Unearth a treasure trove of “anti-RPG” games that cater to the discerning taste of Undertale fans! This article highlights several games that, just like Undertale, cleverly twist traditional RPG elements, enriching them with fresh, innovative features.
It sheds light on a diverse lineup, including the highly recommendable Deltarune from Undertale’s creator himself, Toby Fox, the irresistibly hilarious West Of Loathing, the unique mix of Undertale and Guitar Hero in Everhood, and more.
All games distinctively maintain a creative, unconventional spin on the RPG genre, ensuring a thrilling gaming adventure for Undertale aficionados. So ready your controllers for an unforgettable journey into these remarkable “anti-RPG” worlds.
Understanding Undertale
A brief introduction to Undertale
Undertale is a vastly admired game renowned for subverting typical RPG conventions, giving it the label of an “anti-RPG.” The game’s story is centered around a human child who finds freedom in a subterranean world teeming with monsters. It calls on players to work their way through monster-filled locations, yet it’s their choice to fight or not, and their decisions impact the narrative.
The unconventional nature of Undertale
Undertale is known for its unique approach to RPG norms, shunning common tropes for innovative ones. Instead of rewarding killing, Undertale often encourages mercy and kindness and provides puzzles that more than meet the eye, with enemies becoming friends as your action decisions result in multiple outcomes, offering an extensive replay value.
The impact of Undertale on the RPG genre
Its unconventional approach to character interactivity and choice consequence significantly impacted the RPG genre. The game redefined expectations and shifted playing attitudes, proving that RPGs can be appreciated for the narrative and character depth, not just the traditional combat and looting systems.
1. Deltarune
The connection between Deltarune and Undertale
Deltarune, a game created by Toby Fox—the mastermind behind Undertale—is another anti-RPG that offers an experience reminiscent of Undertale’s style. It boasts a familiar gameplay style and nods to its predecessor’s art style, making it a worthy successor for Undertale fans.
Release date and available platforms for Deltarune
Deltarune debuted its first chapter back on October 31, 2018. It is available on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and computer operating systems like Windows and macOS.
Unique features in Deltarune that mirror Undertale
Deltarune’s gameplay has uncanny similarities to Undertale’s. Its battle system supplies an array of strategic and ethical choices, humorous dialogue, and engaging puzzles. Much like Undertale, the game shines with quirky humor and a meaningful narrative, making the gameplay experience more profound.
Genre of Deltarune
Deltarune falls under the genre of role-playing video games, albeit with unconventional mechanics that make it an “anti-RPG” similar to Undertale.
2. West Of Loathing
The humor-infused RPG interface
West Of Loathing is a light-hearted parody of RPGs. Its monochromatic, simplistic art style adds a unique twist, and it brims with humor integrated into every aspect of the game, from the ridiculous combat system to the absurd, laugh-inducing characters and locales.
Release date and platforms for West Of Loathing
West Of Loathing was released on August 10, 2017, and is available on platforms like Nintendo Switch, Windows, iOS, macOS, and Linux.
Similarities with Undertale
Despite its comedic approach, West Of Loathing shares a unique gameplay mechanic with Undertale, where your actions and approach to encounters mold your game experience, making each playthrough distinctive.
Genre of West Of Loathing
Comedic in nature, West Of Loathing can be classified as an adventure, role-playing game spruced up with a delightfully humorous coat of paint.
3. Everhood
Crossover between Undertale and Guitar Hero
Everhood cleverly blends Undertale’s story-driven style with rhythm gameplay similar to Guitar Hero. Players battle through music-dance matchups and navigate mind-bending puzzles in this vibrant, strange world filled with peculiar inhabitants.
Release date and platforms for Everhood
Everhood launched on March 4, 2021, and it’s available on platforms such as Nintendo Switch and Microsoft Windows.
Unique features in Everhood
Aside from its rhythm-based battles and compelling narrative, Everhood also possesses Undertale’s knack for encouraging alternative conflict resolution. Battles can be resolved through dancing rather than fighting, making it a fresh RPG experience.
Genre of Everhood
Everhood can be classified as a role-playing game that takes on aspects of a rhythm game, fitting into the anti-RPG genre thanks to its unique story and gameplay mechanics.
4. OneShot
The fourth-wall-breaking game
OneShot takes a unique approach to the RPG genre, often breaking the fourth wall. The protagonist, a cat-like child named Niko, is aware they’re in a game, and you—the player—are their guide, creating a captivating meta-layer of gameplay.
Release date and platforms for OneShot
OneShot was released on December 8, 2016, and is playable on the Windows, macOS, and Linux platforms.
Comparisons with Undertale’s gameplay
Like Undertale, OneShot offers puzzle-solving tasks and moral choices that impact the story. However, it takes it a notch further with its meta-narrative, frequently recognizing its existence as a game, similar to Undertale’s quirky vibe and innovative gameplay.
Genre of OneShot
OneShot is primarily a puzzle-adventure game with role-playing aspects, but its unique premise and gameplay quirks make it fit right into the anti-RPG category.
5. Child of Light
Poetic spin to RPG
Child of Light is an RPG known for its poetic dialogues and atmospheric art style. It showcases turn-based battles and explorative puzzles, enveloped in a story presented like a fairy tale.
Release date and platforms for Child of Light
Child of Light was released on April 30, 2014. The game is available on multiple platforms, including PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, Wii U, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Windows, and Nintendo Switch.
Common elements with Undertale
Like Undertale, Child of Light also features a story-driven and emotive atmosphere. Its narrative depth and character development align closely with Undertale’s charm, although it follows a more conventional RPG structure.
Genre of Child of Light
Despite possessing traditional RPG elements, Child of Light’s focus on narrative and atmospheric immersion makes it a part of the anti-RPG genre.
6. Heartbound
Emotional storyline similar to Undertale
Heartbound is an adventure game focusing on story, emotions, and character relationships. Its narrative jogs through variations of plot points, driven by the decisions and actions you take as a player.
Release date and platforms for Heartbound
Heartbound made its steamed Early Access entry on December 25, 2018, and has yet to announce a full release. It’s available to play on Microsoft Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Similar gameplay mechanics to Undertale
The game draws parallels with Undertale through its focused narrative and intricate characters. The moral decisions altering the game’s outcome provide a similar gameplay experience, proving an immersive game where your actions matter.
Genre of Heartbound
Heartbound falls under indie adventure roleplaying games, but its focus on story and emotional depth brings it within the anti-RPG genre.
7. Off
Unique approach to RPG
Off, with its minimalist yet eerie style, provides a unique approach to RPG. It is known for its unsettling atmosphere and cryptic, metaphor-laden narrative accompanied by strategic turn-based battles.
Release date and platforms for Off
Off was originally released in French in 2008 and later got an English translation in 2011. You can play Off on Microsoft Windows and macOS.
How Off resonates with Undertale fans
Off shares Undertale’s dark, twisted universe with added complexity. The grim atmosphere overlaid with peculiar elements and narrative depth makes it a compelling choice for Undertale aficionados.
Genre of Off
Off could fit snugly into the niche of offbeat role-playing games, with its bizarre narrative and characters positioning it as an idiosyncratic entry in the RPG, or perhaps more fittingly anti-RPG, genre.
8. Wandersong
Musical-fantasy RPG
Wandersong spins RPG traditions and lets players venture into music-based challenges rather than combats to move the narrative forward. In a bright, colorful world, you play as a singing bard endearing to save the world.
Release date and platforms for Wandersong
Wandersong was released on September 27, 2018, and is playable on Microsoft Windows, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, macOS, and Linux.
Similarities to Undertale’s style
Like Undertale, Wandersong lets you interact with enemies without violence. Its color-coded music puzzles and heartfelt narrative give it a vibe consistent with Undertale’s innovative approach to RPG.
Genre of Wandersong
Wandersong is a vibrant combination of adventure, puzzle, music, and role-playing genres, fitting comfortably into the anti-RPG spectrum.
9. Indivisible
Hybrid of platformer and RPG elements
Indivisible is a unique amalgamation of action RPG and platforming elements—featuring real-time battles infused with strategic maneuvers, explorative puzzles, and an intriguing storyline.
Release date and platforms for Indivisible
Indivisible was released on October 8, 2019, on platforms including Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, macOS, Linux, and Windows.
How it mirrors Undertale in style and layout
Like Undertale, Indivisible showcases character-rich narrative and unconventional combat mechanics revamping the standard RPG format, providing an experience much in the same vein as Undertale.
Genre of Indivisible
Indivisible fuses action, platform, and RPG elements standing as a unique instance of the RPG genre, and therefore can also be referred to as an anti-RPG.
