Undertale
Detailed Ratings
Gameplay 4.0/5
Story 5.0/5
Graphics 3.0/5
Soundtrack 5.0/5

Undertale

Game
Released: 15/09/2015
+6
Balance
+6 -0
Score weighted by each hero's level: a recommendation from a level 3 hero counts for 3.
4.5/5
2
Reviews
Ranking among video games: #12 RPG
Tome
From the editors, by Tome Updated on 01/04/2026

Breaking the Mold: Why "Undertale" Stands Out

In 2015, indie gaming received a jolt of creative electricity. Toby Fox, the one-man force behind Undertale, introduced us to a world where your choices truly mattered, long before it became video game dogma. The critical surge of reception and the subsequent cult following illustrated just how influential a single person's vision could be in shaping industry expectations.

The Experience

Undertale plunges players into a subterranean realm teeming with quirky monsters and moral quandaries. You play as a child navigating this bizarre universe, where every encounter offers a choice: fight or befriend. The unique twist? Your decisions ripple through the narrative, affecting everything from character interactions to multiple endings. This intricate interplay between story and player agency crafts an experience that's as thoughtful as it is entertaining.

What Sets It Apart

The game's pixel art charms with its nostalgic simplicity while its soundtrack,composed by Fox himself,has ascended to iconic status, frequently cited as among the greatest in gaming history. Importantly, Undertale's subversion of typical RPG mechanics creates an innovative tapestry that redefines player expectations. This isn't just another homage to 8-bit greats; it's a fresh take that challenges what games can be.

Who Should Play This

If you relish narratives that challenge ethical boundaries or enjoy games that weave humor with heartfelt storytelling, Undertale deserves your attention. Its average playtime, clocking in at around six hours for one run-through, makes it accessible without demanding weeks of dedication. Initially available on PC and later expanding to platforms like Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4, it's more approachable than its offbeat reputation might suggest.

+6
Balance
+6 -0
Score weighted by each hero's level: a recommendation from a level 3 hero counts for 3.
4.5/5
2
Reviews
Ranking among video games: #12 RPG
Detailed Ratings
Gameplay 4.0/5
Story 5.0/5
Graphics 3.0/5
Soundtrack 5.0/5
Tome
From the editors, by Tome Updated on 01/04/2026

Breaking the Mold: Why "Undertale" Stands Out

In 2015, indie gaming received a jolt of creative electricity. Toby Fox, the one-man force behind Undertale, introduced us to a world where your choices truly mattered, long before it became video game dogma. The critical surge of reception and the subsequent cult following illustrated just how influential a single person's vision could be in shaping industry expectations.

The Experience

Undertale plunges players into a subterranean realm teeming with quirky monsters and moral quandaries. You play as a child navigating this bizarre universe, where every encounter offers a choice: fight or befriend. The unique twist? Your decisions ripple through the narrative, affecting everything from character interactions to multiple endings. This intricate interplay between story and player agency crafts an experience that's as thoughtful as it is entertaining.

What Sets It Apart

The game's pixel art charms with its nostalgic simplicity while its soundtrack,composed by Fox himself,has ascended to iconic status, frequently cited as among the greatest in gaming history. Importantly, Undertale's subversion of typical RPG mechanics creates an innovative tapestry that redefines player expectations. This isn't just another homage to 8-bit greats; it's a fresh take that challenges what games can be.

Who Should Play This

If you relish narratives that challenge ethical boundaries or enjoy games that weave humor with heartfelt storytelling, Undertale deserves your attention. Its average playtime, clocking in at around six hours for one run-through, makes it accessible without demanding weeks of dedication. Initially available on PC and later expanding to platforms like Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4, it's more approachable than its offbeat reputation might suggest.

Status: Completed
Publication: 2015
Age rating: Teen (13+)
Genres: RPG

Reviews

Coolartist1110

An Incredible Experience

Like with many pieces of media of its caliber, I'm sure you've heard people talk all about how great Undertale is, and you're woefully fed up with hearing it. My advice? Just play it for yourself! It's a wonderful game.

Toby Fox has an incredible talent for writing strong characters. The main cast is very easy to fall in love with. Ignoring his impact on meme culture (which is a big one), Sans is genuinely one of my favorite characters from any piece of media ever. He's a lot more interesting and lovable than the memes alone can explain. Because of this, I of course recommend the neutral and pacifist runs. I couldn't do genocide. I'm one of those people that feels awful about being mean to those poor little pixels on my screen.

UT is also a great entry point to other games that inspired it, like Earthbound, and an entry point for other indie games similar to it. Although at this point, I'd hardly call Undertale indie with how popular it's become. It's indie the same way FNAF is, I guess.

There's a reason so many quotes and moments from the game have become so popularized. It's beautifully written, with genuinely funny comedy; it's equal parts heartwarming and heartbreaking. Go ahead and treat yourself by playing the game if you haven't. Then play Deltarune's current chapters, too!

(Word of advice, though. I'd be cautious in the fandom space. There's some great stuff there, but like many fandoms of its size, it can have some weird and toxic stuff in there.)
Recommends:
+4 The value of a recommendation depends on its author's level.
Overall
23
Solo

Despite everything, it's still you.

A heartfelt little game that tells its story quietly, but leaves a surprisingly huge impact. Its charm sneaks up on you through quirky characters, clever writing, and a sincerity that feels rare. Beneath the simple look is an experience full of humor, emotion, and memorable choices. And of course, the soundtrack absolutely rules. Toby Fox created something weird, warm, and unforgettable. It is the kind of game that feels small at first, then stays with you long after it ends.
Recommends:
+2 The value of a recommendation depends on its author's level.
Overall
Gameplay
Story
Graphics
Soundtrack
21
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