is touhou memories of phantasm in order

2 min read 24-01-2025

Touhou Hisoutensoku, also known as Touhou Memories of Phantasm, is a popular fighting game. Many fans wonder if the game's story mode follows the established Touhou Project lore. The short answer is: no, not exactly. While it uses characters and settings from the main Touhou series, Memories of Phantasm presents a largely original storyline and doesn't strictly adhere to the chronological order of the main games.

Understanding the Touhou Project's Narrative Structure

Before diving into Memories of Phantasm's narrative, it's important to understand the Touhou Project itself. The series isn't strictly linear. Each game tells a largely self-contained story, with some overarching themes and recurring characters. The games' timelines are complex and often intersect in unexpected ways. There's no single, definitive "correct" order to play them.

Memories of Phantasm's Story: An Original Take

Memories of Phantasm crafts its own narrative, utilizing many familiar Touhou characters. It features a unique plot revolving around a mysterious incident and a tournament. While characters' personalities and relationships generally align with their established traits, the specific events and interactions in the story are unique to the game.

The Tournament's Structure and its Impact on Order

The game presents a tournament structure for its story. Characters face off against one another in a series of battles. This tournament setup doesn't directly reflect the chronological order of events from the main Touhou games. Characters who might have met much later in the main series' timeline can fight each other early on in Memories of Phantasm.

Character-Specific Story Arcs: Individual Narratives within the Tournament

Each character in Memories of Phantasm has a unique story arc within the overarching tournament narrative. These individual stories provide insight into their motivations and perspectives. However, even these individual arcs don't always align perfectly with the established Touhou lore.

Why the Deviations from Canon?

The developers of Memories of Phantasm took creative liberties. This allowed them to create an engaging fighting game experience without being strictly bound by the complexities of the main series' narrative. The focus shifts from strict chronological accuracy to providing exciting battles and character interactions.

How to Approach the Story: Enjoying the Game's Unique Narrative

Rather than viewing Memories of Phantasm as a strict continuation of the Touhou storyline, consider it a "what if" scenario. Appreciate it for its unique character interactions and engaging plot, which is distinct from the canon material. Focus on enjoying the fights and the game's distinct narrative world.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

**Q: Does playing Memories of Phantasm spoil the main Touhou games?**

A: Unlikely. While it uses characters from the main series, the story is largely original and doesn't directly spoil any major plot points from the main games.

Q: Is there a "best" order to play the characters' story modes?

A: Not really. The game's structure allows you to play any character's story mode in any order. The order doesn't significantly impact the overall narrative understanding.

**Q: Can I understand Memories of Phantasm's story without playing the main Touhou games?**

A: While prior knowledge of the characters will enhance enjoyment, it's not strictly necessary. The game introduces characters and their basic personalities within its own context.

In conclusion, Touhou Memories of Phantasm is a fun fighting game that uses beloved Touhou characters. However, it's important to remember that its story isn't a direct continuation of the main series' lore. Approach it as a separate, enjoyable narrative experience within the broader Touhou universe.