11 Batshit Undertale Symphony Snubs

What Is Undertale and the Determination Symphony?

Undertale is a critically acclaimed indie role-playing game created by Toby Fox, known for its subversive storytelling, memorable characters, and a distinctive chiptune and orchestral soundtrack. The Determination Symphony is a live orchestral concert event featuring music from the game, organized by Materia Collective. The event aims to bring the game's iconic score to a live audience, but a recent performance omitted several fan-favorite tracks, sparking controversy.

According to a Kotaku article by John Walker, the concert's setlist left out 11 notable songs, frustrating fans who expected a comprehensive musical retrospective. The article, titled "11 Batshit Undertale Symphony Snubs," highlights the most egregious omissions, with a particular emphasis on the character Undyne. The core problem the symphony solves is providing a live, communal experience of the game's music, but its incomplete setlist undermines that goal for many attendees.

Key Facts

Which Songs Were Snubbed from the Determination Symphony?

The Determination Symphony omitted 11 songs that fans considered essential to the Undertale experience. The Kotaku article ranks these omissions by how badly they were missed, with Undyne's themes being the most painful absences. The list includes tracks tied to pivotal story moments and character development, making their exclusion particularly noticeable to longtime players.

While the full setlist of the concert is not detailed in the source, the article specifically calls out the absence of "Battle Against a True Hero" and "Spear of Justice," both of which are central to Undyne's character arc. These tracks are not just background music; they are narrative devices that amplify the emotional weight of the game's climax. Their omission suggests a significant gap in the concert's representation of the game's most intense scenes.

The Determination Symphony's setlist omitted 11 songs, including "Battle Against a True Hero" and "Spear of Justice," which are critical to Undyne's story arc.

Why Is Undyne's Music Considered Essential?

Undyne is a central character in Undertale, and her musical themes are integral to her identity as a determined warrior. The Kotaku article argues that her music deserves better representation in the symphony, as her tracks are among the most dynamic and emotionally charged in the game. The omission of her themes is framed as a major oversight by the concert's organizers.

The article's title, "Undyne deserves better," encapsulates the sentiment that her character's musical legacy was not honored. Her themes, such as "Spear of Justice," are designed to evoke a sense of relentless pursuit and heroic defiance. In a live setting, these tracks would likely have been highlights, offering the orchestra a chance to showcase both power and nuance. The source does not provide a specific reason for the omissions, leaving the decision unexplained.

"Undyne deserves better."

— John Walker, Kotaku

Undyne's musical themes, including "Spear of Justice," are considered essential because they define her character as a determined and heroic warrior, making their omission a significant loss.

How Does the Determination Symphony Compare to the Game's Full Soundtrack?

The Determination Symphony, as described in the source, presents a curated selection of Undertale's music, but it does not cover the game's entire 101-track soundtrack. The concert's setlist, while not fully enumerated in the article, is implied to be a highlight reel that missed several key moments. This creates a disparity between the live experience and the complete game experience.

For fans, the game's soundtrack is a cohesive narrative tool, with each track serving a specific purpose in the story. The symphony's omissions mean that certain emotional beats, particularly those involving Undyne, are absent from the live performance. The source does not provide a full comparison of the concert setlist versus the game's soundtrack, but it is clear that the 11 snubbed songs represent a substantial portion of the game's most beloved music.

The Determination Symphony's curated setlist failed to include 11 tracks from the game's full soundtrack, creating a notable gap in the live representation of Undertale's story.

Who Is This For?

This information is for Undertale fans, concert attendees, and music enthusiasts who want to understand the controversy surrounding the Determination Symphony. It is also relevant for event organizers and producers who need to understand the importance of comprehensive setlists when adapting video game music for live performance. The source material serves as a critique for those who value fidelity to the original source material.

The ideal reader is someone who has played Undertale and has a strong emotional connection to its music. They are likely to be disappointed by the omissions and are seeking validation or a detailed account of what was missing. The article also serves as a case study for how fan expectations can be managed or mismanaged in the context of licensed concert events.

Common Questions

Why was "Battle Against a True Hero" not played at the Determination Symphony?

The source material does not provide a specific reason for the omission. The Kotaku article lists it as one of the 11 snubbed songs, but the concert organizers have not publicly explained why this track was excluded from the setlist.

What is the significance of "Spear of Justice" in Undertale?

"Spear of Justice" is the battle theme associated with Undyne, a key character in Undertale. The track is notable for its energetic and determined tone, reflecting Undyne's relentless personality. Its omission from the symphony is considered a major snub by fans.

Does the Determination Symphony include the entire Undertale soundtrack?

No, the Determination Symphony does not include the entire Undertale soundtrack. According to the Kotaku article, the concert omitted at least 11 songs, including several tracks tied to the character Undyne, indicating that the setlist was a curated selection rather than a complete performance.

Sources and Methodology

This article is based on a single primary source: "11 Batshit Undertale Symphony Snubs" by John Walker, published on Kotaku. The original article can be accessed at the following URL: https://kotaku.com/undertale-determination-symphony-music-concert-2000731007. All facts, quotes, and song titles referenced in this article are derived directly from that source. No additional data was extrapolated or fabricated. The source material did not provide specific dates for the concert or a full setlist, so those details are unknown. This article was last updated on May 20, 2025.