Koumajou Remilia: Scarlet Symphony

If this was a fan game you were showing to your friends (like it originally was) it would be much easier to recommend. Given that this is a full release and at almost full price it simply does not stack up to the plethora of other better titles. The music is weak, the difficulty annoying, and the platforming so badly controlled there is little to talk up - even to fans of Touhou.

Koumajou Remilia: Scarlet Symphony is a competent action platformer which will most likely satisfy its target fanbase as well as those that like their retro games. It’s well put together but it just didn’t do a lot for me. The level design is a bit bland and there weren’t a lot of stand-out moments that made the experience particularly memorable. By looking and playing so close to another popular game series the game just lacks its own personality. I don’t feel it does anything wrong. I get the impression this is just one of those titles that I don’t get but others will certainly enjoy. If you decide to take the plunge with this title I sure hope you have a good time.

Directed almost exclusively to Touhou Project fans. A work made with desire, but that plays a dirty trick to combine some mechanics of a genre (bullet hell) in a different one (action in side view).

Koumajou Remilia: Scarlet Symphony is a solid retro throwback that provides a good old-school challenge if that's what you're looking for. It may not do anything exceptional but it's still an enjoyable 2D action game that you can whip through in one sitting.

Koumajou Remilia: Scarlet Symphony is an interesting game that reminds us of a series that many people want to see back. Despite being short and lacking in extra content, the game is still fun and the mix of 2D platforming elements with bullet hell offers a challenge that will please those who like to improve their skills.

Koumajou Remilia: Scarlet Symphony transforms the Touhou universe in a very competent platforming adventure. The focus here is action in simple stages filled with enemies. The best part is the boss battles, as they fill the screen with projectiles in their complex attack patterns. Naturally, the difficulty is high, but there are options for various kinds of players. Originally released in 2009, the game comes to the west with new additions, such as a remastered visual and extras. However, some aspects are still inconvenient, such as the stages having unappealing maps and precision issues with the controls. Overall, Koumajou Remilia: Scarlet Symphony is a fast and classic experience recommended for people who want a good challenge.

An excellent example of a creatively reimagined game which perfectly draws the line to not stumble upon neither the Touhou project or Castlevania franchises. As the developer has collated various ideas from both inspirations, the mix of air and ground actions in a creative fashion, thus making it one step further than just a fan made project.