I remember back when I first heard about a South Park RPG coming to PS3. To say I was skeptical was an understatement. Previous to this we had been hit with some real dross. The N64 game released in 1998 and later came to Playstation was pretty awful. Chef’s Luv Shack and South Park Rally that followed were even worse. Fans of the series wanted to be excited, especially with Obsidian steering the ship. Numerous delays and the THQ empire crumbling all contributed to what was a turbulent development cycle.
However, in March 2014, five months after the PS4 had launched, South Park: Stick of Truth dropped on PS3, Xbox 360 and PC. This is not the version I am reviewing. Instead I have went with the PS4 release which came as a pre-order bonus for the 2017 sequel The Fractured But Whole. This is a game I have completed six or seven times, but still the jokes land and the gameplay loop feels satisfying.
In terms of graphics you really couldn’t improve upon what they created. At any point you could sit down the controller and do a side by side with an episode of the show and have trouble telling which is which. As such this game will stand the test of time visually which isn’t something that a lot of games have going for them. Voice acting is all spot on, allowing you to feel like you really are controlling an episode of the show.
In Stick of Truth you play as a new kid that has just moved in to the area. You are quickly saddled with the nickname “Douchebag” upon being introduced to Cartman and the crew by Butters. The story really is on par with an episode of the show and it splinters off in many different and hilarious directions. If you enjoy the TV show you will be in your element for the 10-15 hour run time.
Gameplay is basic but addictive and fun. You explore the town of South Park carrying out missions for various characters. Combat is turn based which is usually something that would be a deal breaker for me, but they have simplified it so much that even I ended up enjoying it. It’s probably the weakest part of the game, but at the same point I am glad it is there to pad out the experience. Performance has taken a big step up from PS3 to PS4, with a lot of the noticeable lag from the original release now gone.
Throughout the game you are constantly upgrading your gear. Not only are some of the outfits and accessories more powerful than others, but if you are anything like me you will spend a decent amount of time mixing and matching to get the most amusing combinations.
Trophies aren’t difficult and you can obtain the platinum in around 20hrs with relative ease but you will want to follow a guide as there are a few missable ones that will require a full second playthrough if you don’t get them before certain points in the story. I would call it a solid list.
One of the reasons for doing these retro reviews is to look back at a game from before I started doing reviews and seeing how well the game holds up in today’s landscape. South Park: Stick of Truth is every bit as good as it was on launch day; even better if you are playing the current gen port. If you have ever enjoyed an episode of the show I urge you to check this game out. Genuinely one of the funniest video games ever made.
