Undertale

It’s been a long time since we’ve played a game that manages to surprise so often and in so many unique ways, and even if it doesn’t look like much, Undertale has way more going for it under the surface. Excellently written characters, a genre-bending battle system and a solid soundtrack make this one an easy recommendation, especially to RPG lovers. Do yourself a favour and give this one a download.

Without spoiling the many ways it will screw with your expectations, it isn't possible to truly capture how wonderful Undertale is. You wouldn't know it with a passing glance, but it's one of the most progressive and innovative RPGs to come in a long time, breaking down tradition for the sake of invention, with great success.

Going through the experience today, it’s easy to see why Undertale was the talk of the town two years ago. It’s not an overly long playthrough, but it’s an impactful 7+ hours. A slow burn that starts off cute, but builds up to an absolutely thrilling last couple hours. I’m not sure if the Pope has gotten around to playing it yet, but he would be doing himself a disservice if he hasn’t.

It's hard to express just how much I adore Undertale without spoiling anything significant, but that's what I love about it. It tells its story in such a dynamic way, and with such a great understanding of the RPG player’s mindset, that it couldn’t have been told in any other way. It's a masterfully crafted experience that I won't forget any time soon.

What is left to be said about Undertale that hasn’t been hackneyed a million times before? Toby Fox has the makings of being our generation’s Miyamoto, and Undertale is his Super Mario Bros. Undertale is more than a game: it’s a dang love letter to RPGs, and on a grander scale, the natural adventure of childhood. Fox himself has stated that his game deserves an 8/10. Agree to disagree, Mr. Fox.

Undertale no es un juego para todo el mundo, ni pretende serlo. Es una historia que se cuenta con modestia y desparpajo, que aborda temas importantes sin darse a sí mismo excesiva importancia (algo muy poco habitual en esta industria, huelga decir), que bajo su presentación visual minimalista esconde algunos de los momentos más hermosos, tristes y evocadores que ha dado de sí este medio que aún hoy en día se debate si es, o no, un arte.

Undertale puede considerarse una rareza, pero una de esas que ocurren cuando la forma de hacer videojuegos es tan uniforme y tan constreñida que sólo tomando el camino contrario se consigue sorprender. Pero la obra de Toby Fox no es sólo una anécdota. Está perfectamente planteada y esconde algo que conecta directa e indirectamente con todo aquél que haya pasado demasiado tiempo con un mando entre las manos.