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UFOs

In order to obtain powerups, one option is the collection of UFO tokens. If three UFO tokens of the same type, or one of each type is collected, a UFO is summoned. The player then has a limited amount of time to defeat the summoned UFO in order to collect a powerup specific to each type. An additional powerup is awarded if the player allows the UFO to collect a large number of powerups from defeated enemies before destroying it. A ring surrounding the UFO is an indicator of its satiation with items; as soon as it becomes filled, the UFO releases an additional reward.

If a UFO token has a white outline, it will change color every few seconds. During dialog, UFOs and tokens will vanish off the sides of the screens.

Defeating a UFO will also clear the screen of all bullets, so it can be worthwhile to collect (for instance) blue UFOs even if not going for score.

Types and rewards

Green type
Summoned when the player has collected three green UFO tokens.
  • Maximum multiplier: x2.0.
  • Destruction reward: a bomb fragment that grants a player 1/3 of an additional bomb.
  • Item satiation reward: a full bomb item.
Blue type
Summoned when a player has collected three blue UFO tokens.
  • Maximum multiplier: x8.0.
  • No other rewards.
Red type
Summoned when a player has collected three red UFO tokens.
  • Maximum multiplier: x1.0.
  • Destruction reward: a life fragment that grants a player 1/4 of an additional life.
  • Item satiation reward: an additional life fragment.
Flashing/multicolored type
Summoned when a player has collected three UFO tokens of each color.
  • Maximum multiplier: x4.0. Swaps power items for point items and vice versa.
  • Destruction reward: a UFO token that changes color.
  • Item satiation reward: an additional UFO token that changes color.

Usage scenario

For scoring

Summoning UFOs is the key element of the game's scoring system. First and foremost, it allows multiplying the point items' point worth by as much as 8x, giving a sizable boost to your score. Another key advantage is the ability to collect freefalling items at maximum value without the need to cross POC, which becomes especially prominent on high difficulties.

As such, UFOs shouldn't be summoned at every opportunity, but at exact places with a large amount of items or enemies that drop them. There are several critical points in the game with high point item density; they must be memorized in order to take advantage of blue UFO multiplier.

The game also has a lot more power item drops than any prior installment of the series. While normally useless in a high score attempt, they can be converted into point items when collected by a multicolored UFO. Likewise, there are critical points with high power item density that must be memorized as well.

For survival

Green and red UFOs, while generally useless in high score runs, are able to provide a less experienced player with a sufficient life and bomb supply, as well as clear the screen of bullets in a bomb-like fashion. Be wary that they should still be satiated with items before destruction in order to take full advantage of their summoning.

Also note that it is generally more beneficial to summon green UFOs compared to red:

  • 1 green UFO = 1.33 bombs. 1 red UFO = 0.5 lives.
  • Each green UFO gives at least one immediately useful full bomb item.
  • 6 green UFOs = 8 bombs. 6 red UFOs = 3 lives (6 full bombs).
  • If a player uses all of their bombs before dying, going for green UFOs potentially gives them 33% more full bombs.

Barring some exceptions, a character's bomb is generally powerful enough to quickly deplete the HP of most spellcards. By methodically summoning green UFOs, a player should be able to bomb through (nearly) every problematic attack, allowing an easier victory. Green UFOs also allow a marginally better score increase, although it's pointless to use them for that purpose. However, if a player is bad with both deciding a good bombing opportunity and using bombs reactively (deathbombing), going for red UFOs instead may have its merit.

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