The long-awaited release of the third and fourth chapters of Deltarune, along with the game’s official retail debut, has undoubtedly rekindled interest in a dedicated fanbase that never truly faded. As a dedicated gamer, I couldn’t resist diving into it on launch day—paying the price set by Toby Fox was an easy decision.
Despite Deltarune being incomplete, I firmly believe it will secure its spot in gaming history as an indie classic, much like its predecessor, Undertale.
Experiencing masterpieces like these can leave players with an insatiable craving for more content in the same vein. Given the uncertainty surrounding future Deltarune updates, exploring other titles has become a delightful necessity.
Fortunately, many captivating games—both high-profile and indie—offer a rich tapestry of narratives, relatable characters, and occasional existential musings that resonate with the vibes of Deltarune.
10 Undertale
If You Haven’t Played It Yet
It’s astonishing to think that some players might explore Deltarune without having first experienced Undertale. The latter serves as a spiritual predecessor, intricately woven into the fabric of Deltarune‘s storytelling. Many players, however, admit they haven’t played it, so let me make this clear: you really should.
Launched back in 2015, Undertale was nothing short of a revelation—a trendsetting indie title that reshaped expectations in gaming. Beneath its seemingly simplistic, pixelated graphics lies a complex gameplay experience paired with a deeply emotional narrative filled with unforgettable characters that have become cultural icons.
Having played Undertale soon after its release, I was already familiar with characters like Sans before even diving in.
This game is necessary not just for its legacy but also for enriching your understanding of Deltarune‘s narrative subtleties.
9 Kill
Let’s Get Real Sad Together
One of the fascinating aspects of both Deltarune and Undertale is their deconstructive take on the RPG genre, promoting peaceful conflict resolution over violence.
RPGs can be profoundly impactful if done right, often prompting players to engage in self-reflection.Omori is among the games that excel in this regard.
This title is layered and complex; discussing its story requires caution to avoid spoilers. It tackles sensitive subjects like depression and self-harm, making it potentially triggering for some.
Yet, if you can navigate its emotional weight, you’ll uncover a poignant narrative about a young boy grappling with his turmoil.
In addition to its intense themes, Omori features a compelling combat system that revolves around emotional states, offering a strategic depth reminiscent of Deltarune albeit with a distinct twist.
8 In Stars And Time
A Unique Approach to Metatextuality
Have you ever considered the mechanics of game saves from a different perspective? Typically viewed merely as a means to preserve progress, what if a game’s protagonist realized their ability to save was both a privilege and a constraint? This thought-provoking premise lies at the heart of In Stars and Time.
This enchanting RPG features a group of adventurers attempting to prevent a time-freezing catastrophe instigated by a deranged king. The twist? The main character, Siffrin, finds themselves stuck in a perpetual time loop, making conventional victory elusive.
Much like Deltarune, In Stars and Time excels in character development, presenting a team of endearing, identifiable characters that evoke genuine feelings of empathy and dread throughout the narrative.
7 Mother 3
Definitely Worth Seeking Out
Toby Fox’s admiration for the Mother/Earthbound series is well-documented, and it’s widely believed that his journey into game design began with a Halloween ROMHack for Earthbound. In 2021, he marked the 15th anniversary of Mother 3 on Twitter, expressing how vital the game was in shaping many of Undertale‘s iconic elements.
If you’re in the mood for something that echoes the spirit of Deltarune, Mother 3 is an excellent choice. It balances a quirky aesthetic with grave plot twists, delivering emotional punches that stay with players long after the credits roll.
Sadly, Mother 3 has not received an official Western release despite a fervent outcry for it. Yet, I urge you to find a way to experience this remarkable game—its impact is transformative.
6 OneShot
Your Existence Matters
If you’ve engaged with Deltarune or Undertale, you’re already familiar with games that delve into metatextual themes.OneShot stands out by having its narrative unfold in a world that is your own computer.
From the outset, the game establishes a unique relationship between you, the player, and the protagonist, Niko, whose quest demands your assistance beyond the screen.
While some challenges require in-game assets for resolution, several puzzles cleverly break the fourth wall, prompting you to navigate your computer’s operating system or adjust the game’s window to discover solutions.
For those prone to anxiety about such interactions, there’s a console version available, offering a simulated environment that mitigates any potential discomfort.
5 Celeste
A Journey of Self-Discovery
Deltarune centers on the journey of self-discovery for main characters Kris, Susie, and Ralsei. That same thematic exploration is deftly portrayed in Celeste—a title renowned for its nuanced handling of personal struggles.
Though it isn’t an RPG, Celeste seamlessly interweaves themes of personal conflict with its lore, following Madeline on her quest to conquer a mountain, which metaphorically represents her internal challenges. Madeline’s insecurities surface throughout the experience but are addressed with sensitivity, enhancing the emotional depth of the narrative.
The platforming mechanics of Celeste provide satisfying challenges akin to the boss encounters in Deltarune. If you think you’ve mastered the challenges there, see how you fare against the intense B-Side levels that await!
4 Live A Live
A Blend of Deconstruction and Inspiration
In a 2023 interview with Square Enix, Toby Fox shared how the original Live A Live profoundly influenced his work during his formative years. Although it lacked English localization at the time, he was captivated by its narrative, which would later shape elements of Undertale.
Thanks to its recent HD remake, now is the perfect time to explore this original masterpiece for yourself. It showcases individual character stories with unique gameplay styles, akin to the innovative mechanics introduced sequentially in Deltarune.
The blend of whimsy and gravity throughout Live A Live creates a rich narrative, allowing for moments of levity amidst serious themes—much like Deltarune.
3 Everhood
Rhythm-Based Bullet Hell
Deltarune’s combat encounters challenge players with a dynamic dodge mechanic reminiscent of bullet hell games. While many titles embrace this style, few reach beyond the traditional “dodge the bullets”gameplay.Everhood sets itself apart by expanding upon this fundamental concept.
Here, you traverse diverse environments and encounter eccentric characters while gradually unveiling a more serious narrative. However, the combat system shifts to a horizontal grid format, where you must dodge incoming projectiles set to the rhythm of the soundtrack—creating a unique gameplay experience akin to a reverse Guitar Hero.
Moreover, the game’s music is exceptional, with a soundtrack that rivals Deltarune in terms of quality and creativity. Whether you find it superior is subjective, but it certainly offers catchy tracks that invite exploration.
2 Eastward
An Engaging Coming-of-Age Narrative
Toby Fox has a remarkable talent for crafting narratives centered on young characters confronting weighty realities—a skill prominently featured in Deltarune.
Reflecting on how bewildering and intimidating youth can be, Eastward merges this essence with a contemporary “dad simulator, ” delivering a compelling narrative. Set against a backdrop reminiscent of Zelda mechanics, players guide young girl Sam and her gruff guardian, John, as they seek answers in a volatilizing world.
Early gameplay revolves around John nurturing Sam, wielding a frying pan for both culinary and combat purposes. However, as the adventure unfolds, Sam emerges into self-awareness, mirroring the character growth seen in Deltarune.
Another notable aspect is how Eastward conveys emotion without extensive dialogue. John is a silent protagonist, yet his expressive animations and actions communicate his feelings effectively, enhancing overall player engagement.
1 Hylics
Strange Yet Cohesive
Within its own genre, Deltarune offers a uniquely offbeat experience. It invites players to explore worlds filled with whimsical objects and surreal logic. If it’s the strange you’re after in an indie RPG, few titles rival Hylics in its eccentricity.
A stripped-down analysis reveals a standard RPG Maker title with familiar components: a hero, a party, and adversarial challenges. However, from the moment you start Hylics, it immerses you in an absurd experience.
The surreal designs and unconventional dialogue create a distinct atmosphere, oscillating between mundane conversation and bizarre scenarios. Despite its oddities, Hylics provides a thoroughly cohesive gaming experience, resembling a Magic Eye painting where surfaces conceal unexpected depths.
Furthermore, the quirky animations accompanying character spellcasting add a layer of humor that keeps players entertained.
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