Review: Touhou Genso Rondo: Bullet Ballet

Touhou Genso Rondo: Bullet Ballet is a shoot ‘em up that takes place in the Touhou universe. Select from 10 playable girls and dive straight into bullet-hell! Reminiscent of a fighting game, Touhou Genso Rondo takes the traditional shoot’em up genre and infuses it with a 1v1 battle scenario.

Pros:

• Cutesy anime graphics.
• Three modes: Story, Arcade and boss rush.
• Tutorial area.
• Gameplay is a cross between a fighter and a shoot em up. The game combines the two in a 1v1 arena.
• Supports online and offline play.
• Full Platinum trophy.
• Can rebind the controls for player one and player 2.
• Ten characters to play with. Nine available from the start with an additional one to unlock.
• Can skip/Fast forward cutscenes.
• Full online leaderboard support.
• Bouncy upbeat soundtrack.
• Collect cards in game to cast spells, Build up your gauge to unleash powerful attacks.
• Every character has its own story arc.
• Fast loading times.
• Simple easy to learn controls.
• The game is very approachable and easy to pick up and play.
• The game looks absolutely mental when all the moves start pumping out, Bullet heel to the maximum.
• Very balanced with each character.

Cons:

• Story is kind of forgettable.
• Combat can feel sluggish and some characters are easier than others.
• Tutorial is a chore bore. Just a load of annoying text pop ups and watching demonstrations.
• Feels like a very small game with only the online really extending its life.
• Slow gameplay can be a bit of a turnoff.