2D sprites are drawings, that's a different form of art than 3D modelling. I personally don't really like that much 3D renders and modelling, because it's much more "mathematical" than artistic. (The fact that it is "easier" to create makes it less impressive too.) Some are really very nice, but you don't find that "little thing" you have with drawings, especially for fighting games.
So I really enjoy that some 2D games are still made, because they're the most enjoyable to watch, in my humble opinion.
And talking about artistic stuff, I really love the artistic direction of this new game, the interface, the musics, the artworks, etc...
By the way, regarding the specials attacks you do when you hold B or C, there are some little things (some are a little bit silly) I keep wondering about for each character:
Reimu:
[C] Gap attack throwing sotobas. (throws 1 if 1 orb, and then throws several ones when you get more)
I know she can manipulate boundaries and uses kekkais (kinda like Yukari), but opening an actual dimensional gap and throwing objects like Yukari does, it's rather surprising for a human (I mean, Yukari is a youkai (and one of the strongest known youkai, if not the strongest)).
? My question is: did she learn how to use Yukari's attacks (maybe she taught her?), or is it actually Yukari who intervenes in the fight by opening a gap to attack (as a helper) ?
Marisa:
[C] Summon-attack of random object with different effects.
I know the attacks are related to the folklore and myths (like her last word that I really love so much, it's awesome), so everything makes sense, but I just wonder how does she summon the objects?
? Making objects come from nowhere is Yukari's speciality, but what is the kind of power Marisa uses for this trick? I know it's stupid, but I'm still curious.
Kasen:
[B] Energy ball (rainbow colors) thrown. (the direction key used when releasing the button can change the direction and the range of the attack)
More technical question: The energy ball stays at the same place during all the match when you throw one, the new one will replace the older each time you use this attack, but the will still be an energy ball in the game, and I can't find what it does.
Once you throw it, if it hits the opponent, it deals damage, and if he doesn't, it stays like a decoration without hurting or draining energy. I tried to test the reaction of the characters by looking their life, spirit, or even the reaction of the occult ball, but I didn't notice anything.
? Does anyone knows what it does? Or maybe it actually doesn't do anything yet because it's still a trial and the additional effect will be added later?