Touhou Kobuto V: Burst Battle

東方紅舞闘
Touhou Koubutou
Touhou-koubutou-artwork.jpg
Cover of the original version of the game
Developer

Cubetype

Publisher

CUBETYPE
NIS America (North American, European and Spanish PlayStation 4 version)

Released

Original version:
Trial: September 19, 2010 (Reitaisai SP)
Full: December 30, 2010 (Comiket 79)
Touhou Koubutou V:
November 2, 2016 (Japan)
October 10, 2017 (North America)
October 13, 2017 (Europe)

Genre

Fighting Game

Gameplay

Single-player, Multi-player

Platforms

Windows
PlayStation 4
PlayStation Vita
PlayStation VR
Nintendo Switch

Requirements

Windows XP/Vista/7, Pentium III 1.2GHz or higher, 256MB RAM, 128MB VRAM, DirectX 9.0c, DirectSound

Touhou Koubutou (東方紅舞闘 Touhou Koubutou, lit. "Red Dance") is a 3D Arena Fighting Game, developed and published by CUBETYPE. Originally released for PC on December 30, 2010 at Comiket 79. An updated version was planned for release on November 3, 2016 for PlayStation 4, Vita and VR as part of Play, Doujin!, under the title of "Touhou Koubutou V", but was changed to November 2, 2016.

In February 18, 2017, NIS America released a video, announcing the localization of the game, under the title of "Touhou Kobuto V: Burst Battle", that was originally going to be released somewhere on July 4 on North America and June 30 on Europe. However, the release date was delayed to September 5 and 8 for North America and Europe respectively to accompany the developing Nintendo Switch version that was be released alongside the PlayStation 4 and Vita versions.

Gameplay

 
Screenshot of the PlayStation 4 version

(Note: The controls discussed in this section pertain to the default settings on the Switch version, though it should be noted that the Playstation 4 and Vita controls are identical to the Switch version's default controls as well.)

The gameplay is originally based on that of Cyber Troopers Virtual-On: Oratorio Tangram, while also sharing similarities with its successor, Genso Rondo. The game involves one-on-one battles that involve the use of bullet-based attacks, and melee combat when close to the opponent.

Battles take place in a 3D square arena situated on the ground, with the camera focused behind the player's character. In the console version, arenas can also include obstacles on the ground.

The primary objective of the game is to eliminate the opposing force by depleting their health to zero, using various bullet (and melee) attacks that differ depending on the current character.

Movement

Players have various options for maneuvering around the arena. They can run, dash, and jump, with double jumps executed by pressing the jump button again after the initial jump. Dashing allows for quick movement across the arena and can even be performed mid-air. Additionally, players can quickly fall to the ground by pressing L in the air.

Moves

 
A page in the Vita version's external digital manual showing different Main attacks

There are three attack buttons (Y, X, A) that lead to different attacks (known as Sub, Charge, and Main attacks). On the ground, each attack button can also lead to 3 other, different alternate attacks depending on what buttons are held at the same time. (L, R, or L+R can be held while pressing an attack button to use a different attack; however, R and L+R attacks can only be executed while the player is standing.)

Dash attacks also create different shot patterns depending on the direction that the player is dashing during the attack (forward, side, and back), each of which can also be modified (holding L) for alternate attacks.

In the air, attacks can be done at the peak of a jump, and have one (usually strong) alternate attack (done via holding R while the attack button is pressed). Dash attacks can be done at any jump height with mid-air dashing as well (but cannot be modified with L).

Melee attacks are executed once the attack button is pressed when near the opponent, and can also be modified. At melee range, it is also possible to guard some melee attacks (by holding L), quickly side-step the opponent (L + left/right), do a jumping melee attack (by pressing an attack button + jump), and do a universal melee move against knocked-down opponents that are lying on the ground. Different melee attacks can be done also while dashing forward on the ground by holding backwards while pressing an attack button (and Flandre and Remilia can also do dashing melee attacks in mid-air).

Spell cards, activated by pressing X+A, unleash powerful and distinctive attacks (or abilities) specific to each character.

Meter gauges

Players' attacks, spell cards, and movement are limited by separate meter gauges (which they consume): one gauge for each attack button, and one gauge each for spell cards and movement.

  • Spell cards consume and require a full spellcard gauge (the gauge labelled 'Charge') and a large amount of the attack gauges when they are used.
  • The movement gauge (labelled 'Action') is consumed by dashing, as well as cancelling non-basic attacks into dash and quick falling after an aerial attack. If the movement gauge runs out, the player becomes in a "fatigue" state in which they are immobile and vulnerable for a short time (although this state can be dash cancelled at the cost of at least 50% spellcard meter).

Camera

The camera follows the opponent by default, automatically gaining sight of the enemy. However, it is possible to disable (and re-enable) this by holding X+A for roughly 1-2 seconds. It is possible to quickly re-orient the camera towards the opponent by jumping. The camera can also be moved left or right manually (where holding R makes the the camera turn faster); this can be used to launch attacks in different directions as part of more advanced tactics.

Useful techniques

  • It is also possible to start an air attack at any point while rising in a jump by pressing the attack button (+R if doing the alternate attack), then L after.
  • On the ground, it is possible to cancel the following attacks into L+attacks:
    • Dash attacks (that do not use the L button)
    • Non-dash ground attacks (that do not use the L button, i.e. unmodified attacks and R+attacks)

Multiplayer

Local multiplayer mode features a vertical split-screen to accompany both players. The console versions also feature online multiplayer (which is not split-screen).

Characters

 
The character selection screen of the PS4 version

In the original PC version, the game initially starts out with Reimu and Marisa being the only selectable characters; through progression of the game, characters from Embodiment of Scarlet Devil can be unlocked. In the Switch/PS4/Vita versions, all characters (apart from unpurchased DLC) are immediately available - except in the Story mode, which first plays through the stories of three different characters (starting with Reimu) before characters become available for selection.

Characters:

DLC Characters:

PC Only:

Gallery

Screenshots

PlayStation 4 and Vita version

Additional Information

  • This is the first Touhou game to be on PlayStation VR and the Nintendo Switch.
  • Rumia's localized name was revealed to be "Lumia".
  • The "V" on Touhou Koubutou V might stand for Vita as it may imply on the game's PlayStation Vita version.
    • The same might goes on for The Genius of Sappheiros as it is released for the PlayStation Vita as "Touhou Soujinengi V".
  • The reveal trailer of the PlayStation 4/Vita version is the same as the game's original trailer but with a different information at the trailer's end.
    • A second trailer was released that was formatted the same style as the original trailer but with footages of the remastered version.
  • The remastered version for PS4 and Vita replaced the chibi-like designs of characters with the more refined designs similar to Genso Rondo.
    • A DLC theme was made available for purchase that replaces the artwork with the ones on the original version.
    • The menus of the remastered versions are redesigned to be similar to Genso Rondo.
  • The release date for the remastered versions was originally November 3 in Japan. The date was changed to a day earlier than originally announced.

External Links