Touhou 20: Fossilized Wonders is out and fans are buzzing! Team Shanghai Alice just launched the twentieth official installment in the legendary Touhou Project series. If you’re into bullet hell shooters, this new chapter—filled with fresh mechanics and a back-to-basics style—is worth your attention.
What is Touhou 20: Fossilized Wonders?
Its full title is Touhou Kinjoukyou ~ Fossilized Wonders, and it’s a vertical danmaku shooting game. This time, the focus is on classic gameplay with only Reimu and Marisa as playable characters. ZUN, the series creator, aimed to recapture the spirit of early Touhou games with simple but challenging design. The game was announced on April 12, 2025, with its trial version launching at Reitaisai 22 in May. The full release dropped August 17, 2025, at Comiket 106 and on Steam as well.
Focus Keyword: Fossilized Wonders Features
- Two Playable Characters: Reimu Hakurei and Marisa Kirisame.
- New Mechanic: Players collect and combine Stone types that alter shot styles.
- Classic Bullet Hell: Vertically scrolling levels packed with bosses, projectiles, and power-ups.
- Four Difficulty Modes: Easy, Normal, Hard, and Lunatic for all skill levels.
Main Features at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | Touhou Kinjoukyou ~ Fossilized Wonders |
| Genre | Vertical Bullet Hell (Danmaku) |
| Release Date | August 17, 2025 |
| Developer | Team Shanghai Alice |
| Playable Characters | Reimu, Marisa |
| Platform | Windows / Steam |
How to Start with Fossilized Wonders
Experienced fans suggest starting with the demo to get a feel for the controls. For new players, games like Imperishable Night (Touhou 8) or Mountain of Faith (Touhou 10) are great entry points into the series, as they introduce many features familiar in Fossilized Wonders. The Steam release makes access to Fossilized Wonders much easier for international fans.
FAQs About Touhou 20 Fossilized Wonders
- Is Fossilized Wonders beginner-friendly?
Yes, the game includes an Easy mode and intuitive mechanics. However, it holds to the series’ reputation for challenging play. - Where can I purchase Touhou 20?
You can get it on Steam and at some Japanese doujin retailers following Comiket 106. - Does it support English?
Community patches and English overlays, like THCRAP, are already available to help with translation. - What’s new compared to previous Touhou games?
The core twist is the Stone combination system for shots, but the overall feel is traditional and reminiscent of earlier titles. - Can I play with a controller?
Yes, the Windows/Steam version supports most common controllers as well as keyboard. - What’s the recommended starting point for newcomers to the franchise?
Many recommend Imperishable Night (Touhou 8) or Mountain of Faith (Touhou 10) to start, but Fossilized Wonders is a fair starting point for modern players.
Why This Release Matters
Touhou 20: Fossilized Wonders celebrates both the longevity and innovation of the Touhou Project. By going back to basics with gameplay, while introducing fresh mechanics, Team Shanghai Alice cements their reputation for making top-tier danmaku shooters. Whether you’re a veteran or just curious, Fossilized Wonders is an exciting new chapter for fans and genre newcomers alike.