Aya Shameimaru/Kohaku's version

''Like all of Kohaku's Touhou characters, this version of Aya has custom gameplay rather than Touhou-styled gameplay, focusing more on close-range combat instead of projectiles. It comes with three different defense options and has decent comboability, though it doesn't have a custom A.I.''

Gameplay


While this character uses all six buttons, it uses, and  for the mayority of its moveset. It uses the button for one of its defense options, explained later. and are used for strikers. summons Reimu Hakurei, who performs two upward kicks. summons Suika Ibuki, who breathes fire. is also used for one of Aya's Hypers. The strikers can be turned off by editing the config file.

Like all of Kohaku's Touhou characters, Aya's gameplay is custom, not emphasizing on projectiles like Scarlet Weather Rhapsody, but rather on close-range combat, though it still has a few ranged attacks. It also has a Defense System which offers the player three different defense options, selectable at the start of a fight. The defense options are Ex-Shield, Parry and Just Defend. Ex-Shield works similar to Melty Blood, where you have to press at the right time to parry an attack. The button can be held down, but it will drain power and won't be as effective as when you press at the right moment. Parry works like Street Fighter 3, where you have to press at the right time to parry an attack. Just Defend requires you to press at the right time to slighty parry an attack. It allows you to recover from blockstun faster and restores a small amount of health when performed successfully.

Aya's damage output is low, though this is easily made up for by its great comboability and fast attack and movement speed. It focuses on rushdown gameplay and overwhelming the opponent with attacks. It's possible to take out a lot of the opponent's health by mashing buttons. While the strikers also deal low damage output, they can be used to set up combos when performed at the right time. Its Specials have great utility and can be used to knock the opponent away. Its Hypers can be used to finish combos. Illusionary Dominance takes out more than half of the opponent's Health when it hits. Breaking News deals even more damage, though it can only be used when Shield is selected at the start of the round and when your helith is below 30%.

Like all of Kohaku's characters, Aya has no custom A.I. and uses the engine's default. Though it occasionally performs combos, it usually jumps around and leave itself open to attack. Because of its low damage output, it's very easy to beat.