Touhou Smash is an action brawler that brings together characters from the Touhou Project in a platform fighter format. Matches revolve around a percent-based damage system rather than traditional health bars. Players build damage through hits, which increases the distance opponents travel when struck, until they are knocked beyond the blast zone for a knockout.
Gameplay
The core loop centers on positioning, timing, and adaptation rather than memorized sequences. Every hit raises an opponent's damage percent, making the same attack send them farther as the number climbs. Knockback and hitstun dictate what follow-ups are possible, so outcomes depend on the target's current percent, their weight, and any drift they apply. This creates fluid exchanges where the same move can connect or whiff based on the situation.
Neutral game fundamentals remain central. Dashes, rolls, air jumps, ledge grabs, and fast falls allow players to control space and recover from launches. Recovery routes back to the stage are built in real time, rewarding precise movement even while being sent flying. Characters bring distinct tools through their weapons and spell cards. Reimu Hakurei serves as an all-rounder with talismans and yin-yang orbs that cover many situations. Marisa Kirisame operates as a glass cannon, closing distance on a broom before finishing with powerful blasts. Sakuya Izayoi focuses on setplay by scattering knives to control areas before using time stop to capitalize. Cirno functions as a straightforward power type that freezes foes and maintains pressure. Youmu Konpaku closes gaps instantly with twin blades and reflects attacks via counter. Alice Margatroid emphasizes zone control by positioning dolls ahead of time and triggering them from range.
Game Modes
Local play supports up to four players on one screen for immediate couch sessions. Online play lets users create rooms for Steam friends or join public matches. CPU opponents fill slots when fewer players are available. Training mode provides a dummy for practicing individual moves and situational follow-ups.
Multiplayer and Technical Features
Combat logic runs through a deterministic rollback network simulation built on Photon Quantum. All participants receive identical calculation results, so online matches maintain the same frame-level precision as local ones. This setup supports consistent play across connections without introducing discrepancies in hit detection or knockback.
Is It Worth Playing?
Touhou Smash suits players who enjoy percent-based knockouts and situational combos over rigid cancel systems. The emphasis on fundamentals and character-specific tools from Gensokyo makes it appealing for fans of the series who want direct confrontations. Local and online options cover both casual groups and remote sessions, while CPU and training modes support solo practice. The deterministic network approach aims for reliable online performance. Those seeking a Touhou-themed action brawler with flexible follow-ups and blast-zone victories will find the systems align closely with that preference.
