I have mixed opinions on this title. You didn't enable ratings for this game, meaning I have to post my rating and quick review here. I give it three stars out of five.
This is a fascinating, if punishing departure from the typical danmaku formula in favor of a path puzzle that requires a PhD in Touhou Project chronology. Playing as Mizuchi Miyadeguchi to possess your way toward Reimu is a clever hook. Still, the difficulty isn't in the logic - it's in your ability to remember exactly which game every obscure midboss debuted in. For the franchise's walking encyclopedias, it's a rewarding tribute; for everyone else, it's a digital history exam you didn't study for.
Visually, the game leans into a minimalist, teal-heavy aesthetic that feels like a throwback to 1990s software. While the custom art for Mizuchi is a highlight, the user interface choices are a bit of a double-edged sword. The circling cursor, in particular, adds a literal layer of dizzying challenge to the experience that might test your equilibrium as much as your memory. It is a mechanically sound and polished title, especially with the added VS Mode and Grow Board options, but it definitely demands a specific kind of mental and physical endurance from you.
The most jarring aspect of the experience is the total absence of music. In a franchise world-renowned for its iconic soundtracks, playing in complete silence save for a few functional sound effects feels like a significant missed opportunity. It strips away the tension usually found in Gensokyo, leaving you alone with your thoughts as you agonize over release dates. Ultimately, it's a competent and bug-free puzzle game that knows its audience perfectly. If you're a hardcore lore-hound, you'll find plenty to love, but casual fans may find the teal void a bit too quiet for comfort.
You can read my full review here:
https://drillimation.com/2026/04/07/mizuchi-takeover-review-the-touhou-history-exam-you-didnt-study-for/