Uboa ウボァ Location Poniko's Room

Uboa's Trap Role Traps Madotsuki in an inescapable world Size Standard Effect Reaction Standard reaction to Cat effect, but unable to be killed. If you turn off the light in Poniko's Room, there is a 1 in 64 chance that the Uboa event will occur. Whether the event will occur is determined when the player enters the room (leave and enter again for the next chance) or waits five seconds after trying. Uboa was added along with the Pink Sea in version 0.08.

Appearance

Uboa appears as a black blob or shadow-like creature with a white oval covering most of its front, giving it a monochromatic look. The oval resembles the traditional Noh theatre masks, as well as the Greek comedy/tragedy masks that depict extreme joy or sadness. However, in regards to the Greek masks, Uboa's expression seems to be a blend of both, as its left eye is squinting, while its right eye is resting. Accordingly, the left corner of the mouth is turned up, while the right corner is turned down. In the right upper part of the oval, the black color invades it slightly, making the "mask" appear "cracked". Uboa also appears with a warped expression during its event (see below).

In the manga, Uboa was given a ponytail and arms, probably to resemble Poniko.

Event

There is a chance that the event is triggered when you turn off the light. When the event happens a bright flash fills the screen, then the entire room changes and Uboa replaces Poniko. The background music changes to an alarming filtered "aah" noise. You cannot leave the room, and flipping the light switch only causes another flash.

Some of the items in the room change. The dresser gets a "face" with googly eyes that are similar to those of Masada's and a smile. The two pictures change, the one over the desk turns from what looks like a mouse to a face which has googly eyes as well, and what could be either a moustache or another smile. The one over Poniko's bed changes from one shape to another. The window gets eyes and the rug's design also changes, showing a pattern with eyes as well. The lamp on the desk turns on, showing a light beam.

If you interact with Uboa, its face will become warped and you will be sent to a sectioned off part of the White Desert known as Uboa's Trap, without a way to get back. The area shows a monochrome background with a few hills and a large decorative NPC that is groping them. There appears to be fluid on these hills, similar to landscapes seen in the White Desert.

When walking, Madotsuki's footsteps make the same "water" sound effects also heard when adventuring through the Pink Sea, so the white, wavy ground can be interpreted as the same sort of substance.

Using the Frog effect here will increase Madotsuki's movement speed as well. Uboa itself is seen motionless with a rather warped expression near the middle of the map. It is impossible to interact with them. The only way to escape this area is by pinching Madotsuki awake or by using the Medamaude effect.

Sound Files

Sound associated with Uboa.

Sound File Description The background music that plays when Uboa is in Poniko's room. The White Desert soundtrack that plays after you get teleported into the new area.

Reception

Uboa is likely a major factor for the success of the game, especially in the English version. Many non-Japanese players were introduced to Uboa through YouTube. Uboa itself may very well be the number one inspiration to download and explore Yume Nikki by most fans.

Fan Speculation

Isolation - Due to being trapped after making Madotsuki interact with Uboa, and the following area playing the dreary White Desert soundtrack, it could relate to the game's recurring theme of isolation.

Poniko's True Form - A common interpretation is that Uboa is Poniko's true form, mostly because they replace her sprite.

Revenge - Uboa could be an annoyed Poniko getting angry with Madotsuki, as she keeps switching the lights off and on, which could be seen as a prank.

Trivia