Deltarune

Deltarune is a role-playing video game developed and published by Toby Fox. It is considered a spiritual successor to Undertale, sharing its pixel art aesthetic, humor, and player-driven storytelling while introducing new characters and settings. The game is released in episodic chapters, with Chapter 1 debuting in 2018 and Chapter 2 in 2021; Chapter 3 is in development with no confirmed date.

Setting and plot: The player controls Kris, a human child who teams up with Susie and a monster named Ralsei after being drawn into the Dark World, a parallel realm inhabited by monsters. The trio explores levels, solves puzzles, and confronts various factions as they uncover a larger mystery about the world's nature and the forces shaping it. The narrative uses self-referential humor and player choice to influence outcomes.

Gameplay: Deltarune combines exploration, puzzle solving, and turn-based combat similar to Undertale. In battles, players choose between Fight, Act, Item, and Mercy, with many encounters solvable through nonviolent actions or by exploiting patterns. The game emphasizes character interactions, atmosphere, and music, and features a party system centered on Kris, Susie, and Ralsei.

Development and reception: Announced in 2018, Deltarune has released two chapters to date, with more chapters planned. It has been praised for writing, character work, and musical score, though its episodic structure has drawn criticism for pacing and story completion. The title is available on Windows and macOS, with port releases to additional platforms announced but not yet universally released.