Info about Touhou SouzinengiV -The Genius of Sappheiros-:

Official game description:
About This Game  
Touhou Souzinengi V is a full-scale RPG that carries on the traditions of RPGs from the good old days.  
It was made with the challenge of seeing just how interesting battles could be with standard, 5-character, turn-based combat,  
and whether its character growth system would be fun while remaining simple.  
It's an RPG where progress involves figuring out enemy weakness and patterns,  
then picking the appropriate party members and skills for the situation, as opposed to just bruteforcing by grinding levels.  
It's packed with plenty of content to challenge yourself with, too.  
If you include collecting all the items and enemy skills, there's over a hundred hours of fun to be had.  
Even just reaching the final boss provides you with dozens of hours,  
ensuring that it won't let you down when it comes to its volume.  
\*Touhou Souzinengi V is a Touhou Project fangame.  
Touhou Project is a copyright of Team Shanghai Alice.

Release date: Oct 31, 2022

Categories: Turn-based RPG, Character Progression, Strategic Combat, Party-based Combat, Skill Tree Progression System, High Difficulty, Grinding Mechanics, JRPG

Feature scans:
- Wiki: score 50; verdict: High Dependency on External Resources; summary: The user feedback highlights a significant dependency on external wikis for game progression and understanding complex mechanics. Players frequently refer to wikis to overcome language barriers and to strategize effectively, indicating that the game's built-in resources may be insufficient for a smooth gaming experience.

- Hardware Profile: No data
Feature extractions:
- Community Price: No data
- Playtime Metrics:
  - Game completion: 150.0h
  - Story completion: 100.0h
  - Session length: 2.0h
  - Endgame: 100.0h
  - Reasoning: The evidence provides several direct and indirect indications of playtime metrics. The first two quotes explicitly mention that clearing the main game and post-game content can take over 100 hours, which supports the `gameCompletion` and `storyCompletion` metrics. The third quote indicates a specific playtime of 206 hours, which, while an outlier, supports the notion of extensive playtime for full completion. The fourth quote suggests replayability and extensive engagement, reinforcing the idea of long play sessions and significant endgame content.
- Time-to-fun:
  - Summary: The game starts simple but becomes more enjoyable as players progress and understand the mechanics, with fun anchoring around mid-to-late game strategies.
  - Stance: Fun after learning curve
  - Anchor: Mid-to-late game strategies
  - Time to anchor: 2h 0m
  - Friction: increasing difficulty; understanding game mechanics
  - Unlock drivers: team diversity; leveling; strategic gameplay
  - Conditions: understanding element types; strategic gameplay; team diversity
- Player Archetypes:
  - Strategic Turn-Based Enthusiast (buy)
    - Motivation: Gameplay depth and strategic complexity.
    - Playstyle: Enjoys rotating party characters and experimenting with different builds and strategies.
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: Turn-based RPG fan; Old-school JRPG fan
    - Reference games: Touhou; Classic JRPGs
  - Touhou Challenge Seeker (buy)
    - Motivation: Connection to the Touhou series and high difficulty challenges.
    - Playstyle: Enjoys combat-heavy gameplay and seeks out challenging content.
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: Touhou fan; JRPG fan
    - Reference games: Touhou; High difficulty JRPGs
  - Grind-Averse Critic (deep sale)
    - Motivation: Seeking a balanced and enjoyable gaming experience without excessive grinding.
    - Playstyle: Prefers games with minimal grinding and repetitive tasks.
    - Experience: mixed
    - Purchase stance: deep sale
    - Labels: Casual gamer; Story-driven player
    - Reference games: Touhou; Classic JRPGs


Below are summaries of things people say about the game per category.
Each point is assigned a weight that represents how often it is mentioned across all reviews.
What players like:
- Unique and varied characters (weight 0.87): Characters in the game are highly individualized with unique skills and abilities, offering a variety of character builds and interactions.
- Deep strategic gameplay (weight 0.78): The game offers a high level of strategic depth and complex tactical gameplay, appealing to players who enjoy strategy-focused experiences.
- Fast-paced and complex combat (weight 0.56): Combat in the game is quick, lethal, and complex, providing a challenging and engaging experience for players.
- Challenging and hardcore gameplay (weight 0.56): The game offers a hardcore difficulty level and challenging gameplay that is both fair and rewarding.
- Extensive skill system (weight 0.54): The game includes a skill tab and a wide range of skills, allowing for flexible skill point redistribution outside of battle.
- Rich content and updates (weight 0.54): The game is rich in content, with extensive additional content and a rich history of updates.
- Appeals to RPG and strategy fans (weight 0.53): The game is well-suited for fans of RPGs and strategy games, particularly those who enjoy classic JRPG design.
- Extensive collection elements (weight 0.52): The game features a vast number of items and extensive equipment collection, appealing to completionists.
- Great soundtrack and presentation (weight 0.52): The game offers a great soundtrack and charming graphics reminiscent of the late Super Famicom era, enhancing the overall presentation.
- High replay value (weight 0.45): The game offers long gameplay time and enjoyable mechanics, making it highly replayable for fans of the genre.
- Satisfying gameplay loop (weight 0.32): The game features a rewarding gameplay loop of analyzing and overcoming challenges, making it highly engaging.
- Fun character interactions (weight 0.3): Players enjoy the fun and engaging interactions with characters, adding depth to the gameplay experience.

Common complaints:
- Excessive grinding required (weight 0.95): The game requires a significant amount of grinding, which many players find tedious and time-consuming.
- Story criticized for repetition (weight 0.68): The story is frequently described as repetitive, poorly written, and subdued. Players find it templated and not a strong point of the game.
- High difficulty level (weight 0.67): The game is noted for its high difficulty, which may not be suitable for all players, especially those unfamiliar with high-difficulty RPGs.
- Luck-based mechanics (weight 0.65): The game is criticized for being extremely luck-based, which can make it frustratingly difficult.
- Balancing issues (weight 0.45): The game is criticized for having terrible balancing issues, making it unbalanced and difficult to enjoy.
- No Chinese language support (weight 0.44): Players have noted the absence of Chinese language support, which limits accessibility for Chinese-speaking players.
- Outdated and uncomfortable UI (weight 0.42): The user interface is described as outdated and uncomfortable, detracting from the overall experience.
- No minimap (weight 0.42): The absence of a minimap is a significant drawback, making navigation more difficult.
- New characters start at level 1 (weight 0.4): New characters and party members start at level 1, which can be inconvenient and require additional grinding.
- Player-hostile mechanics (weight 0.4): The game is described as player-hostile, with mechanics that can be frustrating and unfair.
- Low drop rates (weight 0.32): Players are frustrated with the very low drop rates for materials, making progression difficult.
- Characters not in party gain no experience (weight 0.31): Characters not in the party gain no experience, which can be frustrating and require additional grinding.
- Skills locked until later levels (weight 0.3): Skills are locked until later levels, which can make early gameplay feel limited and repetitive.
- No items to restore MP or Bombs (weight 0.3): The lack of items to restore MP or Bombs is a significant drawback, making battles more difficult.
- Battles make no sense (weight 0.3): Some battles are criticized for making no sense, with mechanics that are unclear or poorly designed.
- Need to refer to Japanese wiki (weight 0.3): Players need to refer to the Japanese wiki for strategies, which can be a barrier for non-Japanese speakers.
- English translation issues (weight 0.28): The English translation is not perfect, which can be confusing and frustrating for English-speaking players.
- Long dungeons without a map (weight 0.19): Dungeons are long and lack a map, making navigation difficult and tedious.
- Enemies too strong in later stages (weight 0.19): Enemies become too strong in the later stages of the game, making progression difficult.
- Augmentation system slow to level up (weight 0.18): The augmentation system takes a long time to level up, which can be frustrating for players.
- Probability system poorly designed (weight 0.18): The probability system is poorly designed, making it difficult to predict outcomes and plan strategies.
- Game forces one way to do things (weight 0.18): The game is criticized for forcing players to do things in a specific way, limiting creativity and strategy.
- Exp reduction based on level difference (weight 0.18): Experience is reduced based on level difference, which can make leveling up more difficult.
- No random encounters and enemies don't respawn (weight 0.18): There are no random encounters, and enemies do not respawn until leaving the dungeon, which can make grinding more difficult.
- Dungeon with two-party system requires additional grinding (weight 0.18): Dungeons with a two-party system require additional grinding, making them more time-consuming.
- Poor level design in boss battles (weight 0.18): Boss battles are criticized for poor level design, making them less enjoyable.
- Repetitive dungeon runs (weight 0.18): Dungeon runs are repetitive, making the game feel tedious and monotonous.
- Experience system issues (weight 0.18): The experience system has various issues, making leveling up more difficult and less enjoyable.
- Lost features like minimap (weight 0.18): Features like the minimap and augment screen reset have been lost, which can be frustrating for returning players.
- Frustration if mechanics not fully understood (weight 0.18): The game can be frustrating if its mechanics are not fully understood, making it less enjoyable.
- May require a wiki for guidance (weight 0.18): Players may need to refer to a wiki for guidance, which can be a barrier for those who prefer to play without external resources.
- Enemy designs are out of place (weight 0.17): Some enemy designs are criticized for being out of place and not fitting well with the game's overall aesthetic.
- Formations are pointless (weight 0.17): Formations are criticized as being pointless, adding little strategic value to the game.
- Game does not run on laptop (weight 0.17): Some players report that the game does not run on their laptops, limiting accessibility.
- Initial character recruitment impossible (weight 0.17): Recruiting initial characters is described as impossible, making the early game frustrating.
- Skill effects changed (weight 0.17): Skill effects have been changed, which can be confusing and frustrating for returning players.
- Yukkuri enemies give low exp (weight 0.17): Yukkuri enemies give low experience rewards, making them less valuable to fight.
- Yukkuri ambush mechanics (weight 0.17): Yukkuri ambush mechanics are criticized for being frustrating and unfair.
- Secondary level up system favors quantity (weight 0.17): The secondary level-up system favors quantity over quality, which can be frustrating for players.
- Unclear meta actions (weight 0.17): Meta actions are unclear, making it difficult for players to understand and plan strategies.
- Hidden formation and synthesis recipes (weight 0.17): Hidden formation and synthesis recipes are frustrating, making progression more difficult.
- Not solo-friendly (weight 0.17): Despite being a solo game, it is not solo-friendly, which can be frustrating for solo players.
- Frustrating elemental boss (weight 0.17): An elemental boss is criticized for being frustrating due to high defense and unfair attacks.
- Disappointing post-game quest system (weight 0.17): The post-game quest system is described as disappointing, lacking depth and engagement.
- Limited character choices (weight 0.17): Limited character choices lead to monotonous boss strategies, reducing the game's variety and replayability.
- Limited content besides combat (weight 0.17): There is limited content besides combat, making the game feel repetitive and one-dimensional.
- Some boss fights are questionable (weight 0.17): Some boss fights are criticized for being questionable in design and execution.
- One particular boss is very challenging (weight 0.17): A particular boss (Demiurge NEO) is noted for being very challenging, which can be frustrating for players.
- Controls feel clunky (weight 0.17): The controls are described as feeling clunkier, which can detract from the overall experience.
- UI and animations don't mesh well (weight 0.17): The UI and animations do not mesh well with the original sprites, creating a disjointed visual experience.
- Increased difficulty of random battles (weight 0.17): The difficulty of random battles has increased, making them more challenging and time-consuming.
- Simple plot (weight 0.17): The plot is described as simple, which can make the game feel less engaging and immersive.
- Language barrier (weight 0.17): There is a language barrier, which can make the game less accessible for non-native speakers.
- Battle speed could be improved (weight 0.17): The battle speed could be improved, making combat more enjoyable and less tedious.
- No specific character's theme on encounter (weight 0.16): The game does not use specific character's theme on encounter, which can be disappointing for fans.
- Wish for more resources (weight 0.16): Players wish for slightly more resources, which would make progression easier and more enjoyable.
- Original version had unreasonable aspects (weight 0.16): The original version of the game had many unreasonable aspects, which have been criticized by players.
- Game feels easier compared to original (weight 0.16): The game is described as feeling easier compared to the original, which can be disappointing for returning players.
- Some re-made battle backgrounds (weight 0.16): Some battle backgrounds and monster images have been re-made, which can be a positive or negative depending on player preference.
- Game version is too simple (weight 0.16): The game version is described as too simple, which can be disappointing for players looking for a more complex experience.
- Noticeable copy-paste with minimal changes (weight 0.16): There is noticeable copy-pasting with minimal changes, which can make the game feel lazy and uninspired.
- Some character skills need adjustment (weight 0.16): Some character skills need adjustment, which can make the game feel unbalanced and frustrating.

Gameplay feedback:
- Deep skill system and management (weight 0.77): The game features a comprehensive skill system with tiered skills and a skill tree that players can manage and learn from.
- High replayability and depth (weight 0.67): The game is noted for its high replayability and very deep gameplay, providing a challenging experience.
- Strategic and tactical combat (weight 0.66): Combat in the game is highly strategic, requiring players to employ various tactical strategies to succeed.
- Diverse character recruitment (weight 0.63): The game offers a variety of characters that players can recruit, adding to the depth of gameplay.
- Multiple difficulty settings (weight 0.62): Players can choose from three different difficulty settings, catering to a range of player skills.
- Classic RPG mechanics (weight 0.55): The game incorporates traditional RPG mechanics, reminiscent of classic JRPG design.
- Party optimization and building (weight 0.53): Players can optimize and build their party with various characters, enhancing the strategic depth.
- Extensive grinding and farming (weight 0.44): Players need to engage in grinding for levels and farming materials to progress in the game.
- Comprehensive equipment management (weight 0.43): The game includes an extensive equipment system where players can collect and manage various pieces of equipment.
- Challenging boss fights (weight 0.32): Boss fights in the game are particularly challenging, requiring strategic planning and skill.
- Complex combat and dungeons (weight 0.32): The combat system and dungeons are complex, offering a rich and engaging gameplay experience.
- Linear story structure (weight 0.3): The game features a linear story structure, guiding players through a well-defined narrative.
- Random and symbol encounters (weight 0.3): The game features random encounters and symbol encounters, adding an element of unpredictability.
- Different game versions (weight 0.28): The game is available in different versions, each offering a unique experience.

Performance notes:
- Black screen issue (weight 0.2): Players have reported encountering a black screen issue while playing the game. This problem disrupts gameplay and needs to be addressed.
- Controller support issues (weight 0.19): There are reports of problems with controller support, making it difficult for some players to enjoy the game with their preferred input device.

Recommendations:
- Ideal for Touhou fans (weight 0.45): This game is highly recommended for fans of the Touhou series, especially those who enjoy turn-based RPGs.
- Challenging traditional JRPG (weight 0.45): The game is suggested for players who enjoy tough, combat-heavy, and challenging traditional turn-based JRPGs.
- Japanese knowledge required (weight 0.19): Knowledge of Japanese is required to play the game, which might be a barrier for some players.
- Enjoy the gameplay loop (weight 0.18): The game is recommended if you enjoy its specific gameplay loop.
- Strategic gameplay and optimization (weight 0.18): This game is recommended for those who enjoy strategic gameplay and optimization.
- Regional pricing needed (weight 0.17): Players suggest adding regional pricing to make the game more accessible.
- Give it a shot (weight 0.17): Players recommend giving the game a try, indicating it might be worth your time.
- Lower prices on other platforms (weight 0.17): Players suggest considering purchasing the game on other platforms where it might be available at lower prices.
- Seeking similar JRPGs (weight 0.16): Some players are seeking recommendations for similar JRPGs, indicating a desire for more games like this one.

Other player notes:
- Group discussion mention (weight 0.16): Players mentioned a specific group for discussion.

Emotions:
- Frustrated (weight 0.13): Players are frustrated due to repetitive gameplay elements, both in the early stages and post-game content. Additional frustrations stem from time-consuming mechanics, lack of language support, and issues with the experience system and story progression.
- Satisfied (weight 0.13): Players are satisfied with the enjoyable core gameplay loop, well-balanced difficulty, and engaging plot. The variety of character progression options and solid combat mechanics also contribute to this satisfaction.
- Frustration (weight 0.12): Frustration arises from game mechanics and design, including level design and hidden recipes. Technical issues, game balance, and the grind required also contribute significantly to this frustration.
- Enjoyment (weight 0.1): Players enjoy the challenging and strategic gameplay, finding it fun and engaging. Character interactions and the depth of gameplay mechanics add to the overall enjoyment.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.08): Satisfaction comes from a sense of accomplishment and the game's value and improvements. Players appreciate the detailed tips, improved animations, and better balancing that enhance the gameplay experience.
- Nostalgia (weight 0.07): Nostalgia is driven by childhood memories and a rich personal history with the game. Players feel nostalgic due to their long-term connection and the game's updates over the years.
- Excited (weight 0.07): Excitement is generated by the game's solid mechanics, interesting characters, and its availability on PC. The addition of English language support and mentions of upcoming games in the series also contribute to this excitement.
- Excitement (weight 0.05): Players are excited about the game's strategic depth and volume, as well as its high replayability. The inclusion of expansion packs and new characters, along with the freedom to combine different strategies, adds to this excitement.
- Enthusiasm (weight 0.05): Enthusiasm comes from recommending the game to fans of specific genres like Touhou Project and turn-based RPGs. The deep tactical strategy and rich combat system are also major contributors.
- Joy (weight 0.03): Joy is derived from the overall fun gameplay experience and humorous interactions between characters.
- Admiration (weight 0.03): Players admire the deep and refined RPG mechanics, as well as the strategic depth and character management.
- Anger (weight 0.02): Anger is caused by specific game design and mechanics that players find particularly frustrating or poorly implemented.
- Disappointment (weight 0.02): Disappointment stems from the inability to play the game with a controller, which affects the player's preferred method of gameplay.
- Impressed (weight 0.02): Players are impressed by the depth and strategic elements of the game, finding it more complex and engaging than expected.
- Appreciation (weight 0.02): Appreciation is directed towards the developers' efforts and care for the game, recognizing the hard work and dedication put into its creation.
- Nostalgic (weight 0.02): Nostalgia is felt by players who have played the game before and have fond memories associated with it, often from earlier periods in their lives.}