Arriving as if from nowhere, RPG Undertale has catapulted straight to the top of all the 'Highest Reviewed Games Of All Time' charts almost overnight. In development by one Toby Fox for two years, it's now seeing 10/10s and 5 star reviews abound from critics, but the biggest roadblock Undertale's going to have in crossing over into bonafide cultural success territory, is with its extremely primitive graphics. The only thing I can say to that is; give it a chance. There's something about modern day polygon counts and framerate-watching that means we've forgotten what it used to mean to simply get lost in a game's world. Undertale's characterful and passionate approach evident in every single pixel of its existence is indescribably refreshing in the most enjoyable and nostalgically tinged way. Plot-wise it opens with the declaration that monsters have been forced underground by humans after a great war, a living situation that your character accidentally tumbles into. However, rather than be affronted by snarling creatures and fang-toothed shadows of the night, they've built a society; one packed with memorable characters, expertly written and hilarious dialogue - and a combat system that's completely unique. You're free to fight or befriend every last one of the 'enemies' seen across its runtime through a number of specific dialogue options - a tact that opens up some staggeringly different endings depending on how you play across the entire runtime. Undertale exists as a commentary on how we play games in general, whilst also being one of the most poignant reminders of why the RPG genre is one of the true greats, ending up a gorgeous experience that proves any aesthetic shortcomings can more than be made up for with bucketloads of charm. What's your favourite indie game that simply everyone should pay attention to? Let us know in the comments!
