Touhou Double Focus (2017)

Introduction

Touhou Double Focus is an action-exploration game derived from the Touhou series, now available on Steam. Players take control of Aya Shameimaru, a crow tengu journalist, and Momiji Inubashiri, a lower-ranking patrol tengu, to navigate a unique world contained within a book. The gameplay emphasizes thorough exploration, allowing players to discover hidden areas filled with useful skills and items that aid in battles. The goal is to achieve complete coverage of the map and collect all available items. The game also includes adjustable difficulty modes, making it accessible to players with varying experience in action games.

Game Overview

Setting: A World Inside a Book

The story takes place within a mysterious youma book located in Suzunaan, which pulls Aya and Momiji into a completely new environment. Upon entering this world, their powers are temporarily stripped away, but following guidance from Kosuzu, they set out to explore under the guise of journalism. Players must navigate a landscape where the usual rules of Gensokyo do not apply. The core of the game is to explore an expansive map while uncovering the secrets of this unfamiliar world.

Character Mechanics: Dual Play

The game features a dual-character system, allowing players to switch control between Aya and Momiji. Aya is optimized for long-range attacks and excels in midair hovering and air dashes. Momiji specializes in close-combat maneuvers, including wall-running and covering large distances quickly. Each character has unique abilities, while some skills are shared. Players must strategically select the appropriate character to overcome different challenges, access previously unreachable areas, and utilize skills to navigate the environment effectively.

Interactions with Gensokyo Natives

Aya and Momiji encounter other residents of Gensokyo who have been trapped in the book world. These characters can either assist the protagonists or view them as threats. Players are required to gain their cooperation through interaction, which may include helping them or resolving conflicts. Some allies provide direct combat support, enhancing strategic options during encounters. The game emphasizes both social and combat elements in order to progress and eventually find a way out of the book world.

Exploration and Item Collection

The game’s map is extensive and contains numerous hidden zones. These areas house critical items and skills that enhance combat effectiveness. Players are encouraged to investigate each area thoroughly, as many locations contain secret rewards or tools that facilitate further exploration. Complete map coverage and item acquisition are central to the gameplay experience, reflecting the investigative nature of Aya and Momiji as reporters within this alternate world.

Gameplay Features

• Save System: Players save progress by interacting with a statue of Eiki Shiki, Yamaxanadu at their base. Upon character death, the game restores the player to the last save point.
• Quitting and Returning: To exit, players can select “Quit” from the title screen or use the settings menu in-game to return to the title.
• Keyboard Controls: Movement, skill usage, and menu navigation are fully customizable. Default settings include W, A, S, D for movement and J, I, L for skill activation, among others. Controller inputs are limited to reassigning the confirm button only.
• Environment Compatibility: Startup issues may occur depending on system drivers. Recommended fixes involve adjusting properties for "DoubleFocusHD.exe" including disabling fullscreen optimizations.
• Gamepad Configuration: Proper setup in Steam’s Controller Settings may be necessary for gamepad recognition and functionality.

Conclusion

Touhou Double Focus combines action, exploration, and strategy, offering a detailed map to traverse and multiple characters to utilize. Players must balance combat, skill usage, and interaction with other Gensokyo inhabitants while aiming for full exploration and item collection. Its accessible difficulty options and dual-character mechanics provide a flexible experience suitable for both newcomers and experienced action game enthusiasts.

Touhou Double Focus is a fun, colorful action-exploration game that’s easy to pick up. Switching between Aya and Momiji feels satisfying, and the world inside the book is full of secrets and surprises. You can explore at your own pace, and the easier difficulty options make it accessible even if you’re not an action game expert.

The gameplay is solid, with a mix of combat and exploration that keeps things interesting. Collecting items and uncovering hidden areas gives a real sense of achievement, and the character abilities make each encounter feel unique. Fans of Touhou will enjoy seeing familiar faces in a new setting.

Overall, we recommend Touhou Double Focus. It’s engaging, approachable, and rewarding for anyone who likes exploration games with light action. Give it a try and dive into the quirky world inside the book.