Touhou: Scarlet Curiosity

Scarlet Curiosity is nearly a hidden gem, although there are some perplexingly dumb decisions and a lack of real challenge that keep it from being one of the best in the genre. I have no comprehension of the Touhou game series, and my research online just leaves me more confused. As far as I can tell, it's a bunch of games with some bullet hell elements and entirely female anime casts of characters. Beyond that, these games can be and are anything. This one feels like one of the 3D Castlevania games on the PS2, albeit with more crisp graphics and great sound design.

You move around the map, killing enemies to level up and collecting money and items to equip. Eventually you reach a boss room and this is really the only challenging thing about the game. You have two different chracters to select from and they both play very differently. Remy is a vampire and she's a bit more fun to play as because you can spam a dive attack to speed all over the level. She doesn't deal the damage of Sakuya, but she's more well rounded as a character. Sakuya is a maid who specializes in knife attacks. can exploit critical hits and she gets a game breaking ability late in the game that lets you interrupt boss attacks and basically obliterate them.

The characters mostly have melee attacks, but they do get some projectile attacks and can select from a few special "screen clearing attacks." A few of the bosses are pretty difficult if you don't know what to do, but for the most part this game has no real challenge. You can activate "bullet hell" mode from the menu, but since there are exploits to pulverize all of the bosses once you know the pattern it doesn't make much of a difference. Dying outside of the boss room just takes gold away, and you don't even really need the gold for anything since all the weapons you need are dropped by enemies and in chests.

This game is super linear, but there's a lot of variety in the map designs. I particularly like a platforming section that has you climbing a waterfall, and the inside of a "kettle" that is a ruined castle for no apparent reason. The story is incomprehensible gibberish and the game just expects you to already know who these characters are. The combat is fun since you are still getting new abilities even around level 70. To get the "true ending" you have to go through a 20-floor labyrinth and beat two difficult bosses, and this is really the only thing about the game that feels remotely challenging.

The only real issue with the game is the fact that you will face the same enemies over and over again. From my understanding, Touhou games are supposed to feature Yokai demons, but you mostly fight centipedes, bats and little doll-looking creatures. It's not that the enemies aren't fun to fight, it's just that you will find yourself fighting, say, a mushroom inside an underwater research lab because the game doesn't have enough enemy types to have them all fit the environments. The bosses in this game are inspired and some of the patterns are really fun to figure out. I particularly like one near the end where the character attacks with earth, wind, fire and water with a different special attack assigned to each. As you get near the end of each boss fight their attacks get faster and they start introducing new attacks, so expect to replay a few of them until you get the pattern down.

~ Playing as Sakuya makes me happy.
~ Level progression is average.
~ The soundtracks are awesome (I'm bias).

~ Kinda wish more characters are added.
~ Recommended when the game is on sale.

Good enough for one play-through but story is somewhat lacking. The game is also short so I would get it when it's on sale. I also suggest doing the true ending if you really want a challenge. Overall, it's just OK.

honestly luv how they blended in bullet hell elements with rpg, just the right amount of both. it also requires a bit of experience in bullet hell, but otherwise amazing game and def worth my money :D

Touhou: Scarlet Curiosity is an ambitious fan-made action RPG that reimagines the Touhou Project universe beyond its traditional bullet-hell roots, offering a more exploratory and character-driven experience while still retaining the spirit of the series. Developed by Ankake Spa and published internationally by XSEED Games and Marvelous USA, Inc., the game stands as both a love letter to long-time fans and an accessible entry point for players unfamiliar with Touhou’s notoriously challenging shooters. Rather than overwhelming players with relentless danmaku patterns, it emphasizes real-time combat, progression systems, and atmospheric worldbuilding grounded in familiar characters and lore.
The story begins with a deceptively simple mystery: Remilia Scarlet, the proud vampire mistress of the Scarlet Devil Mansion, leaves in pursuit of rumors about a colossal monster, only to return and find her home in ruins. This disruption sets the stage for an investigation that unfolds across dangerous regions and supernatural encounters. Players can choose to experience the journey as Remilia herself or as her loyal maid Sakuya Izayoi, and this choice meaningfully shapes both gameplay and tone. Remilia’s campaign leans into raw power and aggressive combat, while Sakuya’s route favors speed, precision, and combo-based finesse. Though the narrative is not especially dense or complex, it serves its purpose as a framework for exploration and character interaction, staying true to Touhou’s often light yet enigmatic storytelling style.
Combat is the heart of the experience, blending fast-paced action with light RPG mechanics. Battles unfold in side-scrolling environments where players attack, dodge, and chain abilities together in real time. Enemies range from familiar Touhou creatures to original threats, and combat rewards momentum through combo systems that increase both damage output and experience gain. This design encourages an assertive playstyle, pushing players to stay engaged rather than retreating defensively. Special skills and abilities gradually unlock as characters level up, giving combat a sense of progression without becoming overly complex.
RPG systems are intentionally streamlined. Equipment drops frequently, often with randomized stat bonuses that encourage experimentation and grinding for optimal builds. Weapons and armor can significantly alter performance, and some rare items unlock new combat abilities, adding variety to character development. While these systems lack the depth of larger RPGs, they complement the game’s action-focused design and help maintain a steady sense of growth. Difficulty settings further broaden accessibility, allowing players to tailor the challenge depending on whether they prefer a relaxed action game or something closer to Touhou’s traditional intensity.
Visually, the game balances dark fantasy aesthetics with anime-inspired character design. Environments are detailed and moody, reinforcing the sense of a world thrown into chaos, while character portraits and enemy designs preserve the distinctive charm Touhou fans expect. The presentation is supported by strong performance options, including high-resolution support on PC, which allows the art to scale cleanly on modern displays. While some animations can feel stiff and environments occasionally repetitive, the overall visual identity remains cohesive and appealing.
One of the game’s standout elements is its soundtrack. Featuring arranged music from well-known Touhou music circles, the score carries both energy and emotional weight, elevating combat encounters and exploration alike. For fans of the franchise, the music alone serves as a powerful draw, reinforcing the game’s authenticity and passion. Sound effects and combat audio are functional rather than spectacular, but they do not detract from the experience.
Pacing, however, is a mixed aspect. Early sections feel fresh and engaging, but as the game progresses, repetition can set in. Enemy variety and level structure do not evolve dramatically, and extended play sessions may begin to feel grind-heavy, especially for completionists. The bullet-hell heritage of Touhou is present mostly in boss encounters and scripted moments rather than as a constant mechanical pressure, which may disappoint players expecting relentless danmaku challenges. Conversely, this restraint makes the game far more approachable for newcomers who might otherwise be intimidated by the franchise.
Reception reflects this balance. Fans of Touhou often appreciate the opportunity to explore the universe in a new format, praising the character choice, music, and accessible combat. Players approaching it as a standalone action RPG tend to enjoy its flow and presentation, even if they acknowledge its mechanical simplicity. Criticism generally focuses on repetition, limited narrative depth, and the feeling that the game does not fully commit to either its RPG identity or its bullet-hell roots.
Ultimately, Touhou: Scarlet Curiosity succeeds as a focused and affectionate reinterpretation of a beloved series. It may not offer the depth or polish of major action RPGs, nor the intensity of classic Touhou shooters, but it occupies a comfortable middle ground that emphasizes fun, character, and atmosphere. For players interested in an action-heavy adventure set in a richly stylized world, especially those curious about Touhou beyond danmaku, it delivers a satisfying and distinctive experience shaped by clear passion for its source material.
Rating: 9/10

i really liked this game, even though it was a 3d game it still had that bullet hell feel to it which i though was cool, I really enjoyed the characters and the story as well not a bad game quick and fun

honestly, probably my favorite 3d beat em up. Happy to own this after not being able to play it after it getting removed from ps+. oh and btw, pay attention to the options window before the game starts, youre gonna need it.