Touhou: New World

I don't know if you asked me what Touhou: New World meant to the ever-expanding franchise. I've never indulged in the series, meaning I know little about it. Still, I also leave room to be pleasantly surprised. What captivated me this time around was seeing the exceptional visual design and the fast-paced battle mechanics, so I'm ready to discover more about the title.

Touhou: New World has all the hallmarks of a standard JRPG; gorgeous design, a memorable soundtrack, intricate battle mechanics, and a strong narrative driving the player forward. However, whether the game delivers on all these expectations is yet to be seen. So, let's get into this strange yet enticing world for a first-timer in the series.

New World Order

One of the standout features of Touhou: New World is its stunning visual design. The game showcases vibrant and intricately detailed environments that breathe life into fantastical landscapes. Each stage is a visual feast, with ethereal backdrops, colorful projectiles, and beautifully animated character sprites that bring the game to life. From the lush forests to the enchanting castles, every location is a testament to the care, and attention poured into the game's art direction.

The gameplay mechanics in Touhou: New World remain faithful to the genre's roots while incorporating new elements. It challenges players' reflexes and agility, requiring them to navigate intricate patterns of projectiles while avoiding collisions. The game introduces unique character abilities that add depth and variety to the gameplay, allowing players to experiment with different strategies and playstyles.

The music in Touhou: New World is simply sublime. The game's original soundtrack perfectly captures the essence of the narrative, blending melodic tunes with energetic beats. The music enhances the gameplay experience and immerses players in the enchanting world of Gensokyo, complementing the stunning visuals and heightening the emotional impact of each encounter.

However, while Touhou: New World offers a captivating experience, it suffers a few minor setbacks. The story, while intriguing, may feel convoluted for newcomers to the series, as it builds upon existing lore and assumes prior knowledge of the Touhou universe. Additionally, some players may find the difficulty level quite challenging, potentially discouraging those less experienced in the franchise. Nevertheless, these issues do not significantly detract from the game's enjoyment and immersive experience.

Something for the Senses

Touhou: New World is a worthy addition to the Touhou franchise, providing a mesmerizing journey into a captivating world. Its breathtaking visuals, engaging gameplay, and unforgettable music will surely please longtime fans and newcomers alike. Playing for the first time gives me Tales of Beseria vibes, but it does fall short of the content delivered.

Pros:

• A beautiful world to explore
• The soundtrack is fantastic
• It's accommodating to different play styles

Cons:

• It might be overwhelming for series newcomers
• Combat does eventually get bland
• It only touches on genre expectations