Some first impressions about Hidden Star in Four Seasons demo:
After playing games chronologically (almost) I decided it was time to give this demo a shot.
The first impact was obviously the intro: a sort of space trance music with powerful main theme, I really didn't expect something like that from a season-themed Touhou game; maybe it resembles IN intro. I don't know why but I find it quite disturbing (but certainly good).
About the music from the stages, I think is gorgeous! I already like every BGM.
First level BGM is cheerful and a bit fast-paced with a little twist.
Eta(r?)nity Larva's BGM is melanchonic with some dark notes but with feeling of calm in my opinion. Heavy percussions here (looking at Wriggle's BGM).
Second level BGM, here background is fast while the main theme slow and gradually goes climax; result is kinda sadness and happiness mixed.
Nemuno Sakata's BGM begins as badass song, resulting a non-continuous step by step progression: first melody, then second, then repeat.
Third level BGM, calm, peaceful, slow, with a discernable background; really contemplative.
Aunn Komano's BGM: mid-fast pace, sustained, sometimes seems being singed (maybe it really does?).
The higher resolution is good news, kana and that three-dimensionally flying flowers are displayed precisely. Even if sprites are somewhat pixelated I don't care, I really got habit playing games most part of screen and have no problems.
The general aspect during the game seems messy for my eyes at first impact: score items everywhere, fairies, bullets, shooting trailings, death decorations. Oh my God!
I've read that in MoF falling leaves are used as decoration but also as a visual element in the game to make it more difficult. At the moment I have this feeling for HSiFS. It will need some training to overcome it.
Another peculiarity in this game is the usage of Score Items, using them makes necessary to change my hand position in order to bomb with this and bombs mechanism; but it is painful...
I have nothing to say about shooting types and spellcard yet, I would prefer to play more before.
Oh, music remixes already!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LPEPVt_JIDE
So fast, less than 24 hours... WOW.