A Perfect Game (Undertale Review)

What makes a game perfect? Is it an engaging story filled with charming and compelling characters? Is it challenging and rewarding gameplay? Is it a sound track that stays in your playlist long after you beat the game? A combination of the above?

Of course perfection is completely subjective- as any opinion is. I would be remissed if I did not argue that Undertale is a perfect video game, and is absolutely among of my favorite games of all time, perhaps even being that number one spot.

Before I fully dive into this review, allow me to first address some of the controversy related to this game. It is no secret that during Undertale's height in popularity, there were several toxic fans that would spoil the game or demand it be played a certain way. I condemn opinions like that, obviously, and I am not allowing the fan base to determine my opinion.

Let me begin with the story. Undertale follows a gender neutral child that has fallen into a place called the Underground. The Underground is home to various and unique monsters that were imprisoned here after a war with humanity. A magic barrier keeps the monsters separate from the human world, however plans have been made to break the barrier and for the monsters to reclaim the surface. The player must travel from town to town towards the barrier, located in the monster King's castle, so that they may return home.

From that description, it sounds like a pretty standard RPG. Fight the monsters, prevent them from taking over the surface and return home. But what if the monster's aren't inherently evil? What if each monster you meet along your journey is charming and kind?

That is the simple premise of Undertale. The story- without going into too many specifics to avoid spoilers- is the player's journey through the Underground and their interactions with the monsters. Undertale subverts the expectation of a traditional RPG game and gives the player the power of choice. Every character you meet can be killed. Every character you meet can be your friend. Each decision carries an incredible amount of weight and will advance the story in a different way.

If you have any knowledge of Undertale, then I'm sure you know that there is both a Pacifist and a Genocide ending for the game. Unlocking each ending is self explanatory- kill every character for Genocide, kill no one for Pacifist. Undertale is not the first game to do clear Good and Evil endings. It is one of the few games that makes you care deeply for every character you meet.

Each monster in the Underground is unique and overflowing with charm. This is where the game shines the brightest. I can't recall enjoying a cast of characters as much as these ones. From design to dialogue - you will find yourself caring for the monsters more and more with every interaction you have. They will make you laugh and cry and stick with you long after you finished the game.

If I was to recommend a path through the game, I would say do a pacifist run first- experience all the love these characters have to give you. Then do a genocide run and feel the full force of a gut punch as you watch your friends die one after the other. But be warned - your actions have consequences.

So as far as story goes- the characters truly make the experience. If they were any less incredible and memorable, I don't believe this game would be as amazing as it is.

Arguably the most important aspect of a game is it's gameplay - the reason you play a game instead of watching a movie. As stated before, Undertale follows turn-based RPG styles. As you wander the Underground, you will be launched into random encounters. The combat system is how Undertale flips the genre on it's head.

During the monster's turn - you control a red heart that must dodge each attack in a bullet hell style. This keeps every battle, even with reoccurring monsters, slightly different and challenging.

During your turn you have 4 options available to you. You can fight, which launches an attack that requires a simple quick time event to land. You can act, which allows you to examine the monster or perform an action. Performing actions have various effects, such as making the monster happy or causing a stat change. You can use items, typically to heal yourself. And finally you can show Mercy- this will allow you to either spare the monster or run from the fight.

Being able to act and show mercy is how you are able to peacefully end every encounter in the game and what makes Undertale ( at least when it was released ) unique.

There are several bosses in the game, literally referred to as boss monsters. These bosses are absolutely filled with charm and character. They make up the bulk of the main cast of characters you'll interact with. Each of them further changes the dynamic of the game during their fights, as well.

For example, one boss will attack you with blue colored hazards. The only way to avoid these attacks is by remaining still. If you don't move, you won't get hit. Another makes it so you have to proceed upward in the play area, confined to these straight lines as you avoid a hazard that's constantly chasing you. Another gives you a shield so that you block the attacks instead of dodge.

Excluding the common monsters, every battle will have a unique feel and require a unique approach.

Other than the combat, the game controls similarly enough to other 2D top down RPGS. There are towns folks you can buy items from, puzzles that block your way and so on.

I cannot publish a review of Undertale without mentioning the music. Undertale may be my favorite soundtrack in gaming. Truth be told, the music is what hooked me first. I watched a YouTuber, Emma Blackery, play through the ruins and I could not get enough of the music. The Ruins may be my favorite song in Undertale, though there numerous other tracks that rival it. His Theme, Megalovania, Bergentrückung and so on. If you have no interest in playing this game, at the very least you need to listen to the soundtrack.

So what else can I say? Like how I began this review, you already know I think this game is perfect. To no surprise - I give Undertale a 10/10. It may be my favorite game, though I'd have to look closely to see if that holds.

So what do you guys think? Is Undertale as good as I think it is? Let me know your thoughts in the comments section. Also, please consider subscribing to the blog so you receive email updates when I make a new post.

Thanks for reading, and as always, Good Night and Joy be with you all.