Summary
Touhou: New World has its moments of charm, with its beautifully crafted Gensokyo setting and the promise of blending bullet hell and action RPG elements. However, the execution leaves much to be desired. The two genres often feel at odds with each other, resulting in a disjointed and occasionally frustrating gameplay experience. While fans of the Touhou Project may find some enjoyment in revisiting Gensokyo, those looking for a seamless blend of bullet hell and action RPG may be left wanting more.
Developer –Ankake Spa
Publisher – XSEED Games, Marvelous USA, Inc.
Platforms – Nintendo Switch, PC (Reviewed)
Review copy given by Publisher
Touhou: New World is the latest installment in the beloved Touhou Project fan-made game series, promising a blend of bullet hell and action RPG elements set in the enchanting world of Gensokyo, but unfortunately, the combination of these two genres didn’t quite hit the mark .
The game’s premise is intriguing, as it returns players to the mystical land of Gensokyo, a realm inhabited by humans and youkai. The peace of this supernatural world is disrupted when an outsider breaches its protective barrier, bringing chaos to both Gensokyo and the outside world. Shrine maiden Reimu and magician Marisa are tasked with uncovering the source of this chaos and restoring peace to both realms, all while dodging magical bullet barrages and battling a diverse array of mystical creatures.
One of the key features of Touhou: New World is the combination of Shrine Maiden Skills and Magician Moves. While the idea of countering projectile-heavy enemies with spell cards, purification rods, and well-timed guards is appealing, the execution leaves something to be desired. The bullet hell aspect of the game often feels disjointed from the action RPG elements. Players are bombarded with relentless waves of projectiles, making it challenging to utilize the RPG mechanics effectively. The constant need for precise dodging and positioning takes away from the enjoyment of character customization and skill leveling, creating a somewhat frustrating experience.
Exploring Gensokyo and assisting its residents is a noble addition to the game, providing opportunities for rewards and character development. However, the focus on bullet hell mechanics tends to overshadow these interactions, making them feel like secondary distractions rather than integral parts of the gameplay.
The customizable action system, which allows players to level up skills and upgrade stats, is a welcome addition. It offers the potential for tailoring Reimu and Marisa to suit various playstyles. Still, the difficulty of managing this alongside the intense bullet patterns can be overwhelming for players not well-versed in the bullet hell genre.
Another noteworthy feature is the randomized equipment stats, which encourage experimentation and customization. However, the randomized nature of these stats can lead to frustration when seeking the perfect combination, and the need to reforge equipment feels like an unnecessary grind.
In summary, Touhou: New World has its moments of charm, with its beautifully crafted Gensokyo setting and the promise of blending bullet hell and action RPG elements. However, the execution leaves much to be desired. The two genres often feel at odds with each other, resulting in a disjointed and occasionally frustrating gameplay experience. While fans of the Touhou Project may find some enjoyment in revisiting Gensokyo, those looking for a seamless blend of bullet hell and action RPG may be left wanting more.
