Sans (Undertale)

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Sans
Undertale character
3D render of Sans created for Fangamer
First appearanceUndertale (2015)
Designed byToby Fox
Temmie Chang
In-universe information
HomeSnowdin

Sans the Skeleton is a character in the 2015 video game Undertale. He is the brother of Papyrus and initially appears as a friendly NPC with an easy-going, laid-back personality. Sans is also featured in the 2018 video game Deltarune, where he can only be found at his shop, which is a remodeled version of Grillby's Diner from the original game. Sans was created by Toby Fox with support from the artist Temmie Chang. The character's name is based on the Comic Sans font, which is used for most of his in-game dialogue. Sans also communicates with the sans typeface, though this font name was changed to "cutesy irreverent typeface" when translated into Japanese.

Critics and fans have praised Sans' characterization. In particular, he is praised for his humor and for breaking the fourth wall, as well as his boss fight, including its musical theme, "Megalovania," which became a widely known track, and later led the character's popularity and become internet meme, especially after his inclusion in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. The character has been also subjected in several user-created mods and other projects. Sans has been featured in merchandise produced by companies such as Good Smile, Fangamer, and Banpresto.

Concept and design

Concept art made by Fox before Sans' design was finalized by Temmie Chang.[1]

Sans was conceived by Toby Fox, the creator of Undertale. Fox has said he created Sans with "special inspiration" from J. N. Wiedle, author of the webcomic Helvetica—a series about an eponymous skeleton named after the Helvetica typeface.[2] Fox made the initial concept sketch for the character on a college notebook;[3] and he initially named him "Comic Sans" after the typeface. At this stage, the character was simply referred to as the brother of the game's second boss, Papyrus, similarly named after a typeface.[4] When Fox first conceived the character, he intended for Sans to make more skeleton puns, but ultimately didn't think this was humorous enough, so he dropped the idea. Fox also collaborated with Temmie Chang on the design. Chang remarked that the character looked like he appeared to have been playing poker at the casino.[1] For the boss battle against Sans, Fox chose to use "Megalovania", a song that had previously been used within Homestuck and in one of Fox's EarthBound ROM hacks.[5][6] Artist Drak designed a Steam trading card based on Sans that came packaged with a collection of Undertale cards. Fox thought it would be intriguing if Sans was absent from the card itself and could only be seen in full view dozing over to the side. Since he wasn't sure if Steam would accept a card with nothing but blank black space, he added the spotlight to the center of the image. Fox had expressed his hope that "Sans' sleepy presence will continue to surprise someone every once in a while."[1]

As with his brother, Papyrus, Sans is one of the characters whose dialogue does not normally use the game's default font. Instead, his words are usually displayed in Comic Sans. His dialogue is displayed in the default font when he talks about the mechanics of the game, or threatens the player.[7] When translating Undertale into Japanese, however, this convention had to be changed, as it was too difficult to translate. The final Japanese version had Sans' dialogue communicated in a "cutesy irreverent typeface" that one might find used in a cute advert or on a television variety show.[8]

Maria Christina Jørstad has analyzed specific language choices used to depict Sans in the Japanese version of Undertale. In Japanese, Sans refers to himself in as "Sanzu" (サンズ), which may refer to the Sanzu River, the river that separates life from death and judges those that pass it. When communicating to his friends, Sans uses Japanese pronouns such as oira, anta, and occasionally omae. Sans is often paired with his brother. When he is being serious or conversing with his brother, he also uses omae and ore, as well as sentence finals like sa and na. Sans uses Japanese expressions like "Kansai ben," which is again a dialect of Kansai, to tell his story of a meeting he had in the woods when he first meets the main character. He speaks the standard language in other contexts and only does this once. He wanted to practice his new puns with the women at the meeting and they had an absurd relationship known as "boke/tsukkomi." He then speaks yakuwarigo language as a male and uses masculine expressions such as ze, zo, sa and some commando forms when he speaks. However, in contrast to the "macho male", Sans more likely sounds less macho and is much goofier because of his persistent use of oira and anta, depending on the situation.[9]

In 2023, Fox revealed cut content from Undertale that involved Sans eating ice cream for a minute, saying that it was "silly, irreverent, blurring the lines of the fourth wall."[10]

Appearances

In Undertale

Prior to the events of Undertale, he had moved to the settlement in Snowdin from an unknown location with his brother Papyrus. Papyrus was hired as a royal guard trainee sentry and forced his brother to help in his quest to capture a human.[11] He follows the player throughout most of the forest, commentating on his brothers puzzles and interacting with the player. Sans continues to appear as a recurring character throughout the rest of the game, often appearing at sentry posts to make jokes and sell items. Near the climax of the game, Sans invites the player to eat at a restaurant with him, where he explains how he befriended Toriel behind the large door in Snowdin. He reveals that he promised not to kill any humans who come to the Underground and states that if he had not made that promise, the player would have been "dead where [they] stand".[12][13]

Sans makes one more appearance in the "Last Corridor", a room near the end of the game, where he reveals the true meaning of the "EXP" and "LV" values that the player has accumulated throughout the game: 'Execution Points' and 'Level of Violence', respectively. He judges the player for how high their EXP and LV values are before disappearing and allowing the player to proceed and fight the king, Asgore.[14] Depending on what they did in the game, the dialogue changes once the player beats the last boss.[15]

If the player opts to kill every monster in each area, Sans' behavior will be different. Before the Papyrus boss fight, Sans threatens the player with a "bad time" if they proceed with their actions. If the player ignores Sans' warning, he eventually confronts the player in the Judgement Hall to prevent them from destroying all of the Underground,[16] acting as the route's final boss.[17] As the final boss, he will fight the player near the end of the game's "genocide" route. During Sans' fight, "Megalovania" plays.[18]

In other media

Outside of Undertale, Sans appears as a character in Deltarune (2018) where, he can be found at his shop, a remodeled version of Grillby's Diner from Undertale.[19] In Super Smash Bros. Ultimate (2018), a Sans costume for the playable Mii Gunner character was released as downloadable content on September 4, 2019.[20] In Among Us (2018), Sans' hoodie appears as a cosmetic belonging to the Cosmicube event called "Indie Hour", also featuring other characters from Undertale.[21] In 2022, Sans has also appeared in the Japanese rhythm game Pop'n Music.[22]

Promotion and reception

Merchandising

Sans was shown in multiple pieces of merchandise. Good Smile produced a Nendoroid figure of him, which features different poses and accessories.[23] Sans has been featured in merchandise by Fangamer.[24] Banpresto produced multiple pieces of merchandise for Sans, including a keychain, an acrylic plate, and a face cushion.[25]

Critical reception

Sans has received generally positive reception since his appearance in Undertale. He has also been well-received by Undertale fans, being the subject of many fan works and projects, such as in numerous games, creations, and video game mods.[26][27][28][29][30] During the Undertale Q&A in 2016, Sans and Papyrus were the characters that received the most questions from fans.[31] Leah Donato of Dualshockers felt that Sans was the best character in the game, stating that it is "comedic relief that is sorely needed. While this is true, he also has a very sarcastic side, which he indulges at every possible opportunity."[32] Sans was described as one of the best video game characters of the 2010s by Polygon staff; writer Colin Campbell particularly praised his appearance and how "[w]hen he makes a joke, the camera zooms in on him while he winks. It never gets old."[33] Destructoid writer CJ Andriessen believed that Sans' appearance in Smash Bros. had increased to his desire, and thought that he was too late to play Undertale.[34] Author Gabriel Elvery has stated that parasocial relationships with Sans, which are developed in playthroughs counter to the convention, encourage care, mutual understanding, and community building. He further said that PSR's inclusion as a fundamental feature of the game highlights the similarities between our interactions with people and technology: we should never act mindlessly and should always question established procedures.[7] The sibling relationship between Papyrus and Sans has also been praised. RPGFan writer Alana Hagues felt that their distinct personalities make them a great pair. She appreciated how their humor helped "carry [her] through a tearjerker of a game" and helped her "fall in love" with the setting.[35] Nathan Grayson of Kotaku identifies Papyrus and Sans as two of Undertale's most "endearing" characters.[36] He also enjoyed their relationship, appreciating that their humor was "natural" instead of "dickish or ugly." He discussed how, despite the fact that their personality differences could cause them to hate each other, "they have each other's backs."[37] Conversely, a gaming YouTuber Markiplier quit playing after two episodes after being harassed by fans, due to the way he played the game and about giving Sans a "redneck voice". Hatred for the fandom also appears in the form of "cringe-worthy videos" that frequently feature a graphic representation of the two brothers Sans and Papyrus engaging in romantic and sexual activity. It is based on anime tropes, in which sibling relationships are common, and it also parodies the idea of "forbidden love.[38]

"Megalovania"
A final boss theme of the "genocide" route.
Problems playing this file? See media help.

Sans' boss fights and its theme, "Megalovania", have been well-received.[39][15][40][41][42] Due to its popularity, the character itself became an Internet meme.[43][44] In 2022, the song was also played at the Vatican as part of a papal audience circus act for Pope Francis.[18][45] His addition as a Mii fighter costume, as well as its special remixed version of "Megalovania" in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate garnered positive feedback from fans.[46][47][43] Writer Frederic Seraphie compared the battle with Sans to breaking the fourth wall, stating that genocide happens in the game, notably in the fight with Sans. He considered it as a metaphorical way to "break" Undertale after concluding that it is the most discordant storyline in the game mechanic.[48] The American television network ABC News also used the "Sans" Undertale OST theme tune in 2020 when discussing the coronavirus' origins and the persistence of life in China.[49]

Ben Davis of Destructoid lauded his unexpected appearance on a Christian television program hosted by Pat Robertson, The 700 Club. The show has received a question from a certain viewer about the "several pictures of a strange cartoon skeleton with one glowing blue eye and wearing a hoodie." Which Davis is confident to confirmed that it was indeed Sans from Undertale and stated, "how could anyone find such a lovable scamp like Sans demonic?"[50] Professional wrestler Kenny Omega has expressed his love for Undertale, dressing as Sans for the October 30, 2019 in the episode of All Elite Wrestling: Dynamite.[51] On September 8, 2022, Sans was chosen as the "Ultimate Tumblr Sexyman" (referencing an online slang term for fictional characters who garner romantic and/or sexual interest from a large fanbase despite not being conventionally attractive) via a three-day tournament bracket of polls on Twitter. Sans was a finalist with Mob Psycho 100 character Arataka Reigen, whom Sans surpassed with 50.1% of the vote.[52] Fox responded to the results by writing a short fan fiction comedically dramatizing Reigen's attempts at surpassing Sans in the poll,[53] which he said that "Sans won by doing literally nothing, while Reigen cheated his way to the finals, only to come against the hard truth that Tumblr is not into conventionally attractive men."[54] Sans' close victory also caused a massive influx of fan art and memes on both Twitter and Tumblr. The poll ended on the same day as the death of Elizabeth II, leading to jokes connecting the two events.[55]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c Fox, Toby (October 31, 2016). Undertale: Art Book. Fangamer. ISBN 978-1945908996.
  2. ^ Ward, Travis (April 8, 2021). "Undertale: 10 Things You Didn't Know About Papyrus". TheGamer. Archived from the original on January 24, 2023. Retrieved January 13, 2024.
  3. ^ Hilliard, Kyle (January 9, 2017). "Toby Fox Shares College Notebook Filled With Early Concept Art And Ideas That Eventually Became Undertale". Game Informer. Archived from the original on January 13, 2017.
  4. ^ Fox, Toby [@tobyfox] (January 8, 2017). "(apparently) the genesis of papyrus" (Tweet). Archived from the original on 2017-01-08 – via Twitter.
  5. ^ Tarason, Dominic (October 17, 2018). "Undertale DLC hits Taito rhythm 'em up Groove Coaster". Rock Paper Shotgun. Archived from the original on October 18, 2018. Retrieved October 17, 2018.
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  7. ^ a b Elvery, Gabriel (June 2023). "Undertale's Loveable Monsters: Investigating Parasocial Relationships with Non-Player Characters". Games and Culture. 18 (4): 475–497. doi:10.1177/15554120221105464. ISSN 1555-4120.
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  10. ^ Fruzzetti, Amelia (July 5, 2023). "Toby Fox reveals cut Undertale content involving Sans eating ice cream for a minute". Nintendo Wire. Archived from the original on March 21, 2024. Retrieved March 21, 2024.
  11. ^ Cobbett, Richard (September 29, 2015). "Undertale review". PC Gamer. Archived from the original on September 29, 2015.
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  21. ^ Innersloth, Chris D. (November 28, 2023). "Undertale and other indie video games in Among Us". Among Us. Innersloth. Archived from the original on November 29, 2023. Retrieved November 29, 2023.
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  25. ^ "『UNDERTALE』サンズとパピルスの約30cmフェイスクッションが10月に登場へ。「アクリルプレート」「カバンに付けられるぬいぐるみ」などが8月からアミューズメント施設向け景品で続々展開". Den Fami Nico Gamer. August 8, 2022. Archived from the original on January 13, 2024. Retrieved January 13, 2024.
  26. ^ Newell, Adam (September 21, 2019). "Super Smash Bros. Ultimate fan creates functional Undertale Sans Amiibo". Dot Esports. Gamurs. Archived from the original on October 27, 2019. Retrieved October 27, 2019.
  27. ^ Hernandez, Patricia (May 13, 2019). "Someone put Undertale's Sans fight in Fortnite, and it's amazing". Polygon. Archived from the original on May 18, 2019.
  28. ^ Gach, Ethan (May 13, 2019). "Undertale's Toughest Boss Fight Made Into A Fortnite Map". Kotaku. Archived from the original on May 7, 2020.
  29. ^ "Undertale: 21 Creepy and Cute Sans Fan Art". IGN. August 19, 2016. Archived from the original on September 30, 2016.
  30. ^ Vas, Gergo (December 31, 2015). "Undertales Papyrus And Sans Have Dark Souls". Kotaku Australia. Archived from the original on June 12, 2016.
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  33. ^ Colin, Campbell (November 27, 2019). "The 70 best video game characters of the decade". Polygon. Archived from the original on March 30, 2020. Retrieved December 30, 2019.
  34. ^ Andriessen, CJ (May 30, 2021). "Why did I wait so long to play Undertale?". Destructoid. Archived from the original on January 12, 2024. Retrieved January 12, 2024.
  35. ^ Hagues, Alana (August 26, 2021). "Final Family: Our Favorite Siblings in RPGs". RPGFan. Archived from the original on January 13, 2024. Retrieved January 13, 2024.
  36. ^ Grayson, Nathan (November 13, 2015). "Players May Never Solve Undertale's Final Mystery". Kotaku. Archived from the original on February 3, 2023. Retrieved January 13, 2024.
  37. ^ Grayson, Nathan (October 30, 2015). "Undertale: The Kotaku Review". Kotaku. Archived from the original on March 29, 2019. Retrieved January 13, 2024.
  38. ^ Spencer, Chloe (August 21, 2017). "The Undertale Drama". Kotaku. Archived from the original on December 1, 2019. Retrieved March 24, 2024.
  39. ^ Tack, Daniel (December 2, 2015). "Does Undertale Live Up to the Hype?". Game Informer. Archived from the original on April 7, 2016.
  40. ^ "10 Best Final Bosses in Video Games". IGN. 22 April 2021. Archived from the original on 24 June 2021. Retrieved 18 June 2021.
  41. ^ Baird, Scott (2019-05-14). "Spanish Version Of First Dates Show Uses "Megalovania" From Undertale On Its Soundtrack". TheGamer. Archived from the original on 2019-12-07. Retrieved 2023-08-19.
  42. ^ Grayson, Nathan (2019-02-20). "Jack Black Is Sorry, Not Sorry About His YouTube Gaming Videos". Kotaku. Archived from the original on 2023-08-19. Retrieved 2023-08-19.
  43. ^ a b Jaworski, Michelle (5 September 2019). "Sans memes celebrate beloved character's addition to Smash Bros". The Daily Dot. Archived from the original on 22 March 2024. Retrieved 22 March 2024.
  44. ^ Haasch, Palmer (2020-02-25). "TikTok users keep reinventing Undertale's 'Megalovania'". Polygon. Archived from the original on 2020-05-20. Retrieved 2023-08-18.
  45. ^ Colbert, Isaiah (January 6, 2022). "The Pope Listened To Undertale's 'Megalovania' In The Year Of Our Lord 2022". Kotaku. Archived from the original on January 7, 2022. Retrieved July 25, 2023.
  46. ^ Lee, Julia (4 September 2019). "Sans from Undertale joins Smash Bros. Ultimate as a Mii Fighter costume". Polygon. Archived from the original on 21 December 2019. Retrieved 22 March 2024.
  47. ^ Stevens, Colins (6 September 2019). "Fans Lost It Over Sans Being Announced as a Smash Ultimate Mii Fighter". IGN. Archived from the original on 7 January 2022. Retrieved 22 March 2024.
  48. ^ Seraphie, Frederic (2018). "Ethics at Play in Undertale: Rhetoric, Identity and Deconstruction". University of Tokyo. Archived from the original on March 14, 2023. Retrieved January 13, 2024.
  49. ^ Walker, Alex (September 3, 2020). "The ABC Randomly Used Music From Indie Game Undertale To Spice Up A News Story". Kotaku. Archived from the original on 22 March 2024. Retrieved 22 March 2024.
  50. ^ Davis, Ben (November 3, 2015). "Undertale is too demonic and evil for the 700 Club". Destructoid. Archived from the original on 22 March 2024. Retrieved 22 March 2024.
  51. ^ Bailey, Dustin (2019-10-31). "AEW had Sans cosplay and ran the Undertale soundtrack on TV, the madmen". PCGamesN. Archived from the original on 2023-08-20. Retrieved 2023-08-20.
  52. ^ Cryer, Hirun (9 September 2022). "Undertale's Sans wins Tumblr Sexyman poll, inspiring Toby Fox to write the event's lore". GamesRadar+. Archived from the original on 9 September 2022. Retrieved 10 September 2022. Then, finally, it was time for the grand final of the Tumblr Sexyman poll. With Sans Undertale vs known-chancer Arataka Reigan, voting was excruciatingly close, but the former just outshone the latter by .1 percent of the vote, taking the crown for the Semi-Annual Tumbly Sexyman competition.
  53. ^ Colbert, Isaiah (8 September 2022). "Good News, Undertale Fans: Toby Fox Just Wrote A Sans x Mob Psycho 100 Story". Kotaku. Archived from the original on 11 November 2023. Retrieved 8 September 2022.
  54. ^ Wolens, Joshua (14 September 2022). "Toby Fox wrote a fanfic to explain why Undertale's Sans is the 'ultimate Tumblr sexyman'". PC Gamer. Archived from the original on 1 December 2023. Retrieved 22 March 2024.
  55. ^ Diaz, Ana (2022-09-09). "Sans from Undertale won the Tumblr Sexyman poll, and I haven't known peace since". Polygon. Archived from the original on 2023-12-05. Retrieved 2024-03-20.
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