The Timeless Characters, Art, and Music of Undertale

Next year will mark the 10th anniversary of the release of Undertale, the critically acclaimed game from Toby Fox that has captivated players with its unique style, unforgettable characters, and mesmerizing music. In a world where most video games seem focused on the annihilation of enemies through violence and cunning, Undertale is a breath of fresh air and packs a powerful message. 

At first glance, Undertale might look like a typical role-playing game (RPG), as the player follows a human child on their journey through the Underworld, where monsters have been forced to live ever since their conflict with humans in bygone times. But the monsters are nothing like the usual adversaries you expect to tackle. Each one has a rich backstory, unique personality, and individual motivations. You get the feeling that this world has existed long before your arrival – the monsters know each other, have relationships, friendships, and rivalries, and frequently interrupt each other’s encounters with you for their own purposes. The options for interacting with a character are unique to their personality; horrifying Temmie by flexing your muscles, for example, or flirting with Moldsmal (what a meaningful conversation!). One of the most incredible moments for me in the game was in the fight with Toriel at the end of the Ruins. Once your HP is low, Toriel’s bullets avoid you during her attack, showing that she doesn’t want to kill you. These tiny details are what make Undertale so impactful and bring such life to its characters.

The point of Undertale is that sparing your adversary is always an option. It’s a game that can be won without shedding even a drop of pixelated blood. You can choose the path of the true pacifist and complete the game without fighting any monsters. Or, as the Undertale team describes it, “Ignore this choice and rain destruction upon your foes.” The choices you make have consequences, and seeing how these choices impact the characters and the world is an emotional journey like no other. Maybe most startling of all, the consequences of previous actions persist even when you return to a save point, as writers for IGN were amazed to discover. The outcome of the game depends on whether you follow the pacifist, neutral, or genocidal route, making Undertale a game you will want to play again and again.

There has been a lot of discussion among fans about the art style of Undertale. The classic pixel art feels nostalgic, giving the game a timeless appeal. The backgrounds are simple and minimalist, but each of the five sections is different so the game never feels stale. The more you play the game, the more you come to appreciate the attention to detail in each of the characters. While their appearance looks simple and minimalist at first, players soon appreciate the minute changes in expression that can mirror the character’s dialogue. In fights, the bullets and other attacks launched by adversaries are also individual to the character, like Aaron’s sweat or Napstablook’s tears. These tiny details add complexity to the game belied by its simple pixel art style. The art of Undertale brings to life the cleverness and humor of the creative team. Toby Fox developed much of the concept art; in his own words, “You don’t have to draw amazingly to make a game.” The bringing to life of his work is credited to a team of talented animators and illustrators. The Undertale Art Book, published a year after the game’s release, shows the journey from Fox’s first sketches to the finished product, with his unique and hilarious insights along the way. As with everything Undertale, it’s the way the story is told that makes the book a brilliant companion to the game.

And what would Undertale be without its incredible soundtrack? Toby Fox’s masterful compositions perfectly complement the game’s atmosphere, enhancing the experience and immersing players in its world. The music brings depth and complexity to the game that works wonderfully with the art style to tell the story and communicate its message in a unique way. Whether it’s the hauntingly beautiful melodies of “His Theme” or the catchy, upbeat tunes of “Megalovania,” the music of Undertale stays with you long after you’ve finished playing. Each track captures the essence of the characters and their stories, amplifying the emotional impact of scenes in a way you won’t forget. Yoko Shimomura, the world-renowned composer and pianist known for her work on Kingdom Hearts, Live A Live, Street Fighter, and Final Fantasy XV, best described it when she said, “[Undertale] naturally came about from Toby exploring his love of games and music.”

Undertale is a game that defies time. Every aspect is crafted with care and attention to detail and infused with a quirky, infectious humor. Toby Fox’s visionary creation invites us to step into a world where every choice matters and kindness is rewarded over violence. Its message is no less powerful a decade on – and perhaps even more so in today’s world. If you haven’t already checked it out, it should be next on your list of games to play; you can even download a free demo from the Undertale website to get a taste of the gameplay and characters. I guarantee you won’t regret it.

Have you played Undertale? Leave a comment to let us know what you think. And don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter to get the latest in gaming, pop culture, online deals, and more.

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