What is Undertale Rated?
Undertale, a popular indie role-playing game (RPG) developed by Toby Fox, has been a subject of controversy and debate among gamers and parents regarding its rating. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of Undertale’s rating, exploring its history, themes, and content to provide a comprehensive understanding of what makes it suitable for different audiences.
Direct Answer: What is Undertale Rated?
Undertale is rated E10+ by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) and PG by the Pan European Game Information (PEGI). However, it’s essential to understand the rating system and the context behind the ratings to fully appreciate the content.
ESRB Rating
The ESRB rating system is used in North America, and it rates games based on their content, including:
- E (Everyone): Suitable for all ages
- E10+ (Everyone 10 and older): Suitable for players aged 10 and above, with some content that may be suitable for younger players under adult supervision
- T (Teen): Suitable for players aged 13 and above, with some content that may be suitable for younger players under adult supervision
PEGI Rating
The PEGI rating system is used in Europe and other parts of the world, and it rates games based on their content, including:
- 3+ (Three and older): Suitable for all ages
- 7+ (Seven and older): Suitable for players aged 7 and above
- 12+ (Twelve and older): Suitable for players aged 12 and above
- 16+ (Sixteen and older): Suitable for players aged 16 and above
- 18+ (Eighteen and older): Suitable for players aged 18 and above
Themes and Content
Undertale’s story revolves around the player’s character, a human who falls into the Underground, a world inhabited by monsters. The game explores themes such as:
- Morality: The player’s choices can lead to different endings, with some choices having moral implications
- Mortality: Death is a central theme, with characters dying or being killed throughout the game
- Violence: Some characters may engage in violent behavior, although the violence is not graphic or gratuitous
- Dark Humor: The game uses dark humor and satire to address serious issues
Content Highlights
Some content in Undertale that may raise concerns includes:
- Mature themes: The game tackles mature themes such as depression, anxiety, and bullying
- Death: Death is a recurring theme, with characters dying or being killed throughout the game
- Violence: Some characters may engage in violent behavior, although the violence is not graphic or gratuitous
- Fantasy violence: The game includes fantasy violence, such as monsters fighting and using magic
Rating Justification
The ESRB rated Undertale as E10+ due to:
- Fantasy violence: The game includes fantasy violence, although it is not graphic or gratuitous
- Mild blood: Some characters may have blood or injuries
- Infrequent strong language: The game includes some strong language, although it is infrequent
The PEGI rated Undertale as 12+ due to:
- Mild violence: The game includes mild violence, such as monsters fighting and using magic
- Mild bad language: The game includes some mild bad language
Parental Guidance
Parents should consider the following when deciding whether Undertale is suitable for their child:
- Age: Children under the age of 10 may find some content in Undertale too mature or disturbing
- Maturity: Children may need guidance and adult supervision to fully understand the themes and content
- Sensitivity: Children with sensitive or easily disturbed personalities may be affected by the game’s content
Table: Undertale Rating Comparison
| Rating System | Undertale Rating | Suitable Age Range |
|---|---|---|
| ESRB | E10+ | 10 and older |
| PEGI | 12+ | 12 and older |
In conclusion, Undertale is rated E10+ by the ESRB and 12+ by the PEGI due to its content, including fantasy violence, mild blood, and infrequent strong language. Parents should consider the themes and content of the game when deciding whether it is suitable for their child.