Developer: Toby Fox
Platforms: macOS, PC (Reviewed), PS4, PS5, Switch, Switch 2
Genre: RPG
Publisher: Toby Fox, 8-4
Deltarune is an episodic role-playing game. This game was developed by Toby Fox and published by Toby Fox and 8-4. Deltarune plays as a parallel story of Undertale. This review was done for the PC version, but the game is also available for Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, macOS and PlayStation 4|5.
Deltarune follows the story of Kris, a human living in a town full of monsters. After being sent to fetch chalk with a classmate named Sussie, the two fall through a dark abyss and reach the mysterious Dark World. The Dark World is a surreal, magical realm where Kris meets new characters, friends and foes and fulfils the legendary prophecy. With the recent release of two additional chapters, our heroes face greater battles and unexpected encounters in order to successfully seal the fountain.
The controls and mechanics for Deltarune are extremely responsive and have no delays. As the combat requires sheer focus to dodge counterattacks, the controls make it easy to keep certain fights under control. Additionally, the gameplay is not as complicated, and you do not require several controls at once. I mainly played Deltarune with a keyboard/mouse and found myself only using a few buttons at max. I would say that for the style of this game, a controller makes the game even more accessible and easier to control.
Deltarune blends retro charm with surrealism, creating visuals that give a nostalgic feel but are refreshingly new. You get a sense of simple graphics, from clean pixels and sprites to minimalistic environments and a limited colour palette, but Deltarune is much more than what meets the eye. Each character design is expressive, and there is a great distinction in their personalities, from a hardcore bully, Sussie, to the endearing awkwardness of Ralsei. I quite like the inclusion of simplistic animations that will show the tone of each character, from wavering arms to sweat drops. By far, the best part of the visuals are the full-motion cutscenes that delve into the various character interactions and unfold the lore. Each ‘Dark World’ features a distinct visual identity that many would enjoy when embarking on this journey. Chapter 1 evokes classic fantasy RPGs with a castle-like setting. Chapter 2 shifts into a bright neon, cyber-themed setting. Chapter 3 introduces a game-show TV aesthetic, with Chapter 4 being a more gothic, church-based setting. The different worlds you embark on make Deltarune even more exciting as you encounter characters respective to each setting with stunning charm.
Deltarune’s OST is unbeatable, being extremely layered and cascading through memorable tunes that will hype you through this unexpected journey. Each chapter focuses on a different soundtrack, from haunting tunes to chaotic and disruptive music that is catchy. Even the sound effects for Deltarune are minimalistic but create an unforgettable environment. For instance, the gibberish dialogue between each character gets ingrained into your brain the more you play. I especially love the sound design for when you engage in a battle, as timely cues make the game so much more impeccable.
When you start Deltarune, you’re given the option to begin from Chapter 1, which I chose to do. I hadn’t played the game since Chapter 2 was released back in 2021, so to fully immerse myself again, I decided to start from the very beginning. And honestly, it was worth it. I haven’t completely finished the game yet, but Deltarune is incredibly addictive. When it first launched in 2018, players were immediately drawn to its unique combat system and intriguing lore. With each new chapter, the fanbase only grew more passionate. I remember being obsessed with Game Theory at the time, diving deep into theories and trying to uncover the secrets of the world Toby Fox had built. So when I heard that not just one but two new chapters were being released, I had to jump back in. And I was blown away by how much I still enjoyed it—both for the nostalgia and for how fresh it still feels today. As far as Chapters 1 and 2 go, nothing major seemed to have changed from what I remember. But the real excitement was in Chapters 3 and 4, which brought a whole new level of fun and creativity. They truly reminded me why I fell in love with this game in the first place.
First and foremost, Deltarune is an RPG where you play the role of Kris, and you meet several characters along the way who become a part of your party. Your main party consists of Susie and Ralsei, each having specific skill and magic attacks. For instance, Ralsei is, you could say, more like a mage where she can heal allies, and Susie is leaning toward heavy brute attacks. As you play Deltarune, you will encounter several fights that will help you gain coins and XP that can be used to buy items and increase the stats for each of your party members. Of course, Deltarune does not always entice you to fight; you could take the pacifist way out if you are truly up for a challenge, but for me, I enjoy defeating all the enemies I encounter.
Deltarune features a unique combat system that I fell in love with. Normally, I am not a fan of turn-based combat because it feels so one-ended and boring (plus it gets highly repetitive), but in the case of this game, the combat is different and stands alone. You get an option to choose your attacks, use items, spells, or spare enemies, but the counterattack from enemies makes the game even more exciting. Rather than just a hit, your ‘soul’ gets put into a box where you have to physically avoid incoming daggers, spikers, hearts, and so much more. The more you play, the more intense each fight gets, which is exhilarating. Besides the fascinating attack sequences, there are creative actions that players can choose from that make them think outside of the box. For instance, in Chapter 2, you have the option to dance with the three speaker-head mini-bosses, and that allows you to ‘defeat’ them without actually attacking them. Or when you have the ability to throw Kris to unplug enemies from their cyber states. Deltarune’s combat is everything, for players who have previously enjoyed this will enjoy it even more with the new Chapter releases. The bosses only get harder, but it’s fun. At times you feel like you’ll die over a little mishap, but I liked understanding the pattern for certain boss fights that made combat even better and smoother. Deltarune is difficult but not difficult in a way that would make you give up.
The charm of Deltarune that keeps players coming back isn’t just its quirky humour or creative combat—it’s the narrative, a story layered with mystery, emotional depth, and characters that feel genuinely alive. Each chapter peels back just enough of the world to spark new questions, theories, and emotional investment, making it nearly impossible to walk away without wanting to know what happens next. Besides just the main story, you have the opportunity to uncover secrets by talking to other side characters or exploring areas you are explicitly told to. Deltarune invites the player to explore but, most importantly, integrates creative puzzles that blend into the environment and get you to think. This adds another layer to the gameplay, which I thoroughly enjoyed. Each puzzle is always engaging and never too difficult. Puzzles can be anything from lining up lining, up tiles, solving rhythm-based sequences, or navigating mazes; the puzzles are designed to keep the pace varied without dragging down the story. In later chapters, especially Chapters 3 and 4, the puzzles become more inventive, incorporating sound cues, perspective shifts, and thematic elements that reflect the world you’re exploring.
If you’re looking for a game that blends quirky, heartfelt storytelling with surreal humour and unforgettable characters, then Deltarune is a journey you don’t want to miss. With its striking pixel art, expressive animations, brilliant soundtrack, and a narrative that dances between comedy and existential dread, this is a world that pulls you in and refuses to let go. Step into Kris’s shoes, dive headfirst into strange Dark Worlds and uncover the mysteries that hide behind every corner. Be sure to check out Deltarune!
Overall: 9/10
This is S & S. We are world game explorers. We play games. We have played over 10,000+ games! We travel, we write reviews AND we play more games!!!!
