Undertale

An unforgettable journey that will shape storytelling in games, Undertale effortlessly resonates with players and fills its world with depth and joy.

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Undertale is a unique RPG where you can experience a soulful story with memorable characters, featuring a battle system that allows you to spare enemies or engage in action-packed combat. The game is mostly created by one person and offers humor, skeleton dating, and a challenge to find all the dogs within the game. However, player discretion is advised due to potential images that may trigger photosensitive epilepsy.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player Play through the game's story or campaign solo

Reviews

94%

Audience ScoreBased on 118,764 reviews

story12,639 positive mentions

grinding481 negative mentions

story
23,429 mentions
54 % positive mentions
44 % neutral mentions
2 % negative mentions
The story of Undertale is widely praised for its depth, emotional resonance, and unique narrative structure, allowing players to influence the outcome through their choices. Reviewers highlight the game's ability to evoke a range of emotions, from humor to heartbreak, and commend its memorable characters and engaging dialogue. While some note pacing issues and a simplistic premise, the overall consensus is that Undertale offers a rich, immersive storytelling experience that stands out in the indie gaming landscape.
- “The story is either beautiful or disturbing depending on your actions and ending you choose.”
- “Undertale's ability to evoke a wide range of emotions is a testament to its storytelling prowess on display here.”
- “The story is incredible with almost every decision changing the outcome, and Sans' witty humor is just impeccable.”
- “The stuff that didn't click with me was the overall story and the characters.”
- “The story at the start of the game is incredibly poor as it's hard to understand and confusing.”
- “The story is linear and diverse at the same time and there are many little side things you can do for fun.”
music
18,058 mentions
62 % positive mentions
36 % neutral mentions
1 % negative mentions
The music in Undertale is widely praised as one of its standout features, with many reviewers calling it "phenomenal" and "iconic." Composed by Toby Fox, the soundtrack enhances the game's emotional depth and complements its storytelling, with tracks like "Megalovania" and "Death by Glamour" frequently highlighted as favorites. Overall, the music is described as a perfect blend of catchy, nostalgic, and emotionally resonant, making it a significant reason for the game's lasting impact and popularity.
- “The writing is so good, gameplay is good and never gets boring, and the music is absolutely phenomenal.”
- “Beautiful soundtrack: Toby Fox's soundtrack is a masterpiece on its own.”
- “The music complements the game's atmosphere seamlessly, evoking a range of emotions from nostalgia to melancholy.”
- “The music got annoying 10 minutes in.”
- “The game is alright can be boring but the music is not from this world.”
- “The music is very banger and the gameplay never gets old.”
gameplay
9,068 mentions
42 % positive mentions
54 % neutral mentions
4 % negative mentions
The gameplay of Undertale is widely praised for its innovative blend of traditional RPG mechanics and bullet-hell elements, allowing players to choose between combat and non-violent interactions with enemies. Many reviewers highlight the game's unique "act" system, which encourages players to engage with characters in creative ways, leading to multiple endings based on their choices. While some players find the gameplay simplistic or repetitive, the emotional depth of the story and memorable characters often compensate for these shortcomings, making it a compelling experience overall.
- “The writing is so good, gameplay is good and never gets boring, and the music is absolutely phenomenal.”
- “From its unique narrative structure to its charming characters and innovative gameplay, Undertale stands out as a beacon of creativity and originality.”
- “The innovative gameplay, memorable characters, emotional storytelling, and high replay value make it a standout title in the indie gaming landscape.”
- “Very little actual gameplay, not funny, not fun, bad graphics.”
- “The gameplay is quite simple, but it works like a charm, and is surprisingly well tied into the story.”
- “The gameplay is extremely slow and cumbersome and the mechanics are quite boring.”
humor
8,365 mentions
99 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
1 % negative mentions
The humor in Undertale is a defining feature, characterized by its quirky, clever, and often absurd dialogue that elicits both laughter and emotional responses from players. Many reviewers highlight the memorable characters, particularly the skeleton brothers, Sans and Papyrus, whose puns and antics contribute significantly to the game's charm. While some players find the humor to be hit-or-miss or overly reliant on internet memes, the overall consensus is that the game's blend of humor and heartfelt moments creates a unique and engaging experience that resonates with a wide audience.
- “Undertale's humor is both witty and endearing, breaking the fourth wall in unexpected ways that kept me laughing and engaged throughout.”
- “The characters are hilarious, the fights are epic, and there's three endings to complete!”
- “The humor is clever, and the emotional depth of the narrative takes unexpected turns, keeping players engaged throughout the journey.”
- “The game's jokes and humor are beyond unfunny; seriously, I was face-palming at every joke this game threw at me.”
- “I used to like this game, but goddamn, the writing is so awful and unfunny.”
- “The humor in this game is garbage; it's not funny, and the characters are so dumb.”
emotional
6,123 mentions
100 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
Undertale is widely praised for its emotional depth, with players reporting profound connections to its characters and story. The game masterfully balances humor and heart-wrenching moments, often leaving players in tears, especially during the true pacifist ending. Its unique gameplay mechanics and impactful choices enhance the emotional experience, making it a standout title that resonates deeply with those who engage with its narrative.
- “It changed my life, really; the characters feel so real, and it's a very emotional game.”
- “The game weaves a tale that is both heartwarming and heart-wrenching, defying traditional RPG norms.”
- “The true pacifist ending is the most emotional for me, and I can truly say it is my all-time favorite game.”
- “It emotionally scarred me, for better or for worse.”
- “Holy crap, this was an emotional rollercoaster and I loved it.”
- “Overall, Undertale was an amazing and emotional experience for me, and I would love to see more games like this.”
graphics
4,930 mentions
31 % positive mentions
61 % neutral mentions
8 % negative mentions
The graphics of Undertale are characterized by a simplistic, retro 8-bit style that evokes nostalgia for classic RPGs, particularly those from the SNES era. While some players find the visuals charming and fitting for the game's tone, others criticize them as crude or unappealing, often noting that the graphics do not detract from the game's rich storytelling and emotional depth. Overall, the consensus is that despite their simplicity, the graphics effectively complement the game's unique narrative and character-driven experience.
- “Undertale's charming retro-inspired graphics add a nostalgic touch to the game, paying homage to the classics while still feeling fresh and modern.”
- “The graphics, while simplistic, give such a warm, cozy feel.”
- “The pixel art style may seem simple at first, but it perfectly captures the charm of the game.”
- “The graphics look like they were drawn by a four-year-old, with the talent of Pablo Picasso in his prime, which is what I would have said if I liked the graphics, which I do not.”
- “The graphics are simple and look very clean, and the story is just amazing.”
- “The graphics suck, I understand it's pixel art, but it does not look nice and no color for battle sprites just looks lazy.”
replayability
1,440 mentions
45 % positive mentions
51 % neutral mentions
3 % negative mentions
Undertale is widely praised for its exceptional replayability, driven by multiple endings and the impact of player choices on the narrative. Players can explore various routes—pacifist, neutral, and genocide—each offering unique experiences and outcomes, which encourages multiple playthroughs. While some reviewers note that replay value diminishes after experiencing all endings, the game's charm, humor, and emotional depth keep many players returning for more.
- “The ability to choose between pacifist, neutral, or genocide routes adds layers of replayability, encouraging players to explore the vast array of possible outcomes and endings.”
- “The game's multiple endings provide a sense of replayability, allowing us to explore different narratives and discover new layers of meaning.”
- “With a plethora of lovable characters, with a twist on replay value allowing you to revisit the world with a more malevolent goal.”
- “The second problem is the game is way too easy. I honestly think this game would have gotten replay value if the game bothered to have the entire game in hard mode. Don't get me wrong, the first time playing Undertale is fantastic due to the great story and characters, but if you played it the second time, you find out how easy it is to spare the enemies and dodge its attacks, which makes the game boring once you know the story and characters, because the gameplay doesn't really offer much.”
- “The third problem is, why was the genocide run even made? I understand the developer wanted me to feel bad for doing it and make me regret what I did, but the problem is it fails at that. The genocide run is boring; most of what you're doing is grinding until you reach two of the best boss fights in the game. The problem with the genocide run is people do it to fight the best bosses in the game and won't feel bad for what they are doing, which fails the whole point of 'making you feel bad for doing the genocide run.'”
- “The third problem is, why even get the secrets in this game? They offer nothing. This is again where Deltarune does it better, because Deltarune has secret challenging bosses, which gives it more replay value, because it rewards the player for being skilled. But with Undertale, secrets are basically just there to add mystery to the game, where most people would only play Undertale once, because again, it has no replay value.”
grinding
662 mentions
4 % positive mentions
23 % neutral mentions
73 % negative mentions
The aspect of "grinding" in the game has received mixed feedback, with many players finding it tedious and repetitive, especially during the genocide route, which requires extensive grinding to defeat enemies. While some appreciate the game's unique combat mechanics that aim to subvert traditional RPG grinding, others feel that the necessity of grinding detracts from the overall experience, making certain playthroughs feel drawn out and unenjoyable. Overall, while grinding is not mandatory for all routes, it can significantly impact the enjoyment of the game for those who engage in it.
- “This game definitely has a retro vibe with some 'creative' humor and not too grindy gameplay to keep you intrigued!”
- “There is no grinding in this game, and 'loot' and money are of minimal importance, especially if you go the pacifist route.”
- “The battle system will have you smiling instead of groaning, there's no grinding involved, and the best parts of the game are actually found by not killing anybody.”
- “However, the game can become kind of tedious in parts, mostly so when you're clicking through seemingly endless conversation boxes that keep popping up.”
- “But there's some bosses that are truly challenging in the genocide route, that's why it's a shame there's so much tedious grinding in that route that keeps it from being fun 95% of the time.”
- “Honestly, this game is a masterpiece even the minor flaws like how grinding can get a bit boring if you do the genocide route but that is excused by the fantastic story, great characters, and to top it all off, a fantastic soundtrack.”
atmosphere
519 mentions
52 % positive mentions
47 % neutral mentions
1 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its seamless integration of music, character design, and storytelling, creating a rich emotional experience that ranges from nostalgic and whimsical to dark and unsettling. Players appreciate how the soundtrack enhances the mood of various scenes, making each area feel unique and immersive, while the quirky characters and engaging dialogue contribute to a charming yet poignant atmosphere. Overall, the game's ability to evoke a wide spectrum of feelings through its atmospheric elements is considered one of its standout features.
- “The music complements the game's atmosphere seamlessly, evoking a range of emotions from nostalgia to melancholy.”
- “The characters feel alive and the atmosphere that the music creates is perfect.”
- “The melodies are memorable and perfectly complement the game's atmosphere, contributing to the creation of a truly unforgettable gaming experience.”
- “The only gripe I had was how speech bubbles would disrupt the atmosphere and force you to stop sometimes every couple of seconds.”
- “No atmosphere, no drama, no charm.”
- “The atmosphere, characters, and story just weren't there.”
character development
488 mentions
53 % positive mentions
45 % neutral mentions
2 % negative mentions
Character development in "Undertale" is widely praised for its depth and emotional resonance, with players noting that even minor characters possess unique backstories and personalities that enhance the overall narrative. The game's branching storylines and player choices significantly impact character arcs, allowing for a rich exploration of relationships and moral dilemmas. Many reviewers highlight the ability to form strong emotional connections with characters, making the experience feel personal and immersive, particularly during different playthroughs that reveal varying aspects of the story and character development.
- “The character development in this game is overwhelmingly good.”
- “The story is engaging, the soundtrack is simply amazing, and the character development is one of the deepest I have seen in a video game.”
- “The character development is so good that I refuse to play the game on genocide and kill them.”
- “At a certain point, character development turns into filler dialogue, and it’s a line Undertale does cross every once in a while.”
- “The story is basic, no character development, just clichés all around.”
- “Character development is very complicated and difficult to explain without spoiling the game.”
stability
58 mentions
12 % positive mentions
2 % neutral mentions
86 % negative mentions
The stability of the game receives mixed reviews, with some players reporting minor glitches and bugs, particularly related to audio and visual issues, while others praise it for being largely bug-free and stable. A few users experienced significant problems, such as freezing in fullscreen mode and buggy hitboxes, but many found the overall experience enjoyable despite these flaws. Overall, while there are some reported issues, many players appreciate the game's stability compared to other titles in the market.
- “The game is perfect, no glitches at all.”
- “Story, characters, dialogue, script, gameplay, puzzles, hidden secrets, replayability, jokes, bug free and all those extra hidden little details - everything about this game is just beyond perfect!”
- “It works and runs great.”
- “Can't put it in full screen mode; it freezes my whole PC, and I then have to restart it.”
- “Constant freezes; a few minutes after I launch the game, all the sound cuts out and doesn't return, and it really takes me out of the experience.”
- “The game is buggy, provides limited entertainment, and crashed (for me) more than 5 times.”
optimization
38 mentions
24 % positive mentions
53 % neutral mentions
24 % negative mentions
The optimization of the game has received mixed reviews, with some users praising its ability to run smoothly on low-end PCs and highlighting the engaging gameplay mechanics. However, others have reported significant issues, including bugs, stuttering, and performance drops, particularly during critical moments, indicating that the game could benefit from further optimization. Overall, while the game has potential for smooth performance, it is marred by technical shortcomings that detract from the experience.
- “The game is very small and runs smoothly on low-end PCs.”
- “The art style and music are amazing, and the game can run smoothly even on a potato.”
- “The gameplay mechanics of this game work buttery smooth; everything clicks together and runs smoothly.”
- “My computer bluescreened while fighting Napstablook and the music kept stuttering for 2 minutes until my PC shut off.”
- “0/10 poorly optimized.”
- “There are plentiful bugs to be encountered in the overworld, mostly having to do with how the player moves (stuttering, getting stuck, moonwalking, etc.), all of which could be fixed within a couple of minutes by a novice programmer.”
monetization
22 mentions
9 % positive mentions
23 % neutral mentions
68 % negative mentions
The monetization model of the game is highly praised for its absence of advertisements, microtransactions, and downloadable content, allowing players to enjoy a pure gaming experience without the pressure of in-game purchases. Reviewers appreciate the game's focus on creativity and passion over profit-driven strategies typical of larger studios, highlighting its success as a testament to quality over commercialism. Overall, the game stands out in a market saturated with cash-grab tactics, offering a refreshing alternative for players.
- “Oh, and there are no microtransactions.”
- “10/10 no in-game purchases!”
- “This is a game made with heart, creativity, and a sheer passion one doesn't often see in a medium slowly filling with loot boxes and microtransactions.”
- “The big companies have convinced us it's all about multi-platform, multi-million dollar franchises you sell season passes and microtransactions and pre-order bonuses for, and many of them are being trounced by a $10 PC-only release by someone who doesn't even know how to code.”
- “I blame advertising.”