UDONGAIN is a fan-made vertical-scrolling 2D shooter built around Touhou Project characters and themes. Players control one of 26 available characters in fast-paced action that emphasizes movement, shooting, and resource management on PC.
Gameplay
The core loop centers on dodging projectiles while firing at enemies in a classic vertical format. Defeating foes builds SP, and crossing thresholds triggers level ups that strengthen shots and restore health while raising the challenge level. A separate Gain meter tracks points earned from enemy defeats, boss damage, Udon boxes, or periods of not firing. Reaching five Gain points activates an auto-bomb on hits, fifteen reduces incoming damage, and thirty enables automatic health recovery. These systems encourage aggressive play balanced with careful positioning and timing.
Controls support both keyboard and gamepad inputs, though certain menu and replay functions require the keyboard. The game runs in windowed mode by default, with full-screen access handled through an external configuration file. Illustrations use AI generation, and the title was created with Action Editor 4.
Game Modes
UdonGain Mode delivers three distinct arcade-style routes with randomized stages. Players can rescue Daiyousei, Koakuma, or Mystia to gain companion support in combat. Udon boxes scattered throughout stages replenish the Gain meter, and successful clears unlock character illustrations in a gallery view.
Alternative Mode shifts focus to score attacks across nine dedicated routes. Rescue boxes and Udon boxes are absent, replaced by Rank Bonus Boxes that reward precise performance. The mode strips away some assistance systems to emphasize raw scoring potential and route mastery.
Playable Characters
The roster includes Reisen Udongein Inaba, Kamishirasawa Keine, Hakurei Reimu, Kochiya Sanae, Kirisama Marisa, Alice Margatroid, Kazami Yuuka, Cirno, Konpaku Youmu, Kawashiro Nitori, Onoduka Komachi, Inubashiri Momiji, Syameimaru Aya, Izayoi Sakuya, Remilia Scarlet, Flandre Scarlet, Hong Meiling, Patchouli Knowledge, Fujiwara no Mokou, Ibuki Suika, Moriya Suwako, Saigyouji Yuyuko, Kagiyama Hina, Chen, Hinanai Tenshi, and additional entries that round out the full set of 26 options. Each character brings distinct shot patterns suited to the vertical shooter format.
Is It Worth Playing?
UDONGAIN suits fans of Touhou-style bullet patterns who enjoy vertical shooters with layered progression systems. The dynamic difficulty tied to leveling and the Gain mechanics create meaningful decisions during runs, while the two modes offer both casual route clearing and dedicated score-chasing sessions. With 26 characters and randomized elements in the main mode, replay value comes from experimenting with different pilots and optimizing Gain thresholds. The game remains a focused indie experience on PC for those seeking precise, chaotic shooting without additional layers of complexity.
