Hifuu Nightmare Diary ~ Violet Detector.

Last updated: 2025-10-05

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Summary
  • Engaging gameplay with creative danmaku design
  • Excellent music and story are highlights
  • Accessible yet challenging difficulty for players
  • Flawed teleportation controls are a major issue
  • Recycled and uninspired danmaku content
  • Overall mixed reception and divided fanbase
Hifuu Nightmare Diary ~ Violet Detector. header

Categories

Bullet-hellSingle-player StoryCharacter ProgressionPuzzle SolvingShootingPhotography Gameplay

Emotions

Frustration26%Disappointment20%Satisfaction17%Enjoyment11%Anger4%
Reviews
(sample size)
111
Helpful reviews
79%
Unhelpful reviews
19%
Protest reviews
2%
Positive points
232
Negative points
292
Gameplay points
138
Perf. points
1
Rec. points
97
Misc points
65
Point
Excellent Music and Story
Description
The game's soundtrack is consistently praised for being fitting, atmospheric, and high-quality, enhancing the overall mood and experience. The story is also well-received, offering an interesting narrative with beloved characters.
Importance
73%
Engaging and Fun Gameplay
Description
Players consistently find the core gameplay loop enjoyable, challenging, and strategically deep. Despite minor flaws or initial complaints, the overall experience is highly recommended, offering good value and entertainment.
Importance
65%
Creative Danmaku Design
Description
The game features a wide variety of innovative and experimental danmaku patterns. These designs allow for flexible gameplay, encourage creative problem-solving, and provide a good challenge for both beginners and experienced players.
Importance
38%
Acceptable Teleportation Mechanic
Description
The controversial double-shift teleportation mechanic, while initially clunky, becomes manageable and even convenient with practice. It adds novelty and strategic depth, allowing for high-speed movement and new ways to survive danmaku.
Importance
36%
Accessible Yet Challenging Difficulty
Description
The game strikes a good balance, being more accessible than some previous titles while still offering significant challenge, especially in later difficulties. It's enjoyable for both series veterans and beginners, with a satisfying difficulty curve.
Importance
25%
Motivating Boss Battles
Description
Bosses have manageable health, and the retry system is forgiving, making repeated challenges enjoyable. The satisfaction of overcoming difficult enemies and spell cards keeps players engaged and motivated.
Importance
23%
Strong Sumireko Character Focus
Description
The game excels in developing Sumireko Usami's character, with her art style and story contributions being highly appreciated by fans. Her unique superpower system adds novelty to the gameplay.
Importance
19%
Innovative Photography Mechanic
Description
The core photography mechanic is well-received, offering flexible ways to clear stages by either damaging bosses or canceling bullets. This unique hybrid approach makes Violet Detector a distinct and fun entry in the series.
Importance
15%
Favorite Touhou Spin-Off
Description
For many players, this game stands out as a favorite Touhou spin-off, praised for its unique take on the series and its overall quality as a new installment.
Importance
13%
High Replayability
Description
The game offers significant replay value, particularly among 'decimal point' works, with players finding themselves drawn back to complete more spell cards and challenges.
Importance
9%
Enjoyable Nightmare Diary
Description
The final day's 'Nightmare Diary' content is a highlight, providing a fun and engaging conclusion to the game, with its title music also being a favorite.
Importance
8%