Developer Toby Fox has just released a free PC demo for his RPG about a little girl lost in the underground world of monsters.

Undertale is a quirky little PC RPG about a little girl falling into the underground world of monsters. Its 16-bit style is very heavily influenced by SNES-era RPGs like EarthBound, but with its own unique writing style and gameplay mechanics. You can download a free PC demo from Fox's website, and if you are feeling generous after playing it, you can buy the game's soundtrack for just $1.

In Undertale, you must fight your way through a series of puzzle rooms in the underground monster world, with the guidance of friendly mother-figure Toriel. The puzzles are your standard RPG fair, but the atmosphere they are presented in is really well crafted. The game also features a beautifully drawn opening cutscene. The background music is a mix of chiptunes and soft orchestral instruments that really helps set the scene. It's all rather impressive considering it was made by just one guy.

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The combat is where Undertale tries to set itself apart from other RPGs. You attack by pressing X or Enter when a fast moving needle is on the largest portion of an Oval, dealing more damaging depending on how skillfully you stop the needle. Enemies then counter-attack in a sort of bullet-hell shooter style, putting you in control of a heart that represents your character's soul as you try to avoid the projectiles. It's a little difficult to explain but it works well and is pretty fun.

There's no word on when the full version will ship, but the website seems to indicate that a Mac version of the demo is coming soon.

Source: Undertale