_{wHY HELLO THERE OwO}

the question is: do you have to actually play a game to get all the right impressions?

recently I've decided that I've wasted enough time playing games. now, I'm mostly watching others play, read stuff about games' storylines and characters, etc. it doesn't bother me that I'm not a part of the action; actually, I even like it more when I just sit and watch.

however, I have some doubts about how much impression I get if I'm not experiencing all the stuff myself. am I missing something important? I mean, you don't have to be in a movie to watch it and get it right... but a game is meant to be played, not watched... I'm confused.

well, the game in question is Undertale. no spoilers please :D I almost haven't played it at all, but I read their wiki and it seems really deep and interesting. and the soundtrack is awesome! but still, while I'm certainly interested in Undertale, I'm not sure if I want to actually play it.

so, people playing Undertale (I'm sure here are some) and all the other gamers, what would you suggest? will I miss a lot if I just read the game's story and watch videos of gameplay?

I'd have to tell you that either way if you watch or play for yourself it's an amazing experience :)

I actually watched someone play it half way through before I decided I wanted to finish the rest myself, and actually the benefit to playing it yourself is that your judgement isn't influenced by whoever you watch instead
I personally enjoyed watching someone play undertale(blind) and also enjoyed playing it on my own but in the long run, I think playing it on your own is a slightly better experience

But no, you do not need to play the game to get the right impressions but I recommend if you want to watch someone else to watch Cryaotic since it's a lot better to watch a serious play through than someone making jokes through most of it(unless you yourself prefer a not so serious commentary)

It's like playing football vs watching a football game. Both are enjoyable, but its a total different kind of enjoyment.

I personally think playing the game yourself is the better experience. I decided to play the game first and was glad that I did. I felt like I was actually part of the adventure and not a by stander. On top of the great story, the plot twist and ending hit me like a brick precisly because I was the one controlling the playable character. There's more emotional investment that way.
Although, it IS a bullet hell game (requires some reflex and basic gaming skill), so if that's not your cup of tea, then watching a play-though would be much better as the mechanic wouldn't frustrate you to the point of not being able to enjoy the game.

Adding on top of 99echosong99's recommendation:
If you do decide to just watch it, and want to watch one with humor, I would highly recommend Jacksepticeye's play-through! I felt like he really brought the characters to life with his voice acting! :D

thanks for your replies and recommendations ^^
I think I might end up purchasing Undertale after all... :D

well, the bad part of not being the person who is playing, is that you're also not the one who's making decisions (if you're not forcing the playing one to choose what you want, lol). however, I think I can always find some gameplay videos with the same desicions which I would make.

the good part of not being the person who is playing, is that you don't have to face all those fights yourself. my reflexes are not that good and I don't want to get stuck just because I can't beat the game's mechanics.

so, still can't decide.

thanks!

I actually have started playing already and currently can't go through the Waterfall =w=
but the game is even more amazing than I thought it would be :D
however, I'm not sure if I'd be able to finish it since I keep dying in the Waterfall and it's not even a boss fight yet. too bad. :C

Wish you the best :)!
Reading some tips on how to handle enemy encounters might be very beneficial if you get stuck.
I personally did that for a couple of monsters and puzzles :P