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{{Infobox video game
{{Infobox video game
| title = Undertale
| title = Undertale
| image = Undertale cover.jpg
| image = Undertale cover.jpg
| caption = Logo of ''Undertale''
| caption = Logo of ''Undertale''
| developer = tobyfox<!--Information about "tobyfox" may be found in the FAQ section on the [[Talk:Undertale|talk page]]-->
| developer = tobyfox<!--Information about "tobyfox" may be found in the FAQ section on the [[Talk:Undertale|talk page]]-->
| publisher = tobyfox
| publisher = tobyfox
| artist = {{Unbulleted list|Toby Fox|Temmie Chang}}
| artist = {{Unbulleted list|Toby Fox|Temmie Chang}}
| writer = Toby Fox
| writer = Toby Fox
| composer = Toby Fox
| composer = Toby Fox
| engine = [[GameMaker: Studio]]
| engine = [[GameMaker: Studio]]
| platforms = [[Microsoft Windows]], [[OS X]]
| platforms = [[Microsoft Windows]], [[OS X]]
| released = {{Video game release|WW=15 September 2015}}
| released = September 15, 2015
| genre = [[Role-playing video game|Role-playing]]
| genre = [[Role-playing video game|Role-playing]]
| modes = [[Single-player]]
| modes = [[Single-player]]
}}
}}


'''''Undertale''''' (also stylized as '''''UnderTale''''' or '''''UNDERTALE''''') is a [[role-playing video game]] developed and published by [[indie developer]] tobyfox. The game was written, designed, and composed for by creator Toby Fox, with additional artwork by Temmie Chang, and was released for [[Microsoft Windows]] and [[OS X]] on 15 September 2015.
'''''Undertale''''' (also stylized as '''''UnderTale''''' or '''''UNDERTALE''''') is a [[Role-playing game|role-playing]] video game developed and published by [[indie developer]] tobyfox. Creator Toby Fox provided the game's script, design and soundtrack, with additional artwork by Temmie Chang. The game was released for [[Microsoft Windows]] and [[OS X]] on September 15, 2015.


In ''Undertale'', the player controls a human child navigating the fictional Underground: a large, secluded region underneath the surface of the Earth. The inhabitants of the Underground are called "[[monsters]]", a diverse and intelligent group who have been banished from the surface following a war with humanity. The child interacts with many monsters on the child's quest to return to the surface, with the player making decisions on whether to kill or befriend them. These choices affect the outcome of the game to a large degree, with the dialogue and story outcome changing based on their decisions.
In ''Undertale'', players control a human child as they navigate the fictional Underground: a large, secluded region underneath the surface of the [[Earth]]. The inhabitants of the Underground are called "[[monsters]]", a diverse and intelligent group who have been banished from the surface following a war with humanity. The child interacts with many monsters on their quest to return to the surface, with the player making decisions on whether to kill or befriend them. These choices affect the outcome of the game to a large degree, with the dialogue and story outcome changing based on their decisions.


The game received acclaim from video game critics, with particular praise for its writing and characters. Reviewers enjoyed the game's intuitive combat system, the contrast of its witty humor with a dark story, breaking the [[fourth wall]], as well as its references to older role-playing games.
At release, ''Undertale'' was acclaimed by many reviewers, with praise particularly directed at its writing and characters, and intuitive combat system. The game has sold over 500,000 copies, and was nominated for multiple year-end accolades, including [[Game of the Year]] from several [[Video game journalism|gaming publications]].


== Gameplay ==
== Gameplay ==
[[File:Undertale Combat Example.png|alt=Fighting Toriel in Undertale. Toriel attacks a red heart, representing the player, with fire magic.|left|thumb|An example of the [[bullet hell]]-like combat in ''Undertale''. The player, controlling the heart, must avoid attacks from enemies.]]
[[File:Undertale Combat Example.png|left|thumb|''Undertale'' employs a [[bullet hell]]-like combat system in which players, controlling the heart, must avoid attacks from enemies.|alt=Fighting Toriel in Undertale. Toriel attacks a red heart, representing the player, with fire magic.]]
''Undertale'' features traditional [[role-playing video game|role-playing]] mechanics, such as [[experience point]]s,<ref name="Boing Boing: Understand them">{{cite web | url = http://boingboing.net/2015/09/24/undertale-game.html | title = In Undertale, you can choose to kill monsters — or understand them | last = Hudson | first = Laura | date = 24 September 2014 | website = [[Boing Boing]] | accessdate = 31 October 2015}}</ref> an [[overworld]], equipment, and [[Health (gaming)|health]], though with several differences. The game casts players in the role of a child as they explore an underground world full of monsters who they can either kill or befriend. The overworld lets the player navigate in a [[top-down perspective]], visiting locations such as towns, shops, and large buildings. Progression through the game requires interacting with puzzles and [[non-player character]]s, moving forward through locales. Save points appear frequently in the overworld, refilling the player's health while [[Saved game|saving]] the player's progress.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://jayisgames.com/review/undertale.php | title = Undertale - Walkthrough, Tips, Review | last = Breckinridge | first = Dora | date = 16 September 2015 | website = [[Jay Is Games]] | accessdate = 5 November 2015}}</ref>


''Undertale'' is a [[Role-playing video game|role-playing]] game that uses a [[top-down perspective]]. In the game, players control a child, and complete objectives to progress through the story. Players explore an underground world of towns, villages and dungeons, and are required to solve numerous puzzles on their journey. The underground world is the home of monsters, many of whom can be challenged in combat; players decide to kill or befriend them. The [[overworld]] allows players to navigate the world, moving through locales. Save points frequently appear in the world, refilling players' [[Health (gaming)|health]] while [[Saved game|saving]] their progress.<ref name="Jay Is Games"/>
During battles, the player controls a small heart which represents the protagonist's soul and must avoid attacks unleashed by the opposing monster—in a similar fashion to a [[bullet hell]].<ref name="Boing Boing: Understand them" /><ref name="RPS: Scrollbars">{{cite web | url = http://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2015/09/21/undertale/ | title = The RPG Scrollbars: Undertale | last = Cobbett | first = Richard | date = 21 September 2015 | website = [[Rock, Paper, Shotgun]] | publisher = [[Positive Internet]] | accessdate = 31 October 2015}}</ref><ref name="Destruct" /> As the game progresses, new elements are introduced, such as colored obstacles which require the player to stand still or move through them, and boss battles which change the way the heart is controlled.<ref name="RPS: Scrollbars" /> The player may choose to attack the enemy, which involves timed button presses, earning EXP and gold for defeating them.<ref name="Escapist: EarthBound Inspired">{{cite web | url = http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/124536-Undertale-is-an-EarthBound-Inspired-Indie-RPG | title = ''Undertale'' is an ''EarthBound'' Inspired Indie RPG | last = Bogos | first = Steven | date = 2 June 2013 | website = [[The Escapist (magazine)|The Escapist]] | publisher = [[Defy Media]] | accessdate = 31 October 2015}}</ref> Alternatively, they can use the ACT option to perform non-violent actions, which vary depending on the enemy.<ref name="Destruct" /> If the player uses the right actions to respond to the enemy, they can choose to spare them and end the fight without killing them—earning no EXP.<ref name="IndieGames.com: Guilt">{{cite web | url = http://indiegames.com/2015/09/guilt_friendship_and_carrot_mo.html | title = Guilt, Friendship, and Carrot Monsters—Undertale and the Consequences of Easy Violence | last = Couture | first = Joel | date = 22 September 2015 | website = [[IndieGames.com]] | publisher = [[UBM TechWeb]] | accessdate = 31 October 2015}}</ref> The game features various story branches and endings depending on whether the player chooses to kill or spare their enemies, and it is possible to clear the game without killing a single enemy.<ref name="Polygon">{{cite web | url = http://www.polygon.com/2013/7/7/4497618/undertale-combines-classic-rpg-gameplay-with-a-pacifist-twist | title = UnderTale combines classic RPG gameplay with a pacifist twist | last = Farokhmanesh | first = Megan | website = [[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] | publisher = [[Vox Media]] | date = 7 July 2013 | accessdate = 25 September 2015 | archiveurl = http://www.webcitation.org/6bqGl55Ac | archivedate = 26 September 2015 | dead-url = no}}</ref>


When players counter enemies, they enter a battle system. During battles, players control a small heart which represents their soul, and must avoid attacks unleashed by the opposing monster—in a similar fashion to a [[bullet hell]].<ref name="Boing Boing" /><ref name="RPS: Scrollbars"/><ref name="Destructoid Review" /> As the game progresses, new elements are introduced, such as colored obstacles which require players to remain stationary or move through them, and [[Boss (video gaming)|boss]] battles which change the way players control the heart.<ref name="RPS: Scrollbars" /> Players may choose to attack the enemy, which involves timed button presses, earning EXP and gold for defeating them.<ref name="Escapist EarthBound"/> Alternatively, they can use the ACT option to perform non-violent actions, which vary depending on the enemy.<ref name="Destructoid Review" /> If players uses the right actions to respond to the enemy, they can choose to spare them and end the fight without killing them.<ref name="IndieGames Guilt"/> The game features various story branches and endings depending on whether players choose to kill or spare their enemies; it is possible to clear the game without killing a single enemy.<ref name="Polygon Gameplay"/>
Monsters will converse with the player during battle, and the game will tell the player about how they're feeling or what they're doing.<ref name="RPGamer: Review">{{cite web | url = http://rpgamer.com/games/indie/undertale/reviews/undertalestrev1.html | title = Undertale - Review | last = Welhouse | first = Zach | date = 8 October 2015 | website = [[RPGamer]] | accessdate = 31 October 2015}}</ref> The monsters' attacks will change in ferocity based on how the player interacts with them, being easier if the player chooses non-violent options, or harder if the player chooses to fight.<ref name="Boing Boing: Understand them" /><ref name="RPGamer: Review" /> If the player fights a [[Boss (video gaming)|boss character]] on a second [[playthrough]], their dialogue will change based on the player's actions in previous playthroughs, including whether they appear at all. The [[Boss (video gaming)|final boss]] of ''Undertale'' is different based on whether the player killed no monsters, some monsters, or all monsters.

Monsters will converse with players during battle, and the game updates players on the monster's feelings and actions.<ref name="RPGamer Review"/> Enemy attacks alter based on how players interact with them: should players choose non-violent options, enemy attacks are easy, whereas they become difficult if players choose violent options.<ref name="Boing Boing" /><ref name="RPGamer Review" /> When players participate in a boss battle on a second [[playthrough]], the dialogue will be altered depending on actions in previous playthroughs.<ref name="Kotaku Secrets"/>


== Plot ==
== Plot ==
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''Undertale'' takes place in the Underground, a realm where monsters, once equals to humans, were banished to after war broke out between humans and monsters. The Underground is sealed from the surface world by an imperfect magic barrier, the only point of entry being at Mount Ebott.<ref name="Intro">{{cite video game | title = Undertale | developer = tobyfox | date = 15 September 2015 | version = 0.9.9.5 | scene = Intro}}</ref>
''Undertale'' takes place in the Underground, a realm where monsters, once equals to humans, were banished to after war broke out between humans and monsters. The Underground is sealed from the surface world by an imperfect magic barrier, the only point of entry being at Mount Ebott.<ref name="Intro">{{cite video game | title = Undertale | developer = tobyfox | date = 15 September 2015 | version = 0.9.9.5 | scene = Intro}}</ref>


The game begins with a human child (initially unnamed but eventually revealed to be named Frisk) who has just fallen into the Underground. They encounter Flowey, a sentient flower who teaches Frisk how to fight and encourages them to raise their "LV" by gaining "EXP" through killing monsters.{{efn|"LV" and "EXP", in most computer role-playing games, are abbreviations for "level" and "experience points", respectively}} Flowey then attempts to murder Frisk for his own amusement. Frisk is rescued by a motherly goat-like monster named Toriel, who teaches the child how to solve puzzles and survive conflict in the Underground without killing others. However, she also reveals her intentions to adopt Frisk and force them to live with her in the Ruins forever, wanting to protect Frisk from Asgore Dreemur, the king of the Underground.
The game begins with a human child (initially unnamed but eventually revealed to be named Frisk) who has just fallen into the Underground. They encounter Flowey, a sentient flower who teaches Frisk how to fight and encourages them to raise their "LV" by gaining "EXP" through killing monsters.{{efn|"LV" and "EXP", in most computer role-playing games, are abbreviations for "level" and "experience points", respectively.}} Flowey then attempts to murder Frisk for his own amusement. Frisk is rescued by a motherly goat-like monster named Toriel, who teaches the child how to solve puzzles and survive conflict in the Underground without killing others. However, she also reveals her intentions to adopt Frisk and force them to live with her in the Ruins forever, wanting to protect Frisk from Asgore Dreemur, the king of the Underground.


Frisk eventually is able to venture through the Underground in order to reach the barrier located in the Asgore's castle. They learn that, to destroy the barrier and free the monsters, the king needs seven human souls, of which he has six. Throughout the game, they meet many monsters, and Frisk may either fight or resolve their encounters non-lethally. Among the monsters that the player encounters are the skeletons Sans and Papyrus, two brothers who act as [[wiktionary:sentry|sentries]] for the Underground; Undyne, the head of the royal guard; Alphys, the kingdom's royal scientist; and Mettaton, a robot built by Alphys.
Frisk eventually is able to venture through the Underground in order to reach the barrier located in the Asgore's castle. They learn that, to destroy the barrier and free the monsters, the king needs seven human souls, of which he has six. Throughout the game, they meet many monsters, and Frisk may either fight or resolve their encounters non-lethally. Among the monsters that the player encounters are the skeletons Sans and Papyrus, two brothers who act as [[wiktionary:sentry|sentries]] for the Underground; Undyne, the head of the royal guard; Alphys, the kingdom's royal scientist; and Mettaton, a robot built by Alphys.


The game's ending depends on how the player resolved all combat encounters with monsters.<ref name="Polygon"/> If the player killed some (but not all) monsters, Frisk arrives at Asgore's castle and learns that they need a monster's soul to cross the barrier, forcing them to fight Asgore. Sans stops Frisk just before their confrontation, revealing that Frisk's "LV" or "LOVE" actually stands for "Level Of ViolencE" and "EXP" are "EXecution Points." Sans judges Frisk based on the combined resolution of the encounters. Frisk then battles Asgore, but Flowey interrupts them, kills Asgore, and steals the human souls for himself, causing him to transform into a monstrous abomination. In this form, Flowey steals the player's ability to save and reload the game, using these features himself against the player. With the aid of the rebelling human souls, Frisk defeats Flowey, falls unconscious, and wakes up on the human side of the barrier; they receive a phone call from Sans that explains the state of the Underground after Frisk's departure.
The game's ending depends on how the player resolved all combat encounters with monsters.<ref name="Polygon Gameplay"/> If the player killed some (but not all) monsters, Frisk arrives at Asgore's castle and learns that they need a monster's soul to cross the barrier, forcing them to fight Asgore. Sans stops Frisk just before their confrontation, revealing that Frisk's "LV" or "LOVE" actually stands for "Level Of ViolencE" and "EXP" are "EXecution Points." Sans judges Frisk based on the combined resolution of the encounters. Frisk then battles Asgore, but Flowey interrupts them, kills Asgore, and steals the human souls for himself, causing him to transform into a monstrous abomination. In this form, Flowey steals the player's ability to save and reload the game, using these features himself against the player. With the aid of the rebelling human souls, Frisk defeats Flowey, falls unconscious, and wakes up on the human side of the barrier; they receive a phone call from Sans that explains the state of the Underground after Frisk's departure.


If the player has spared all monsters, as well as completed a previous playthrough of the game, it is revealed Flowey is Asriel, the deceased son of Asgore and Toriel, inadvertently revived by Alphys during experimentation. Toriel intervenes before Frisk fights Asgore, and is joined by the other monsters Frisk has befriended. Flowey ambushes the group, using the souls of all the monsters to take an older Asriel's form to fight Frisk. However, Frisk is able to connect with their new friends during the fight, and eventually use them to overpower Flowey. Flowey reverts to the form of Asriel as a child, and destroys the barrier, and expresses his remorse to the others before leaving. The monsters are shown reintegrating with the humans on the surface, while Frisk has the option of accepting Toriel as their adoptive mother or leaving the Underground.
If the player has spared all monsters, as well as completed a previous playthrough of the game, it is revealed Flowey is Asriel, the deceased son of Asgore and Toriel, inadvertently revived by Alphys during experimentation. Toriel intervenes before Frisk fights Asgore, and is joined by the other monsters Frisk has befriended. Flowey ambushes the group, using the souls of all the monsters to take an older Asriel's form to fight Frisk. However, Frisk is able to connect with their new friends during the fight, and eventually use them to overpower Flowey. Flowey reverts to the form of Asriel as a child, and destroys the barrier, and expresses his remorse to the others before leaving. The monsters are shown reintegrating with the humans on the surface, while Frisk has the option of accepting Toriel as their adoptive mother or leaving the Underground.


If the player has killed all the monsters in what is called the "Genocide run",<ref name="undertale secrets">{{cite web | url = http://steamed.kotaku.com/players-uncover-new-secrets-buried-in-undertales-first-1754156048 | title = Players Uncover New Secrets Buried In Undertale's First Big Patch [Updated] | work = [[Kotaku]] | first= Nathan | last = Grayson | date = January 25, 2016 | accessdate = February 12, 2016 }}</ref> Frisk becomes influenced by the malevolent spirit of another human child (who is named by the player but canonically known as "Chara") who also fell into the Underground and was adopted by Toriel and Asgore. Chara eventually committed suicide by eating buttercup flowers, and Asriel was killed by humans that same night while attempting to return Chara's body to the surface world; these events provoked Asgore into starting the war between monsters and humans. When Frisk reaches Asgore's castle, Sans attempts to stop them, but is slain in battle. Frisk then easily kills Asgore and Flowey. Chara assumes control and, with or without the consent of the player, destroys the universe. If the player wishes to play the game again, they must sell their soul to Chara in order for them to restore the universe.
If the player has killed all the monsters in what is called the "Genocide run",<ref name="Kotaku Secrets"/> Frisk becomes influenced by the malevolent spirit of another human child (who is named by the player but canonically known as "Chara") who also fell into the Underground and was adopted by Toriel and Asgore. Chara eventually committed suicide by eating buttercup flowers, and Asriel was killed by humans that same night while attempting to return Chara's body to the surface world; these events provoked Asgore into starting the war between monsters and humans. When Frisk reaches Asgore's castle, Sans attempts to stop them, but is slain in battle. Frisk then easily kills Asgore and Flowey. Chara assumes control and, with or without the consent of the player, destroys the universe. If the player wishes to play the game again, they must sell their soul to Chara in order for them to restore the universe.


While the player can restart the game, their choices remain in place in the subsequent runthrough, unless the player deletes the local content for the game.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://steamed.kotaku.com/players-still-havent-figured-out-all-of-undertales-secr-1733048190 | title = Players Still Haven't Figured Out All Of ''Undertale''{{'s}} Secrets | last = Grayson | first = Nathan | date = 28 September 2015 | website = [[Kotaku]] | publisher = [[Gawker Media]] | accessdate = 4 November 2015}}</ref> For example, should the player restart from the second ending, Flowey criticizes the player for trying to overwrite the characters' happy ending, while if the player completes the Genocide run, Chara reappears in various places in the subsequent runthroughs.<ref name="undertale secrets"/>
While the player can restart the game, their choices remain in place in the subsequent runthrough, unless the player deletes the local content for the game.<ref name="Kotaku Secrets"/> For example, should the player restart from the second ending, Flowey criticizes the player for trying to overwrite the characters' happy ending, while if the player completes the Genocide run, Chara reappears in various places in the subsequent runthroughs.<ref name="Kotaku Secrets"/>


== Development ==
== Development ==
''Undertale'' was developed by Toby Fox across "2.7 years".<ref name="GI Show"/> Fox worked on the entire game independently, besides some of the art; he decided to work independently to avoid relying on others.<ref name="GI Show"/> The idea for the game originated when Fox created a battle system in [[GameMaker: Studio|GameMaker]], which ''Undertale'' followed.<ref name="Existential Gamer"/> He wanted to develop a role-playing game that was different from the traditional design, which he often found "boring to play".<ref name="Seagaia"/> He set out to develop a game with "interesting characters", and that "utilizes the medium as a storytelling device ... instead of having the story and gameplay abstractions be completely separate".<ref name="Seagaia"/> Fox has little experience with game development; he and his three brothers often used ''[[RPG Maker 2000]]'' to make role-playing games, though few were ever completed. Fox also worked on a number of ''[[EarthBound]]'' [[ROM hacking|ROM hacks]] while in high school.<ref name="Seagaia"/>
''Undertale'' was funded through [[Kickstarter]] with a goal of $5,000. The campaign resulted in $51,124 being raised by 2,398 people.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.joystiq.com/2013/07/29/crowdfund-bookie-july-21-27-terminator-2-undertale-last-dr/ | title = Crowdfund Bookie, July 21–27: Terminator 2, UnderTale, Last Dream | last = Suszek | first = Mike | website = [[Joystiq]] | publisher = [[AOL]] | date = 29 July 2013 | accessdate = 23 September 2015 | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20150131123313/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/07/29/crowdfund-bookie-july-21-27-terminator-2-undertale-last-dr/ | archivedate = 31 January 2015 | dead-url = no}}</ref> Fox has stated in an October 2015 interview with ''Game Informer'' that he did basically everything except for some of the art, as he did not want to rely on anybody else. Fox stated that it took roughly 2 years and 8 months to create the game. Originally, he predicted that the game would be about two hours long, and that it eventually grew to three times that size.<ref name="GI Show">{{cite web | url = http://www.gameinformer.com/b/podcasts/archive/2015/10/15/gi-show-_1320_-yoshis-woolly-world_2c00_-star-wars_3a00_-battlefront_2c00_-undertale-toby-fox.aspx | title = GI Show – Yoshi's Woolly World, Star Wars: Battlefront, Undertale's Toby Fox | last = Turi | first = Tim | website = [[Game Informer]] | publisher = [[GameStop]] | date = 15 October 2015 | accessdate = 31 October 2015}}</ref>


''Undertale'' was [[Crowdfunding|funded]] through [[Kickstarter]]. Launched on June 25, 2013, the campaign had a goal of US$5,000; it ended on July 25, 2013, with US$51,124 raised by 2,398 people.<ref name="Joystiq Kickstarter"/> Fox has expressed interest in [[porting]] ''Undertale'' to other platforms. The game is unable to be ported to a [[Nintendo]] platform without reprogramming, as the game engine does not support the platforms.<ref name="GI Show" />
Fox said that he does not think about where his inspirations are coming from, and that the writing was a combination of everything he has read. He cites the silliness of [[Cyberculture|internet culture]] as one of his influences, as well as comedy acts like ''[[Mr. Bean]]''. He stated that ''[[EarthBound]]'' has had a large influence on him, because of its unsettling atmosphere.<ref name="GI Show" /> In an interview with ''[[The Escapist (magazine)|The Escapist]]'', Fox listed off inspirations for the game: "The talking system came from ''[[Shin Megami Tensei]]''. I feel that it's important to make every monster feel like an individual. If you think about it basically all monsters in [role-playing games] like ''[[Final Fantasy]]'' are the same, save for the graphics. They attack you, you heal, you attack them, they die. There's no meaning to that."<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/125361-Undertale-Dev-Every-Monster-Should-Feel-Like-an-Individual | title = Undertale Dev: "Every Monster Should Feel Like an Individual" | last = Bogos | first = Steven | website = [[The Escapist (magazine)|The Escapist]] | publisher = [[Defy Media]] | date = 25 June 2013 | accessdate = 25 September 2015 | archiveurl = http://www.webcitation.org/6bmsxMUpI | archivedate = 25 September 2015 | dead-url = no}}</ref>


=== Gameplay and art design ===
Fox has stated that he did not want [[Grinding (video gaming)|grinding]] to be necessary at any point, wanting people to be able to do it if they wanted to while still making it as optional as possible. He also did not want to introduce [[fetch quest]]s, as they involve backtracking that he does not really like. He said that he likes ''[[Super Mario RPG]]'' and ''[[Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga]]'', the latter having one of his favorite role-playing game battle systems, and that he wanted ''Undertale'' to have an equally engaging system.<ref name="GI Show" /> Fox wanted more than a simple button-pressing system and turned to inspiration from the mini-games of the ''[[Wario (franchise)#WarioWare series|WarioWare]]'' series and the ''[[Touhou Project]]'' to create "bite-sized bullet patterns" that would be fun for the player.<ref name="gamasutra deepdive">{{Cite web | url = http://gamasutra.com/view/news/257884/Game_Design_Deep_Dive_Undertales_actionbased_RPG_battles.php | title = Game Design Deep Dive: Undertale's action-based RPG battles | first = Toby | last = Fox | date = 30 October 2015 | accessdate = 12 February 2016 | website = [[Gamasutra]] | publisher = [[UBM Tech]] }}</ref> This also enabled him to create encounters with multiple creatures, their individual bullet patterns combining for the attack. He also found this alleviated the tedium of watching battle animations play out in typical role-playing games.<ref name="gamasutra deepdive"/> He further wanted to avoid repetitive encounters with monsters, and used a low random encounter rate, and if necessary, created more monster types to avoid repeat encounters.<ref name="gamasutra deepdive"/>
The game's defensive segment within the battle system was inspired by the [[List of Mario role-playing games#Mario & Luigi series|''Mario & Luigi'' series]] (2003–present), as well as [[bullet hell]] shooters such as the ''[[Touhou Project]]'' (1996–present).<ref name="Escapist"/> When working on the battle system, Fox set out to create a mechanic that he would personally enjoy.<ref name="Mary Sue"/> He wanted ''Undertale'' to have a battle system as equally engaging as ''[[Super Mario RPG]]'' (1996) and ''[[Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga]]'' (2003). Fox did not want [[Grinding (video gaming)|grinding]] to be necessary at any point in the game, instead leaving it optional to players. He also did not wish to introduce [[fetch quest]]s, as they involve backtracking, which he dislikes.<ref name="GI Show"/> In terms of the game's difficulty, Fox ensured that it was easy and enjoyable. He asked some friends who are inexperienced with bullet hell shooters to test the game, and found that they were able to complete it. He felt that the game's difficulty is optimal, particularly considering the complications involved in adding another difficulty setting.<ref>{{cite podcast |last1=Scarnewman |first1=Bobby |last2=Aldenderfer |first2=Kris |last3=Fox |first3=Toby |title=Toph & Scar Show S1 SEASON FINALE - ft. Creator of Undertale, Toby Fox, and Storm Heroes |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_U0vagkvUV4 |publisher=MeleeItOnMe |date=December 15, 2015 |accessdate=January 21, 2016 |time=41:54 |ref=harv }}</ref>


Temmie Chang worked as the main artistic assistant for the game, providing most of the sprites and concept art.<ref name="Kickstarter"/> Fox has said that the game's art style would likely remain the same if he had access to a larger team of artists. He found that "there's a psychological thread that says audiences become more attached to characters drawn simply rather in detail", particularly benefiting from the use of [[visual gag]]s within the art.<ref name="Kill Screen"/>
=== Soundtrack ===
Fox discussed aspects of the official soundtrack in an October 2015 interview with ''[[Game Informer]]''. He stated that he was responsible for the entire soundtrack, and that he is a self-taught musician. He expressed that there were no iterations for the soundtrack, and that what came into his head was what he composed. Some of the inspirations for the soundtrack include [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System|Super Nintendo]] role-playing games and the webcomic ''[[Homestuck]]''; Fox previously served as a [[Music of Homestuck|musician for the latter]]. All of the composed music is original, with the exception of "MEGALOVANIA", which Fox originally created for an ''[[EarthBound]]'' [[ROM hacking|ROM hack]] in 2009,<ref>{{cite web | title = EarthBound Halloween Hack! | url = http://earthboundcentral.com/2009/10/earthbound-halloween-hack/ | date = 31 October 2009 | website = EarthBound Central| accessdate = 31 October 2015}}</ref> and later featured in the ''Homestuck'' album ''Heir Transparent'', where it was covered as "MeGaLoVania"<ref name="GI Show" /><ref>{{cite web | title = Homestuck Vol. 6: Heir Transparent, by Homestuck | url = http://homestuck.bandcamp.com/album/homestuck-vol-6-heir-transparent | website = [[Bandcamp]] | accessdate = 31 October 2015}}</ref> and "Fallen Down", which was originally created for the album ''I Miss You - EarthBound 2012''.


=== Story and character development ===
Fox has stated that he likes all the songs equally, but his favorite songs include the title track, "Undertale", and "Hopes and Dreams", the former being one of the only songs in the game that went through multiple iterations. He also said it was thrilling to hear remixes of his music.<ref name="GI Show" /> An official [[jazz]] remix album ''Live at Grillby's'', composed by Carlos Eiene with Fox's approval, was released in February 2016.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2016/02/06/official-undertale-jazz-album-released.aspx | title = Official Undertale Jazz Album Live At Grillby's Released | first = Javy |last= Gwaltney | date= 6 February 2016 |accessdate = 12 February 2016 | work = [[Game Informer]] }}</ref>
For the game's writing, Fox was partly influenced by the silliness of [[Cyberculture|internet culture]], as well as comedy shows like ''[[Mr. Bean]]'' (1990–1995). He was also inspired by the unsettling atmosphere of ''[[Earthbound]]'' (1994).<ref name="GI Show"/> Fox's desire to "subvert concepts that go unquestioned in many games" further influenced ''Undertale''{{'}}s development.<ref name="IndieGames Thinking"/> The game's dialogue system was inspired by the [[Megami Tensei|''Shin Megami Tensei'' games]] (1987–present),<ref name="Escapist"/> particularly the gameplay mechanic whereby players can talk to monsters to avoid conflict. Fox intended to expand upon this mechanic, as failing to negotiate resulted in a requirement to fight. "I want to create a system that satisfied my urge for talking to monsters," he said.<ref name="Boing Boing"/> When he began developing this mechanic, the concept of completing the game without killing any enemies "just evolved naturally".<ref name="IndieGames Thinking"/> However, he never considered removing the option to fight throughout development.<ref name="IndieGames Thinking"/> When questioned on the difficulty of playing the game without killing, Fox responded that it is "the crux of one of the major themes of this game", asking players to think about it themselves.<ref name="IndieGames Thinking"/>


Fox found that the writing became easier after establishing a character's voice and mood. He also felt that creating the world was a natural process, as it expressed the stories of those within it.<ref name="Kill Screen"/> Fox felt the importance to make the game's monsters "feel like an individual".<ref name="Escapist"/> He cited the [[Final Fantasy|''Final Fantasy'' series]] (1987–present) as the opposite; "all monsters in RPGs like ''Final Fantasy'' are the same ... there's no meaning to that".<ref name="Escapist"/> The character of Toriel, who is one of the first to appear in the game, was created as a parody of tutorial characters. Fox strongly disliked the use of the companion character Fi in ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword]]'' (2011), in which the answers to puzzles were often revealed early. Fox also felt that role-playing video games generally lack mother character; in the [[Pokémon (video game series)|''Pokemon'' series]] (1996–present), as well as ''[[Mother (video game)|Mother]]'' (1989) and ''[[EarthBound]]'' (1994), Fox felt that the mothers are used as "symbols rather than characters".<ref name="Seagaia"/> In response, Fox intended for Toriel's character to be "a mom that hopefully acts like a mom", and "genuinely cares" about players' actions.<ref name="Seagaia"/>
=== Future prospects ===
Fox has said that he has an interest in [[porting]] ''Undertale'' to platforms besides PC. He said that it would be great if he could put it onto a Nintendo platform, but he could not do that because GameMaker: Studio does not support these, so that he would need to reprogram the entire game.<ref name="GI Show" /> Broken Rules Games, a development studio that has aided in bringing other indie games to the Wii U, has extended an offer to help Fox port the game to the [[Wii U]].<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.destructoid.com/indie-dev-offers-support-for-bringing-undertale-to-wii-u-339253.phtml | title = Indie dev offers support for bringing Undertale to Wii U | first = Chris | last = Carter | date = 5 February 2016 | accessdate = 5 February 2016 | website = [[Destructoid]] | publisher = [[ModernMethod]]}}</ref>


=== Music and sound production ===
Fox had repeatedly said that adding to ''Undertale'' would likely not happen unless for bug fixes, despite leaving "avenues for expansion" such as the game's parodious Hard Mode.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://twitter.com/FwugRadiation/status/663421225218277376 | title = toby's Fox on Twitter: "Seeming unlikely any UNDERTALE patch I complete will contain anything other than bugfixes. So, please don't expect anything." | last = Fox | first = Toby | date = 8 November 2015 | website = [[Twitter]]}}</ref> However, this contrasts his latest patch for the game, which added very sparse plot changes related to a previously hidden character, W.D. Gaster. When questioned on the possibility of making another game, he said he would like to, with the knowledge that it will not be as successful as ''Undertale''. He has said that it is unlikely for him to create a direct sequel.<ref>{{cite web|title=toby's Fox on twitter: "also i have vague ideas for other games but no plans for a sequel to this. i dont think i would ever do a direct sequel."|url=https://twitter.com/FwugRadiation/status/644142080080658433|website=[[Twitter]]|last=Fox|first=Toby|date=16 September 2015}}</ref>
The game's soundtrack was entirely composed by Fox. A self-taught musician, Fox composed most of the tracks with little iteration; the game's main theme, "Undertale", was the only song to undergo multiple iterations in development. The soundtrack was inspired by music from [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System|Super Nintendo]] role-playing games,<ref name="GI Show"/> such as the [[Mother (video game series)|''Mother'' series]] (1989–2006),<ref name="Toph Scar 1:15"/> as well as the webcomic ''[[Homestuck]]'' (2009–present), which Fox provided [[Music of Homestuck|music]] for.<ref name="GI Show"/> Fox has also stated that he tries to be inspired by all music he listens to,<ref name="Mary Sue"/> particularly those in video games.<ref name="Toph Scar 1:15"/> Fox claims that over 90% of the songs were composed specifically for the game. For each section of the game, Fox composed the music prior to programming, as it helped "decide how the scene should go".<ref name="Existential Gamer"/> He initially tried using a [[music tracker]] to compose the soundtrack, but found it difficult to use. He ultimately decided to play segments of the music separately, and connect them on a track.<ref name="Toph Scar 1:15">{{harvnb |Scarnewman |Aldenderfer |Fox |2015 |loc=1:15:10 }}</ref> Tyler Hicks of [[GameSpot]] compared the music to "[[Chiptune|bit]]-based melodies".<ref name="GameSpot Review"/>


== Reception ==
== Reception ==
{{Video game reviews
{{Video game reviews
| MC = 92/100<ref name="Metacritic"/>
| MC = 92/100<ref name="MC">{{cite web | url = http://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/undertale | title = Undertale for PC Reviews | website = [[Metacritic]] | publisher = [[CBS Interactive]] | accessdate = 26 January 2016}}</ref>
| Destruct = 10/10<ref name="Destructoid Review"/>
| Destruct = 10/10<ref name="Destruct">{{cite web | url = http://www.destructoid.com/review-undertale-312265.phtml | title = Review: Undertale | last = Davis | first = Ben | website = [[Destructoid]] | publisher = [[ModernMethod]] | date = 24 September 2015 | accessdate = 25 September 2015 | archiveurl = http://www.webcitation.org/6bnTYd6Xf | archivedate = 25 September 2015 | dead-url = no}}</ref>
| GB = {{Rating|5|5}}<ref name="Giant Bomb Review"/>
| GB = {{Rating|5|5}}<ref name="GB">{{cite web | url = http://www.giantbomb.com/reviews/undertale-review/1900-715/ | title = Undertale Review | last = Walker | first = Austin | website = [[Giant Bomb]] | publisher = [[CBS Interactive]] | date = 25 September 2015 | accessdate = 25 September 2015 | archiveurl = http://www.webcitation.org/6bodofjj7 | archivedate = 25 September 2015 | dead-url = no}}</ref>
| GI = 9.5/10<ref name="Game Informer Review"/>
| GI = 9.5/10<ref name="Game Informer">{{cite web | url = http://www.gameinformer.com/games/undertale/b/pc/archive/2015/10/01/an-enchanting-exhilarating-journey.aspx | title = Review: Undertale | last = Tack | first = Daniel | website = [[Game Informer]] | publisher = [[GameStop]] | date = 1 October 2015 | accessdate = 1 October 2015}}</ref>
| GSpot = 9/10<ref name="GameSpot Review"/>
| GSpot = 9/10<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/undertale-review/1900-6416315/ | title = Undertale Review | last = Hicks | first = Tyler| website = [[GameSpot]] | publisher = [[CBS Interactive]] | date=20 November 2015|accessdate=7 February 2016}}</ref>
| IGN = 10/10<ref name="IGN Review"/>
| IGN = 10/10<ref name="IGN">{{cite web | url = http://ign.com/articles/2016/01/13/undertale-review | title = Undertale Review | last = Plagge | first = Kallie | website = [[IGN]] | publisher = [[IGN Entertainment]] | date = 12 January 2016 | accessdate = 13 January 2016 | dead-url = no}}</ref>
| PCGUS = 91/100<ref name="PC Gamer Review"/>
| PCGUS = 91/100<ref name="PCGUS">{{cite web | url = http://www.pcgamer.com/undertale-review/ | title = Undertale review | last = Cobbett | first = Robert | website = [[PC Gamer]] | publisher = [[Future US]] | date = 29 September 2015 | accessdate = 29 September 2015 | archiveurl = http://www.webcitation.org/6bupibsMm | archivedate = 29 September 2015 | dead-url = no}}</ref>
| rev1 = ''[[US Gamer]]''
| rev1 = ''[[US Gamer]]''
| rev1Score = {{Rating|5|5}}<ref name="US Gamer Review"/>
| rev1Score = {{Rating|5|5}}<ref name="USG">{{cite web | url = http://www.usgamer.net/articles/undertale-pc-review-the-art-of-surprise | title = Undertale PC Review: The Art of Surprise | last = Mackey | first = Bob | website = [[US Gamer]] | publisher = [[Gamer Network]] | date = 30 September 2015 | accessdate = 31 October 2015 | archiveurl = http://www.webcitation.org/6ch8RSADv | archivedate = 31 October 2015 | dead-url = no}}</ref>
}}
}}
''Undertale'' received universal critical acclaim and is considered a [[cult video game]] by numerous publications.<ref name="Cliqist: In the Making">{{cite web | url = http://cliqist.com/2015/09/29/undertale-new-cult-hit-making/ | title = Undertale: A New Cult Hit in the Making | last = Levine | first = Laguna | date = 29 September 2015 | website = Cliqist | accessdate = 31 October 2015}}</ref><ref name="Paste: Wrestling Game">{{cite web | url = http://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2015/10/undertale-fan-makes-a-sequel-in-a-wrestling-game.html | title = Undertale Fan Makes a Sequel... In a Wrestling Game? | last = Van Allen | first = Eric | date = 22 October 2015 | website = [[Paste (magazine)|Paste]] | publisher = [[Paste Media Group]] | accessdate = 31 October 2015}}</ref><ref name="Game Revolution: You Should Play">{{cite web | url = http://www.gamerevolution.com/manifesto/you-should-play-undertale-34989 | title = You Should Play Undertale | last = LaBella | first = Anthony | date = 24 September 2015 | website = [[Game Revolution]] | publisher = [[CraveOnline]] | accessdate = 31 October 2015}}</ref> The game holds an aggregate score of 92/100 on [[Metacritic]].<ref name="MC" /> By the end of 2015, in a preliminary report by [[Steam Spy]], ''Undertale'' was one of the best-selling games on [[Steam (software)|Steam]], with more than 500,000 copies sold.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/262548/GTA_5_leads_Steam_Spys_list_of_bestselling_2015_Steam_games.php | title = GTA 5 leads Steam Spy's list of best-selling 2015 Steam games | last = Wawro | first=Alex | website = [[Gamasutra]] | publisher = [[UBM Tech]] | date = 22 December 2015 | accessdate = 23 December 2015 | archiveurl = http://www.webcitation.org/6e0DLKUr3 | archivedate = 23 December 2015}}</ref>
''Undertale'' received critical acclaim, and quickly became considered a [[cult video game]] by numerous publications.<ref name="Cliqist cult"/><ref name="Paste cult"/><ref name="GameRev cult"/> [[Review aggregator]] [[Metacritic]] calculated an [[Normalization (statistics)|average]] score of 92 out of 100, indicating "universal acclaim", based on 40 reviews.<ref name="Metacritic"/> Metacritic ranks the game the third-highest rated Windows game released in 2015,<ref name="Metacritic"/> and among the top 25 of all time.<ref name="Metacritic all time"/> Praise was particularly directed at the game's writing, unique characters, and combat system. [[GameSpot]]'s Tyler Hicks declared it "one of the most progressive and innovative RPGs to come in a long time",<ref name="GameSpot Review"/> and [[IGN]]'s Kallie Plagge called it "a masterfully crafted experience".<ref name="IGN Review"/> By the end of 2015, in a preliminary report by [[Steam Spy]], ''Undertale'' was one of the best-selling games on [[Steam (software)|Steam]], with 530,343 copies sold.<ref name="Steam Spy"/>


Reviewers praised the game's unique combat system. Daniel Tack from ''[[Game Informer]]'' wrote "The combat is incredibly nuanced. ...every fight has its own special signature".<ref name="Game Informer" /> Austin Walker from ''[[Giant Bomb]]'' said the combat is "unconventional, clever, and occasionally really difficult. It's a surprisingly complex system...".<ref name="GB" /> [[Ben "Yahtzee" Croshaw]] from ''[[The Escapist (magazine)|The Escapist]]'' claimed the game "manages to hybridise turn based and live combat elements in a way that actually fucking works",<ref name="Escapist: Best Written">{{cite web | url = http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/video-games/columns/extra-punctuation/14860-Undertale-for-Best-Written-Game-2015 | title = Undertale May Be This Year's Best Written Game | last = Croshaw | first = Ben | author-link = Ben Croshaw | website = [[The Escapist (magazine)|The Escapist]] | publisher = [[Defy Media]] | date = 28 October 2015 | accessdate = 27 October 2015 | archiveurl = http://www.webcitation.org/6cd2p8vE4 | archivedate = 28 October 2015 | dead-url = no}}</ref> and later named it his best game of 2015.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.escapistmagazine.com/videos/view/zero-punctuation/116617-Top-5-Best-and-Worst-Games-of-2015 | title = Top 5 Games of 2015 | last = Croshaw | first = Ben | date = 6 January 2016 | website = [[The Escapist (magazine)|The Escapist]] | publisher = [[Defy Media]] | accessdate = 11 January 2016}}</ref>
Daniel Tack of ''[[Game Informer]]'' called the game's combat system "incredibly nuanced", commenting on the uniqueness of each enemy encounter.<ref name="Game Informer Review"/> ''[[Giant Bomb]]''{{'}}s Austin Walker praised the complexity of the combat, commenting that it is "unconventional, clever, and occasionally really difficult".<ref name="Giant Bomb Review"/> [[Ben "Yahtzee" Croshaw]] of ''[[The Escapist (magazine)|The Escapist]]'' commended the game's ability to blend "turn-based and live combat elements in a way that actually fucking works".<ref name="Escapist Review"/> IGN's Plagge avoided the ability to avoid combat, opting for friendly conversations instead.<ref name="IGN Review"/>


The game's writing was especially praised. Ben Croshaw considered ''Undertale'' the best-written game of 2015, stating "what really makes ''Undertale'' is the story and writing, which is on the one hand hilarious enough to suck you in from the start, and is also, by the end, rather heartfelt as well." <ref name="Escapist: Best Written" /> Richard Cobbett from ''[[PC Gamer]]'' wrote "Even its weaker moments where it veers too close to reference and inside joke oversaturation—the stuff of many a comedy RPG Maker game—just about work."<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.pcgamer.com/undertale-review/ | title = Undertale Review | date = 29 September 2015 | accessdate = 30 October 2015 | website = [[PC Gamer]] | publisher = [[Future US]] | last = Cobbett | first = Richard}}</ref> Ben Davis from ''[[Destructoid]]'' remarked that "One of ''Undertale''{{'s}} greatest strengths is its wonderful cast of characters and its extremely witty sense of humor."<ref name="Destruct" /> [[Breitbart News Network|Breitbart]]'s Ned Price stated that the game "conveys a lot of soul and charm through its excellent writing", though he noted that the dialogue at times "borders on cringey random humor that larger demographics wouldn't get, or not allow[s] enough time between meta jokes."<ref name="Breitbart">{{cite web | url = http://www.breitbart.com/tech/2015/11/22/undertale-review-a-charming-independent-rpg-with-a-lot-of-soul/ | title = ‘Undertale’ Review: A Charming Independent RPG with a Lot of SOUL | date = 22 November 2015 | accessdate = 19 December 2015 | website = [[Breitbart News Network]] | last = Price | first = Ned}}</ref>
Reviewers praised the game's writing and narrative, with IGN's Plagge calling it "excellent".<ref name="IGN Review"/> ''The Escapist''{{'}}s Croshaw considered ''Undertale'' the best-written game of 2015, writing that is "on the one hand hilarious ... and is also, by the end, rather heartfelt".<ref name="Escapist Review"/> [[Destructoid]]'s Ben Davis praised the game's characters, and use of comedy.<ref name="Destructoid Review"/> ''[[PC Gamer]]''{{'}}s Richard Cobbett provided similar comments, writing that "even its weaker moments ... just about work".<ref name="PC Gamer Review"/> [[Breitbart News Network|Breitbart]]'s Ned Price commended the "soul and charm" that the game conveys through its writing, but noted that the dialogue often "borders on cringey random humor".<ref name="Breitbart Review"/>


Some critics were less enthusiastic about the game's visuals. Austin Walker from [[Giant Bomb]] wrote, "it's something like a jaundiced ''[[Mother (video game)|Mother]]''. Simple, but communicative".<ref name="GB" /> Ben Croshaw remarked "It wobbles between basic and functional to just plain bad".<ref name="Escapist: Best Written" /> Ned Price noted that "the retro 16-bit era art style ... occasionally causes parts of the Underground to feel bland and not on the same level of detail as the excellent character design."<ref name="Breitbart" /> Other reviewers liked the graphics, with Daniel Tack summarizing them as "retro and threadbare, the visuals successfully deliver the charm of each character and setting".<ref name="Game Informer" /> Richard Cobbett enjoyed the "excellent use of simple graphics to convey emotion."<ref name="PCGUS" />
The game's visuals received mixed reactions. Giant Bomb's Walker called it "simple, but communicative".<ref name="Giant Bomb Review"/> IGN's Plagge wrote that the game "isn't always pretty" and "often ugly", but felt that the music and animations compensate.<ref name="IGN Review"/> Breitbart's Price named the art "bland and not on the same level of detail as the excellent character design",<ref name="Breitbart Review"/> and ''The Escapist''{{'}}s Croshaw remarked that "it wobbles between basic and functional to just plain bad".<ref name="Escapist Review"/> Other reviewers liked the graphics: Daniel Tack of ''Game Informer'' felt that the visuals appropriately match the characters and settings,<ref name="Game Informer Review"/> while Richard Cobbett of ''PC Gamer'' commended the ability of the visuals to convey emotion.<ref name="PC Gamer Review"/>


=== Accolades ===
Fox himself did not expect the game to be as well-received, saying he "didn't know that people would like it as universally as it's been acclaimed", and expecting that "people that were like me would like it".<ref name="GI Show" />
''Undertale'' has received multiple awards and nominations from several [[Video game journalism|gaming publications]]. It won [[Game of the Year]] from ''[[The Jimquisition]]''<ref name="Jimquisition Awards"/> and ''[[Zero Punctuation]]'',<ref name="Zero Punctuation"/> as well as Game of the Month from ''[[Rock, Paper, Shotgun]]''.<ref name="RPS GOTM"/> The game won the vote for Best Game Ever from [[GameFAQs]],<ref name="GameFAQs"/> and was also awarded Best PC Game from [[Destructoid]]<ref name="Destructoid Award"/> and [[IGN]].<ref name="IGN PC"/> The game has numerous pending nominations at the [[Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences|DICE Awards]],<ref name="DICE"/> [[Game Developers Choice Awards]],<ref name="GDC"/> and [[Independent Games Festival]] Awards.<ref name="IGF"/>


{| class="wikitable collapsible collapsed" style="width:100%;"
''Undertale'' appeared 9th on the video games list in ''[[Time (magazine)|Time]]''{{'s}} "Top 10 Everything of 2015".<ref>{{cite web | url = http://time.com/4106659/top-10-video-games/ | title = Top 10 Video Games | last = Peckham | first = Matt | date = 23 November 2015 | website = [[Time (magazine)|Time]] | publisher = [[Time Inc.]] | accessdate = 25 November 2015}}</ref> It also appeared on best-of lists for [[GameSpot]] and ''[[The Escapist (magazine)|The Escapist]]''.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.gamespot.com/articles/game-of-the-year-2015-countdown-20-16/1100-6432501/ | title = Game of the Year 2015 Countdown: #20 - #16 | author = GameSpot Staff | date = 18 December 2015 | website = [[GameSpot]] | publisher = [[CBS Interactive]] | accessdate = 21 December 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/video-games/features/15167-Best-Games-of-2015.3 | title = ''The Escapist''{{'s}} Best Games of 2015 - Page 3 | author = The Escapist Staff | date = 25 December 2015 | website = [[The Escapist (magazine)|The Escapist]] | publisher=[[Defy Media]] | accessdate = 27 December 2015}}</ref> As a result of the game's large fanbase in 2015, ''Undertale'' reached the first place in [[GameFAQs]]' "Best. Game. Ever." userpoll.<ref name="bestgameever">{{cite web|url=http://www.polygon.com/2015/12/16/10323192/undertale-gamefaqs-best-game-ever|publisher=''[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]''|title=Undertale wins GameFAQs' Best Game Ever contest|last=Frank|first=Allegra|date=16 December 2015}}</ref>

=== Awards ===
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="width:99%;"
|+ List of awards and nominations
! Year
! Ceremony
! Category
! Result
! class="unsortable" | Ref.
|-
|-
!List of awards and nominations for ''Her Story''
| rowspan="12" | 2015
| [[GameFAQs]]
| Best. Game. Ever.
| {{won}}
| align="center" | <ref name="bestgameever" />
|-
|-
|style="padding:0; border:none;"|
| rowspan="3" | [[The Game Awards 2015]]
{|class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="border:none; margin:0; width:100%;"
|- valign="bottom"
! scope="col"| Date !! scope="col"| Award !! scope="col"| Category !! scope="col"| Recipient(s) and Nominee(s) !! scope="col"| Result !! scope="col" class="unsortable" | Ref.
|- valign="top"
| style="text-align:center;"| October 30, 2015
!scope="row"| ''[[Rock, Paper, Shotgun]]'' Game of the Month: October
| Game of the Month
| ''Undertale''
| {{Won}}
| style="text-align:center;"| <ref name="RPS GOTM">{{cite web |url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2015/10/13/undertale-game-of-the-month/ |title=Game of the Month: October – Undertale |work=[[Rock, Paper, Shotgun]] |publisher=Gamer Network |date=October 30, 2015 |accessdate=January 21, 2016 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6egCag9iE |archivedate=January 20, 2016 |deadurl=no }}</ref>
|- valign="top"
| style="text-align:center;"| November 27, 2015
!scope="row"| Global Game Awards 2015
| Best Indie
| ''Undertale''
| {{Won|place=Silver|Runner-Up}}
| style="text-align:center;"| <ref name="Global Game Awards">{{cite web |url=http://www.game-debate.com/awards/2015 |title=Global Game Awards 2015 |publisher=Game Debate |date=27 November 2015 |accessdate=January 21, 2016 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6eaF8iirs |archivedate=January 16, 2016 |deadurl=no }}</ref>
|- valign="top"
| style="text-align:center;"| December 1, 2015
!scope="row"| ''[[Time (magazine)|Time]]''{{'}}s Top 10 Video Games
| Best Game
| ''Undertale''
| {{Won|place=Bronze|{{sort|Nominatedi|Ninth}}}}
| style="text-align:center;"| <ref name="Time">{{cite web |url=http://time.com/4106659/top-10-video-games/ |title=Top 10 Video Games |last=Peckham |first=Matt |work=[[Time (magazine)|Time]] |publisher=[[Time Inc.]] |date=December 1, 2015 |accessdate=January 21, 2016 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6egtDVkOF |archivedate=December 20, 2016 |deadurl=no }}</ref>
|- valign="top"
| style="text-align:center;"| December 3, 2015
!scope="row"| [[The Game Awards 2015]]
| Best Independent Game
| Best Independent Game
| ''Undertale''
| {{nominated}}
| {{Nom}}
| rowspan="3" align="center" |<ref name="TGA: Nominees">{{cite web | url = http://thegameawards.com/nominees/ | title = Nominees {{!}} The Game Awards 2015 | date = 12 November 2015 | website = [[The Game Awards]] | publisher = [[Ola Balola]] | accessdate = 13 November 2015}}</ref>
| style="text-align:center;"| <ref name="The Game Awards">{{cite web |url=https://www.vg247.com/2015/12/04/the-game-awards-2015-winners/ |title=The Game Awards 2015 – Game of the Year goes to The Witcher 3 |last=Nunneley |first=Stephany |publisher=[[VG247]] |date=4 December 2015 |accessdate=15 January 2016 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6eYOBjjTo |archivedate=15 January 2016 }}</ref>
|-
|- valign="top"
| Best Role-Playing Game
| style="text-align:center;"| December 3, 2015
| {{nominated}}
!scope="row"| [[The Game Awards 2015]]
|-
| Games for Change
| Games for Change
| ''Undertale''
| {{nominated}}
| {{Nom}}
|-
| style="text-align:center;"| <ref name="The Game Awards"/>
| ''[[Destructoid]]''
|- valign="top"
| Best PC Game of 2015
| style="text-align:center;"| December 3, 2015
| {{won}}
!scope="row"| [[The Game Awards 2015]]
| align="center" | <ref name="Destructoid: Best PC Game">{{cite web | url = http://www.destructoid.com/destructoid-s-award-for-best-pc-game-of-2015-goes-to--328410.phtml | title = Destructoid's award for Best PC Game of 2015 goes to... | last = Hansen | first = Steve | date = 22 December 2015 | website = [[Destructoid]] | publisher = [[ModernMethod]] | accessdate = 27 December 2015}}</ref>
| Best Role-Playing Game
|-
| ''[[The Jimquisition]]''
| ''Undertale''
| {{Nom}}
| Game of the Year 2015
| style="text-align:center;"| <ref name="The Game Awards"/>
| {{won}}
|- valign="top"
| align="center" | <ref name="The Jimquisition: GOTY 2015 Awards">{{cite web | url = http://www.thejimquisition.com/2015/12/the-jimquisition-game-of-the-year-awards-2015/ | title = The Jimquisition Game of the Year Awards 2015 | last = Sterling | first = Jim | date = 21 December 2015 | website = [[The Jimquisition]] | accessdate = 23 December 2015}}</ref>
| style="text-align:center;"| December 4, 2015
|-
!scope="row"| ''[[Vice (magazine)|Vice]]''{{'}}s Best 20 Video Games of 2015
| rowspan="3" | ''[[Giant Bomb]]''
| Best Game
| ''Undertale''
| {{Won|place=Bronze|{{sort|Nominatedh|Eighth}}}}
| style="text-align:center;"| <ref name="Vice Best">{{cite web |url=http://www.vice.com/en_ca/read/the-top-20-video-games-of-2015-according-to-vice-999 |title=The Best 20 Video Games of 2015 |last=Diver |first=Mike |work=[[Vice (magazine)|Vice]] |publisher=Vice Media LLC |date=December 4, 2015 |accessdate=January 21, 2016 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6eaDGw7q0 |archivedate=January 16, 2016 |deadurl=no }}</ref>
|- valign="top"
| style="text-align:center;"| December 15, 2015
!scope="row"| ''[[Good Game]]'' Awards 2015
| Game of the Year
| ''Undertale''
| {{Nom}}
| style="text-align:center;"| <ref name="Good Game Awards">{{cite web |url=http://www.abc.net.au/tv/goodgame/stories/s4371946.htm |title=Game of the Year - Part 1 |last1=O'Donnell |first=Steven |authorlink1=Steven O'Donnell (Australian actor) |last2=Bendixsen |first2=Stephanie |authorlink2=Stephanie Bendixsen |work=[[Good Game]] |publisher=[[Australian Broadcasting Corporation]] |date=December 15, 2015 |accessdate=January 17, 2016 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6ea5CWKoh |archivedate=January 16, 2016 }}</ref>
|- valing="top"
| style="text-align:center;"| December 16, 2015
!scope="row"| [[GameFAQs]]' Best Game Ever
| Best Game Ever
| ''Undertale''
| {{Won}}
| style="text-align:center;"| <ref name="GameFAQs">{{cite web |url=http://www.polygon.com/2015/12/16/10323192/undertale-gamefaqs-best-game-ever |title=Undertale wins GameFAQs' Best Game Ever contest |last=Frank |first=Allegra |work=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] |publisher=[[Vox Media]] |date=December 16, 2015 |accessdate=January 21, 2016 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6egsbSNsX |archivedate=January 20, 2016 |deadurl=no }}</ref>
|- valign="top"
| style="text-align:center;"| December 18, 2015
!scope="row"| [[GameSpot]] Game of the Year
| Game of the Year
| ''Undertale''
| {{Won|place=Bronze|{{sort|Nominateda|Nineteenth}}}}
| style="text-align:center;"| <ref name="GameSpot GOTY">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/game-of-the-year-2015-countdown-20-16/1100-6432501/ |title=Game of the Year 2015 Countdown: #20 - #16 |work=[[GameSpot]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |date=December 18, 2015 |accessdate=January 21, 2016 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6egsAMSDq |archivedate=January 20, 2016 |deadurl=no }}</ref>
|- valign="top"
| style="text-align:center;"| December 21, 2015
!scope="row"| ''[[The Jimquisition]]'' Game of the Year Awards 2015
| Game of the Year
| ''Undertale''
| {{Won}}
| style="text-align:center;"| <ref name="Jimquisition Awards">{{cite web |url=http://www.thejimquisition.com/2015/12/the-jimquisition-game-of-the-year-awards-2015/ |title=The Jimquisition Game of the Year Awards 2015 |last=Sterling |first=Jim |authorlink=Jim Sterling |publisher=''[[The Jimquisition]]'' |date=December 21, 2015 |accessdate=January 21, 2016 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6egFRv1KT |archivedate=January 20, 2016 |deadurl=no }}</ref>
|- valign="top"
| style="text-align:center;"| December 22, 2015
!scope="row"| [[Destructoid]] Game of the Year
| Best PC Game
| ''Undertale''
| {{Won}}
| style="text-align:center;"| <ref name="Destructoid Award">{{cite web |url=http://www.destructoid.com/destructoid-s-award-for-best-pc-game-of-2015-goes-to--328410.phtml |title=Destructoid's award for Best PC Game of 2015 goes to... |last=Hansen |first=Steven |publisher=[[Destructoid]] |date=December 22, 2015 |accessdate=January 21, 2016 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6egF81TT0 |archivedate=January 20, 2016 |deadurl=no }}</ref>
|- valign="top"
| style="text-align:center;"| December 25, 2015
!scope="row"| ''[[The Escapist (magazine)|The Escapist]]''{{'}}s Best Games of 2015
| Best Game
| ''Undertale''
| {{Nominated}}
| style="text-align:center;"| <ref name="Escapist Best Game">{{cite web |url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/video-games/features/15167-Best-Games-of-2015.3 |title=The Escapist's Best Games of 2015 |page=3 |work=[[The Escapist (magazine)|The Escapist]] |publisher=[[Defy Media]] |date=December 25, 2015 |accessdate=February 17, 2016 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6fMQCMr0P |archivedate=February 17, 2016 |deadurl=no }}</ref>
|- valign="top"
| style="text-align:center;"| December 28, 2015
!scope="row"| [[Ars Technica]] best video games of 2015
| Best Game
| ''Undertale''
| {{Won|place=Bronze|{{sort|Nominatedk|Fifth}}}}
| style="text-align:center;"| <ref name="Ars Technica 2015">{{cite web |url=http://arstechnica.com/gaming/2015/12/the-best-video-games-of-2015-as-picked-by-the-ars-editors/4/ |title=The best video games of 2015, as picked by the Ars editor |page=4 |last=Orland |first=Kyle |work=[[Ars Technica]] |publisher=[[Condé Nast]] |date=December 28, 2015 |accessdate=January 21, 2016 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6egDgThLD |archivedate=January 20, 2016 |deadurl=no }}</ref>
|- valign="top"
| style="text-align:center;"| December 28, 2015
!scope="row"| [[Giant Bomb]]'s 2015 Game of the Year Awards
| Best Surprise
| Best Surprise
| ''Undertale''
| {{nominated}}
| {{Won|place=Silver|Runner-Up}}
| align="center" | <ref name="Giant Bomb's 2015 Game of the Year Awards: Day One Text Recap">{{cite web | url = http://www.giantbomb.com/articles/giant-bombs-2015-game-of-the-year-awards-day-one-t/1100-5316/ | title = Giant Bomb's 2015 Game of the Year Awards: Day One Text Recap | date = 28 December 2015 | website = [[Giant Bomb]] | accessdate = 3 January 2016}}</ref>
| style="text-align:center;"| <ref name="Giant Bomb 1">{{cite web |url=http://www.giantbomb.com/articles/giant-bombs-2015-game-of-the-year-awards-day-one-t/1100-5316/ |title=Giant Bomb's 2015 Game of the Year Awards: Day One Text Recap |work=[[Giant Bomb]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |date=December 28, 2015 |accessdate=January 21, 2016 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6egFb7Yri |archivedate=January 20, 2016 |deadurl=no }}</ref>
|-
|- valign="top"
| style="text-align:center;"| December 30, 2015
!scope="row"| [[Giant Bomb]]'s 2015 Game of the Year Awards
| Best Debut
| Best Debut
| ''Undertale''
| {{nominated}}
| {{Won|place=Silver|Runner-Up}}
| align="center" | <ref name="Giant Bomb's 2015 Game of the Year Awards: Day Three Text Recap">{{cite web | url = http://www.giantbomb.com/articles/giant-bombs-2015-game-of-the-year-awards-day-three/1100-5318/ | title = Giant Bomb's 2015 Game of the Year Awards: Day Three Text Recap | date = 30 December 2015 | website = [[Giant Bomb]] | accessdate = 3 January 2016}}</ref>
| style="text-align:center;"| <ref name="Giant Bomb 3">{{cite web |url=http://www.giantbomb.com/articles/giant-bombs-2015-game-of-the-year-awards-day-three/1100-5318/ |title=Giant Bomb's 2015 Game of the Year Awards: Day Three Text Recap |work=[[Giant Bomb]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |date=December 30, 2015 |accessdate=January 21, 2016 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6egFkFhrG |archivedate=January 20, 2016 |deadurl=no }}</ref>
|-
|- valign="top"
| Best Game
| style="text-align:center;"| January 1, 2016
| {{nominated}}
!scope="row"| [[Giant Bomb]]'s 2015 Game of the Year Awards
| align="center" | <ref name="Giant Bomb's 2015 Game of the Year Awards: Day Five Text Recap">{{cite web | url = http://www.giantbomb.com/articles/giant-bombs-2015-game-of-the-year-awards-day-five-/1100-5320/ | title = Giant Bomb's 2015 Game of the Year Awards: Day Five Text Recap | date = 1 January 2016 | website = [[Giant Bomb]] | accessdate = 3 January 2016}}</ref>
| Game of the Year
|-
| ''[[Zero Punctuation]]''
| ''Undertale''
| {{Won|place=Bronze|{{sort|Nominatedi|Seventh}}}}
| Game of the Year 2015
| style="text-align:center;"| <ref name="Giant Bomb 5">{{cite web |url=http://www.giantbomb.com/articles/giant-bombs-2015-game-of-the-year-awards-day-five-/1100-5320/ |title=Giant Bomb's 2015 Game of the Year Awards: Day Five Text Recap |work=[[Giant Bomb]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |date=January 1, 2016 |accessdate=January 21, 2016 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6egFsYZfi |archivedate=January 20, 2016 |deadurl=no }}</ref>
| {{won}}
|- valign="top"
| align="center" | <ref name="Zero Punctuation: Top 5 Games of 2015">{{cite web | url = http://www.escapistmagazine.com/videos/view/zero-punctuation/116617-Top-5-Best-and-Worst-Games-of-2015 | title = Top 5 Games of 2015 | last = Croshaw | first = Ben | date = 6 January 2016 | website = [[The Escapist (magazine)|The Escapist]] | accessdate = 6 January 2016}}</ref>
| style="text-align:center;"| January 7, 2016
|-
| rowspan="2" | ''[[IGN]]''
!scope="row"| ''[[Zero Punctuation]]'' Top 5 Games of 2015
| Game of the Year
| ''Undertale''
| {{Won}}
| style="text-align:center;"| <ref name="Zero Punctuation">{{cite web |url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/videos/view/zero-punctuation/116617-Top-5-Best-and-Worst-Games-of-2015 |title=Top 5 Games of 2015 |work=[[Zero Punctuation]]. [[The Escapist (magazine)|The Escapist]] |publisher=[[Defy Media]] |date=January 7, 2016 |accessdate=January 21, 2016 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6egG6ajZK |archivedate=January 20, 2016 |deadurl=no }}</ref>
|- valign="top"
| style="text-align:center;"| January 12, 2016
!scope="row"| [[IGN]]'s Best of 2015
| PC Game of the Year
| PC Game of the Year
| ''Undertale''
| {{won}}
| {{Won}}
| align="center" | <ref name="IGN Best of 2015">{{cite web | url = http://www.ign.com/wikis/best-of-2015/PC_Game_of_the_Year | title = PC Game of the Year | date = 8 January 2016 | website = [[IGN]] | accessdate = 18 January 2016}}</ref>
| style="text-align:center;"| <ref name="IGN PC">{{cite web |url=http://ign.com/wikis/best-of-2015/PC_Game_of_the_Year |title=PC Game of the Year |work=[[IGN]] |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] |date=January 12, 2016 |accessdate=January 21, 2016 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6egGeCTFF |archivedate=January 20, 2016 |deadurl=no }}</ref>
|-
|- valign="top"
| style="text-align:center;"| January 12, 2016
!scope="row"| [[IGN]]'s Best of 2015
| Best Story
| Best Story
| ''Undertale''
| {{won}}
| {{Won}}
| align="center" | <ref name="IGN Best of 2015, Best Story">{{cite web | url = http://www.ign.com/wikis/best-of-2015/Best_Story | title = Best Story | date = 8 January 2016 | website = [[IGN]] | accessdate = 22 January 2016}}</ref>
| style="text-align:center;"| <ref name="IGN Story">{{cite web |url=http://au.ign.com/wikis/best-of-2015/Best_Story |title=Best Story |work=[[IGN]] |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] |date=January 12, 2016 |accessdate=February 17, 2016 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6fMKuWJ4e |archivedate=February 17, 2016 |deadurl=no }}</ref>
|-
| rowspan="11" | 2016
|- valign="top"
| style="text-align:center;"| February 18, 2016
| rowspan="3" | [[Game Developers Choice Awards]]
!scope="row"| {{sort|DICE Awards|19th Annual [[Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences|DICE Awards]]}}
| Outstanding Achievement in Game Direction
| ''Undertale''
| {{Pending}}
| style="text-align:center;"| <ref name="DICE">{{cite web |url=http://www.polygon.com/2016/1/13/10760412/dice-awards-2016-nominees |title=DICE Awards finalists include Fallout 4, Witcher 3, Life is Strange and more |last=Frank |first=Allegra |work=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] |publisher=[[Vox Media]] |date=January 13, 2016 |accessdate=January 21, 2016 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6eaEctq4U |archivedate=January 16, 2016 |deadurl=no }}</ref>
|- valign="top"
| style="text-align:center;"| February 18, 2016
!scope="row"| {{sort|DICE Awards|19th Annual [[Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences|DICE Awards]]}}
| DICE Sprite Award
| ''Undertale''
| {{Pending}}
| style="text-align:center;"| <ref name="DICE"/>
|- valign="top"
| style="text-align:center;"| February 18, 2016
!scope="row"| {{sort|DICE Awards|19th Annual [[Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences|DICE Awards]]}}
| Role-Playing/Massive Multiplayer Game of the Year
| ''Undertale''
| {{Pending}}
| style="text-align:center;"| <ref name="DICE"/>
|- valign="top"
| style="text-align:center;"| March 16, 2016
!scope="row"| {{sort|Game Developers Choice Awards|2016 [[Game Developers Choice Awards]]}}
| Innovation Award
| Innovation Award
| ''Undertale''
| {{pending}}
| {{Pending}}
| rowspan="3" align="center" |<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.vg247.com/2016/01/08/the-witcher-3-metal-gear-solid-5-lead-nominees-for-2016-game-developers-choice-awards/ | title = The Witcher 3, Metal Gear Solid 5 lead nominees for GDC 2016 Awards | last = Nunneley | first = Stephany | date = 8 January 2016 | website = [[VG247]] | publisher = [[Videogaming247]] | accessdate = 8 January 2016}}</ref>
| style="text-align:center;"| <ref name="GDC">{{cite web |url=http://www.vg247.com/2016/01/08/the-witcher-3-metal-gear-solid-5-lead-nominees-for-2016-game-developers-choice-awards/ |title=The Witcher 3, Metal Gear Solid 5 lead nominees for GDC 2016 Awards |last=Nunneley |first=Stephany |publisher=[[VG247]] |date=January 8, 2016 |accessdate=January 21, 2016 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6eYOOuRrZ |archivedate=January 15, 2016 |deadurl=no }}</ref>
|-
|- valign="top"
| Best Debut {{small|(Toby Fox)}}
| style="text-align:center;"| March 16, 2016
| {{pending}}
!scope="row"| {{sort|Game Developers Choice Awards|2016 [[Game Developers Choice Awards]]}}
|-
| Best Debut
| {{sort|Fox|Toby Fox}}
| {{Pending}}
| style="text-align:center;"| <ref name="GDC"/>
|- valign="top"
| style="text-align:center;"| March 16, 2016
!scope="row"| {{sort|Game Developers Choice Awards|2016 [[Game Developers Choice Awards]]}}
| Best Narrative
| Best Narrative
| ''Undertale''
| {{pending}}
| {{Pending}}
|-
| style="text-align:center;"| <ref name="GDC"/>
| rowspan="3" | [[Independent Games Festival]]
|- valign="top"
| style="text-align:center;"| March 16, 2016
!scope="row"| {{sort|Independent Games Festival|2016 [[Independent Games Festival]] Awards}}
| [[Seumas McNally Grand Prize]]
| [[Seumas McNally Grand Prize]]
| ''Undertale''
| {{pending}}
| {{Pending}}
| rowspan="3" align="center" |<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.vg247.com/2016/01/06/her-story-2016-igf-awards/ | title = Her Story, Undertale, Darkest Dungeon receive multiple 2016 IGF Award nominations | last = Nunneley | first = Stephany | date = 6 January 2016 | website = [[VG247]] | publisher = [[Videogaming247]] | accessdate = 6 January 2016}}</ref>
| style="text-align:center;"| <ref name="IGF">{{cite web |url=http://www.vg247.com/2016/01/06/her-story-2016-igf-awards/ |title=Her Story, Undertale, Darkest Dungeon receive multiple 2016 IGF Award nominations |last=Nunneley |first=Stephany |publisher=[[VG247]] |date=January 6, 2016 |accessdate=January 21, 2016 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6eYOWqOA1 |archivedate=January 15, 2016 |deadurl=no }}</ref>
|-
|- valign="top"
| Excellence in Narrative
| style="text-align:center;"| March 16, 2016
| {{pending}}
!scope="row"| {{sort|Independent Games Festival|2016 [[Independent Games Festival]] Awards}}
|-
| Excellence in Audio
| Excellence in Audio
| ''Undertale''
| {{pending}}
| {{Pending}}
|-
| style="text-align:center;"| <ref name="IGF"/>
| rowspan="5" | [[SXSW#SXSW Interactive|SXSW Gaming Awards]]
|- valign="top"
| style="text-align:center;"| March 16, 2016
!scope="row"| {{sort|Independent Games Festival|2016 [[Independent Games Festival]] Awards}}
| Excellence in Narrative
| ''Undertale''
| {{Pending}}
| style="text-align:center;"| <ref name="IGF"/>
|- valign="top"
| style="text-align:center;"| March 19, 2016
!scope="row"| [[South by Southwest|SXSW]] Gaming Awards
| Game of the Year
| Game of the Year
| ''Undertale''
| {{pending}}
| {{Pending}}
| rowspan="5" align="center" | <ref name="SXSW">{{cite web | url = http://www.sxsw.com/interactive/awards/gaming#finalists | title = SXSW Gaming Awards | publisher = [[SXSW]] | accessdate = 25 January 2016 | date = 25 January 2016}}</ref>
| style="text-align:center;"| <ref name="SXSW">{{cite web |url=http://www.polygon.com/2016/1/25/10830286/sxsw-gaming-award-nominees-2016 |title=Bloodborne, Metal Gear Solid 5 among SXSW Gaming Award nominees |last=Frank |first=Allegra |work=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] |publisher=[[Vox Media]] |date=January 25, 2016 |accessdate=February 17, 2016 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6eoMvq8Nt |archivedate=January 25, 2016 |deadurl=no }}</ref>
|-
|- valign="top"
| style="text-align:center;"| March 19, 2016
!scope="row"| [[South by Southwest|SXSW]] Gaming Awards
| Excellence in Gameplay
| Excellence in Gameplay
| ''Undertale''
| {{pending}}
| {{Pending}}
|-
| style="text-align:center;"| <ref name="SXSW"/>
|- valign="top"
| style="text-align:center;"| March 19, 2016
!scope="row"| [[South by Southwest|SXSW]] Gaming Awards
| Most Fulfilling Crowdfunded Game
| Most Fulfilling Crowdfunded Game
| ''Undertale''
| {{pending}}
| {{Pending}}
|-
| style="text-align:center;"| <ref name="SXSW"/>
|- valign="top"
| style="text-align:center;"| March 19, 2016
!scope="row"| [[South by Southwest|SXSW]] Gaming Awards
| Most Promising New Intellectual Property
| Most Promising New Intellectual Property
| ''Undertale''
| {{pending}}
| {{Pending}}
|-
| style="text-align:center;"| <ref name="SXSW"/>
|- valign="top"
| style="text-align:center;"| March 19, 2016
!scope="row"| [[South by Southwest|SXSW]] Gaming Awards
| Matthew Crump Cultural Innovation Award
| Matthew Crump Cultural Innovation Award
| ''Undertale''
| {{pending}}
| {{Pending}}
|-
| style="text-align:center;"| <ref name="SXSW"/>
|}
|}
|}


== References ==
== References ==
;Notes
{{notelist}}


;Footnotes
=== Notes ===
{{Reflist|30em|refs=
{{Notelist}}


<ref name="Cliqist cult">{{cite web |url=http://cliqist.com/2015/09/29/undertale-new-cult-hit-making/ |title=Undertale: A New Cult Hit in the Making |last=Levine |first=Laguna |publisher=Cliqist |date=September 29, 2015 |accessdate=January 21, 2016 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6egJNWuZT |archivedate=January 20, 2016 |deadurl=no }}</ref>
=== Footnotes ===

{{Reflist|30em}}
<ref name="Boing Boing">{{cite web |url=http://boingboing.net/2015/09/24/undertale-game.html |title=In Undertale, you can choose to kill monsters — or understand them |last=Hudson |first=Laura |work=[[Boing Boing]] |publisher=Happy Mutants |date=September 24, 2015 |accessdate=January 20, 2016 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6efnGRPgb |archivedate=January 20, 2016 |deadurl=no }}</ref>

<ref name="Breitbart Review">{{cite web |url=http://www.breitbart.com/tech/2015/11/22/undertale-review-a-charming-independent-rpg-with-a-lot-of-soul/ |title='Undertale' Review: A Charming Independent RPG with a Lot of SOUL |last=Price |first=Ned |work=[[Breitbart News Network]] |date=November 22, 2015 |accessdate=February 17, 2016 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6fMSzZIhj |archivedate=February 17, 2016 |deadurl=no }}</ref>

<ref name="Destructoid Review">{{cite web |url=http://www.destructoid.com/review-undertale-312265.phtml |title=Review: Undertale |last=Davis |first=Ben |work=[[Destructoid]] |publisher=[[ModernMethod]] |date=September 24, 2015 |accessdate=January 21, 2016 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6egoD0fxM |archivedate=January 20, 2016 |deadurl=no }}</ref>

<ref name="Escapist">{{cite web |url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/125361-Undertale-Dev-Every-Monster-Should-Feel-Like-an-Individual |title=Undertale Dev: "Every Monster Should Feel Like an Individual" |last=Bogos |first=Steven |work=[[The Escapist (magazine)|The Escapist]] |publisher=[[Defy Media]] |date=June 25, 2013 |accessdate=January 20, 2016 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6efjTIrYh |archivedate=January 20, 2016 |deadurl=no }}</ref>

<ref name="Escapist EarthBound">{{cite web |url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/124536-Undertale-is-an-EarthBound-Inspired-Indie-RPG |title=Undertale is an EarthBound Inspired Indie RPG |last=Bogos |first=Steven |work=[[The Escapist (magazine)|The Escapist]] |publisher=[[Defy Media]] |date=June 2, 2013 |accessdate=January 21, 2016 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6egmuVx6e |archivedate=January 20, 2016 |deadurl=no }}</ref>

<ref name="Escapist Review">{{cite web |url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/video-games/columns/extra-punctuation/14860-Undertale-for-Best-Written-Game-2015 |title=Undertale May Be This Year's Best Written Game |last=Croshaw |first=Ben |authorlink=Ben "Yahtzee" Croshaw |work=[[The Escapist (magazine)|The Escapist]] |publisher=[[Defy Media]] |date=October 28, 2015 |accessdate=October 27, 2015 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6cd2p8vE4 |archivedate=October 28, 2015 |deadurl=no }}</ref>

<ref name="Existential Gamer">{{cite web |url=http://existentialgamer.com/interview-toby-fox-of-undertale |title=INTERVIEW: TOBY FOX OF UNDERTALE |last=Feeld |first=Julian |work=The Existential Gamer |publisher=FEELD Creative Agency |date=October 9, 2015 |accessdate=January 20, 2016 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6efvLPONz |archivedate=January 20, 2016 |deadurl=no }}</ref>

<ref name="Game Informer Review">{{cite web |url=http://www.gameinformer.com/games/undertale/b/pc/archive/2015/10/01/an-enchanting-exhilarating-journey.aspx |title=An Enchanting, Exhilarating Journey - Undertale |last=Tack |first=Daniel |work=[[Game Informer]] |publisher=[[GameStop]] |date=October 1, 2015 |accessdate=January 21, 2016 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6egoLb5Z5 |archivedate=January 20, 2016 |deadurl=no }}</ref>

<ref name="GameRev cult">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamerevolution.com/manifesto/you-should-play-undertale-34989 |title=You Should Play Undertale |last=LaBella |first=Anthony |work=[[Game Revolution]] |publisher=[[CraveOnline]] |date=September 24, 2015 |accessdate=January 21, 2016 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6egJsH5XQ |archivedate=January 20, 2016 |deadurl=no }}</ref>

<ref name="GameSpot Review">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/undertale-review/1900-6416315/ |title=Undertale Review |last=Hicks |first=Tyler |work=[[GameSpot]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |date=November 20, 2015 |accessdate=January 21, 2016 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6egqjsR4r |archivedate=January 20, 2016 |deadurl=no }}</ref>

<ref name="GI Show">{{cite web |url=http://www.gameinformer.com/b/podcasts/archive/2015/10/15/gi-show-_1320_-yoshis-woolly-world_2c00_-star-wars_3a00_-battlefront_2c00_-undertale-toby-fox.aspx |title=GI Show – Yoshi's Woolly World, Star Wars: Battlefront, Undertale's Toby Fox |last=Turi |first=Tim |work=[[Game Informer]] |publisher=[[GameStop]] |date=October 15, 2015 |accessdate=January 20, 2016 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6efj9NfZh |archivedate=January 20, 2016 |deadurl=no }}</ref>

<ref name="Giant Bomb Review">{{cite web |url=http://www.giantbomb.com/reviews/undertale-review/1900-715/ |title=Undertale Review |last=Walker |first=Austin |work=[[Giant Bomb]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |date=September 25, 2015 |accessdate=January 21, 2016 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6bodofjj7 |archivedate=September 25, 2015 |deadurl = no }}</ref>

<ref name="IGN Review">{{cite web |url=http://ign.com/articles/2016/01/13/undertale-review |title=Undertale Review |last=Plagge |first=Kallie |work=[[IGN]] |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] |date=January 12, 2016 |accessdate=January 13, 2016 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6egpTuOm0 |archivedate=January 20, 2016 |deadurl=no }}</ref>

<ref name="IndieGames Guilt">{{cite web |url=http://indiegames.com/2015/09/guilt_friendship_and_carrot_mo.html |title = Guilt, Friendship, and Carrot Monsters — Undertale and the Consequences of Easy Violence |last=Couture |first=Joel |work=[[IndieGames.com]] |publisher=[[UBM plc]] |date=September 22, 2015 |accessdate=January 20, 2016 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6efrmmelL |archivedate=January 20, 2016 |deadurl=no }}</ref>

<ref name="IndieGames Thinking">{{cite web |url=http://indiegames.com/2015/10/thinking_for_ourselves_-_toby_.html |title=Thinking for Ourselves - Toby Fox on Fighting and Introspection in Undertale |last=Couture |first=Joel |work=[[IndieGames.com]] |publisher=[[UBM plc]] |date=October 27, 2015 |accessdate=January 20, 2016 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6efnlwrcn |archivedate=January 20, 2016 |deadurl=no }}</ref>

<ref name="Jay Is Games">{{cite web |url=http://jayisgames.com/review/undertale.php |title=Undertale - Walkthrough, Tips, Review |last=Breckinridge |first=Dora |publisher=[[Jay Is Games]] |date=September 16, 2015 |accessdate=February 17, 2016 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6fMY6FMDc |archivedate=February 17, 2016 |deadurl=no }}</ref>

<ref name="Joystiq Kickstarter">{{cite web |url=http://www.joystiq.com/2013/07/29/crowdfund-bookie-july-21-27-terminator-2-undertale-last-dr/ |title=Crowdfund Bookie, July 21 - 27: Terminator 2, UnderTale, Last Dream |last=Suszek |first=Mike |work=[[Joystiq]] |publisher=[[AOL]] |date=July 29, 2013 |accessdate=January 20, 2016 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6efjGnD3O |archivedate=January 20, 2016 |deadurl=no }}</ref>

<ref name="Kickstarter">{{cite web |url=https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1002143342/undertale/description |title=UnderTale by Toby Fox |last=Fox |first=Toby |publisher=[[Kickstarter]] |date=June 25, 2013 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6efivrobs |archivedate=January 20, 2016 |deadurl=no }}</ref>

<ref name="Kill Screen">{{cite web |url=https://killscreen.com/articles/behind-humor-toby-foxs-undertale/ |title=Behind the humor of Toby Fox's Undertale |last=Bennett |first=David |work=[[Kill Screen]] |date=October 22, 2015 |accessdate=January 20, 2016 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6efmf8UHg |archivedate=January 20, 2016 |deadurl=no }}</ref>

<ref name="Kotaku Secrets">{{cite web |url=http://steamed.kotaku.com/players-still-havent-figured-out-all-of-undertales-secr-1733048190 |title=Players Still Haven't Figured Out All Of Undertale's Secrets |last=Grayson |first=Nathan |work=[[Kotaku]] |publisher=[[Gawker Media]] |date=September 28, 2015 |accessdate=February 17, 2016 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6fMKg2qhu |archivedate=February 17, 2016 |deadurl=no }}</ref>

<ref name="Mary Sue">{{cite web |url=http://www.themarysue.com/interview-undertale-game-creator-toby-fox/ |title=Interview: Undertale Game Creator Toby Fox |last=Isaac |first=Chris |work=[[The Mary Sue]] |publisher=[[Dan Abrams]] |date=December 10, 2015 |accessdate=January 20, 2016 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6efyLpcIv |archivedate=January 20, 2016 |deadurl=no }}</ref>

<ref name="Metacritic">{{cite web |url=http://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/undertale |title=Undertale for PC Reviews |work=[[Metacritic]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |accessdate=January 21, 2016 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6ego9tzpe |archivedate=January 20, 2016 |deadurl=no }}</ref>

<ref name="Metacritic all time">{{cite web |url=http://www.metacritic.com/browse/games/score/metascore/all/pc/filtered?sort=desc |title=Best PC Video Games of All Time |work=[[Metacritic]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |accessdate=January 21, 2016 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6egK66Yrf |archivedate=January 20, 2016 |deadurl=no }}</ref>

<ref name="Paste cult">{{cite web |url=http://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2015/10/undertale-fan-makes-a-sequel-in-a-wrestling-game.html |title=Undertale Fan Makes a Sequel... In a Wrestling Game? |last=Allen |first=Eric Van |work=[[Paste (magazine)|Paste]] |publisher=[[Wolfgang's Vault]] |date=October 22, 2015 |accessdate=January 21, 2015 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6egJSW3rx |archivedate=January 20, 2016 |deadurl=no }}</ref>

<ref name="PC Gamer Review">{{cite web |url=http://www.pcgamer.com/undertale-review/ |title=Undertale review |last=Cobbett |first=Robert |work=[[PC Gamer]] |publisher=[[Future plc]] |date=September 29, 2015 |accessdate=September 29, 2015 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6bupibsMm |archivedate=September 29, 2015 |deadurl=no }}</ref>

<ref name="Polygon Gameplay">{{cite web |url=http://www.polygon.com/2013/7/7/4497618/undertale-combines-classic-rpg-gameplay-with-a-pacifist-twist |title=UnderTale combines classic RPG gameplay with a pacifist twist |last=Farokhmanesh |first=Megan |work=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] |publisher=[[Vox Media]] |date=July 7, 2013 |accessdate=September 25, 2015 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6bqGl55Ac |archivedate=September 26, 2015 |deadurl=no }}</ref>

<ref name="RPGamer Review">{{cite web |url=http://rpgamer.com/games/indie/undertale/reviews/undertalestrev1.html |title=Undertale - Review |last=Welhouse |first=Zach |publisher=[[RPGamer]] |date=October 8, 2015 |accessdate=January 21, 2016 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6egn87fHZ |archivedate=January 20, 2016 }}</ref>

<ref name="RPS: Scrollbars">{{cite web |url=http://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2015/09/21/undertale/ |title=The RPG Scrollbars: Undertale |last=Cobbett |first=Richard |work=[[Rock, Paper, Shotgun]] |publisher=Gamer Network |date=September 21, 2015 |accessdate=October 31, 2015 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6egnQ1NFK |archivedate=January 20, 2016 |deadurl=no }}</ref>

<ref name="Seagaia">{{cite web |url=https://seagaia.wordpress.com/2013/05/25/toby-foxs-undertale-dev-2-dev-interview-1/ |title=Toby Fox’s Undertale – DEV 2 DEV INTERVIEW #1 |last=Hogan |first=Sean |publisher=seagaia |date=May 25, 2013 |accessdate=January 20, 2016 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6eg0CkoY2 |archivedate=January 20, 2016 |deadurl=no }}</ref>

<ref name="Steam Spy">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/262548/GTA_5_leads_Steam_Spys_list_of_bestselling_2015_Steam_games.php |title=GTA 5 leads Steam Spy's list of best-selling 2015 Steam games |last=Wawro |first=Alex |work=[[Gamasutra]] |publisher=[[UBM Tech]] |date=22 December 2015 |accessdate=23 December 2015 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6e0DLKUr3 |archivedate=23 December 2015 |deadurl=no }}</ref>

<ref name="US Gamer Review">{{cite web |url=http://www.usgamer.net/articles/undertale-pc-review-the-art-of-surprise |title=Undertale PC Review: The Art of Surprise |last=Mackey |first=Bob |website=[[US Gamer]] |publisher=Gamer Network |date=September 30, 2015 |accessdate=October 31, 2015 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6ch8RSADv |archivedate=October 31, 2015 |deadurl=no }}</ref>
}}


== External links ==
== External links ==
{{Portalbar|2010s|Video games}}
{{Portalbar|Video games|2010s}}
* {{Official website|undertale.com}}
{{Wikiquote}}
*{{Official website|undertale.com}}
* {{MobyGames|/undertale}}
{{Wikiquote-inline}}


[[Category:2015 video games]]
[[Category:2015 video games]]
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[[Category:Indie video games]]
[[Category:Indie video games]]
[[Category:Kickstarter projects]]
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[[Category:Metafictional works]]
[[Category:Metafictional works]]
[[Category:OS X games]]
[[Category:OS X games]]

Revision as of 11:28, 17 February 2016

Undertale
Logo of Undertale
Developer(s)tobyfox
Publisher(s)tobyfox
Artist(s)
  • Toby Fox
  • Temmie Chang
Writer(s)Toby Fox
Composer(s)Toby Fox
EngineGameMaker: Studio
Platform(s)Microsoft Windows, OS X
ReleaseSeptember 15, 2015
Genre(s)Role-playing
Mode(s)Single-player

Undertale (also stylized as UnderTale or UNDERTALE) is a role-playing video game developed and published by indie developer tobyfox. Creator Toby Fox provided the game's script, design and soundtrack, with additional artwork by Temmie Chang. The game was released for Microsoft Windows and OS X on September 15, 2015.

In Undertale, players control a human child as they navigate the fictional Underground: a large, secluded region underneath the surface of the Earth. The inhabitants of the Underground are called "monsters", a diverse and intelligent group who have been banished from the surface following a war with humanity. The child interacts with many monsters on their quest to return to the surface, with the player making decisions on whether to kill or befriend them. These choices affect the outcome of the game to a large degree, with the dialogue and story outcome changing based on their decisions.

At release, Undertale was acclaimed by many reviewers, with praise particularly directed at its writing and characters, and intuitive combat system. The game has sold over 500,000 copies, and was nominated for multiple year-end accolades, including Game of the Year from several gaming publications.

Gameplay

Fighting Toriel in Undertale. Toriel attacks a red heart, representing the player, with fire magic.
Undertale employs a bullet hell-like combat system in which players, controlling the heart, must avoid attacks from enemies.

Undertale is a role-playing game that uses a top-down perspective. In the game, players control a child, and complete objectives to progress through the story. Players explore an underground world of towns, villages and dungeons, and are required to solve numerous puzzles on their journey. The underground world is the home of monsters, many of whom can be challenged in combat; players decide to kill or befriend them. The overworld allows players to navigate the world, moving through locales. Save points frequently appear in the world, refilling players' health while saving their progress.[1]

When players counter enemies, they enter a battle system. During battles, players control a small heart which represents their soul, and must avoid attacks unleashed by the opposing monster—in a similar fashion to a bullet hell.[2][3][4] As the game progresses, new elements are introduced, such as colored obstacles which require players to remain stationary or move through them, and boss battles which change the way players control the heart.[3] Players may choose to attack the enemy, which involves timed button presses, earning EXP and gold for defeating them.[5] Alternatively, they can use the ACT option to perform non-violent actions, which vary depending on the enemy.[4] If players uses the right actions to respond to the enemy, they can choose to spare them and end the fight without killing them.[6] The game features various story branches and endings depending on whether players choose to kill or spare their enemies; it is possible to clear the game without killing a single enemy.[7]

Monsters will converse with players during battle, and the game updates players on the monster's feelings and actions.[8] Enemy attacks alter based on how players interact with them: should players choose non-violent options, enemy attacks are easy, whereas they become difficult if players choose violent options.[2][8] When players participate in a boss battle on a second playthrough, the dialogue will be altered depending on actions in previous playthroughs.[9]

Plot

Undertale takes place in the Underground, a realm where monsters, once equals to humans, were banished to after war broke out between humans and monsters. The Underground is sealed from the surface world by an imperfect magic barrier, the only point of entry being at Mount Ebott.[10]

The game begins with a human child (initially unnamed but eventually revealed to be named Frisk) who has just fallen into the Underground. They encounter Flowey, a sentient flower who teaches Frisk how to fight and encourages them to raise their "LV" by gaining "EXP" through killing monsters.[a] Flowey then attempts to murder Frisk for his own amusement. Frisk is rescued by a motherly goat-like monster named Toriel, who teaches the child how to solve puzzles and survive conflict in the Underground without killing others. However, she also reveals her intentions to adopt Frisk and force them to live with her in the Ruins forever, wanting to protect Frisk from Asgore Dreemur, the king of the Underground.

Frisk eventually is able to venture through the Underground in order to reach the barrier located in the Asgore's castle. They learn that, to destroy the barrier and free the monsters, the king needs seven human souls, of which he has six. Throughout the game, they meet many monsters, and Frisk may either fight or resolve their encounters non-lethally. Among the monsters that the player encounters are the skeletons Sans and Papyrus, two brothers who act as sentries for the Underground; Undyne, the head of the royal guard; Alphys, the kingdom's royal scientist; and Mettaton, a robot built by Alphys.

The game's ending depends on how the player resolved all combat encounters with monsters.[7] If the player killed some (but not all) monsters, Frisk arrives at Asgore's castle and learns that they need a monster's soul to cross the barrier, forcing them to fight Asgore. Sans stops Frisk just before their confrontation, revealing that Frisk's "LV" or "LOVE" actually stands for "Level Of ViolencE" and "EXP" are "EXecution Points." Sans judges Frisk based on the combined resolution of the encounters. Frisk then battles Asgore, but Flowey interrupts them, kills Asgore, and steals the human souls for himself, causing him to transform into a monstrous abomination. In this form, Flowey steals the player's ability to save and reload the game, using these features himself against the player. With the aid of the rebelling human souls, Frisk defeats Flowey, falls unconscious, and wakes up on the human side of the barrier; they receive a phone call from Sans that explains the state of the Underground after Frisk's departure.

If the player has spared all monsters, as well as completed a previous playthrough of the game, it is revealed Flowey is Asriel, the deceased son of Asgore and Toriel, inadvertently revived by Alphys during experimentation. Toriel intervenes before Frisk fights Asgore, and is joined by the other monsters Frisk has befriended. Flowey ambushes the group, using the souls of all the monsters to take an older Asriel's form to fight Frisk. However, Frisk is able to connect with their new friends during the fight, and eventually use them to overpower Flowey. Flowey reverts to the form of Asriel as a child, and destroys the barrier, and expresses his remorse to the others before leaving. The monsters are shown reintegrating with the humans on the surface, while Frisk has the option of accepting Toriel as their adoptive mother or leaving the Underground.

If the player has killed all the monsters in what is called the "Genocide run",[9] Frisk becomes influenced by the malevolent spirit of another human child (who is named by the player but canonically known as "Chara") who also fell into the Underground and was adopted by Toriel and Asgore. Chara eventually committed suicide by eating buttercup flowers, and Asriel was killed by humans that same night while attempting to return Chara's body to the surface world; these events provoked Asgore into starting the war between monsters and humans. When Frisk reaches Asgore's castle, Sans attempts to stop them, but is slain in battle. Frisk then easily kills Asgore and Flowey. Chara assumes control and, with or without the consent of the player, destroys the universe. If the player wishes to play the game again, they must sell their soul to Chara in order for them to restore the universe.

While the player can restart the game, their choices remain in place in the subsequent runthrough, unless the player deletes the local content for the game.[9] For example, should the player restart from the second ending, Flowey criticizes the player for trying to overwrite the characters' happy ending, while if the player completes the Genocide run, Chara reappears in various places in the subsequent runthroughs.[9]

Development

Undertale was developed by Toby Fox across "2.7 years".[11] Fox worked on the entire game independently, besides some of the art; he decided to work independently to avoid relying on others.[11] The idea for the game originated when Fox created a battle system in GameMaker, which Undertale followed.[12] He wanted to develop a role-playing game that was different from the traditional design, which he often found "boring to play".[13] He set out to develop a game with "interesting characters", and that "utilizes the medium as a storytelling device ... instead of having the story and gameplay abstractions be completely separate".[13] Fox has little experience with game development; he and his three brothers often used RPG Maker 2000 to make role-playing games, though few were ever completed. Fox also worked on a number of EarthBound ROM hacks while in high school.[13]

Undertale was funded through Kickstarter. Launched on June 25, 2013, the campaign had a goal of US$5,000; it ended on July 25, 2013, with US$51,124 raised by 2,398 people.[14] Fox has expressed interest in porting Undertale to other platforms. The game is unable to be ported to a Nintendo platform without reprogramming, as the game engine does not support the platforms.[11]

Gameplay and art design

The game's defensive segment within the battle system was inspired by the Mario & Luigi series (2003–present), as well as bullet hell shooters such as the Touhou Project (1996–present).[15] When working on the battle system, Fox set out to create a mechanic that he would personally enjoy.[16] He wanted Undertale to have a battle system as equally engaging as Super Mario RPG (1996) and Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga (2003). Fox did not want grinding to be necessary at any point in the game, instead leaving it optional to players. He also did not wish to introduce fetch quests, as they involve backtracking, which he dislikes.[11] In terms of the game's difficulty, Fox ensured that it was easy and enjoyable. He asked some friends who are inexperienced with bullet hell shooters to test the game, and found that they were able to complete it. He felt that the game's difficulty is optimal, particularly considering the complications involved in adding another difficulty setting.[17]

Temmie Chang worked as the main artistic assistant for the game, providing most of the sprites and concept art.[18] Fox has said that the game's art style would likely remain the same if he had access to a larger team of artists. He found that "there's a psychological thread that says audiences become more attached to characters drawn simply rather in detail", particularly benefiting from the use of visual gags within the art.[19]

Story and character development

For the game's writing, Fox was partly influenced by the silliness of internet culture, as well as comedy shows like Mr. Bean (1990–1995). He was also inspired by the unsettling atmosphere of Earthbound (1994).[11] Fox's desire to "subvert concepts that go unquestioned in many games" further influenced Undertale's development.[20] The game's dialogue system was inspired by the Shin Megami Tensei games (1987–present),[15] particularly the gameplay mechanic whereby players can talk to monsters to avoid conflict. Fox intended to expand upon this mechanic, as failing to negotiate resulted in a requirement to fight. "I want to create a system that satisfied my urge for talking to monsters," he said.[2] When he began developing this mechanic, the concept of completing the game without killing any enemies "just evolved naturally".[20] However, he never considered removing the option to fight throughout development.[20] When questioned on the difficulty of playing the game without killing, Fox responded that it is "the crux of one of the major themes of this game", asking players to think about it themselves.[20]

Fox found that the writing became easier after establishing a character's voice and mood. He also felt that creating the world was a natural process, as it expressed the stories of those within it.[19] Fox felt the importance to make the game's monsters "feel like an individual".[15] He cited the Final Fantasy series (1987–present) as the opposite; "all monsters in RPGs like Final Fantasy are the same ... there's no meaning to that".[15] The character of Toriel, who is one of the first to appear in the game, was created as a parody of tutorial characters. Fox strongly disliked the use of the companion character Fi in The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword (2011), in which the answers to puzzles were often revealed early. Fox also felt that role-playing video games generally lack mother character; in the Pokemon series (1996–present), as well as Mother (1989) and EarthBound (1994), Fox felt that the mothers are used as "symbols rather than characters".[13] In response, Fox intended for Toriel's character to be "a mom that hopefully acts like a mom", and "genuinely cares" about players' actions.[13]

Music and sound production

The game's soundtrack was entirely composed by Fox. A self-taught musician, Fox composed most of the tracks with little iteration; the game's main theme, "Undertale", was the only song to undergo multiple iterations in development. The soundtrack was inspired by music from Super Nintendo role-playing games,[11] such as the Mother series (1989–2006),[21] as well as the webcomic Homestuck (2009–present), which Fox provided music for.[11] Fox has also stated that he tries to be inspired by all music he listens to,[16] particularly those in video games.[21] Fox claims that over 90% of the songs were composed specifically for the game. For each section of the game, Fox composed the music prior to programming, as it helped "decide how the scene should go".[12] He initially tried using a music tracker to compose the soundtrack, but found it difficult to use. He ultimately decided to play segments of the music separately, and connect them on a track.[21] Tyler Hicks of GameSpot compared the music to "bit-based melodies".[22]

Reception

Undertale received critical acclaim, and quickly became considered a cult video game by numerous publications.[29][30][31] Review aggregator Metacritic calculated an average score of 92 out of 100, indicating "universal acclaim", based on 40 reviews.[23] Metacritic ranks the game the third-highest rated Windows game released in 2015,[23] and among the top 25 of all time.[32] Praise was particularly directed at the game's writing, unique characters, and combat system. GameSpot's Tyler Hicks declared it "one of the most progressive and innovative RPGs to come in a long time",[22] and IGN's Kallie Plagge called it "a masterfully crafted experience".[26] By the end of 2015, in a preliminary report by Steam Spy, Undertale was one of the best-selling games on Steam, with 530,343 copies sold.[33]

Daniel Tack of Game Informer called the game's combat system "incredibly nuanced", commenting on the uniqueness of each enemy encounter.[25] Giant Bomb's Austin Walker praised the complexity of the combat, commenting that it is "unconventional, clever, and occasionally really difficult".[24] Ben "Yahtzee" Croshaw of The Escapist commended the game's ability to blend "turn-based and live combat elements in a way that actually fucking works".[34] IGN's Plagge avoided the ability to avoid combat, opting for friendly conversations instead.[26]

Reviewers praised the game's writing and narrative, with IGN's Plagge calling it "excellent".[26] The Escapist's Croshaw considered Undertale the best-written game of 2015, writing that is "on the one hand hilarious ... and is also, by the end, rather heartfelt".[34] Destructoid's Ben Davis praised the game's characters, and use of comedy.[4] PC Gamer's Richard Cobbett provided similar comments, writing that "even its weaker moments ... just about work".[27] Breitbart's Ned Price commended the "soul and charm" that the game conveys through its writing, but noted that the dialogue often "borders on cringey random humor".[35]

The game's visuals received mixed reactions. Giant Bomb's Walker called it "simple, but communicative".[24] IGN's Plagge wrote that the game "isn't always pretty" and "often ugly", but felt that the music and animations compensate.[26] Breitbart's Price named the art "bland and not on the same level of detail as the excellent character design",[35] and The Escapist's Croshaw remarked that "it wobbles between basic and functional to just plain bad".[34] Other reviewers liked the graphics: Daniel Tack of Game Informer felt that the visuals appropriately match the characters and settings,[25] while Richard Cobbett of PC Gamer commended the ability of the visuals to convey emotion.[27]

Accolades

Undertale has received multiple awards and nominations from several gaming publications. It won Game of the Year from The Jimquisition[36] and Zero Punctuation,[37] as well as Game of the Month from Rock, Paper, Shotgun.[38] The game won the vote for Best Game Ever from GameFAQs,[39] and was also awarded Best PC Game from Destructoid[40] and IGN.[41] The game has numerous pending nominations at the DICE Awards,[42] Game Developers Choice Awards,[43] and Independent Games Festival Awards.[44]

References

Notes
  1. ^ "LV" and "EXP", in most computer role-playing games, are abbreviations for "level" and "experience points", respectively.
Footnotes
  1. ^ Breckinridge, Dora (September 16, 2015). "Undertale - Walkthrough, Tips, Review". Jay Is Games. Archived from the original on February 17, 2016. Retrieved February 17, 2016. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  2. ^ a b c Hudson, Laura (September 24, 2015). "In Undertale, you can choose to kill monsters — or understand them". Boing Boing. Happy Mutants. Archived from the original on January 20, 2016. Retrieved January 20, 2016. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  3. ^ a b Cobbett, Richard (September 21, 2015). "The RPG Scrollbars: Undertale". Rock, Paper, Shotgun. Gamer Network. Archived from the original on January 20, 2016. Retrieved October 31, 2015. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  4. ^ a b c d Davis, Ben (September 24, 2015). "Review: Undertale". Destructoid. ModernMethod. Archived from the original on January 20, 2016. Retrieved January 21, 2016. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  5. ^ Bogos, Steven (June 2, 2013). "Undertale is an EarthBound Inspired Indie RPG". The Escapist. Defy Media. Archived from the original on January 20, 2016. Retrieved January 21, 2016. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  6. ^ Couture, Joel (September 22, 2015). "Guilt, Friendship, and Carrot Monsters — Undertale and the Consequences of Easy Violence". IndieGames.com. UBM plc. Archived from the original on January 20, 2016. Retrieved January 20, 2016. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  7. ^ a b Farokhmanesh, Megan (July 7, 2013). "UnderTale combines classic RPG gameplay with a pacifist twist". Polygon. Vox Media. Archived from the original on September 26, 2015. Retrieved September 25, 2015. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  8. ^ a b Welhouse, Zach (October 8, 2015). "Undertale - Review". RPGamer. Archived from the original on January 20, 2016. Retrieved January 21, 2016.
  9. ^ a b c d Grayson, Nathan (September 28, 2015). "Players Still Haven't Figured Out All Of Undertale's Secrets". Kotaku. Gawker Media. Archived from the original on February 17, 2016. Retrieved February 17, 2016. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  10. ^ tobyfox (15 September 2015). Undertale (0.9.9.5 ed.). Scene: Intro.
  11. ^ a b c d e f g Turi, Tim (October 15, 2015). "GI Show – Yoshi's Woolly World, Star Wars: Battlefront, Undertale's Toby Fox". Game Informer. GameStop. Archived from the original on January 20, 2016. Retrieved January 20, 2016. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  12. ^ a b Feeld, Julian (October 9, 2015). "INTERVIEW: TOBY FOX OF UNDERTALE". The Existential Gamer. FEELD Creative Agency. Archived from the original on January 20, 2016. Retrieved January 20, 2016. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  13. ^ a b c d e Hogan, Sean (May 25, 2013). "Toby Fox's Undertale – DEV 2 DEV INTERVIEW #1". seagaia. Archived from the original on January 20, 2016. Retrieved January 20, 2016. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
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