On September 9, the game "Touhou Koumakyou: Shin Ten ~ the Embodiment of Scarlet Devil" was officially released. This title is a complete reimagining of the cult-classic vertical shoot 'em up originally developed in 2002 by Team Shanghai Alice, with direct involvement from ZUN, the series' legendary creator. As ZUN himself stated, this update was crafted by developers who have grown and gained experience, a refinement evident in every aspect of this classic work.
Steam Store Page:Touhou Koumakyou: Shin Ten ~ the Embodiment of Scarlet Devil
In this new version of the classic title, the visuals have been thoroughly remastered. The pixel art has been updated to suit modern high-resolution screens, preserving the series' iconic style while freeing the graphics from the limitations of the original era. Players will once again immerse themselves in danmaku hell, with screens filled with incredibly complex patterns composed of hundreds of bullets, demanding precise reflexes and accurate character positioning. The musical accompaniment has also undergone significant changes. All tracks from the original game have been rearranged by ZUN himself, achieving modern sound quality without losing their signature atmosphere. Additionally, the Deluxe Edition includes over 30 tracks, featuring both new melodies and nostalgic classics from the 2002 version.
Players can choose between two familiar characters, the shrine maiden Reimu and the magician Marisa, each with their unique combat styles. Additionally, the game is very beginner-friendly; the developers have included a special mode with infinite lives, significantly lowering the barrier to entry for this hardcore shooting genre. However, the classic clear method with limited continues remains available for those who enjoy severe challenges. Furthermore, buyers of the base edition will also receive the original 2002 Japanese version, allowing them to explore its origins.
Currently, the game has 1,690 reviews on Steam, with a 98% positive rating, earning it an "Overwhelmingly Positive" status. Players praise the faithful recreation of the original character art in this comprehensive remake, the excellent music, smooth controls, and the elegant yet simple UI. The only point of criticism is the bundled sales model; players cannot purchase "Touhou Koumakyou: Shin Ten" separately from the bundle, forcing them to buy packages that include the classic version or the soundtrack.
"Touhou Koumakyou: Shin Ten" is now available. The Steam bundle is priced at 69 CNY, and the Deluxe Edition with the soundtrack is priced at 97.75 CNY.