What is DELTARUNE?
DELTARUNE is an episodic role-playing game developed and published by Toby Fox, the creator of the critically acclaimed indie hit UNDERTALE. First released as a surprise demo in October 2018 (Chapter 1), DELTARUNE quickly captivated fans with its nostalgic aesthetic, engaging characters, and familiar-yet-evolved combat mechanics. As of now, Chapters 1 and 2 are freely available, with Chapter 3 in development and a full release planned as a paid package.
Despite its shared DNA with UNDERTALE, DELTARUNE is not a direct sequel. It exists in an alternate universe where familiar characters appear with new relationships and motivations. This alternate setting offers both returning fans and newcomers a fresh yet comfortably recognizable experience.
Gameplay Mechanics: Familiar Foundations with Fresh Twists
Turn-Based Combat with Depth
DELTARUNE builds on the bullet-hell-infused turn-based combat that made UNDERTALE unique. Players can fight, act, use items, or spare enemies, and the game's "ACT" and "MERCY" systems return in updated forms. In contrast to UNDERTALE, the party-based system in DELTARUNE adds strategic complexity. Controlling multiple characters—such as Kris, Susie, and Ralsei—requires thoughtful coordination and introduces group-based tactics.
Choices Still Matter—But Differently
While UNDERTALE emphasized moral choice and diverging story paths, DELTARUNE plays with expectations. Choices in DELTARUNE often appear significant but don’t always change the outcome—at least not yet. Toby Fox has stated that DELTARUNE’s story will be more linear, though themes of agency and consequence remain core to its narrative.
Narrative & Characters: Emotional Resonance in a Strange World
Chapter 1: The Call to Adventure
In Chapter 1, players control Kris, a quiet human living in a monster-populated town. After a school project gone awry, Kris and classmate Susie stumble into the “Dark World,” where they meet Ralsei and learn of their roles as "Heroes of Light." The chapter sets the tone for a larger conflict while introducing lovable, flawed characters with rich personalities.
Chapter 2: Escalation and Subversion
Chapter 2 expands the Dark World concept and deepens character development. New allies and antagonists—like the eccentric Queen and the charmingly chaotic Spamton—add flair and thematic complexity. Susie’s growth from a violent loner to a reluctant friend is particularly well-handled, offering moments of both levity and sincere emotion.
Themes: Identity, Control, and Reality
DELTARUNE digs into themes of control and destiny. While players guide Kris, there are moments where Kris seems to act independently—creating an unsettling dichotomy between the player and the protagonist. The game invites philosophical questions about autonomy, choice, and the nature of "playing" a character.
Art Style & Soundtrack: Nostalgia Meets Innovation
Visual Design
With its retro 16-bit aesthetic, DELTARUNE feels instantly familiar, but the level of polish is noticeably higher than in UNDERTALE. Animations are smoother, enemy designs more elaborate, and environments richer in detail. From the whimsical architecture of the Card Kingdom to the techno-surrealism of Cyber World, DELTARUNE excels at creating evocative, memorable spaces.
Music
Toby Fox’s music remains a standout feature. Tracks like “Field of Hopes and Dreams,” “BIG SHOT,” and “The World Revolving” are energetic, emotional, and full of character. The soundtrack seamlessly blends chiptune, orchestral, and experimental styles—often enhancing the narrative tone and emotional weight of key scenes.
Community and Fan Culture
Despite being only partially released, DELTARUNE has already inspired a robust fan community. Fan art, theories, remixes, and animations abound, much like UNDERTALE before it. The mystery surrounding the overarching story and characters fuels constant speculation and engagement.
Toby Fox’s open and occasionally cryptic communication style has also helped maintain interest. His humor, transparency, and respect for his audience keep fans excited and supportive—even as development takes time.
Criticism and Development Concerns
Pacing and Release Schedule
One major point of criticism is the long wait between chapters. Chapter 1 released in 2018, Chapter 2 in 2021, and the full game is still in development with no firm release date. While fans understand the indie nature of the project and Toby Fox’s health challenges, the slow rollout can be frustrating.
Linear Narrative
While the shift to a more linear story was a deliberate creative choice, some players miss the branching paths and moral complexity of UNDERTALE. For those who thrived on experimentation and consequence, DELTARUNE’s structure may feel more constrained.
Conclusion: A Worthy Evolution, Not a Sequel
DELTARUNE is not just a follow-up to UNDERTALE—it is a bold reimagining of what made its predecessor great, adapted to tell a different kind of story. It refines its combat, deepens its character writing, and amplifies its thematic ambitions, all while keeping the quirky charm and emotional resonance that made Toby Fox’s work iconic.
Though incomplete, DELTARUNE already shows signs of becoming something truly special. Its willingness to challenge player expectations, paired with an unmistakable creative voice, makes it one of the most anticipated indie titles of its time.
