Thank you Phoenixx Inc. for sending us a review copy!

The world of Touhou has seen so many unique genres in its strange series. Typically opting for high-intensity shoot-em-ups, developers of these games sometimes see opportunities to switch things up, creating sub-series such as Genso Wanderer. Thanks to this, we have the latest installment: Touhou Genso Wanderer -FORESIGHT-, a turn-based mystery dungeon-style RPG. Hoping to stop a strange rush of incidents, you take the role of Shrine Maiden Reimu Hakurei alongside several other popular characters in the series to accomplish your goal.

All around Gensokyo, different missions appear as you progress through the story where you must fight your way to a boss battle to potentially solve the latest issue in town. These situations vary in intensity a lot, ranging from some fairies causing mischief to the sun disappearing from the sky. A case is typically solved after a violent confrontation with whoever caused it, followed by a passive-aggressive agreement through dialogue. Leading up to those boss fights, though, Reimu and a partner use turn-based combat and movement to explore procedurally-generated labyrinths littered with strange familiar creatures, many resembling other characters in the series.

During gameplay, a turn can be used on either a move, an attack of some sort, or the usage of an item. All NPCs and enemies also use their own turns at the same time that you do, meaning that you need to think a lot about how you use each turn. In boss fights, it’s very easy to lose the battle after a single wrong decision, so you’ll often have to think a lot during each turn and develop a strategy before fighting. However, boss attacks seem to be randomly selected, meaning that there is a chance that you get screwed over by a barrage of really powerful attacks and are forced to try again.

As expected for a Touhou game, the art is all incredible. Character portraits during dialogue as well as special attack animations/frames are all masterfully drawn and detailed. Graphically, -FORESIGHT- has much higher visual clarity than the previous Genso Wanderer games. On top of this, the soundtrack is very fitting and well produced, with a lot of Asian musical ideas and instruments used to make very sensational arrangements. The more uptempo tracks are also well put together and are to be praised overall. I didn’t experience too many bugs playing, and overall was able to enjoy playing through the comfortable control scheme and stability.

Something I didn’t like about this game is how grindy it can get. If you aren’t prepared enough to fight a certain boss, you are often required to sink hours into replaying old missions to level up and get items you need. I don’t personally mind doing it every once in a while, but as bosses get harder and harder, you have to do it every single time and the loop feels like it drags on for a while. The game is still fun, but I do believe that this aspect can be a little unnecessarily grueling at times.

Unsurprisingly, a game in this style with such a high number of characters will have some mature references and jokes. Touhou Genso Wanderer -FORESIGHT- is no exception. Unlike others, this case is not in any way extreme, only making subtle references here and there, and having most characters actually dress considerably modestly. Alcohol is used from time to time, with a character proudly using a magical bottle of infinite saké to motivate her to complete construction tasks for you. I don’t recall any strong language being used. All violence taking place throughout the journey is very playful and similar to that of a children's’ cartoon. Any blood shown is very minimal, and most attacks happen with playful sound effects and innocent damage animations. Something worth mentioning is that a major part of the plot and Reimu’s character as a whole is the role of a shrine maiden, and the idea of people praying at your shrine, and you collect their offerings. Outside of all of this, I’d consider the game to be a pretty safe play.

Touhou Genso Wanderer -FORESIGHT- is definitely a welcome addition to the series. Those who played the previous installments in the sub-series would definitely appreciate this one. Additionally, I do believe it to be a decent introduction to the world of Touhou, as that’s what it was for me. That being said, it has its flaws, but they don’t outweigh the fact that the experience of playing it as a whole was pleasant.