I'm a long player touhou fan, not really old, like, i don't play since 2001, but i play these games for a while (since DDC release). My first introduction to the Gensokyo world was not a bullet hell game, but a fighting one. My sister used to play on her computer the ''Scarlet Weather Rhapsody'', i fell in love when i saw Pachouli and Cirno, i called Pachouli ''Dream Girl'' and Cirno ''Ice Fairy''. I was just a child when she showed me that game, but in 2013 i downloaded and played ''Mountain of Faith'' and LOVED, it was my first introduction to the official touhou bullet hell games.
OK! That being said, i must ranking my favorite Touhou games, remember that all i'm going to say is my opinion, i'm not an touhou expert (i'm very casual actually) So,don't take my list as the ''Best Touhou Games of All Time'' and more ''Touhou Games that Mari really likes''.
5. Double Dealing Character
This one is on 5 because i just give it a chance now. By far the best one from the new generation. Everything is really fun in this game, the songs, the characters, the designs, the mechanics. It's a very unique touhou title and it's the perfect balance of the classic generation and the new one.
4. Mountain of Faith
This one is very emotional to me, all reminds me a time when everything was simple and new. Until this day, i do not beat Kanako, she's difficult even on easy mode! Nitori's theme is a classic, Momiji was always intriguing to me even if in the game she only had a sprite and nothing else. Aya was cool, Hina was funny, all songs are amazing. The only thing i don't like is the fact that bombs and power are treated as the same thing.
3. The Embodiment of Scarlet Devil
This one is a classic, probably the first touhou for many people. Today the game looks dated and the controls feel stiff compared to recent titles, but this doesn't mean that the game is unplayable. This is actually one of the best games of the franchise. The atmosphere is magical and mysterious, it's your first introduction to this world habited by youkais, fairies, sorcerers and...vampires! Every character in EOSD is memorable, every theme, design, stage, this game is something hard to forget.
2. Perfect Cherry Blossom
This one is very special to me, something in this game brings me back to my childhood and i don't know why. It has the best soundtrack of the franchise in my opinion, the atmosphere feels melancholic, nostalgic and delicate. I love the relationship between Youmu and Yuyuko, they have good chemistry and are loyal to each other.
1. Imperishable Night
Great soundtrack, multiple character choices, challenging, intriguing story, new concepts to the franchise. I was in doubt if i would put this one in first or second place, because is THAT good. I think this is the magnum opus of ZUN's games. I really love the design of the characters in this game, especially Reisen, it's simple but iconic.