Is Undertale Inspired by Mother?
In the world of indie video games, few titles have generated as much buzz as Toby Fox’s Undertale. Released in 2015, the game quickly became a cult classic, thanks to its unique storyline, lovable characters, and innovative gameplay mechanics. One of the most enduring questions surrounding Undertale’s success is whether or not the game was inspired by the classic RPG series Mother.
A History of Mother
For those who may not be familiar with the Mother series, it was a series of cult classic RPGs developed by Ape and published by Nintendo. The series includes two main games, Mother 1 (EarthBound) and Mother 2 (EarthBound Beginnings), as well as the often-bootlegged third installment, Mother 3.
Similarities and Coincidences
Despite their differences in tone and style, Undertale and Mother share a number of similarities that have led many to speculate about the inspiration. For example:
- Protagonist Journey: Both games feature protagonists who embark on a journey to save the world. In Undertale, Papyrus and Sans’ "big brother" becomes aware of the impending destruction and must make a choice between sparing or defeating him.
- Multiple Endings: Both games feature multiple endings, depending on the player’s choices. Mother 3, in particular, is famous for its many endings, with up to 20 possible conclusions.
- Emphasis on Choice: Both games stress the importance of choice in determining the story’s direction. In Undertale, every decision the player makes affects the story and ultimately leads to one of multiple endings.
- Goofy, Yet Unsettling Tone: Both games have a goofy, cartoonish tone that contrasts with the darker themes they often explore. Mother 3, in particular, deals with mature themes such as war, sacrifice, and the consequences of player choices.
Evidence Suggesting Inspiration
Given the similarities between Undertale and Mother, it’s easy to see why fans would assume that Undertale was directly inspired by the Mother series. However, before drawing conclusions, it’s essential to examine the available evidence.
- Radition Halloween Hack: Before Undertale, Toby Fox was involved in a community-created hack of Mother called Radiation Halloween Hack. Fox modified the game to feature his own characters, world, and story.
- Megalovania: The song "Megalovania" is featured in both the Radiation Halloween Hack and Undertale. The song was first composed for the hack, which suggests that Fox had an existing connection to the Mother series.
- Inspiration from Other Sources: Fox has also mentioned influences from other games, anime, and manga. Mother, in particular, may have been one of these influences, but not necessarily the primary one.
Conclusion
While there are many similarities between Undertale and Mother, it’s not conclusive evidence that Undertale was directly inspired by Mother. Toby Fox’s unique perspective and creative vision, influenced by a variety of sources, ultimately led to the creation of Undertale. While Mother may have played a role in shaping Fox’s ideas, it was only one of many inspirations that contributed to Undertale’s development.
| Similarity | Undertale | Mother |
|---|---|---|
| Protagonist Journey | Yes | Yes |
| Multiple Endings | Yes | Yes |
| Emphasis on Choice | Yes | Yes |
| Goofy, Yet Unsettling Tone | Yes | Yes |
| Inspiration from Radiation Halloween Hack | ||
| Influence on "Megalovania" | ||
| Primary Inspiration? | No |
Whether or not Undertale was directly inspired by Mother is less important than the game’s impact on the indie gaming community. Undertale has become a cultural phenomenon, inspiring countless fans with its unique story, memorable characters, and innovative gameplay mechanics. As for Toby Fox, his dedication to creating a game that stays true to his vision is a testament to his artistry and passion.