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GoingBatty (talk | contribs) General fixes, replaced: Polygon → Polygon (3), typo(s) fixed: gaurd → guard Tag: AWB |
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{{short description|Video game character}} |
{{short description|Video game character}} |
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{{Infobox character |
{{Infobox character |
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| species = [[Skeleton (undead)|Skeleton]] |
| species = [[Skeleton (undead)|Skeleton]] |
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}} |
}} |
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'''Sans''' is a [[Character (arts)|fictional character]] in the 2015 [[role-playing video game]] ''[[Undertale]]'' by [[Toby Fox]]. He is initially introduced as a [[comic relief]] character but is eventually revealed to be one of the most knowledgeable and powerful characters in the game. He is depicted as a short, paunchy skeleton who wears a blue jacket with a fur hoodie, black basketball shorts with a white lining, a white t-shirt, and pink slippers or white sneakers. His name is based on the [[Comic Sans]] font, which is used for most of his in-game dialogue. The character was praised by critics for his dialogue and [[Boss (video gaming)|boss fight]], which is considered to be the most difficult in the game. His popularity with fans inspired several user-created [[Mod (video gaming)|mods]] and other types of projects. |
'''Sans''' is a [[Character (arts)|fictional character]] in the 2015 [[role-playing video game]] ''[[Undertale]]'' by [[Toby Fox]]. He is initially introduced as a [[comic relief]] character but is eventually revealed to be one of the most knowledgeable and powerful characters in the game. He is depicted as a short, paunchy skeleton who wears a blue jacket with a fur hoodie, black basketball shorts with a white lining, a white t-shirt, and pink slippers or white sneakers. His name is based on the [[Comic Sans]] font, which is used for most of his in-game dialogue. The character was praised by critics for his dialogue and [[Boss (video gaming)|boss fight]], which is considered to be the most difficult in the game. His popularity with fans inspired several user-created [[Mod (video gaming)|mods]] and other types of projects. |
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A version of the character also appears as brief cameo in the related game ''[[Deltarune]]''.<ref>{{Cite web|title=''Undertale'' Fans Already Have Theories About What's Going On In ''Deltarune''|url=https://kotaku.com/undertale-fans-already-have-theories-about-whats-going-1830165547|last=Grayson|first=Nathan|date=November 1, 2018|website=[[Kotaku]]|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.is/EykMq|archive-date=May 7, 2020}}</ref> Sans' likeness also appears as a customizable skin for the Mii Gunner character in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]].''<ref>{{Cite web|title=Sans from ''Undertale'' joins ''Smash Bros. Ultimate'' as a Mii Fighter costume|url=https://www.polygon.com/2019/9/4/20850211/sans-undertale-smash-bros-ultimate|last=Lee|first=Julia|date=September 4, 2019|website=[[Polygon]]|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191221235131/https://www.polygon.com/2019/9/4/20850211/sans-undertale-smash-bros-ultimate|archive-date=December 21, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=''Undertale''{{'}}s Sans Joins ''Smash Bros.'' As A Mii Fighter Costume|url=https://kotaku.com/undertales-sans-joins-smash-bros-as-a-mii-fighter-cost-1837885342|last=Walker|first=Ian|date=September 4, 2019|website=[[Kotaku]]|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.is/r3j1h|archive-date=September 5, 2019}}</ref> |
A version of the character also appears as brief cameo in the related game ''[[Deltarune]]''.<ref>{{Cite web|title=''Undertale'' Fans Already Have Theories About What's Going On In ''Deltarune''|url=https://kotaku.com/undertale-fans-already-have-theories-about-whats-going-1830165547|last=Grayson|first=Nathan|date=November 1, 2018|website=[[Kotaku]]|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.is/EykMq|archive-date=May 7, 2020}}</ref> Sans' likeness also appears as a customizable skin for the Mii Gunner character in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]].''<ref>{{Cite web|title=Sans from ''Undertale'' joins ''Smash Bros. Ultimate'' as a Mii Fighter costume|url=https://www.polygon.com/2019/9/4/20850211/sans-undertale-smash-bros-ultimate|last=Lee|first=Julia|date=September 4, 2019|website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191221235131/https://www.polygon.com/2019/9/4/20850211/sans-undertale-smash-bros-ultimate|archive-date=December 21, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=''Undertale''{{'}}s Sans Joins ''Smash Bros.'' As A Mii Fighter Costume|url=https://kotaku.com/undertales-sans-joins-smash-bros-as-a-mii-fighter-cost-1837885342|last=Walker|first=Ian|date=September 4, 2019|website=[[Kotaku]]|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.is/r3j1h|archive-date=September 5, 2019}}</ref> |
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==History and appearances== |
==History and appearances== |
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===In ''Undertale''=== |
===In ''Undertale''=== |
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Prior to the events of ''Undertale'', Sans had moved to the settlement in Snowdin from an unknown location with his brother Papyrus. Papyrus was hired as a royal |
Prior to the events of ''Undertale'', Sans 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 forces his brother to help in his quest to capture a human.<ref>{{Cite web|title=''Undertale'' review|url=https://www.pcgamer.com/undertale-review/|last=Cobbett|first=Richard|date=September 29, 2015|website=[[PC Gamer]]|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.is/yIGmw|archive-date=September 29, 2015}}</ref> |
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Sans first appears in Snowdin, initially appearing as a silhouette approaching the player from behind before shaking the player's hand, setting off a [[whoopee cushion]]. He clarifies that he has no interest in capturing humans, unlike Papyrus, who he describes as a "human-hunting FANATIC." After helping the player hide from Papyrus, Sans follows his brother throughout most of the forest, commentating on his puzzles and even contributing a word search, much to Papyrus' dismay. As the story proceeds, Sans continues to be a regular source of comic relief, performing such antics as attempting to sell the player fried snow. Later in the game, Sans invites the player to go eat at a restaurant with him. As he talks, he explains how he befriended a woman behind the large door in Snowdin who shared an equal love for puns as he did. He explains how he made a promise not to kill any humans who come to the Underground and states if he didn't make that promise the player would have been dead where they stand. |
Sans first appears in Snowdin, initially appearing as a silhouette approaching the player from behind before shaking the player's hand, setting off a [[whoopee cushion]]. He clarifies that he has no interest in capturing humans, unlike Papyrus, who he describes as a "human-hunting FANATIC." After helping the player hide from Papyrus, Sans follows his brother throughout most of the forest, commentating on his puzzles and even contributing a word search, much to Papyrus' dismay. As the story proceeds, Sans continues to be a regular source of comic relief, performing such antics as attempting to sell the player fried snow. Later in the game, Sans invites the player to go eat at a restaurant with him. As he talks, he explains how he befriended a woman behind the large door in Snowdin who shared an equal love for puns as he did. He explains how he made a promise not to kill any humans who come to the Underground and states if he didn't make that promise the player would have been dead where they stand. |
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=== In other media === |
=== In other media === |
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In ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]'', a Sans costume for the playable [[Mii]] Gunner character was released as [[downloadable content]] on September 4, 2019.<ref name="Smash">{{Cite web|title=''Undertale''{{'}}s Sans becomes a costume in ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate''|url=https://venturebeat.com/2019/09/04/undertales-sans-becomes-a-costume-in-super-smash-bros-ultimate/|last=Minotti|first=Mike|date=September 4, 2019|website=[[VentureBeat]]|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190905132515/https://venturebeat.com/2019/09/04/undertales-sans-becomes-a-costume-in-super-smash-bros-ultimate/|archive-date=September 5, 2019}}</ref> Sans has also been the subject of many fan works and projects, being featured in numerous games, creations, and video game mods.<ref>{{Cite web|title=''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate'' fan creates functional Undertale Sans Amiibo|url=https://dotesports.com/fgc/news/super-smash-bros-ultimate-fan-creates-functional-undertale-sans-amiibo|last=Newell|first=Adam|date=September 21, 2019|website=Dot Esports|publisher=[[Gamurs]]|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191027020355/http://dotesports.com/web/20191027020355oe_/https://dotesports.com/fgc/news/super-smash-bros-ultimate-fan-creates-functional-undertale-sans-amiibo|archive-date=October 27, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Someone put ''Undertale''{{'}}s Sans fight in ''Fortnite'', and it's amazing|url=https://www.polygon.com/gaming/2019/5/13/18618378/undertale-fortnite-sans-boss-battle-deathrun|last=Hernandez|first=Patricia|date=May 13, 2019|website=[[Polygon]]|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190518144410/https://www.polygon.com/gaming/2019/5/13/18618378/undertale-fortnite-sans-boss-battle-deathrun|archive-date=May 18, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=''Undertale''{{'}}s Toughest Boss Fight Made Into A ''Fortnite'' Map|url=https://kotaku.com/undertale-s-toughest-boss-fight-made-into-a-fortnite-ma-1834734019|last=Gach|first=Ethan|date=May 13, 2019|website=[[Kotaku]]|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.is/hXGZR|archive-date=May 7, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Sans From ''Undertale'' Makes His Way Into ''Monster Hunter: World'' via a New Mod|url=https://twinfinite.net/2019/10/sans-from-undertale-makes-his-way-into-monster-hunter-world-via-a-new-mod/|last=Morales|first=Greysun|date=October 3, 2019|website=Twinfinite|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191027020355/https://twinfinite.net/2019/10/sans-from-undertale-makes-his-way-into-monster-hunter-world-via-a-new-mod/|archive-date=October 27, 2019}}</ref> |
In ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]'', a Sans costume for the playable [[Mii]] Gunner character was released as [[downloadable content]] on September 4, 2019.<ref name="Smash">{{Cite web|title=''Undertale''{{'}}s Sans becomes a costume in ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate''|url=https://venturebeat.com/2019/09/04/undertales-sans-becomes-a-costume-in-super-smash-bros-ultimate/|last=Minotti|first=Mike|date=September 4, 2019|website=[[VentureBeat]]|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190905132515/https://venturebeat.com/2019/09/04/undertales-sans-becomes-a-costume-in-super-smash-bros-ultimate/|archive-date=September 5, 2019}}</ref> Sans has also been the subject of many fan works and projects, being featured in numerous games, creations, and video game mods.<ref>{{Cite web|title=''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate'' fan creates functional Undertale Sans Amiibo|url=https://dotesports.com/fgc/news/super-smash-bros-ultimate-fan-creates-functional-undertale-sans-amiibo|last=Newell|first=Adam|date=September 21, 2019|website=Dot Esports|publisher=[[Gamurs]]|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191027020355/http://dotesports.com/web/20191027020355oe_/https://dotesports.com/fgc/news/super-smash-bros-ultimate-fan-creates-functional-undertale-sans-amiibo|archive-date=October 27, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Someone put ''Undertale''{{'}}s Sans fight in ''Fortnite'', and it's amazing|url=https://www.polygon.com/gaming/2019/5/13/18618378/undertale-fortnite-sans-boss-battle-deathrun|last=Hernandez|first=Patricia|date=May 13, 2019|website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190518144410/https://www.polygon.com/gaming/2019/5/13/18618378/undertale-fortnite-sans-boss-battle-deathrun|archive-date=May 18, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=''Undertale''{{'}}s Toughest Boss Fight Made Into A ''Fortnite'' Map|url=https://kotaku.com/undertale-s-toughest-boss-fight-made-into-a-fortnite-ma-1834734019|last=Gach|first=Ethan|date=May 13, 2019|website=[[Kotaku]]|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.is/hXGZR|archive-date=May 7, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Sans From ''Undertale'' Makes His Way Into ''Monster Hunter: World'' via a New Mod|url=https://twinfinite.net/2019/10/sans-from-undertale-makes-his-way-into-monster-hunter-world-via-a-new-mod/|last=Morales|first=Greysun|date=October 3, 2019|website=Twinfinite|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191027020355/https://twinfinite.net/2019/10/sans-from-undertale-makes-his-way-into-monster-hunter-world-via-a-new-mod/|archive-date=October 27, 2019}}</ref> |
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== Development == |
== Development == |
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Sans is listed in the credits as being created by [[Toby Fox]] with "special inspiration" from J.N. Wiedle, author of the web comic ''Helvetica'', a series about an eponymous skeleton named after the [[Helvetica]] typeface. His first concept drawing was made by Fox on a college notebook.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Toby Fox Shares College Notebook Filled with Early Concept Art and Ideas that Eventually Became ''Undertale''|url=https://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2017/01/09/toby-fox-shares-college-notebook-filled-early-concept-art-and-ideas-that-would-eventually-become-undertale.aspx|last=Hilliard|first=Kyle|date=January 9, 2017|website=[[Game Informer]]|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.is/S1T0U|archive-date=January 13, 2017}}</ref> |
Sans is listed in the credits as being created by [[Toby Fox]] with "special inspiration" from J.N. Wiedle, author of the web comic ''Helvetica'', a series about an eponymous skeleton named after the [[Helvetica]] typeface. His first concept drawing was made by Fox on a college notebook.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Toby Fox Shares College Notebook Filled with Early Concept Art and Ideas that Eventually Became ''Undertale''|url=https://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2017/01/09/toby-fox-shares-college-notebook-filled-early-concept-art-and-ideas-that-would-eventually-become-undertale.aspx|last=Hilliard|first=Kyle|date=January 9, 2017|website=[[Game Informer]]|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.is/S1T0U|archive-date=January 13, 2017}}</ref> |
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The song that plays during his fight, "Megalovania", was originally composed for an ''[[EarthBound]]'' [[ROM hacking|ROM hack]] for Halloween of 2009, where it serves as final boss music for the alternative version of Dr. Andonauts, one of the few major characters from that game.<ref name="auto">{{Cite web|title=The making of ''Undertale''|url=https://www.pcgamer.com/the-making-of-undertale/|last=Schilling|first=Chris|date=May 5, 2018|website=[[PC Gamer]]|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327090348/https://www.pcgamer.com/the-making-of-undertale/|archive-date=March 27, 2019}}</ref> Although the song was later featured in ''[[Homestuck]]'',<ref>{{Cite web|title=[S] Wake.|url=https://www.homestuck.com/story/3297|last=Hussie|first=Andrew|authorlink=Andrew Hussie|website=[[Homestuck]]|url-status=live|access-date=May 7, 2020}}</ref> "Megalovania" principally rose in popularity after the release of ''Undertale'', spawning many internet [[ |
The song that plays during his fight, "Megalovania", was originally composed for an ''[[EarthBound]]'' [[ROM hacking|ROM hack]] for Halloween of 2009, where it serves as final boss music for the alternative version of Dr. Andonauts, one of the few major characters from that game.<ref name="auto">{{Cite web|title=The making of ''Undertale''|url=https://www.pcgamer.com/the-making-of-undertale/|last=Schilling|first=Chris|date=May 5, 2018|website=[[PC Gamer]]|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327090348/https://www.pcgamer.com/the-making-of-undertale/|archive-date=March 27, 2019}}</ref> Although the song was later featured in ''[[Homestuck]]'',<ref>{{Cite web|title=[S] Wake.|url=https://www.homestuck.com/story/3297|last=Hussie|first=Andrew|authorlink=Andrew Hussie|website=[[Homestuck]]|url-status=live|access-date=May 7, 2020}}</ref> "Megalovania" principally rose in popularity after the release of ''Undertale'', spawning many internet [[remix]]es and [[Internet meme|memes]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Megalovania|url=https://knowyourmeme.com/memes/megalovania|website=[[Know Your Meme]]|url-status=live|access-date=November 24, 2019}}</ref>{{Better source|date=May 2020}} "Megalovania" has since appeared in games like ''[[Taiko no Tatsujin: Drum 'n' Fun!]]''<ref>{{Cite web|title=''Undertale'' Song Pack Arrives In ''Taiko no Tatsujin: Drum 'n' Fun!'' As Paid DLC|url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2019/10/undertale_song_pack_arrives_in_taiko_no_tatsujin_drum_n_fun_as_paid_dlc|last=Doolan|first=Liam|date=October 13, 2019|website=[[Nintendo Life]]|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191027020355/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2019/10/undertale_song_pack_arrives_in_taiko_no_tatsujin_drum_n_fun_as_paid_dlc|archive-date=October 27, 2019}}</ref> and ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]''<ref name="Smash" /> and was also used by a Spanish dating show, ''First Dates''.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Spanish Version Of ''First Dates'' Show Uses "Megalovania" From ''Undertale'' On Its Soundtrack|url=https://www.thegamer.com/spanish-version-first-dates-show-uses-megalovania-undertale/|last=Baird|first=Scott|date=May 13, 2019|website=TheGamer|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191207195715/https://www.thegamer.com/spanish-version-first-dates-show-uses-megalovania-undertale/|archive-date=December 7, 2019|access-date=November 24, 2019}}</ref> |
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He is one of the characters who does not use the default [[font]] in his dialogue; rather, it is displayed in lowercase [[Comic Sans]]. He is often paired with his brother named Papyrus, also named after a font [[Papyrus (typeface)|of the same name]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=''Undertale'': A Game That Is Still Amazing Today|url=https://comicsverse.com/undertale-still-amazing/|last=Sotomayor|first=Bella Vanessa|date=December 15, 2016|website=[[ComicsVerse]]|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.is/CbHBV|archive-date=May 7, 2020}}</ref> |
He is one of the characters who does not use the default [[font]] in his dialogue; rather, it is displayed in lowercase [[Comic Sans]]. He is often paired with his brother named Papyrus, also named after a font [[Papyrus (typeface)|of the same name]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=''Undertale'': A Game That Is Still Amazing Today|url=https://comicsverse.com/undertale-still-amazing/|last=Sotomayor|first=Bella Vanessa|date=December 15, 2016|website=[[ComicsVerse]]|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.is/CbHBV|archive-date=May 7, 2020}}</ref> |
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== Reception == |
== Reception == |
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Sans' appearance in ''Undertale'' was well-received by critics, with Dan Tack of ''[[Game Informer]]'' praising his boss fight.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Does ''Undertale'' Live Up to the Hype?|url=https://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2015/12/02/dissenting-opinions-undertale.aspx|last=Tack|first=Daniel|date=December 2, 2015|website=[[Game Informer]]|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160407193040/https://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2015/12/02/dissenting-opinions-undertale.aspx|archive-date=April 7, 2016}}</ref> ''TheGamer'' ranked Sans as the third best ''Undertale'' character, stating that his jokes were "spot on in delivery".<ref>{{Cite web|title=Ranking The Main Cast Of ''Undertale''|url=https://www.thegamer.com/ranking-main-cast-undertale/|last=Tortorici|first=Colby|date=September 7, 2019|website=TheGamer|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191027020353/https://www.thegamer.com/ranking-main-cast-undertale/|archive-date=October 27, 2019}}</ref> ''[[Screen Rant]]'' ranked Sans one of the top 7 of the hardest boss fights in video games.<ref>{{Cite web|title=The 20 Hardest Video Game Bosses Ever (And Exactly How To Beat Them)|url=https://screenrant.com/hardest-video-game-bosses-ever-how-to-beat/|last=Dembrow|first=Dylan|date=January 20, 2019|website=[[Screen Rant]]|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191027020352/https://screenrant.com/hardest-video-game-bosses-ever-how-to-beat/|archive-date=October 27, 2019}}</ref> During the ''Undertale'' Q&A, Sans and Papyrus were the characters that received the most questions from fans.<ref>{{Cite web|title=This ''Undertale'' Q&A is the best reminder of why it's one of the funniest games ever|url=https://www.polygon.com/2016/9/15/12933260/undertale-q-a-papyrus-spaghetti|last=Frank|first=Allegra|date=September 15, 2016|website=[[Polygon]]|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161116131017/https://www.polygon.com/2016/9/15/12933260/undertale-q-a-papyrus-spaghetti|archive-date=November 16, 2016}}</ref> Sans was ranked as one of the best video game characters of the 2010s by ''[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]'' staff and writer Colin Campbell, particularly his appearance and how: "When he makes a joke, the camera zooms in on him while he winks. It never gets old."<ref>{{cite web|title=The 70 best video game characters of the decade|url=https://www.polygon.com/features/2019/11/27/20974490/greatest-video-game-characters-2019-2010-skyrim-witcher-splatoon|last=Colin|first=Campbell|date=November 27, 2019|work=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200330180047/https://www.polygon.com/features/2019/11/27/20974490/greatest-video-game-characters-2019-2010-skyrim-witcher-splatoon|archive-date=March 30, 2020|accessdate=December 30, 2019}}</ref> |
Sans' appearance in ''Undertale'' was well-received by critics, with Dan Tack of ''[[Game Informer]]'' praising his boss fight.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Does ''Undertale'' Live Up to the Hype?|url=https://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2015/12/02/dissenting-opinions-undertale.aspx|last=Tack|first=Daniel|date=December 2, 2015|website=[[Game Informer]]|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160407193040/https://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2015/12/02/dissenting-opinions-undertale.aspx|archive-date=April 7, 2016}}</ref> ''TheGamer'' ranked Sans as the third best ''Undertale'' character, stating that his jokes were "spot on in delivery".<ref>{{Cite web|title=Ranking The Main Cast Of ''Undertale''|url=https://www.thegamer.com/ranking-main-cast-undertale/|last=Tortorici|first=Colby|date=September 7, 2019|website=TheGamer|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191027020353/https://www.thegamer.com/ranking-main-cast-undertale/|archive-date=October 27, 2019}}</ref> ''[[Screen Rant]]'' ranked Sans one of the top 7 of the hardest boss fights in video games.<ref>{{Cite web|title=The 20 Hardest Video Game Bosses Ever (And Exactly How To Beat Them)|url=https://screenrant.com/hardest-video-game-bosses-ever-how-to-beat/|last=Dembrow|first=Dylan|date=January 20, 2019|website=[[Screen Rant]]|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191027020352/https://screenrant.com/hardest-video-game-bosses-ever-how-to-beat/|archive-date=October 27, 2019}}</ref> During the ''Undertale'' Q&A, Sans and Papyrus were the characters that received the most questions from fans.<ref>{{Cite web|title=This ''Undertale'' Q&A is the best reminder of why it's one of the funniest games ever|url=https://www.polygon.com/2016/9/15/12933260/undertale-q-a-papyrus-spaghetti|last=Frank|first=Allegra|date=September 15, 2016|website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161116131017/https://www.polygon.com/2016/9/15/12933260/undertale-q-a-papyrus-spaghetti|archive-date=November 16, 2016}}</ref> Sans was ranked as one of the best video game characters of the 2010s by ''[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]'' staff and writer Colin Campbell, particularly his appearance and how: "When he makes a joke, the camera zooms in on him while he winks. It never gets old."<ref>{{cite web|title=The 70 best video game characters of the decade|url=https://www.polygon.com/features/2019/11/27/20974490/greatest-video-game-characters-2019-2010-skyrim-witcher-splatoon|last=Colin|first=Campbell|date=November 27, 2019|work=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200330180047/https://www.polygon.com/features/2019/11/27/20974490/greatest-video-game-characters-2019-2010-skyrim-witcher-splatoon|archive-date=March 30, 2020|accessdate=December 30, 2019}}</ref> |
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Sans has also been well-received by fans of the game, being the subject of many fan works.<ref>{{Cite web|title=''Undertale'': 21 Creepy and Cute Sans Fan Art|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2016/08/19/undertale-21-creepy-and-cute-sans-fan-art|date=August 19, 2016|publisher=[[IGN]]|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160930085408/https://www.ign.com/articles/2016/08/19/undertale-21-creepy-and-cute-sans-fan-art|archive-date=September 30, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=''Undertale''{{'}}s Papyrus And Sans Have Dark Souls|url=https://www.kotaku.com.au/2015/12/artist-meiura-venn-drew-a-pretty-cool-mash-up-of-papyrus-and-sans-from-undertale-and-dark-souls-sol/|last=Vas|first=Gergo|date=December 31, 2015|website=[[Kotaku Australia]]|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160612034829/https://www.kotaku.com.au/2015/12/artist-meiura-venn-drew-a-pretty-cool-mash-up-of-papyrus-and-sans-from-undertale-and-dark-souls-sol/|archive-date=June 12, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Altland|first=Morgan|date=February 18, 2016|title=''Undertale'' still captivates audiences|work=[[The Oswegonian]]|url=https://www.oswegonian.com/2016/02/18/undertale-still-captivates-audiences/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170603162838/https://www.oswegonian.com/2016/02/18/undertale-still-captivates-audiences/|archive-date=June 3, 2017}}</ref> Professional wrestler [[Kenny Omega]] has expressed his love of ''Undertale'', dressing as Sans for the October 30, 2019, episode of ''[[All Elite Wrestling: Dynamite]]''.<ref>{{cite web|title=''AEW Dynamite'' results, recap: Inner Circle wreaks havoc, inaugural tag team champions crowned|url=https://www.cbssports.com/wwe/news/aew-dynamite-results-recap-inner-circle-wreaks-havoc-inaugural-tag-team-champions-crowned/|last=Crosby|first=Jack|date=October 30, 2019|publisher=[[CBS Sports]]|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191101135949/https://www.cbssports.com/wwe/news/aew-dynamite-results-recap-inner-circle-wreaks-havoc-inaugural-tag-team-champions-crowned/|archive-date=November 1, 2019|accessdate=November 4, 2019}}</ref> His addition as a Mii fighter costume in ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate'' garnered positive feedback from fans,<ref>{{Cite web|title=''Smash Ultimate'' players are losing their minds over the Sans costume|url=https://www.dexerto.com/smash/smash-ultimate-players-losing-their-minds-over-sans-costume-995813|last=Becht|first=Eli|date=September 6, 2019|website=Dexerto|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191027020358/https://www.dexerto.com/smash/smash-ultimate-players-losing-their-minds-over-sans-costume-995813|archive-date=October 27, 2019}}</ref> although ''[[The Commonwealth Times]]'' considered his addition to be a "potential problem" due to the decreasing nostalgia factor for each new character and ever-increasing size of the roster.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Schuhart|first=Jonah|date=September 16, 2019|title=''Smash Bros.'' creates potential problem with new DLC characters|work=[[The Commonwealth Times]]|url=https://commonwealthtimes.org/2019/09/15/smash-bros-creates-potential-problem-with-new-dlc-characters/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.is/GZdIE|archive-date=May 7, 2020}}</ref> |
Sans has also been well-received by fans of the game, being the subject of many fan works.<ref>{{Cite web|title=''Undertale'': 21 Creepy and Cute Sans Fan Art|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2016/08/19/undertale-21-creepy-and-cute-sans-fan-art|date=August 19, 2016|publisher=[[IGN]]|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160930085408/https://www.ign.com/articles/2016/08/19/undertale-21-creepy-and-cute-sans-fan-art|archive-date=September 30, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=''Undertale''{{'}}s Papyrus And Sans Have Dark Souls|url=https://www.kotaku.com.au/2015/12/artist-meiura-venn-drew-a-pretty-cool-mash-up-of-papyrus-and-sans-from-undertale-and-dark-souls-sol/|last=Vas|first=Gergo|date=December 31, 2015|website=[[Kotaku Australia]]|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160612034829/https://www.kotaku.com.au/2015/12/artist-meiura-venn-drew-a-pretty-cool-mash-up-of-papyrus-and-sans-from-undertale-and-dark-souls-sol/|archive-date=June 12, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Altland|first=Morgan|date=February 18, 2016|title=''Undertale'' still captivates audiences|work=[[The Oswegonian]]|url=https://www.oswegonian.com/2016/02/18/undertale-still-captivates-audiences/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170603162838/https://www.oswegonian.com/2016/02/18/undertale-still-captivates-audiences/|archive-date=June 3, 2017}}</ref> Professional wrestler [[Kenny Omega]] has expressed his love of ''Undertale'', dressing as Sans for the October 30, 2019, episode of ''[[All Elite Wrestling: Dynamite]]''.<ref>{{cite web|title=''AEW Dynamite'' results, recap: Inner Circle wreaks havoc, inaugural tag team champions crowned|url=https://www.cbssports.com/wwe/news/aew-dynamite-results-recap-inner-circle-wreaks-havoc-inaugural-tag-team-champions-crowned/|last=Crosby|first=Jack|date=October 30, 2019|publisher=[[CBS Sports]]|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191101135949/https://www.cbssports.com/wwe/news/aew-dynamite-results-recap-inner-circle-wreaks-havoc-inaugural-tag-team-champions-crowned/|archive-date=November 1, 2019|accessdate=November 4, 2019}}</ref> His addition as a Mii fighter costume in ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate'' garnered positive feedback from fans,<ref>{{Cite web|title=''Smash Ultimate'' players are losing their minds over the Sans costume|url=https://www.dexerto.com/smash/smash-ultimate-players-losing-their-minds-over-sans-costume-995813|last=Becht|first=Eli|date=September 6, 2019|website=Dexerto|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191027020358/https://www.dexerto.com/smash/smash-ultimate-players-losing-their-minds-over-sans-costume-995813|archive-date=October 27, 2019}}</ref> although ''[[The Commonwealth Times]]'' considered his addition to be a "potential problem" due to the decreasing nostalgia factor for each new character and ever-increasing size of the roster.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Schuhart|first=Jonah|date=September 16, 2019|title=''Smash Bros.'' creates potential problem with new DLC characters|work=[[The Commonwealth Times]]|url=https://commonwealthtimes.org/2019/09/15/smash-bros-creates-potential-problem-with-new-dlc-characters/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.is/GZdIE|archive-date=May 7, 2020}}</ref> |
Revision as of 13:24, 8 May 2020
Sans | |
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Undertale character | |
File:Sans undertale.jpg | |
First appearance |
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Last appearance |
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Created by | Toby Fox |
In-universe information | |
Species | Skeleton |
Family | Papyrus (brother) |
Sans is a fictional character in the 2015 role-playing video game Undertale by Toby Fox. He is initially introduced as a comic relief character but is eventually revealed to be one of the most knowledgeable and powerful characters in the game. He is depicted as a short, paunchy skeleton who wears a blue jacket with a fur hoodie, black basketball shorts with a white lining, a white t-shirt, and pink slippers or white sneakers. His name is based on the Comic Sans font, which is used for most of his in-game dialogue. The character was praised by critics for his dialogue and boss fight, which is considered to be the most difficult in the game. His popularity with fans inspired several user-created mods and other types of projects.
A version of the character also appears as brief cameo in the related game Deltarune.[1] Sans' likeness also appears as a customizable skin for the Mii Gunner character in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.[2][3]
History and appearances
In Undertale
Prior to the events of Undertale, Sans 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 forces his brother to help in his quest to capture a human.[4]
Sans first appears in Snowdin, initially appearing as a silhouette approaching the player from behind before shaking the player's hand, setting off a whoopee cushion. He clarifies that he has no interest in capturing humans, unlike Papyrus, who he describes as a "human-hunting FANATIC." After helping the player hide from Papyrus, Sans follows his brother throughout most of the forest, commentating on his puzzles and even contributing a word search, much to Papyrus' dismay. As the story proceeds, Sans continues to be a regular source of comic relief, performing such antics as attempting to sell the player fried snow. Later in the game, Sans invites the player to go eat at a restaurant with him. As he talks, he explains how he befriended a woman behind the large door in Snowdin who shared an equal love for puns as he did. He explains how he made a promise not to kill any humans who come to the Underground and states if he didn't make that promise the player would have been dead where they stand.
Sans makes one more appearance in the "Judgement Hall", where he reveals the true meaning of the "EXP" and "LOVE" values that the player has accumulated through the game: 'Execution Points' and 'Level of Violence', respectively. He judges the player for how high their EXP and LOVE values are before disappearing and letting the player proceed to fight the king, Asgore. After the player defeats Asgore and leaves the Underground, Sans calls them to inform them of what occurred after their departure, having different dialogue depending on the player's actions in game. If the player finishes the game without killing any monsters, Sans appears after Asgore's defeat along with the other main characters, but his soul gets absorbed by Flowey along with most of the other monsters. He is restored after the player defeats Flowey and escapes the Underground with the rest of the monsters.
If the player opts to kill every monster they encounter, Sans' behavior will be very different. He threatens the player with a "bad time" if they proceed with their actions before the Papyrus boss fight. If the player ignores Sans' warning and continues slaughtering every monster they encounter, he eventually confronts the player in the Judgement Hall to prevent them from destroying the world, acting as the route's final boss. Sans puts up a fierce fight but is eventually slain by the player, allowing them to finish the route.[5]
In Deltarune
Sans appears as a cameo in chapter one of Deltarune, where he is found standing outside his shop. He informs the player he has already met their mother, Toriel, and asks them if they would like to come over to his house and meet his brother.
In other media
In Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, a Sans costume for the playable Mii Gunner character was released as downloadable content on September 4, 2019.[6] Sans has also been the subject of many fan works and projects, being featured in numerous games, creations, and video game mods.[7][8][9][10]
Development
Sans is listed in the credits as being created by Toby Fox with "special inspiration" from J.N. Wiedle, author of the web comic Helvetica, a series about an eponymous skeleton named after the Helvetica typeface. His first concept drawing was made by Fox on a college notebook.[11]
The song that plays during his fight, "Megalovania", was originally composed for an EarthBound ROM hack for Halloween of 2009, where it serves as final boss music for the alternative version of Dr. Andonauts, one of the few major characters from that game.[12] Although the song was later featured in Homestuck,[13] "Megalovania" principally rose in popularity after the release of Undertale, spawning many internet remixes and memes.[14][better source needed] "Megalovania" has since appeared in games like Taiko no Tatsujin: Drum 'n' Fun![15] and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate[6] and was also used by a Spanish dating show, First Dates.[16]
He is one of the characters who does not use the default font in his dialogue; rather, it is displayed in lowercase Comic Sans. He is often paired with his brother named Papyrus, also named after a font of the same name.[17]
Reception
Sans' appearance in Undertale was well-received by critics, with Dan Tack of Game Informer praising his boss fight.[18] TheGamer ranked Sans as the third best Undertale character, stating that his jokes were "spot on in delivery".[19] Screen Rant ranked Sans one of the top 7 of the hardest boss fights in video games.[20] During the Undertale Q&A, Sans and Papyrus were the characters that received the most questions from fans.[21] Sans was ranked as one of the best video game characters of the 2010s by Polygon staff and writer Colin Campbell, particularly his appearance and how: "When he makes a joke, the camera zooms in on him while he winks. It never gets old."[22]
Sans has also been well-received by fans of the game, being the subject of many fan works.[23][24][25] Professional wrestler Kenny Omega has expressed his love of Undertale, dressing as Sans for the October 30, 2019, episode of All Elite Wrestling: Dynamite.[26] His addition as a Mii fighter costume in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate garnered positive feedback from fans,[27] although The Commonwealth Times considered his addition to be a "potential problem" due to the decreasing nostalgia factor for each new character and ever-increasing size of the roster.[28]
References
- ^ Grayson, Nathan (November 1, 2018). "Undertale Fans Already Have Theories About What's Going On In Deltarune". Kotaku. Archived from the original on May 7, 2020.
- ^ Lee, Julia (September 4, 2019). "Sans from Undertale joins Smash Bros. Ultimate as a Mii Fighter costume". Polygon. Archived from the original on December 21, 2019.
- ^ Walker, Ian (September 4, 2019). "Undertale's Sans Joins Smash Bros. As A Mii Fighter Costume". Kotaku. Archived from the original on September 5, 2019.
- ^ Cobbett, Richard (September 29, 2015). "Undertale review". PC Gamer. Archived from the original on September 29, 2015.
- ^ Grayson, Nathan (October 30, 2015). "Undertale: The Kotaku Review". Kotaku. Archived from the original on May 7, 2020.
- ^ a b Minotti, Mike (September 4, 2019). "Undertale's Sans becomes a costume in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate". VentureBeat. Archived from the original on September 5, 2019.
- ^ 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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ Gach, Ethan (May 13, 2019). "Undertale's Toughest Boss Fight Made Into A Fortnite Map". Kotaku. Archived from the original on May 7, 2020.
- ^ Morales, Greysun (October 3, 2019). "Sans From Undertale Makes His Way Into Monster Hunter: World via a New Mod". Twinfinite. Archived from the original on October 27, 2019.
- ^ 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.
- ^ Schilling, Chris (May 5, 2018). "The making of Undertale". PC Gamer. Archived from the original on March 27, 2019.
- ^ Hussie, Andrew. "[S] Wake". Homestuck. Retrieved May 7, 2020.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ "Megalovania". Know Your Meme. Retrieved November 24, 2019.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ Doolan, Liam (October 13, 2019). "Undertale Song Pack Arrives In Taiko no Tatsujin: Drum 'n' Fun! As Paid DLC". Nintendo Life. Archived from the original on October 27, 2019.
- ^ Baird, Scott (May 13, 2019). "Spanish Version Of First Dates Show Uses "Megalovania" From Undertale On Its Soundtrack". TheGamer. Archived from the original on December 7, 2019. Retrieved November 24, 2019.
- ^ Sotomayor, Bella Vanessa (December 15, 2016). "Undertale: A Game That Is Still Amazing Today". ComicsVerse. Archived from the original on May 7, 2020.
- ^ Tack, Daniel (December 2, 2015). "Does Undertale Live Up to the Hype?". Game Informer. Archived from the original on April 7, 2016.
- ^ Tortorici, Colby (September 7, 2019). "Ranking The Main Cast Of Undertale". TheGamer. Archived from the original on October 27, 2019.
- ^ Dembrow, Dylan (January 20, 2019). "The 20 Hardest Video Game Bosses Ever (And Exactly How To Beat Them)". Screen Rant. Archived from the original on October 27, 2019.
- ^ Frank, Allegra (September 15, 2016). "This Undertale Q&A is the best reminder of why it's one of the funniest games ever". Polygon. Archived from the original on November 16, 2016.
- ^ 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.
- ^ "Undertale: 21 Creepy and Cute Sans Fan Art". IGN. August 19, 2016. Archived from the original on September 30, 2016.
- ^ Vas, Gergo (December 31, 2015). "Undertale's Papyrus And Sans Have Dark Souls". Kotaku Australia. Archived from the original on June 12, 2016.
- ^ Altland, Morgan (February 18, 2016). "Undertale still captivates audiences". The Oswegonian. Archived from the original on June 3, 2017.
- ^ Crosby, Jack (October 30, 2019). "AEW Dynamite results, recap: Inner Circle wreaks havoc, inaugural tag team champions crowned". CBS Sports. Archived from the original on November 1, 2019. Retrieved November 4, 2019.
- ^ Becht, Eli (September 6, 2019). "Smash Ultimate players are losing their minds over the Sans costume". Dexerto. Archived from the original on October 27, 2019.
- ^ Schuhart, Jonah (September 16, 2019). "Smash Bros. creates potential problem with new DLC characters". The Commonwealth Times. Archived from the original on May 7, 2020.