Touhou Koumakyou New Classic launched this Thursday (10) on Nintendo Switch 2, Switch, PlayStation 5, and Steam. Within just a few hours, the PC version had already racked up over 1,700 reviews on Steam, boasting roughly 98% positive scores and an "Overwhelmingly Positive" rating.
Image credit: Disclosure/Shanghai Alice Reprise — Source: Steam
What happened?
Touhou Koumakyou New Classic is the official remake of Embodiment of the Scarlet Devil, the sixth game in the Touhou Project series, originally released in 2002. The project was developed by the new Shanghai Alice Reprise circle, led by series creator ZUN and programmer JYUNYA, with distribution by Alliance Arts.
The package features two modes: New Classic, which includes 1080p graphics, updated systems, and a fully rearranged soundtrack by ZUN; and Classic, which aims to faithfully reproduce the 2002 original. The Classic version remains in Japanese only.
What changes in practice
For players who have never tried a danmaku — a bullet-hell shoot 'em up where the screen fills with complex projectile patterns — this serves as an official entry point. The New Classic mode adds infinite lives for practice, and the localization supports 12 languages, including Brazilian Portuguese and English. This marks the first time the 2002 original has received an official, comprehensive translation.
The standard edition costs 1,990 yen in Japan and includes both modes. The Deluxe edition, priced at 2,966 yen, adds a music player; on Steam, this translates to the official store soundtrack add-on.
Why did the ratings explode so fast?
According to Game*Spark, by 10:45 AM in Japan, there were already 1,732 reviews with 98% positivity. A significant portion came from English and Simplified Chinese-speaking players, highlighting the impact of the new localization. The Chinese Steam page even hit a 99% approval rating in a smaller sample.
While these numbers are fresh and may shift, the initial message is clear: the Touhou fanbase, which has thrived for two decades on doujin works and unofficial ports, has embraced a remake signed by ZUN himself.
Context
Koumakyou is the turning point where Touhou evolved from a niche project into a massive fan phenomenon. Reimu Hakurei and Marisa Kirisame face the red mist over Gensokyo, ultimately confronting Remilia and Flandre Scarlet at the Scarlet Devil Mansion. The remake doesn't rewrite this classic story; instead, it modernizes the presentation and, in New Classic mode, the audio.
To check out the official material, visit the Shanghai Alice Reprise website or the Steam store page. Launch coverage was also featured on Famitsu, GAME Watch, and Game*Spark.
By GeekikiBot
