Touhou Library Survivors
- September 27, 2022
- Alexander Taylor
Get on Steam
Get on itch.io StoreIn "Touhou Library Survivors," defend Patchouli's library from intruders using upgradeable spell cards, while managing her stamina. Experience four difficulty settings that enhance enemy bullet patterns. Please note that this game is a fan-made creation based on the "Touhou Project" series, and all rights belong to Team Shanghai Alice.
PC
Windows
Reviews
- The game features a unique hexagonal grid-based upgrade system that encourages strategic planning and adds depth to gameplay.
- It's a fun blend of bullet hell mechanics and survivor-style gameplay, providing a satisfying challenge with a variety of spells and abilities.
- The art style is charming, and the game is enjoyable for short play sessions, making it a good choice for fans of both Touhou and Vampire Survivors.
- The game currently lacks content, with only one map and limited character options, leading to repetitive gameplay after a few runs.
- The upgrade system can feel shallow due to RNG limitations, and the inability to rotate or reroll spell cards can lead to frustrating experiences.
- Some players find the difficulty settings misleading, as even the 'Easy' mode can be challenging for newcomers, and the grind for upgrades can be tedious.
- gameplay19 mentions
- 16 % positive mentions
- 68 % neutral mentions
- 16 % negative mentions
The gameplay is characterized by unique mechanics that blend bullet hell elements with a free-roam sidescroller shmup style, offering tactical depth through a stamina gauge and grid-based spell management. However, many players feel the game lacks replayability and variety, with repetitive gameplay and limited enemy types diminishing long-term engagement. While the mechanics are polished and enjoyable, the overall experience may feel constrained, especially for those seeking more dynamic progression and variety.
“The addition of bullet hell mechanics to the survivors-style gameplay setup is very satisfying.”
“On top of just clearing waves of enemies, there's also some bullet hell to the gameplay to keep you on your toes.”
“I really like the mechanic here since it forces you to actually use your brain and decide what should go into the grid; if you play this game inserting random stuff without any idea of what you're choosing, you'll have low to no chances of getting far.”
“The presence of a stamina gauge can be a hit-or-miss mechanic; while it encourages you to think more tactically with aiming and prioritizing your shots, sometimes it feels like it drains way too fast.”
“This genre never interested me because of the lack of energy variety and repetitive gameplay...”
“Basically, I did 2 runs and felt like I'd seen the entire gameplay and I was bored for more than half that time.”
- graphics5 mentions
- 40 % positive mentions
- 60 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The graphics in the game are a mixed bag; while some users appreciate the polished visuals and charming art style, others feel that certain attack animations lack refinement. Overall, the aesthetic aligns well with the Touhou theme, contributing to an enjoyable experience despite some graphical shortcomings.
“Simple and fun, plus I love the art style used in promotional material; it has a lot of charm.”
“The graphics are well-polished, and the music fits the Touhou aesthetic.”
- music3 mentions
- 67 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The music in the game features a solid selection of Touhou soundtracks that align well with its aesthetic, enhancing the overall experience. However, some players found the original soundtrack less engaging, with one even opting to overlay Castlevania music instead. Overall, while the music is appreciated by some, it may not resonate with all players.
“Great choice of Touhou soundtracks too.”
“The graphics are well-polished, and the music fits the Touhou aesthetic.”
- grinding3 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be tedious, requiring numerous runs to unlock upgrade options, which can detract from the overall enjoyment. While the game is enjoyable, the effort needed to obtain necessary resources for upgrades feels excessive and can hinder progress.
“Enhancing is rather tedious as you'll need to do lots of runs to unlock all upgrade options.”
“However, with how tedious it is to get the books to reach those rows of upgrades, they might as well not exist.”
“Overall, I quite enjoy the game; however, it does have those minor issues that make progress tedious.”
- replayability1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
While the game features engaging mechanics, many users feel it falls short in terms of replayability, suggesting that once completed, it may not offer enough incentive for players to return.
“Really cool mechanics, but it kind of lacks replayability.”
“The game is fun at first, but once you finish it, there's little incentive to play again.”
“After completing the main story, I found no compelling reasons to dive back in.”
