[PS4] Review of Touhou Danmaku Kagura Phantasia Lost

Touhou Danmaku Kagura Phantasia Lost, developed by UnknownX and Alliance Arts, is a captivating blend of rhythm and bullet hell gameplay, now available on PlayStation 4. Let’s explore what this unique title has in store!

In this adventure, your mission is critical: you must master the Kagura rhythm to restore Gensokyo before it succumbs to chaos. You step into the shoes of Reimu Hakurei, the shrine maiden, teaming up with other Touhou heroines to uncover the mysteries afflicting Gensokyo and devise a strategy to save it.

The game offers two distinctive modes: Kagura Mode and Danmaku Mode. Kagura Mode is the core experience, where players focus on a descending note highway. It’s your task to match the notes with precise button presses, building combos to boost your score and earn top grades in each musical battle.

On the flip side, Danmaku Mode switches things up with its bullet hell action. You’ll dodge incoming attacks while collecting Dream Drops and shooting enemies automatically. Using the left analog stick for movement, you can unleash a powerful bomb with the X button to clear the screen when the chaos becomes overwhelming.

Each hit from enemy bullets reduces your HP. Lose all your HP, and you’ll lose a life! Defeating enemies earns helpful items like attack boosts, speed enhancements, and extra bombs. Don’t forget to manage your bomb inventory wisely by using one before collecting a new one. Meanwhile, you must also hit notes on the sides of the screen with precision using shoulder buttons.

In Kagura Mode, you’ll navigate using the D-Pad and face buttons to align with the notes. Achieving high grades fills the Groove Gauge, while poor performance depletes it. Complete the song with a filled gauge to successfully finish the level. Some notes require holding buttons, adding to the challenge.

The game boasts an extensive trophy list, featuring a coveted Platinum trophy. Tasks include collecting Mitama Cards, recruiting heroines, completing levels, and achieving high scores. It’s a comprehensive list aimed at engaging completionists.

However, the game does miss a key element of successful rhythm games: a variety of note colors. Limited color choices can make it challenging to keep track of notes, especially when the button layout demands complex, rapid reactions. This lack of variety makes it tricky, unlike the intuitive color systems of games like Guitar Hero.

Touhou Danmaku Kagura Phantasia Lost is available for $29.99 on PlayStation 4. A Digital Deluxe Edition offers additional song packs for $64.99. For enthusiasts, the Gensokyo: Memorial Digital Archive provides further content, including art books and sound archives, for $119.99. The most comprehensive package includes even more extras.

This review is based on a PlayStation 4 copy provided by Alliance Arts. Enjoy diving into the intriguing world of Touhou with this rhythm-infused bullet hell adventure!