Undertale

What could I say that hasn't already been said about Undertale ? I hesitated a long time before buying and trying it, cause I was a bit afraid it would not hold on to its hype, disappoint me after a few hours and soon reach its limits. Looked like an enhanced RPG maker title and nothing more ... Man, was I wrong ! The gameplay is fun and the game reinvents itself at the very moment you think you've finally managed to make your way around it. The story is like amazing, especially when you realized it is, for the most part, a one-man game. Minimalism but great characterization, lots of humour, and I really do love how it uses everything the video game media can offer in terms of narration and design. Everything has a purpose, everything is meant to be, even when you thing you're screwing around. The fights are an interesting combination of puzzles (should I make a joke ? then pet them ? or maybe just flex and pick on them ?) and bullet hell/shoot'em'up ... but it's so much more. It can definitely be challenging, but it's never unfair. Also so many nice details and depth in the lore, the universe, the characters ... I truly hope somewhere on this planet, someone is teaching the art of narration by using Undertale as an example. Then you've got the soundtrack. This amazing masterpiece of a soundtrack. Every place, every character has its own musical theme and it adds so much to the atmosphere and the immersion. Maybe this is the word I want to end my review with : immersion. Undertale is something else entirely, not really an RPG, except when you decide it is ; not just a story about a child getting lost in the underground world, it's funny and adorable except when it's really not, but above all, it's extremely immersive. PS : also Undyne is the best, don't argue. (Just kidding - everyone's so interesting and adorable, ugh, I can't even) (She really is the best though)

Ignore the reviews that hate this game purely for its success or its fanbase. On its own, it's a game that can at one point make you laugh and others hit you in the gut, while still being fun to play. I usually dislike text only turn based RPGs with text only dialogue, but it works here esp due to the incredible soundtrack. Undertale is a gem.

What surprised and delighted me most about Undertale was how well-rounded a product it actually is. Sure, the bullet-hell mechanics are okayish, but that's neither the central mechanic of the game, nor its main draw. Talking to monsters, forming friendships with fantastically written characters, getting to know more about this mysterious setting - one which welcomes you with open arms, while having more than enough to keep you intrigued, that's priceless. I like how the metafictional aspects of the game aren't restricted to cutesy in-jokes either - they're important parts of the narrative, as well as being a deconstruction of why we play RPG games in general. This is more than evident in one of the routes you can take in the game - but saying more wouls spoil things. I'vr quite probably been spoilt by having jumped on the train quite late, when there's little to no toxicity the Undertale fandom became infamous for. Even so, any piece of art should be judged on its own merits, sometimes even on the merits of the artist themselves - but never by the people consuming it. (Also, it's got one of the best OSTs ever)

Many will tell you this game is not really a new experience. But if you're a bit honest - and invested in the fandom - you will surely enjoy the warmth that the characters exude and the shenanigans along the way. Overall, an amazing experience and it's worth every single bit of cash. It can make you remember the story and the heart-wrenching emotions it can stir even long after you've finished the game. It's a throwback to games with storyline, games that offer the player a narrative, instead of just the gaming experience (interacting with objects, monsters and the bullet-hell battles), something I find really touching about this game.

One of VERY few games that I can forgive for closing itself and screwing with basic functionality. Just play it and see for yourself. I went for a neutral into a full pacifist run myself, and would most likely suggest that to anyone.