Undefined Fantastic Object
Plot of Undefined Fantastic Object
Undefined Fantastic Object is the twelfth installment in the Touhou Project, a renowned series of bullet hell shooter games developed by Team Shanghai Alice led by ZUN. This game stands out for weaving an intricate narrative, blending its gameplay with a lore-rich universe filled with folklore and mythological elements.
Storyline
The story of Undefined Fantastic Object centers around a mysterious flying object observed in the skies of Gensokyo, the fictional setting of the Touhou Project. This event piques the curiosity of several characters, prompting them to investigate the enigma. The player chooses one of three protagonists to unravel the mystery: Reimu Hakurei, the shrine maiden of the Hakurei Shrine; Marisa Kirisame, a magician; or Sanae Kochiya, a shrine maiden from the Moriya Shrine.
Characters and Motivations
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Reimu Hakurei: As the guardian of Gensokyo, Reimu is motivated by her duty to maintain balance and order. Her involvement is driven by the need to ensure that the flying object poses no threat to the realm she protects.
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Marisa Kirisame: A self-proclaimed ordinary magician, Marisa's interest is piqued by the potential for new magical knowledge or artifacts that the object may hold.
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Sanae Kochiya: Coming from the Moriya Shrine, Sanae is curious about the celestial origins of the object and its implications for her shrine's worship of a wind god.
The Flying Object
The mysterious object, referred to as the "UFO," is eventually revealed to be the Palace of the Earth Spirits, a ship commandeered by a group known as the Myouren Temple. This group is led by Byakuren Hijiri, a benevolent but misjudged monk from the Buddhist sect who had been sealed away due to suspicions about her magical abilities.
Unraveling the Mystery
Throughout the game, players must confront various characters connected to the temple, such as Ichirin Kumoi and Minamitsu Murasa, each of whom presents a unique challenge. The player's goal is to collect fragments of the flying object scattered across different stages to achieve a deeper understanding of its purpose and origins.
Themes and Mythology
The narrative of Undefined Fantastic Object is deeply influenced by Asian mythology, particularly drawing from Buddhist and Japanese folklore. The characters and their motivations often reflect the interplay between the spiritual and the earthly, exploring themes of redemption, understanding, and the coexistence of different faiths and beliefs.
Related Topics
Undefined Fantastic Object
Undefined Fantastic Object (Japanese: 東方星蓮船 ～ Undefined Fantastic Object.) is the twelfth main game in the Touhou Project series, a collection of scrolling shooter games. Developed by the dōjin game circle Team Shanghai Alice, it was released at the 76th Comiket on August 15, 2009, followed by a retail release on September 11, 2009.
Gameplay Mechanics
This installment of the Touhou Project introduces several new gameplay mechanics that would be employed in the series' subsequent entries. Most notably, it was the first to feature colored power-ups, which reward players with extra lives, points, and bombs when collected. Players must navigate through a total of six stages, defeating enemies and bosses while dodging intricate patterns of projectiles, a hallmark of the danmaku genre.
Plot
The plot of Undefined Fantastic Object revolves around a mysterious flying object, the "Star-Lotus Ship," which appears over the land of Gensokyo. Characters in the game, including Reimu Hakurei and Marisa Kirisame, embark on an adventure to investigate the object, leading to encounters with new and returning characters.
Characters
The game features several notable characters, such as:
- Nue Houjuu: A mythological creature known as a Nue, who presents a mysterious and chaotic presence.
- Byakuren Hijiri: A character central to the game's story, depicted as a monk with powerful abilities.
- Ichirin Kumoi: A character who appears alongside her cloud companion, Unzan.
Development and Legacy
Created by ZUN, Undefined Fantastic Object was developed using the same resources and style as its predecessors, making it instantly recognizable to fans of the series. Its mechanics and narrative elements have influenced subsequent games, cementing its place in the broader Touhou Project.
Continuations and Related Games
Following its release, Undefined Fantastic Object influenced the design and mechanics of later Touhou games, such as Ten Desires and Hopeless Masquerade. It continues to be celebrated within the community for its innovative mechanics and engaging story.