Like its predecessor, Touhou Hisōtensoku, Hopeless Masquerade is a two-dimensional versus fighting game, where two characters fight each other with various moves. This game features a completely different style of 2D sprites compared to the earlier fighter games. Match timers have been introduced, something not present in previous Touhou fighter games. It will also be the first official game to have a native resolution of 1280×720.Various new systems have been made specifically for this game, most notably a completely aerial-based combat system, special moves performed in a key combo system, and an Instant Guard system, which allows the player to parry attacks by blocking right before the attack hits to prevent spirit loss.