Shrine Maiden of Paradise ~ Reimu Hakurei (Touhou Project)

[Arcadenblog]

So the latest music track was uploaded, and it's the first time a series gets two tracks. Does this disprove the music theory? Not entirely. See, let's look back at that hypothetical list.

Star Fox [No remixes shown in direct, Unlikely?]
Earthbound
Kid Icarus
Warioware [Unlikely to get a song, no new remixes in Smash 4]
Punch-Out!! [Unlikely to get a song]
Mii [10/2 ~ Afternoon on the Island (Tomodachi Life)]
Xenoblade Chronicles [Another remix from XC1? From XCX?]
? (Golden Sun?)
? (Famicom Detective Club?)
? (Touhou Project?)

See, I was iffy on whether or not Punch-Out would get another remix, as is it is a minor franchise much like Game & Watch, R.O.B., etc.

While some may say this means Incineroar could get a song after his reveal, this also proves that Skull Kid could also get a song, as a Zelda song was already uploaded way back at E3.

Just would like to throw that out there.

 

[Arcadenblog]

I have decided to compile everything that is both for and against the LaPailleDor leak in this document:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/14MNrtb-cQahKkwISCosLlDnrMld8VjVPamxfevUPecQ/edit?usp=sharing

Give it a read if you want. I will be making edits as time goes on to keep the document up to date.

 

[Flyboy]

I have decided to compile everything that is both for and against the LaPailleDor leak in this document:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/14MNrtb-cQahKkwISCosLlDnrMld8VjVPamxfevUPecQ/edit?usp=sharing

Give it a read if you want. I will be making edits as time goes on to keep the document up to date.

Fantastic read. I'm hoping this one's legit. Ayumi fans and Reimu fans unite! Great write-up that'll be fun to look back on.

 

[Dyllybirdy]

I have decided to compile everything that is both for and against the LaPailleDor leak in this document:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/14MNrtb-cQahKkwISCosLlDnrMld8VjVPamxfevUPecQ/edit?usp=sharing

Give it a read if you want. I will be making edits as time goes on to keep the document up to date.

Whoa, there was a lot of effort put into that, great job! :D

I REALLY hope this is real! I'd be perfectly happy with it, lots of my wanted characters in there.

 

[Arcadenblog]

You're welcome, mate!

 

[zferolie]

I got a question guys. Has there been any word from ZUN or anyone from Team Shanhai Alice about Reimu for Smash? Are japanese gaming boards or 2chan suggesting her? I know she gets little traction outside of japan but I want to know how things sound in japan.

 

[Arcadenblog]

I'm not entierly sure. When Push did his research, he didn't find anything regarding Touhou characters. As for ZUN, I have yet to do any research myself.

 

[Luigifan18]

I got a question guys. Has there been any word from ZUN or anyone from Team Shanhai Alice about Reimu for Smash? Are japanese gaming boards or 2chan suggesting her? I know she gets little traction outside of japan but I want to know how things sound in japan.

Wouldn't ZUN be under an NDA?

 

[Arcadenblog]

Well, yeah. Unless it's information that pre-dates the project plan being finalized.

 

[zferolie]

Wouldn't ZUN be under an NDA?

Or ZUN outright says Reimu isn't in.

 

[Lasatar]

I've been checking ZUN's twitter weekly for a while now, and I haven't found any evidence for or against Reimu being in Smash. If she is in, though, I think that ZUN would probably keep it a secret until she's revealed, so this doesn't really say anything. I'm tempted to ask him directly if he has any plans or ideas related to partnering with Nintendo for anything (*wink, wink*), but I don't understand Japanese well enough to trust myself with writing the message. Translating from Japanese is usually fine, since you can get the general gist of what they were trying to say as long as you understand a few words, but translating TO Japanese is considerably tougher, since you don't really know what you're saying.

 

[Arcadenblog]

I've been checking ZUN's twitter weekly for a while now, and I haven't found any evidence for or against Reimu being in Smash. If she is in, though, I think that ZUN would probably keep it a secret until she's revealed, so this doesn't really say anything. I'm tempted to ask him directly if he has any plans or ideas related to partnering with Nintendo for anything (*wink, wink*), but I don't understand Japanese well enough to trust myself with writing the message. Translating from Japanese is usually fine, since you can get the general gist of what they were trying to say as long as you understand a few words, but translating TO Japanese is considerably tougher, since you don't really know what you're saying.

Don't. Just... don't. In the event that the leak really IS real... I don't want it to go widespread and become essentially what Vergeben is now. Besides, one of the reasons I want Reimu in is to see how crazy the internet would go.

 

[zferolie]

well Asking zun will lead to 2 things, he says nothing which proves nothing, or he says shes not in smash like the Dantae creator and debunks her.

 

[guitargamer57]

well Asking zun will lead to 2 things, he says nothing which proves nothing, or he says shes not in smash like the Dantae creator and debunks her.

So you're saying we should not open the Cat Box? I don't know if it would be good to stick to our hopes or to directly try to prove our evidence. Anyway, it doesn't matter, we will know everything by november.

 

[N-V]

Man, I remember Touhou being pretty big in the late 2000s/early 2010s but now barely anyone seems to mention it. It's sort of significant for not only gaming culture but also (mostly Japanese) internet culture huh? While I don't think there's a chance in hell Reimu's getting in (at least in the base roster) she's a character I never really knew I'd love to see in Smash, if nothing else but for the music she'd bring and the reactions. /v/ and /jp/ in particular wouldn't survive

Don't. Just... don't. In the event that the leak really IS real... I don't want it to go widespread and become essentially what Vergeben is now. Besides, one of the reasons I want Reimu in is to see how crazy the internet would go.

I wouldn't worry about that since the leak is 100% fake. There's too little proof to back it up and apparently that LaPailleDor guy is a big Ayumi fan. I'm positive that he only threw Reimu onto the list because he was posting on /v/.

also are you the guy who's always submitting those questions on Japan Time?

 

[Arcadenblog]

I wouldn't worry about that since the leak is 100% fake. There's too little proof to back it up...

Did you read that document I made? As it stands right now, there is no cold, hard, definitive evidence that says the leak is fake. There are some notable counterpoints, sure, but still. If say, a character got revealed that wasn't in the leak (Incineroar, Waddle Dee, Geno, etc.), then yeah, I'd call this one fake, but we don't have anything on that level yet.

 

[N-V]

Did you read that document I made? As it stands right now, there is no cold, hard, definitive evidence that says the leak is fake. There are some notable counterpoints, sure, but still. If say, a character got revealed that wasn't in the leak (Incineroar, Waddle Dee, Geno, etc.), then yeah, I'd call this one fake, but we don't have anything on that level yet.

It's a well put together document, though I think the minor point about maybe hinting at Skull Kid was unneeded. The thing about this "leak" is that it's impossible to prove whether the jeuxvideo post really existed or not in the first place, since it was claimed to have been deleted by mod. And if it had been posted there first it likely would've garnered attention sooner (though I guess that's subjective since the mod could've deleted it quickly). The point is that it's too sketchy to believe at all, especially since these fake leaks are a dime a dozen during hype season. Don't be mistaken though, as I'd love nothing more but for this to be real if it meant Reimu was in.

 

[TheRockingGoomba]

While i don't think that they would reveal 5 completely new characters in one direct, i do have an idea that could work. hear me out
So, during the Smash 4 days, if i remember correctly, Robin and Lucina were revealed in their own little mini broadcast. Maybe they could do that with two of the characters in the leak?
I would guess both Reimu and Ayumi would be announced, considering they both have a theme of only being popular in Japan. (that is if you count Ayumi as being popular) Not sure how they would tie together their trailers, but considering how they mixed both Fire Emblem and F-Zero in Robin's trailer. it could be possible.

 

[Arcadenblog]

I think we'll see one of the 4 get announced in a trailer this month, and then maybe we'll see the remaining 3 get announced in the Nov direct.

I personally believe that the murders in the previous reveals will actually tie into Ayumi's trailer. Imagine this, the trailer plays out like a video of Famicom Detective Club: Ayumi and protagonist are discussing the "various murders that have been taking place." Then the protagonist tells Ayumi, "I believe you're gonna have to take this case", much to Ayumi's shock.

 

[nintenplayer]

Let's get the discussion going in some form or another. I got a couple of questions you guys could fill out;

1. If Smash 5 brings back Masterpieces, and Touhou is in it, which game do you think should be included? Highly Responsive to Prayers, Embodiment of Scarlet Devil or sth else?

2. If a Touhou character other than Reimu can get in, who would you like to see?

3. If there could only be one Touhou song included in the game, which one would you choose?

My answers:

Spoiler

1. EoSD. While HRtP is indeed the grand premiere of the series, I think EoSD was the real starting gun for this series' popularity. Also the game is just much more fun imo.
Now personally, I would like to see Imperishable Night or Subterranean Animism, since those are my favorite games, but EoSD is just the most "Masterpiece-worthy".

2. My favorite character is Momiji, but I think the best rep for Touhou other than Reimu would be Aya. I feel like she is the most iconic Youkai in the series, right on par with Koishi. Koishi wins the popularity contest, but there's just something about Aya that screams "TOUHOU" all over your face. Not to mention that she was also the first Youkai to be actually playable, and iirc, ZUN once stated that she was the character he resonates with the most. Also her insane speed would make her extremely annoying to fight against

3. This was a tough decision, but I choose Nuclear Fusion. Yes, I know, pretty generic choice, but I think this will be the best tune to "smash" to, if you know what I mean. Close second would be Crazy Backup Dancers, Dullahan Under the Willows, Lunatic Eyes, and..... many more....

 

[Arcadenblog]

Smash Bros. has yet to include any sort of masterpieces from non-Nintendo systems. So, nothing, really. If Reimu doesn't get in, then definitely Marisa. She's the other face of the franchise. Heck, she has been used as the icon for pretty much all the Windows games. As for one song... I'm not too sure. I dunno if ZUN is as stingy, if not more, than Square.

 

[puremrz]

Let's get the discussion going in some form or another. I got a couple of questions you guys could fill out;

1. If Smash 5 brings back Masterpieces, and Touhou is in it, which game do you think should be included? Highly Responsive to Prayers, Embodiment of Scarlet Devil or sth else?

2. If a Touhou character other than Reimu can get in, who would you like to see?

3. If there could only be one Touhou song included in the game, which one would you choose?

1. Imperishable Night or Mountain of Faith. They're quite easy on beginners, but they don't feel outdated.

2. Marisa Koishi or Chen, just for the memes.

3. What kind of evil question is this? I'll think I pick... Reach for the Moon, Immortal Smoke, the song that introduced me to the series. That or Necrofantasia.

 

[zferolie]

1. I would think Scarlet Devil, as that brought in the current age of touhou.

2. Marisa is the most likely as an other choice. I would love Tewi, Tenshi, or Yukari

3. Kagome Kagome

 

[N-V]

Let's get the discussion going in some form or another. I got a couple of questions you guys could fill out;

1. If Smash 5 brings back Masterpieces, and Touhou is in it, which game do you think should be included? Highly Responsive to Prayers, Embodiment of Scarlet Devil or sth else?

2. If a Touhou character other than Reimu can get in, who would you like to see?

3. If there could only be one Touhou song included in the game, which one would you choose?

My answers:

Spoiler

1. EoSD. While HRtP is indeed the grand premiere of the series, I think EoSD was the real starting gun for this series' popularity. Also the game is just much more fun imo.
Now personally, I would like to see Imperishable Night or Subterranean Animism, since those are my favorite games, but EoSD is just the most "Masterpiece-worthy".

2. My favorite character is Momiji, but I think the best rep for Touhou other than Reimu would be Aya. I feel like she is the most iconic Youkai in the series, right on par with Koishi. Koishi wins the popularity contest, but there's just something about Aya that screams "TOUHOU" all over your face. Not to mention that she was also the first Youkai to be actually playable, and iirc, ZUN once stated that she was the character he resonates with the most. Also her insane speed would make her extremely annoying to fight against

3. This was a tough decision, but I choose Nuclear Fusion. Yes, I know, pretty generic choice, but I think this will be the best tune to "smash" to, if you know what I mean. Close second would be Crazy Backup Dancers, Dullahan Under the Willows, Lunatic Eyes, and..... many more....

For masterpieces, definitely EoSD. The PC-98 games aren't technically canon anymore, right?

If we somehow got another character it'd definitely be Marisa or Sanae as an echo, but I'd personally love Remilia or Yukari.

That third question is downright sadistic, but realistically The Ground's Color is Yellow. Otherwise whatever Toyosatomimi no Miko's stage theme was, the name escapes me right now.

1. Imperishable Night or Mountain of Faith. They're quite easy on beginners, but they don't feel outdated.

2. Marisa Koishi or Chen, just for the memes.

3. What kind of evil question is this? I'll think I pick... Reach for the Moon, Immortal Smoke, the song that introduced me to the series. That or Necrofantasia.

you got introduced to the series from that Sora vs. Ultimate Roxas video too didn't you

 

[puremrz]

you got introduced to the series from that Sora vs. Ultimate Roxas video too didn't you

Nope, it was this video:

 

[Dyllybirdy]

Let's get the discussion going in some form or another. I got a couple of questions you guys could fill out;

1. If Smash 5 brings back Masterpieces, and Touhou is in it, which game do you think should be included? Highly Responsive to Prayers, Embodiment of Scarlet Devil or sth else?

2. If a Touhou character other than Reimu can get in, who would you like to see?

3. If there could only be one Touhou song included in the game, which one would you choose?

My answers:

Spoiler

1. EoSD. While HRtP is indeed the grand premiere of the series, I think EoSD was the real starting gun for this series' popularity. Also the game is just much more fun imo.
Now personally, I would like to see Imperishable Night or Subterranean Animism, since those are my favorite games, but EoSD is just the most "Masterpiece-worthy".

2. My favorite character is Momiji, but I think the best rep for Touhou other than Reimu would be Aya. I feel like she is the most iconic Youkai in the series, right on par with Koishi. Koishi wins the popularity contest, but there's just something about Aya that screams "TOUHOU" all over your face. Not to mention that she was also the first Youkai to be actually playable, and iirc, ZUN once stated that she was the character he resonates with the most. Also her insane speed would make her extremely annoying to fight against

3. This was a tough decision, but I choose Nuclear Fusion. Yes, I know, pretty generic choice, but I think this will be the best tune to "smash" to, if you know what I mean. Close second would be Crazy Backup Dancers, Dullahan Under the Willows, Lunatic Eyes, and..... many more....

1. Embodiment of Scarlet Devil? I unfortunately don't see any Touhou games making it into masterpieces though.

2. Marisa. I love her character so much. :3

3. Ummm... Emotional Skyscraper ~ Cosmic Mind? I dunno, that's too hard a question.

 

[KingofUSA85]

It's a well put together document, though I think the minor point about maybe hinting at Skull Kid was unneeded. The thing about this "leak" is that it's impossible to prove whether the jeuxvideo post really existed or not in the first place, since it was claimed to have been deleted by mod. And if it had been posted there first it likely would've garnered attention sooner (though I guess that's subjective since the mod could've deleted it quickly). The point is that it's too sketchy to believe at all, especially since these fake leaks are a dime a dozen during hype season. Don't be mistaken though, as I'd love nothing more but for this to be real if it meant Reimu was in.

There is no evidence that confirms or debunks the leak.

But it is PROBABLY fake solely due to the fact that leaks that read like fan wishlists tend to be fake. but i still wouldnt use the term "100% confirmed fake."

 

[N-V]

As for one song... I'm not too sure. I dunno if ZUN is as stingy, if not more, than Square.

Only just now noticed this but considering that

is in Groove Coaster among many other fan remixes in the Bemani series (SDVX and Pop'n Music specifically iirc, Reimu and Marisa are even characters in the latter), not to mention the countless licensed fan albums and doujin circles, ZUN's pretty cool about that stuff.

oh yeah and Reimu shows in this japanese only 3DS Taiko game along with Kirby and some other characters

 

[Arcadenblog]

Question for you all. Besides the counterpoints listed in my document, what other evidence is there that could disprove the LaPailleDor leak? (And no, "Because it's not Vergeben" doesn't count.)

But it is PROBABLY fake solely due to the fact that leaks that read like fan wishlists tend to be fake. but i still wouldnt use the term "100% confirmed fake."

Could you do me a favor and link me to the leaks that Ninka and Vanroose posted regarding the Smash 4 roster? I'd like to compare them with LaPailleDor to see if the "it reads like a wishlist" point holds water.

 

[nintenplayer]

I dunno if ZUN is as stingy, if not more, than Square.

Yeah, my question was just a hypothetical, I know ZUN isn't that kind of guy, far from it actually.

Spoiler

oh yeah and Reimu shows in this japanese only 3DS Taiko game along with Kirby and some other characters

Wow, I have that game but I rarely ever play story mode so I never found that out lol

If we somehow got another character it'd definitely be Marisa or Sanae as an echo, but I'd personally love Remilia or Yukari.

I think Yukari or Remi would be best as bosses tbh, especially Yukari.
But Sanae as an echo? Now that makes too much sense. If Reimu does get in, Sanae should definitely be her echo.

 

[Lasatar]

1. Hmm... Honestly, I'd take both HRtP and EoSD if possible, since we have had series with more than one Masterpiece before, such as Zelda and Kirby, but if I really had to pick one, I'd actually go HRtP. Or maybe PCB? I really don't know.

2. Um, well, my favourite character is Satori, but I need to be unbiased here, so I would pick either Marisa or Yukari.

3. No contest here. It'd be Eternal Shrine Maiden, no doubt about it. That song embodies all that Touhou is, and likely ever will be.

 

[Lasatar]

Spoiler: Wild and Horned Hermit Chapter 47 Spoilers

Okay, sorry for the double post, but I felt this needed to be separated from the above one. You guys read the latest chapter of Wild and Horned Hermit yet? It just came out earlier today. Well, guess what? Reimu is dead.

Okay, not really. What's more accurate is that Reimu is in a kind of mega coma, and her spirit is separated from her body, trapped in a different world of some kind. How crazy would it be if this actually had something to do with the Spirits Mode in Smash Ultimate, and you had to free Reimu's spirit from this other world? This is somewhat supported by Luigi's spirit also appearing in Simon's trailer, so it's likely there'll be definitely more than just one spirit that needs to be freed. That'd be a really clever way of teasing Reimu for Smash.

Or it's just hinting at a potential plot for Touhou 17. Either Or.

 

[nintenplayer]

Spoiler

Okay, sorry for the double post, but I felt this needed to be separated from the above one. You guys read the latest chapter of Wild and Horned Hermit yet? It just came out earlier today. Well, guess what? Reimu is dead.

Okay, not really. What's more accurate is that Reimu is in a kind of mega coma, and her spirit is separated from her body, trapped in a different world of some kind. How crazy would it be if this actually had something to do with the Spirits Mode in Smash Ultimate, and you had to free Reimu's spirit from this other world? This is somewhat supported by Luigi's spirit also appearing in Simon's trailer, so it's likely there'll be definitely more than just one spirit that needs to be freed. That'd be a really clever way of teasing Reimu for Smash.

Or it's just hinting at a potential plot for Touhou 17. Either Or.

You might wanna spoiler tag this, some people like me haven't gotten a chance to read any of the mangas or novels yet, so

 

[Lasatar]

You might wanna spoiler tag this, some people like me haven't gotten a chance to read any of the mangas or novels yet, so

Done

 

[Ridrool64]

Hey I just realized something bad. I think a lot of the less informed would assume Sakurai Bias would be why the first indie playable would be Reimu over Shantae or Shovel Knight, so if Reimu happens first, while I never want to say this, be prepared for vitriol, especially if she happens to be high tier.

Anyway, while I can't properly support Reimu (actively desire the character's inclusion due to standard reasons) due to a lack of experience with Touhou, I see no reason not to say she's a worthy candidate, basically being the Mario or Ryu of Bullet Hell (right? When I think of "characters from a bullet hell," I think "Touhou girl" first even if that's not very specific). I'm a pragmatic supporter: if Reimu happens, Arle becomes a shoe-in, and I'd suspect vice-versa if to a lesser extent. Also I've heard some of the music, and it's good. Where does one start when trying to get into Touhou? Almost 90% of my limited knowledge comes from reading the TV Tropes pages.

 

[Luigifan18]

Hey I just realized something bad. I think a lot of the less informed would assume Sakurai Bias would be why the first indie playable would be Reimu over Shantae or Shovel Knight, so if Reimu happens first, while I never want to say this, be prepared for vitriol, especially if she happens to be high tier.

Anyway, while I can't properly support Reimu (actively desire the character's inclusion due to standard reasons) due to a lack of experience with Touhou, I see no reason not to say she's a worthy candidate, basically being the Mario or Ryu of Bullet Hell (right? When I think of "characters from a bullet hell," I think "Touhou girl" first even if that's not very specific). I'm a pragmatic supporter: if Reimu happens, Arle becomes a shoe-in, and I'd suspect vice-versa if to a lesser extent. Also I've heard some of the music, and it's good. Where does one start when trying to get into Touhou? Almost 90% of my limited knowledge comes from reading the TV Tropes pages.

That's where pretty much all of my Touhou knowledge comes, too.

 

[nintenplayer]

Where does one start when trying to get into Touhou? Almost 90% of my limited knowledge comes from reading the TV Tropes pages.

You can start anywhere tbh. Music, games, fanworks... There are many ways to get into Touhou. Though with fanworks, you always have to keep in mind that those are fanmade, so some settings may not align with the official ones.

Anyways, here are some of my suggestion on where to start:

Spoiler: If you have enough money,

If you have enough money, buy one of the older Windows games for starters. I recommend you start with Perfect Cherry Blossom, it's the one where many of the popular characters are from and it's also fairly easy compared to the other entries in the series. And then if you're hooked, try Imperishable Night next, it's even easier (well, in Touhou standards at least). And after that you can just select any title on your own.

The important thing you have to note here is that you can only buy these physically from Japan, so it will be quite expensive. (Unless you can find a cheap used one on ebay)

However, some of the recent games got released on Steam, so if you wanna start from there, you can. Tho you won't recognize many of the characters so some research might be neccessary.

Spoiler: If you don't have enough money,

If you don't have enough money, or isn't just into this whole Danmaku genre, start by reading some character settings and backgrounds on Touhou Wiki or any other Touhou related information website. And also you can easily find walkthroughs of pretty much all the games on Youtube, so that can be helpful.

Spoiler: Now as for fanworks,

Now as for fanworks, there are mainly 4 types: fanarts, fangames, MMDs, and doujins.

You can find fanarts on Pixiv, and some fangames on Steam.
As for MMDs, I recommend using Nico Nico.

Spoiler: Now as for doujins...

Now as for Doujins, it gets tricky. Because you have to buy them from overseas, just like the older games. Sure, you can read some scanned ones on the internet, but that's techincally piracy. So what I recommend is using a site called "DLsite". DLsite is where you can buy and download doujins digitally, which means no taxes and no shipping fea. Though it takes some time for doujins to be uploaded, so you have to wait a while to get the newest ones from the latest Comiket. Also some artists just don't upload their work to this site so that's another huge factor.

Or, if you wanna buy them physically, you can use sites such as Toranoana or Melonbooks. Or you can buy them straight off of Comiket's official website, but I've never used that service so I'm not sure.

But yeah, like I said before, even if it's technically illegal, you CAN still read the scanned ones for free on the internet, and a lot of people are already doing so. And it's true that many artists HAVE stated they don't really mind it that much. But to really support the artists, buying them would be the best and the only option.

But these are all mere suggestions, so you can really just start wherever you want.

 

[Inoj]

95% of my Touhou knowledge comes from memes, ****posting, fan art (Setzeri in particular) and discussions on /tg/.

 

[N-V]

Hey I just realized something bad. I think a lot of the less informed would assume Sakurai Bias would be why the first indie playable would be Reimu over Shantae or Shovel Knight, so if Reimu happens first, while I never want to say this, be prepared for vitriol, especially if she happens to be high tier.

People will get pissy about any character inclusion if it's not someone they want. It's their own fault for making up or believing things like "Sakurai Bias" and "muh slots" in the first place. Besides, the tears and salt Reimu, a seemingly "literal who" getting in over any of the more popular characters, is like 45% why myself and some others would love to see her. That being said, I don't expect her at all, at least not in the base roster. But if you guys were to make a big enough uproar before the game releases along with some meme magic, she seems like a viable candidate for DLC.

Anyway, while I can't properly support Reimu (actively desire the character's inclusion due to standard reasons) due to a lack of experience with Touhou, I see no reason not to say she's a worthy candidate, basically being the Mario or Ryu of Bullet Hell (right? When I think of "characters from a bullet hell," I think "Touhou girl" first even if that's not very specific). I'm a pragmatic supporter: if Reimu happens, Arle becomes a shoe-in, and I'd suspect vice-versa if to a lesser extent. Also I've heard some of the music, and it's good. Where does one start when trying to get into Touhou? Almost 90% of my limited knowledge comes from reading the TV Tropes pages.

nintenplayer basically already covered everything, but I'd say start with Embodiment of the Scarlet Devil. The only reasons I'd recommend that is because it's technically the first game canonically, it's less refined than the succeeding games and as a result makes it harder to go back to. It's also the game where some of the most popular characters show up in, where most of the (notable) memes spawned from, as well as having a large portion of fan content being based around it.

If you end up disliking the bullet hell games, you could always try the fighting games too. Both series of them are pretty strange compared to traditional fighters, so you may enjoy them or like them less as a result. As far as fangames go, there's actually quite a few on console (Switch included). The only two that come to mind immediately are Kobuto V Burst, which is more or less just EosD but it plays like Virtual-On, and Genso Wanderer which is just a Mystery Dungeon game. The former even has online multiplayer and should you get it for the PS4, we could even fight each other.

 

[Arcadenblog]

Hey I just realized something bad. I think a lot of the less informed would assume Sakurai Bias would be why the first indie playable would be Reimu over Shantae or Shovel Knight, so if Reimu happens first, while I never want to say this, be prepared for vitriol, especially if she happens to be high tier.

People who frequent Source Gaming would know Sakurai perfers working with Japanese developers. It's one of the reasons I considered Reimu in the first place and feel characters like Shovel Knight, Rayman and Steve were unlikely to begin with.

And about the vitriol, come on. This is the Switch era. Nintendo revealed friccing Ridley at E3 and people made rant videos about how "horrible" their E3 presence was. At this point, it doesn't even matter.

Also, the direct that could reveal her could also reveal Isaac. So, there's that.