South Park: The Stick of Truth is basically an interactive 15-hour episode of the hit TV show. If you are a fan, then there is no question you should pick up this game. However, those of you who are not fans or on the fence about its gaming credentials, then I have excellent news. South Park: The Stick of Truth is excellent. M’kay.
Picking up where the end of Season 17 left off, The Stick of Truth has you playing the part of the silent protagonist who is the new kid in town. Like so many fantasy-based tales, you hold a secret power and are being hunted by secret people. Thankfully, the creators manage to inject South Park’s brand of humor into this tale, bringing a fresh and twisted perspective on the events that are set to take place. The very fantastical setting itself is just a concocted role-playing game by the kids in town who are fighting over a literal stick, which they hold as the stick of truth.
What is great about The Stick of Truth is how it seamlessly integrates South Park’s twisted humor into every facet of the game, from the world to the very gameplay. There are all kinds of callbacks, references and neat spells and items that are a fan’s nostalgic dream. As a fan myself, I was consistently surprised by how far back those references went, to episodes I had long since forgotten.
But most importantly, The Stick of Truth works as a game, and works very well. Operating as a turn-based RPG, you and most of the time, a second supporting companion are up against various factions, hippies, cats, wolves and many other absurd enemies. You take turns dishing out either melee attack, ranged ammunition, spells or various support items. In turn, your enemies have various moves and circumstances of their own, and it is a credit to the game that it forces you to change tactics throughout a fight, so as to avoid monotony.
The environment itself can play a big factor. You have many opportunities to eliminate your foes through environmental interaction, be it shooting an object down on their head, burning them, or just plain farting on them to gross them out before a fight. Yes, you can fart, and you will be farting a lot in this game. Like I said, this is South Park’s humor we are talking about here. But again, to its credit, it manages to integrate that into the game very effectively. Your own attacks can be powered up by farting, so there is that.
Any negative criticisms would have to pertain to some rather frustrating mini-game sequences. These are rather brief and not to be made too much hay over, however. Once I figured them out, I was actually ashamed how simple they actually were. Also, the game uses a lot of quick time events, but it is handled well for the most part. Just some caution for those who are not fond of that mechanic.
South Park: The Stick of Truth really is a great time all around. It is hilariously absurd, yet manages to pack in a substantially fun time. Even if you are not a big South Park fan, if you have a love for gaming, then I heartily recommend The Stick of Truth.
