What does determination sound like?
If I told you that one of the best interpretations of determination through sound came from a humble 16-bit indie game that came out over 10 years ago, you’d likely scoff. When I first played Undertale, I came in expecting a silly little game, not one that changed my life.
Undertale is a marvel of a video game. The majority of it was developed by Toby Fox, the game’s main creator, partnered with lead artist Temmie Chang for its unforgettable art and character designs. It was, for the most part, created by a single person. You’d think that a game, in all of its simple graphics, would create a simple story, but it’s far from it.
The game’s story centers on a young human child falling into “The Underground,” where monsters are trapped behind a magical barrier by humans long before the story’s start. Throughout the game you meet a lovable cast of characters, get to know them and their quirks, and have to either battle or talk your way through dangerous encounters.
Beyond the unforgettable cast of characters, its meta storytelling and gameplay, its soundtrack is incredible. Comprising 101 songs, this soundtrack was created by sole developer Toby Fox. He didn’t just develop the game; he also composed its soundtrack, which is a feat on its own.
Video game soundtracks, unlike movie soundtracks, rarely make it out of the community and into mainstream popularity. We don’t have a shortage of movie soundtracks that only take the first three notes to be recognized: Jaws, Jurassic Park, Star Wars, etc. But when it comes to video games? Hard to say the same. Maybe the Mario Bros. theme, at best.
But video game soundtracks shouldn’t be written off. These are songs that not only have to evoke emotions in the player, but have to be worth hearing over and over again. Just like Undertale, despite its simplicity, don’t knock video game soundtracks and the surprising depth they carry.
And that’s why Undertale is amazing in that it’s somehow able to make tracks worthy of being listened to over and over again, while also being something worth listening to when you’re not even playing the game. All its music in its “bit-like” and techno form can evoke a myriad of responses from listeners. You dance to some, cry to some, and even the sense of dread when hearing a specific character’s theme is an experience like no other.
The storytelling elements are also incredible when you hear the numerous melodic callbacks to previous character or story tracks. It doesn’t just feel like they created the songs to accompany the game, but rather, both were crafted with such care and love to come up with what I consider one of the most cohesive and memorable video game experiences ever.
Which is why I’m so excited for the Undertale: The Determination Symphony coming to Manila, happening on October 17 and 18.
There is nothing better than hearing the music to such a life-changing game live and with a full 25-piece Filharmonika Orchestra. The orchestra will be conducted by Thanapol Setabrahmana, and pairs newly arranged orchestral music with gameplay footage displayed on a big screen so that fans (and maybe even new listeners) can experience the game in a whole different light.
Creator and composer Toby Fox says, “Undertale is a game with a lot of music. It’s good when skilled professionals play the music, and people listen to it.”
Undertale is a game like no other, and more than deserves all the praise sent its way for its music. It stood out as a generation-defining video game back when it came out, and even until now, I see people online playing the game for the first time and praising it to high heavens. It’s a timeless game that stands out until today, with its hopeful and inspiring message.
‘Undertale: The Determination Symphony’ goes on stage Oct. 17 and 18 at the Proscenium Theater in Rockwell. Tickets are available at ticketmelon.com.
