Fox, T. (2015). Undertale [Video game]. tobyfox. https://undertale.com

Undertale is a role-playing video game developed by Toby Fox, released in 2015. The game employs a top-down perspective, allowing players to control a child navigating the Underground, a realm inhabited by monsters. The primary objective is to return to the surface, with players making choices that significantly influence the narrative's progression and outcome.

The gameplay combines turn-based combat with bullet hell mechanics. During encounters, players control a heart symbol representing the protagonist's soul, maneuvering it to evade attacks from adversaries. Players can choose to attack enemies through timed button presses or opt for non-violent actions such as complimenting or consoling foes, potentially leading to peaceful resolutions. This choice-driven system emphasizes morality, with decisions to fight or spare adversaries affecting the storyline and character interactions.

The Underground is a diverse environment featuring towns, caves, and various locales filled with puzzles that players must solve to advance. The game introduces a cast of characters, including Toriel, a nurturing figure who guides the protagonist; Sans and Papyrus, skeleton brothers with distinct personalities; Undyne, the head of the Royal Guard; and Alphys, the royal scientist. Interactions with these characters are pivotal, as building relationships can lead to different narrative paths and endings.

Undertale received critical acclaim for its innovative gameplay, engaging story, and unique approach to player choice and consequence. The game's soundtrack, also composed by Fox, garnered praise for its composition and contribution to the game's atmosphere. Commercially, Undertale was successful, selling over a million copies and earning accolades such as Game of the Year from various publications. Its impact on gaming culture is notable, with a dedicated fanbase and recognition as one of the greatest video games ever made.

The game's legacy continued with the release of Deltarune, a related game set in a parallel universe, with chapters released in 2018 and 2021. Undertale's influence persists in discussions about game design, particularly regarding its subversion of traditional role-playing game mechanics and its emphasis on empathy and player agency.