Undertale is a video game that is best played with a clear head and a fresh outlook.

Remember when video games were fun? When they had an unexpected element to them? When they had that mystery to them, like there was something MORE going on beyond simple invisible walls and NPCs merely repeating text over and over.

Well, Undertale brings back that feeling. Like a child exploring the realm of video games for the first time, this game brings a sense of true nostalgia and wonder from years ago to the present time.

Simple graphics, catchy music, a lighthearted story, and gameplay that keeps things fresh. Yet behind the veil there is much more to each element. More to discover and learn. Darker secrets, multiple paths, subtle meta-exploration... the list goes on, but only as deep as one is willing to look.

Something this game absolutely nails is the combat. I've only played neutral and pacifist so far, but the mini-bosses and bosses in this game all get their own combat themes. Some of them are absolutely HYPE, and mid-combat dialogue really pumps up the player. One of the big bosses for instance has that slow, theme-music intro and a callback to a common phrase you've heard all game... only to suddenly break out into a pumped up version of said music and fire intense gameplay at you. The gameplay of which, atleast for enemy attacks, is truly unique for an RPG. Fighting on your side is a simple timing mini-game, but the rest of the combat is bullet hell with many many MANY twists and fun little spins to typical bullet-hell gameplay.


But what are the flaws of this game?
Well I guess it's subjective. I considered it to be plagued by a few too many memes and some light sexuality that felt a little freaky considering the childish character designs. And that's all the negative I can muster if I scrape the bottom of the barrel.

Is it a masterpiece? No. Overhyped? Definitely.

BUT, is it good? Are you interested in a fun RPG? Then yes. Yes, it is good.


EDIT AFTER BEATING GENOCIDE ROUTE:
Don't do genocide unless you're a crazy ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥ or a completionist. Just... leave everyone be, man. Don't do it...

Undertale is a video game that is best played with a clear head and a fresh outlook. Remember when video games were fun? When they had an unexpected element to them? When they had that mystery to them, like there was something MORE going on beyond simple invisible walls and NPCs merely repeating text over and over. Well, Undertale brings back that feeling. Like a child exploring the realm of video games for the first time, this game brings a sense of true nostalgia and wonder from years ago to the present time. Simple graphics, catchy music, a lighthearted story, and gameplay that keeps things fresh. Yet behind the veil there is much more to each element. More to discover and learn. Darker secrets, multiple paths, subtle meta-exploration... the list goes on, but only as deep as one is willing to look. Something this game absolutely nails is the combat. I've only played neutral and pacifist so far, but the mini-bosses and bosses in this game all get their own combat themes. Some of them are absolutely HYPE, and mid-combat dialogue really pumps up the player. One of the big bosses for instance has that slow, theme-music intro and a callback to a common phrase you've heard all game... only to suddenly break out into a pumped up version of said music and fire intense gameplay at you. The gameplay of which, atleast for enemy attacks, is truly unique for an RPG. Fighting on your side is a simple timing mini-game, but the rest of the combat is bullet hell with many many MANY twists and fun little spins to typical bullet-hell gameplay. But what are the flaws of this game? Well I guess it's subjective. I considered it to be plagued by a few too many memes and some light sexuality that felt a little freaky considering the childish character designs. And that's all the negative I can muster if I scrape the bottom of the barrel. Is it a masterpiece? No. Overhyped? Definitely. BUT, is it good? Are you interested in a fun RPG? Then yes. Yes, it is good. EDIT AFTER BEATING GENOCIDE ROUTE: Don't do genocide unless you're a crazy asshole or a completionist. Just... leave everyone be, man. Don't do it...