Summary
In 1995, when Jun’ya Ota, famously known as Zun, set out to create the first game in theTouhouProject, he probably wasn’t aware of the gaming cult he was about to amass. Aside from acquiring new players outside Japan, there have been many derivatives of the Touhou project, thanks to Zun’s minimal usage restrictions on his work.
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The best part about Touhou games is there’s something for everyone. Whether it is a new gamer starting or having been at it for a while, players can be certain there’s something to suit every taste. This also presents a minor problem. With so much to choose from, which isthe best Touhou game?
7Touhou 15: Legacy of Lunatic Kingdom
Few games in the Touhou series are as accommodative and challenging in equal measure asLegacy of Lunatic Kingdom. This makes it perfect for beginner, intermediate, and advanced players alike. But, it’s not just that.Legacy of Lunatic Kingdomhas advanced mechanics and options that allow for customizable play. In terms of gameplay, players can choose difficulty levels that are appropriate for them.
However, more challenge in the game unlocks better rewards, so there’s an incentive to master the game despite challenges. Also, like other Touhou games,Legacy of Lunatic Kingdomhas detailed visuals andmemorable soundtracks that keep gamers engaged in the game. The title is about a heroine going to the moon to try and halt the purification and invasion of the world by Lunarians. All things considered, this title is the best Touhou game overall. Nevertheless, everyone has their own experience and may regard another Touhou game as the best.
Legacy of Lunatic Kingdomis available on Microsoft Windows and Steam.
6Touhou 6: Embodiment of Scarlet Devil
Out of all the games in the Touhou series,Embodiment of Scarlet Devilis the most popular among players and fans. There are many reasons behind this, but chief among them is the fact that Embodiment of Scarlet Devil was the first game in the series that was released for Windows OS.
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Similarly, for many players, theEmbodiment of Scarlet Devilwas the first game they played in the Touhou project. If rosy retrospection is anything to go by, it’s easy to see why many players keep coming back to play it, even with the availability of other more exciting Touhou releases. The game also introduced new iconic characters to the series, like Sakuya Izayoi, who is still playable in subsequent games in the project. As if the nostalgia wasn’t enough, the game brought back select features from the PC-98 and improved it for Windows. Theshoot ‘em up video gameis a complete package in the world of Touhou. There’s a relatively less steep learning curve, which makes it suitable for new players, and an additional six increasingly difficult levels for gamers up to the challenge.
TheEmbodiment of Scarlet Devilis available for Microsoft Windows.
5Touhou 7: Perfect Cherry Blossom
Most people have been there. They’re hyped over a game but still afraid to try it out for fear of difficulty. Well, worry no more.Perfect Cherry Blossomis arguably the most forgiving Touhou game for beginners. New players don’t have to grapple withcomplex mechanics or gameplay, and frankly, just about anyone should sail through easily in this game. For starters, the game has a “Cherry Gauge,” a nifty tool that awards players each time they shoot, graze, or complete spell card tasks.
Once the gauge fills up, players get a temporary shield that effectively blocks any enemy attack for a short while. Despite being relatively “easy,”Perfect Cherry Blossomis far from boring. Don’t expect to zoom past the levels quickly. At some point, the game will push the player’s wits, but the rewards make it all worth it. As a plus, players can unlock levels where former foes/ bosses appear as playable characters. Nothing is better than thrashing enemies using characters that give players a run for their money.
Perfect Cherry Blossomis available on Microsoft Windows.
4Touhou 14: Double Dealing Character
Depending on a player’s abilities or how long they have been playing Touhou games, most of them may feel like zooming past all levels is a walk in the park. If this is the case, tryDouble Dealing Character,which has by far the most complex gameplay. Early on in the game, the playable characters’ guns begin to malfunction. As a result, players have to select an appropriate shot type for each interaction with enemies since each is suitable for different entities.
Players also have to contend with what would seem like an unfair fighting stage, thanks to narrow pathways and seemingly endless obstacles. All this while gamers have to dodge enemy attacks constantly. For gamers up to the challenge,Double Dealing Characterwill push you to your limits. Still, for those keen enough to learn the new rules and tricks, it should be worthwhile.
Double Dealing Characteris available for Microsoft Windows.
3Touhou 16: Hidden Star in Four Seasons
In true Touhou fashion, each game is a bit different from the rest. However, withHidden Star in Four Seasons, the novelty went further. The gameplay revolves around the seasons in Gensokyo (the fantasy land in which Touhou games are based), which are out of control. Fronting four playable characters in this game, Hidden Star in Four Seasons introduced the sub-season system where players have to collect items in each season, which can later be deployed as weapons against enemies.
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This shift in gameplay also brought something else. In addition to a more complex story,Hidden Star in Four Seasonshas relatively more detailed visuals, and everything about the characters and scenery stands out. If players looking for some respite from the “yokai” and “bishojo” or just a deeper, better-defined story, consider playing this game.
Hidden Star in Four Seasonsis available forWindows 7/8/10, Steam
2Touhou 11: Subterranean Animism
The best way to describe what to expect inSubterranean Animismis total carnage. This goes both ways; if a player is not fast or crafty enough, the game will be over before they know it.Subterranean Animismtakesintensity to a whole new level. Gamers encounter hordes upon hordes of Yokai enemies, and if they’re hardcore players, this is next-level fun. However, the game’s intensity should scare off beginner or intermediate players.
Most of the bullet patterns are fairly simple to master, and despite the challenging fights, players get rewarding tokens as a result, which they can use to advance themselves in the game. The game is mostly fast-paced, but there are slow runs, but this doesn’t mean letting up on guard.
Subterranean Animismis available for Microsoft Windows.
1Touhou 12: Undefined Fantastic Object
WhenUndefined Fantastic Objectwas released in 2009, critics praised the game’s well-structured gameplay, detailed graphics, and memorable tracks. In addition to more iconic characters, the game allowed players to switch between various characters.
Some critics even claim it’s the most visually appealing Touhou game. For others, the added layers to thegame’s story and gameplaywere a plus. The game is fairly simple to play, but gamers can expect increasing difficulty as they progress through the levels.
