want to know. New subscriber! I mainly bought the PS4 version for its exclusive VR mode, which is incredible and feels like you’re really in Tokyo, but disappointingly, it’s very limited compared to the full game! Less than 10 stations from the line & no inclement weather effects while in VR-mode 😢

[@patrickmcloughlin2954]

sounds like it would give me motion sickness though

[@NetvoTV]

The VR version isnt just the PS4 game with VR mode but a seperate game with less content?!

[@MapaMundi-YT]

I like these games, I have one that came for the PSP and still love, now thanks to you I found out that there is a new release for the Switch, which ,despite its limitations, fits my lifestyle better. Thank you for the great video.

[@TheFamicast]

Thanks for the comment! I’m glad that this video helped you discover this iteration of the game! - Danny

[@guykl8713]

I need this game

[@CarbonatedTurtle]

Very informative video. An interesting thing that my Japanese wife pointed out to me is that you'll actually pass by certain stations that you'll never stop at which are reserved for the trains of the royal family. This is something most foreigners would never know when playing this game.

[@ryy4n_]

such as?

[@kikooe]

Let's hope for a PC version with arcade graphics... and departure melodies

[@TheFamicast]

That would be awesome! - Danny

[@favna]

I got curious about Densha De Go after watching the video from Linus Tech Tips where they covered one of those unique controllers. This is quite an interesting series.

[@trevorrandom]

I can't wait to play this game absolutely love anything Japanese

[@TheFamicast]

It’s fantastic! If you’re looking for visual fidelity, try it out on PS4. If you don’t care about that, the Switch version is good enough. It’s a really chill game. - Danny

[@freeformdelusion]

Great video, it helped me understand more of the game. I am studying Japanese, I am around N3 level I think and it is difficult to read at times. With regards to the blue line 定速　notice is it asking you to reach that speed at that point? p.s. just subscribed

[@TheFamicast]

Thanks for the comment and the sub. We really appreciate it! So for the blue lines, you need to do one of two things: simply hit the speed limit in question once OR keep the same speed over a short distance. Good luck with your studies! Playing games in Japanese is a great way to learn in a practical and fun way. - Danny

[@freeformdelusion]

@@TheFamicast thanks for your help Danny. I have plenty of Japanese DS games which I buy very cheap on eBay I'm very slowly getting through them (slowly). It is a great way to learn the language like you said. Also forgot to say please check out my channel when you can☺️ I do upload on occasion.

[@TheFamicast]

I'll have to check it out. Cheers! - Danny

[@NetvoTV]

Im chinese, so i can kinda know a bit here and there what's these words means since Japanese language has chinese words in it, i do like to play japanese game fully in japanese, it really give you the Jaoaense feeling even tho i havent been to japan, a japanese game in japan but with english voice and words will actually be weird i think!

[@TheFamicast]

This is a great game to really experience Japan without actually being here! Thanks for the comments! - Danny

[@dirtyfork12]

Got a physical release of this a couple of days ago on switch. What an amazing game! The biggest problem though is the graphics, seems fine in handheld mode, but as soon as you run it on a tv you really notice the low quality of the graphics, to me it seems like it needs to scale up when running on a tv. I’m sure the switch is capable of running better graphics than this. Sure it’s not a PS4, but they should of tried harder. Here’s hoping for a update of textures and fidelity, really don’t want to have to buy a PS4 pro for one game! (and I would ;)

[@TheFamicast]

Yeah, the graphics are a bit of a let down. But I honestly think if they try to push much more out of it, that will introduce slow down or an inconsistent frame rate. When you think about it, the areas that you actually play in are pretty damn big. And there’s just enough detail that I think sprucing it up any more would introduce problems. Also, I dunno about you, but I have a hell of a time seeing incoming trains when it’s raining (in the game), especially in handheld mode! - Danny

[@dirtyfork12]

@@TheFamicast I totally get it and agree, I suppose I’m just winging. Personally I can’t play handheld with switch generally, let alone this game. When’s there’s 3 or 4 other things happening and then you see the on coming train it gets a bit crazy with buttons, totally love it!

[@TheFamicast]

Ditto! Some of those challenge missions are indeed nuts! - Danny

[@pexeq]

3:00 That mission is simply cruising/coasting at 50km/h, just hit the speed and cut the throttle.

[@TheFamicast]

I figured it out pretty much right after I posted this. I hope this comment can help some people out, because that was a real pain in my ass before figuring it out! - Danny

[@umjames]

Saw the arcade version of this game at California Extreme this past weekend. Good to know I can play this at home too.

[@TheFamicast]

Awesome! Maybe they’re doing some kind of location testing for potential release in the US for the series? At any rate, this home version is solid and I highly recommend it. Thanks for your comment! - Danny

[@umjames]

@@TheFamicast I doubt they're doing a US version. Someone who owns a Japanese arcade cabinet was kind enough to make it available for play during the event.

[@TheFamicast]

That is most likely. Was the arcade version in Japanese then? - Danny

[@umjames]

@@TheFamicast Yes it was.

[@qbj]

No station jingles? I thought that was a standard in this series. I was considering getting this, but honestly, if it doesn't have jingles, I think I may pass. Seems like a weird thing to make or break a game, but it seems pretty important in an atmospheric game on the iconic Yamanote line!

[@TheFamicast]

Yeah. I do wish they were there. On the other hand, gameplay is just so damn fun here that I could overlook it! - Danny

[@skytrot]

Will you cover Tetsudou Nippon! Rosen Tabi Eizan Densha Hen Japanese Rail Sim some time in the future too?

[@TheFamicast]

The game hasn’t been on my radar! I might look into it. No promises but thanks for the suggestion! - Danny

[@skytrot]

@@TheFamicast Cool! I would be curious to hear what your take on it will be compared Densha de Go as it uses real captured footage for it's environments instead of 3D models. Another cool contrast is its setting of Kyoto instead of Tokyo. Apparently it's also a much harder game at least based on the few reviews I've read.

[@abdullakc]

I bought the one on ps3 a couple of days ago. Best one

[@EpicThe112]

Like your review here and this is also on the PS5/PS4. Speaking of Densha De Go Japanese equivalent to the British Dovetail Games Train Sim 21 and Train Sim World controller for the game for Nintendo Switch will be identical to how British Dovetail Games Train Sim World and train simulator 21 use a Rail driver controller

[@YAZZAZZIN]

i know they only sell it in japan, but i also know in europe and america theres also a comunity for this games series. cant we do a petition for english text support? it would be easy to translate and bring a update.. its also strange for me why they dont sell it on PSN/Nintendo e-store.. anyway for this game i have no other choice, hope its shipped soon. im realy excited :)

[@TheFamicast]

Sure, I mean, anyone could do a petition. It would just be a matter of setting it up and then seeing if Square Enix/Taito would even be interested in bringing it over. The translation would be pretty extensive, imo. Even without knowing Japanese, there are guides out there that could help you out! - Danny

[@mojabaka]

I played around 40 hours on PS4. Switch versions looks pretty good too.

[@TheFamicast]

It’s a great game! I’m around 25-30 hours right now. It runs great on Switch but has been scaled down a bit. Anyway, thanks for the comment! - Danny

[@shelly8563]

Great review hopefully I can learn Japanese so I can play these games sometime

[@TheFamicast]

Thanks, Shelly! Even without a full working knowledge of Japanese there is still quite a bit of fun to be had here! - Danny

[@CcPixieDust]

I could’ve sworn the rural lines on the 3DS version had the right chimes.

[@unclebugspayton]

Would be great if they had a us version

[@hanyue6174]

just found your video, just curious about the 9:10 ish mark, you have the symbols that pop up that help you indicate when to sound the horn, was wondering how do you enable the pop up symbols

[@TheFamicast]

Hi, Han. Thanks for checking out the video! I’m trying to rack my brain since it’s been awhile since I played it, but I didn’t do anything special there. The footage was recorded in the “Engineer’s Road” mode, so that could have something to do with it. - Danny

[@hanyue6174]

@@TheFamicast not a problem, i actually gave the game a go yesterday didn't realise the switch had a bunch of them i've only really been trying out the arcade mode thats about it. couldn't really work out the best timing to sound the horn thanks for the reply. i might give the engineers road a try, haven't played a train game since the PSP days lol

[@TheFamicast]

Ahhh. Okay. I didn’t play the arcade mode too much, honestly. Maybe that’s why. Like, the game is trying to give you hints to clear the missions in that mode. Anyway, hope you’re having fun with the game! I absolutely loved it! It was my first ever Densha de Go or train game, really! - Danny

[@hanyue6174]

@@TheFamicast thanks for the reply, i've started on engineers road and its pretty fun, but yeah have to say the arcade mode is definitely harder since it doesn't give you all the little hints on the way. shame it doesn't have the jingles at the train station

[@colstephens76]

Are there signals to stop at and slow you for points?

[@TheFamicast]

Yep! All of it is pretty clear once you’re playing. - Danny

[@jimyu9147]

Can we buy the game through Eshop? Or do we have to buy the physical in the U.S.?

[@TheFamicast]

You can buy the game either physical or via the Japanese eShop! - Danny

[@jimyu9147]

@@TheFamicast Thanks so much for answering. Love your channel and your podcast!

[@TheFamicast]

No problem! Thanks for the support, Jim! - Danny

[@NetvoTV]

Is The line, and building and so on are 1 to 1 realistic recreation?

[@TheFamicast]

I'm nowhere near a train expert by any means, but things seem pretty accurate to me. The most notable things missing are proper advertisements, etc, but that probably has more to do with licensing. - Danny

[@vstaritz]

Didn't know until recently this PS4/Switch port was a thing. I actually played the arcade booth version in 2019 and it looked absolutely stunning. I could tell very easily this was an Unreal game and was frustrated at the idea this was exclusive to arcade machines. I doubt it will happen but i believe the arcade also had an Osaka line and maybe a third one and it would be nice if they added that to this game as a DLC. If anyone is looking for an alternative on PC, recently a small dev from Korea released their sim called Hmmsim on steam which is one line of the Seoul Subway with a few different trains. It's essentially the same minus the scoring aspect and with some more accurate systems to consider. Its only 16$ and well deserving.

[@MarcusChan]

Another recommendation would be TRAIN CREW Prologue on Steam. There's a demo and the EA is releasing end of the month. Can't compete graphically but I am all for the Japanese announcement and sounds!

[@pumpkinhill4570]

Or try Train Drive ATS for way too much accurate detail. 🚞

[@mitchie2267]

Will this play on a Switch from the UK? I have a Japanese account.

[@TheFamicast]

It will work! - Danny

[@Lvaneede]

Im tempted to import this, even though I cant read any of it

[@shoebillstonk]

There are translation guides if you search for it

[@scottianson5133]

I know no Japanese and it's still great fun. It's very easy to learn how to play.

[@kanadian9418]

do you think it is ok to play that game without knowing any japanese?? I really want that!!! it is just so cool looking game!!

[@TheFamicast]

It might be tough, but it’s doable. There are some good guides out there if you need help, too. I checked on when I was completely stuck on what to do in a mission. You can totally do it! It’s such a chill game. - Danny

[@kanadian9418]

@@TheFamicast thank you so much! I love japanese game which I cannot buy in NA. I am gonna order it from eBay~

[@TheFamicast]

Enjoy, my friend! - Danny

[@DrSid42]

I want this so bad .. not buying a console for it though ..

[@TheFamicast]

It’s a great game! Do you have a PS4? It’s also on there and it looks better visually! - Danny

[@johnwiltson3164]

cool

[@zekethep1umber]

no station melodies = deal breaker :*( lol

[@gfujigo]

How can I understand what I should do since I don’t speak Japanese?

[@TheFamicast]

There are some pretty good guides out there that explain things very well. Check out gamefaqs. I think there was a good one there. - Danny

[@wolverine1981pl]

Is there English version?

[@TheFamicast]

Unfortunately, no. This is only available in Japanese at the moment. - Danny

[@justhesolution]

How do you get the game?

[@TheFamicast]

You can buy it directly from the Japanese eshop or from places like Play Asia. For the eshop, here’s their webpage with the game: store-jp.nintendo.com/list/software/70010000035767.html - Danny