XSEED Games has announced the official release of an original fan-made RPG game based off the Touhou franchise, Touhou: Scarlet Curiosity in North America. It’s a PlayStation 4 exclusive and is now available as a digital download via the PlayStation Network for $19.99.
Originating as a fan-made PC title set in the ever-evolving Touhou Project universe, Touhou: Scarlet Curiosity trades in the series’ top-down “bullet hell” roots for action RPG approach, drawing inspiration from series such as Ys while still retaining a distinctly indie feel. The game instantly gained a following in Japan for its beautiful soundtrack, impressive art direction, and addictive high-speed action, and the official North American debut on PS4™ further refines the game with a full 1080p native resolution running at 60 frames-per-second.
Touhou: Scarlet Curiosity features a standalone story that draws upon the renowned franchise’s 20 years of lore to characterize its two playable protagonists, while providing an excellent jumping-in point for series newcomers looking for a fresh adventure. Players can take on one of two distinct roles – either the titular vampire Remilia Scarlet or her devoted maid, Sakuya Izayoi – as they explore a wide variety of environments, navigate tricky platforming, and battle intense boss characters, who fill the screen with complex waves of projectiles in a manner worthy of the renowned Touhou ‘king of bullet hell’ name.
Touhou: Scarlet Curiosity begins with the so-called “Scarlet Devil” Remilia Scarlet, who, at 500 years old, is desperately searching for something new to end the monotony of immortality. After stumbling upon a newspaper article about a powerful and mysterious monster terrorizing the countryside, she rushes out to see if this could finally be the excitement for which she yearns. Unfortunately, not only is she unsuccessful in her search for the monster, but she returns to find her manor in ruins. It would seem the monster has come to her! With a renewed sense of determination (and a much-needed respite from her boredom), she vows to take revenge on this fiend and make it pay!
