In "Undertale," the term "genocide" refers specifically to one of the game’s routes, commonly called the "Genocide Route." This route is defined by the player’s choice to kill every monster in the Underground, leaving no one alive by the end of the game. The player intentionally seeks out and eliminates all characters they encounter rather than engaging them in peaceful or neutral interactions.
Here are some detailed points about the Genocide Route in "Undertale":
Moral Choice: The game’s design allows players to choose how to engage with monsters. In the Genocide Route, the player consciously opts for violence, contrasting sharply with the other routes (the Pacifist and Neutral routes).
Effect on Characters: As the player proceeds through the Genocide Route, the absence of monsters leads to significant changes in the game world. Familiar characters become increasingly fearful and desperate, and dialogue reflects the consequences of mass killings, such as the loss of hope and the sense of impending doom.
Gameplay Mechanics: In contrast to other routes where battles can be resolved peacefully, the Genocide Route emphasizes combat and leveling up. Players must seek out and defeat all monsters in each area to proceed, with the game tracking the “kill count.” Once a certain number of kills is achieved, the player gains access to confrontations with stronger enemies, culminating in battles against key characters like Sans and Undyne.
Thematic Implications: The Genocide Route raises questions about morality, choice, and consequence. It forces players to confront the impact of their actions, as the game starkly contrasts the lighthearted and whimsical tone of other routes with the dark and grim narrative that follows mass murder.
Ending and Reflection: Completing the Genocide Route leads to a unique ending that emphasizes the despair wrought by the player’s actions. One of the final confrontations (particularly with Sans) highlights the emotional weight and the irreversible consequences of the player’s choices throughout the game.
- Game’s Response: The game has a meta-awareness regarding this route. Players who choose the Genocide Route encounter unsettling dialogues and scenarios that serve as a commentary on the player’s role in perpetuating violence. This self-referential aspect of "Undertale" engages with the player on a level that challenges their perspectives on video game violence and narrative agency.
In summary, the Genocide Route in "Undertale" is a pathway filled with moral implications, highlighting the themes of choice and consequence while allowing players to engage with the game in a way that starkly contrasts with its more peaceful alternatives. It serves to provoke thought about the nature of violence in gaming and the emotional toll it can take on both characters and players.