Great news for Metroidvania fans and physical collectors – the acclaimed Touhou Luna Nights is finally getting a deluxe physical release outside of Asia! As someone who’s thoroughly enjoyed this challenging but rewarding game on Nintendo Switch, I’m really excited to see it getting the special edition treatment it deserves.
Publisher SelectaPlay has announced they’ll be releasing both a Standard and Limited Collector’s Edition of Touhou Luna Nights for PS5 and Switch on March 21, 2025. This will mark the game’s 5-year anniversary and first physical console release in North America and Europe.
For those unfamiliar, Touhou Luna Nights is a stylish Metroidvania set in the Touhou Project universe. It features gorgeous pixel art, tight controls, and clever time manipulation mechanics. While definitely on the tough side, the sense of progression and exploration is incredibly satisfying.
The game follows Sakuya Izayoi, a recurring character from the Touhou Project series. As the maid of Remilia Scarlet (head vampire of the Scarlet Devil Mansion), Sakuya is suddenly transported to a world similar to, but not quite the same as, Gensokyo. With no choice but to find a way out, Sakuya begins her journey through this strange realm of Luna Nights.
What sets Touhou Luna Nights apart is its focus on Sakuya’s time-stopping abilities and knife-throwing skills, all brought to life through stunning sprite animations. The game also incorporates the Touhou staple “Graze” system, where narrowly avoiding enemy attacks restores HP and MP, promoting an exhilarating gameplay style.
As you progress, you’ll encounter familiar faces from the Touhou universe, including series protagonist Reimu Hakurei, Marisa Kirisame, and even Remilia’s sister Flandre Scarlet. Each boss battle is a visual treat, showcasing Team Ladybug’s beautiful pixel artwork and animations.
Now, onto the physical release details. The Standard Edition will include a printed manual and special sleeve, which is already a nice bonus for physical game collectors. But the real star is the Limited Collector’s Edition, which comes packed with goodies:
- Original soundtrack on 2 CDs
- 3 alternative inlays
- Serialized certificate of authenticity
- Steel Book case
- Collector’s oversized box
As someone who’s spent many hours exploring every nook and cranny of Touhou Luna Nights’ intricate world, I’m seriously tempted by that soundtrack CD. The music really enhances the game’s atmospheric vibe and complements the action perfectly.
Pre-orders are open now for both editions ahead of the March 2025 release. While that may seem far off, limited physical runs like this tend to sell out quickly. So Touhou fans and Metroidvania collectors will want to secure their copies early.
It’s great to see such a high-quality indie title getting this level of physical release. Touhou Luna Nights absolutely deserves the recognition, both for its tight gameplay mechanics and its stunning visual presentation. Whether you’re new to the game or a longtime fan of the Touhou Project, these special editions look like must-haves for any game library.
Are you planning to pick up one of these physical editions? Let me know in the comments! And stay tuned for more coverage as we get closer to the release date.
