Touhou Artificial Dream in Arcadia

The music in the game has received overwhelmingly positive feedback, with many reviewers praising its high quality, nostalgic feel, and ability to evoke the classic soundtracks of the Shin Megami Tensei series. The soundtrack is described as a perfect blend of Touhou and SMT styles, featuring memorable tunes and excellent arrangements that enhance the overall atmosphere of the game. However, some criticism was noted regarding a significant drop in music quality during the postgame content, which detracted from the otherwise stellar experience.

The story in the game is generally seen as engaging and humorous, with a mix of charming characters and lighthearted dialogue, though some reviewers noted it can feel weak or secondary to gameplay. While it follows familiar tropes typical of the Touhou series, such as solving incidents and misunderstandings, the plot is often described as a vehicle for exploration and dungeon crawling rather than a central focus. Overall, players appreciate the whimsical nature of the narrative, even if it doesn't always deliver depth or complexity.

The graphics of the game are highly praised for their faithful homage to the aesthetic of classic Shin Megami Tensei titles, featuring pixelated visuals that evoke nostalgia for the SNES era. Reviewers commend the charming art style and character portraits, noting that the overall presentation beautifully captures the essence of old-school JRPGs while integrating modern elements. While the retro graphics may not appeal to everyone, they are celebrated for their quality and alignment with the game's thematic goals.

Reviews highlight that grinding in the game can be both tedious and necessary, with high encounter rates and a cumbersome menu system contributing to a repetitive experience. While some players appreciate the efficiency of item and money grinding, others find the overall grindiness detracts from enjoyment, especially when combined with balance issues and difficulty settings that penalize experience gain. Ultimately, the game appeals to those who enjoy grinding, but may frustrate players who prefer a more streamlined experience.

The humor in the game is widely praised for its intelligent and cute writing, with many players finding the dialogue consistently funny and engaging. The protagonist, Sumireko, adds a comedic touch, and the game features humorous side quests and interactions with NPCs that enhance the overall experience. However, some players feel that certain gameplay mechanics, like the penalty for dying, detract from the fun.

The atmosphere of the game is highly praised for its vibrant pixel art and engaging soundtracks, which create a captivating and immersive experience reminiscent of classic titles like SMT. Reviewers highlight the game's ability to evoke nostalgia while maintaining its unique identity, making it a standout in the genre. Overall, the combination of a cozy ambiance and tense gameplay contributes to a memorable and addictive atmosphere.

The game features a surprisingly deep and melancholic plot that resonates emotionally with players, blending wholesome elements with darker themes. The mechanics, such as instant death for party members in certain dungeons, add a layer of tension that enhances the overall emotional experience.

The character development in this JRPG is highlighted by its addictive gameplay and unique designs created by Zun, which are praised for their creativity and appeal.

The game's optimization is noted to be on par with other expansive RPGs like "Touhou Shoujo: Tale of Beautiful Memories" and "Touhou Puppet Dance Performance: Shard of Dreams," suggesting a well-crafted experience that effectively manages its scope and performance.