Deltarune: Chapter 1

Still, despite the challenge, the game embraces players with open arms. At the beginning of Chapter 2, Ralsei makes cute bedrooms for Susie and Kris based on their favorite colors and tells them, “I’d be happy if this place … could be like a second home to you.” These scenes made Deltarune Chapter 2 feel like a kind of second home.

Much like the previous chapter, it still feels a bit like Deltarune is struggling to form its own identity. That’s not necessarily a bad thing—Undertale was a massively popular game for a reason—but the borrowed art style, battle system, and writing do mean that the distinct ‘X factor’ that made its predecessor so pleasantly surprising is now something that you merely expect. At any rate, Deltarune Chapter 2 is a fascinating, fun, and thrilling deconstruction of RPG tropes and for the retail price of nothing, you might as well give it a shot.

Deltarune’s first two chapters may be the beginning of something incredible.

DELTARUNE Chapters 1 and 2 are clever, charming, and full of promise—but not quite the emotional knockout UNDERTALE was. The story’s bigger, the combat’s smarter, and the characters shine, but Chapter 2 doesn’t follow through on the cliffhanger Chapter 1 left us with. It’s a beautiful work-in-progress, already outshining many full games. We’re just still waiting for that “wow” moment to pull it all together.

Overall, Deltarune Chapter 2 was a pleasant time from beginning to end and especially resonant with me as a fan of the past games. While there were some minor gripes I have with the storytelling or battles, I was generally having a great time going through the locales, enjoying the cast and charming writing throughout.

Deltarune is the follow-up to the critically acclaimed indie RPG Undertale. The first two chapters have all of the great humor, music, writing, and storytelling you would expect from Toby Fox and makes the series's world much deeper and more mysterious.

Though it took a few years to release, it’s safe to say that Deltarune Chapter 2 is a success. While Chapter 1 was an enjoyable romp, featuring a story with various twists and turns, Chapter 2 is an improvement in virtually every way. It’s clear that Toby Fox put considerable love into this project, and the fact that it’s available to download at no cost makes it a no-brainer for curious gamers. If I were to levy any criticism toward Chapter 2, it’s that it’s over too soon, though this is a credit more so toward Fox’s work than anything else. Both Deltarune Chapters 1 and 2 are entirely free, with subsequent chapters able to be purchased once they’re released. If the quality seen in Chapter 2 carries over into subsequent entries, Deltarune will be an independent video game to remember.

It only takes a few hours to complete Deltarune Chapter 2, barring those who wish to go back and play the different routes. The quality of the experience matches that of a full-price game, and it makes the wait for the next chapters even harder. Deltarune Chapter 2 has improved upon the foundation laid down by the original game, proving that this world's characters and setting have what it takes to match those of Undertale. There are still five more chapters of Deltarune to go and it remains to be seen whether it can truly step out from Undertale's shadow, but Deltarune Chapter 2 feels like a game that's more confidant in its direction, and more willing to let players shape the fate of its characters.

If you’re an Undertale fan, you already know exactly what you’re getting into with Deltarune. It doesn’t significantly change up the formula this time around, but I’m fine with that.

GREAT - Deltarune Chapter 1 improves on its predecessor, Undertale, in almost every way – from gameplay to music to the wonderfully detailed sprites. It’s probably the best free game on the Switch next to Tetris 99. Play this game with the volume up!