TouHou Makuka Sai ~ Fantastic Danmaku Festival Part III
" Glamorous bullet hell shooter with beautiful graphics and smooth gameplay but low hardcore challenge "
TouHou Makuka Sai ~ Fantastic Danmaku Festival Part III Review
TouHou Makuka Sai ~ Fantastic Danmaku Festival Part III is widely regarded as an exceptional bullet hell game that balances accessibility with engaging gameplay. Players praise its beautiful graphics, impressive music, and unique bullet patterns that keep the experience fresh and enjoyable. The game is noted for its beginner-friendly difficulty, with customizable options allowing both newcomers and veterans to find a suitable challenge. The pacing and presentation are consistently lauded, with every boss offering distinct and creative mechanics that enhance replayability.
While the difficulty on normal and hard modes is considered easy by experienced players, the game includes ultra and lunatic modes with modifiers to increase the challenge. The story and atmosphere receive positive remarks, with some players highlighting surprising story revelations and emotional engagement. Overall, the game is seen as a polished and visually stunning fangame that stands out in the Touhou community, offering a compelling experience for both casual and dedicated fans.
Highlights
The game excels with its stunning visuals and artistic character designs, which many consider the best in the Touhou fangame scene. The soundtrack is highly praised for its orchestral arrangements and fitting stage themes, enhancing the overall atmosphere. Gameplay mechanics are smooth and intuitive, featuring unique and creative bullet patterns and boss fights that introduce fresh elements. The difficulty customization allows for a wide range of player skill levels, making it accessible yet challenging. The inclusion of English localization is also appreciated, broadening its appeal.
Criticisms
Common criticisms include the lower difficulty on normal and hard modes, which some experienced players find too easy, reducing the sense of challenge. Some players feel the game is overly generous with resources like hypers and lives, which can diminish tension. A few boss patterns are described as gimmicky or puzzle-like rather than purely skill-based. There are minor complaints about certain spell cards overstaying their welcome and some stages feeling less engaging. Additionally, some players note occasional issues with hitbox clarity and bullet visibility, though these do not significantly impact enjoyment.
Pros
- • Beautiful and detailed graphics set a new standard for Touhou fangames.
- • Exceptional soundtrack with orchestral arrangements fitting each stage perfectly.
- • Smooth and enjoyable gameplay with unique bullet patterns and boss mechanics.
- • Highly customizable difficulty caters to both newcomers and veterans.
- • Engaging and surprisingly emotional storytelling elements included.
- • Excellent pacing keeps the player constantly engaged and entertained.
- • English localization makes the game accessible to a wider audience.
Cons
- • Normal and hard modes are considered too easy by experienced players.
- • Excessive resources like hypers reduce the game's challenge and stakes.
- • Some boss spell cards feel gimmicky and less skill-focused.
- • Certain spell cards and timeout effects overstay their welcome.
- • Minor issues with hitbox clarity and bullet visibility reported.
- • A few stages lack the excitement present in others.
- • Difficulty modifiers could be more integrated into main gameplay.
Rating Criteria
"Touhou Makuka Sai ~ Fantastic Danmaku Festival Part III" is a bullet hell shooting game with a distinctive, glamorous presentation style. It is the third game in the Touhou Makuka Sai series. The strange moon seems to hide a new conspiracy. Charge into the deep world on the eternal night!