I’ve always been a fan of South Park and a gamer, so I’ve got a good history of cro?ssovers between the two. But one game is more pivotal in my gaming career than any of ??the others, and I don’t think it will ever be beaten.

To preface this, I did briefly play the original 1998 Nintendo 64 release at my cousin's house, although I was only seven at the time, and my parents were not happy with my choice of video game at the time. After that, I dived in and out of South Park games when they were released, and I have glorious memories of playing South Park Rally, much to the chagrin of my parents. 

However, my first true deep dive into the world of South Park games came much later, when The Stick of Truth was released back in 2014 (as if I didn’t feel old e?nough w?riting this already). 

The Stick of Truth felt like immersing yourself as a character in a full season of the show, filled with truly despicable jokes, absolutely gross weaponry, and no end of terrible language. Thankfully, by this point??, I was a fully grown adult (in theory), and my parents' feelings on the matter were neither here nor there. Although I? definitely chose not to discuss the contents with them, for fear of sullying their poor innocent minds. 

One of the best things about The Stick of Truth is the sheer amount of tasks that need to be completed. I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve heard Butters tell me, “we’re ??supposed to be playing the game,�as I’ve gotten sidetracked by collecting items or completing side quests that do nothing to progress the main story. If Kenny told ??me the same thing, which I’m positive he has many times, I wouldn't understand him anyway. 

I wish I could have been around at the time to write guides with glorious titles such as “How to use the alien probe in South Park: The Stick of Truth�or “How to win over the  Goths in South Park: The Stick of Truth,�b?ut alas I was not, and I will sadly probably never ?have the chance to live out that dream. 

Regardless, even today, the jokes of South Park: The S?tick of Truth, while admittedly hard to watch or take in at times, are still so fitting to the show. Isn’t that the point of South Park? To be offensive? To be that show that you don’t want to admit that you find funny for fear of societal ?judgment? 

The Fractured But Whole, which was released three yea??rs after The Stick of Truth in 2017 but canonically takes place just one day after the events of the previous game, captured this disgusting but lovable world, too, although to a lesser degree. There was still no end of side tasks that needed to be completed, the humor was still definitely there, a??nd all of the characters were present, albeit in very different roles. 

Maybe that’s just personal preference, though. I’ve always preferred a fantasy world filled with Elves and Wizards over one filled with superheroes and villains. To me, The Fractured But Whole, while still enjoyable in its own right, felt like a cheap hop onto the Marvel-led superhero bandwagon of the time. In a way, you c??ould say they were pandering, which is ironic considering the fact that South Park has since released a 49-minute special called “Into the Panderverse� which you?? should definitely watch if you haven’t already. But I digress. 

Then, when Snow Day! was announced back in 2023, I was excited to relive the joys of the previous two ?games all over again. I? knew Stone and Parker were trying something different with the art style and removing the turn-based combat, but everything else was promising. There was even multiplayer! Glorious! 

Except Snow Day! was far from what many people had expected it to be. First and foremost was the playtime; The Stick of Truth takes just over 10 hours to complete if you don’t worry about getting all of the achievements, some of which require full replays to get, and The Fractured But Whole takes just over 18 hours if you go the same route. Snow Day! has a playtime of just five hours, and you?? can reach 100% in just over eight. 

I’ll ignore the repetitive combat and skip right to my biggest bugbear about Snow Day!: it feels dead compared to the previous two. Whereas The Stick of Truth and The Fractured But Whole had us exploring the entirety of the town and all of its iconic locations, Snow Day! only allows for lin??ear progress. Worst of all, the humor is gone.

Well, it's not entirely gone. There are still quintessentially South Park moments, but it’s so watered down it might as well not be there. Even though all the characters are there, ??they come across as mentally checked out. It’s like putting a drop of orange juice into a lake and expecting it to taste like Sunny D�It just doesn’t hit the same.

So yes, while it may have been ten years since The Stick of Truth graced the world with its presence, it is still the most enjoyable South Park game to have been released. It took risks, huge ones, and they paid off. It’s still worth playing today if you can compartmentali??ze and ignore the incredibly un-PC moments, but then again, if you’re a fan of South Park, you’ve pretty much nailed that skill already.

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The greatest RPG of a generation

If you don't own South Park: The Stick of Truth or never played it, then what the fuck is wrong with you? Well, if you own a PlayStation 3, then it's time to correct yourself. Now that the game is only $5, there's really no ??excuse not to play?? it.

You can check out some other price drops here (I know ya'll want that Smurfs 2).

PlayStation Store Update [PlayStation.Blog]

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Crying symbol of Europe

When South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone decided they wanted to make a game, Obsidian was on their list. "We got this phone call about 'hey do we want to talk to the South Park guys?' and we were like, 'Yeah, right,'" Feargus Urquhart explains in a lengthy interview with Eurogamer. "I call back and it was, 'No, no, we're actually South Park.'"

This was 2009. The Stick of Truth?? has been a long time coming, what with THQ going under, Ubisoft buying the rights, and a general air of concern about the game's development. Parker and Stone were with Obsidian every step of the way, Urquhart explains. An unprecedented partne??rship as far as licensing goes. "They spent hours and hours and hours and hours and hours helping to get the game finished, up until probably two weeks before we submitted."

Urquhart also noted that Obsidian doesn't deal in Metacritic metrics. Not after New Vegas. "We have a general policy whenever we're talking to different publishe??rs now: we don't do anything that has to do with Metacritic. It's an unfair way of... in a lot of ways it can only be used as a way to take advantage of a develo?per."

Sou?th Park: It? all started with a suspected prank call [Eurogamer]

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Better than a trip to Casa Bonita

It's hard to believe that I've been watching South Park for almost 17 years. I vividly remember sneakin??g downstairs in the dead of night, quie??tly turning on Comedy Central to watch Eric Cartman get probed by an alien. I still watch the show to this day.

Although it's had its ups and downs, one thing is for certain -- South Park is still topical. Odds are even if you don't watch it, you've heard about the controversial premise to an episode at least once per season. Or more importantly in this instance, you've heard the tumultuous story about the coveted South Park game, which has taken years to see the lig??ht of day.

But it's finally here, and I have to say -- it was worth the ?wait. Barring a few mechanical issues, it's like watching a long, quality episode of the show.

South Park: The Stick of Truth (PC, PS3, Xbox 360 [reviewed])
Developer: Obsidian Entertainment, South Park Digital Studios
Publisher: Ubisoft
Released:  March 4, 2014
MSRP: $59.99

After a Rankin/Bass-style cartoon opening narrated by Cartman, the quest begins. The setup is that you're the "new kid" in town -- a silent protagonist and chosen one not unlike Link in the Legend of Zelda series sworn to protect the Stick of Truth (literally a wooden stick) from the elves (other kids with pointy ears glued onto their heads). It was immediately after the surprisingly detailed character creator that I fell in love -- The Stick of Truth is basically one gian?t episode of the show, and the details are astounding.

Cutscenes play out like you're watching South Park on TV, and if anyone happened to come along and watch you playing it, they wouldn't know any better. Now I see why creators Matt Stone and Trey Parker took so long to write the game, as the staggering amount of dialog and animation could fill an entire?? season. Pretty much every facet of the game is true to the source material, from the soundtrack, to the voices, to the signature chime that plays when every episode starts and the kids are waiting for the bus to arrive.

The humor doesn't feel over the top at first, but with time, it gets just as crude as some of the most controversial episodes of the show. There are plenty of poop and fart jokes as well as your typical Cartman antics ("A white thief? Never heard of one"), but eventually, you start moving into abortion and anal probing territory, as well as finding dildos named "black thunder." To be incredibly specific, at one point in the game you can summon Mr. Slave to shove a kindergartner up his ass. Yep, this is South Park alright.

There are tons of little Easter eggs for fans of the show to enjoy, like "Vote or Die" and "Fingerbang" playing on the radio, the "Move Along Sir" guy, an AWESOME-O suit in Cartman's closet, and tiny junk item references like S'more Schnapps bottles. I can't stress ?enough how much more you'll enjoy this game if you love the series.

So how does Stick of Truth's actual gameplay work? Well, you'll roam around just like a typical RPG (with fast travel in tow, compliments of Timmy), discover loot, find some quests for your quest log, and complete the main story along the way. Fans will dig the chance to see practically every main character's house, and not since 1997's Virtual Springfield have I felt a sense of wonderment explor??ing a? cartoon world. It's kind of surreal how many details are present in the town of South Park.

Combat also is initiated in real time, with enemies visible on-screen -- there are no random encounters. The actual fights are turn-based, hilariously explained by the fact that although you are technically at war with other kids, you still "have to wait your turn" because it's a game. The whole affair is a bit more interactive than your typical turn-based RPG though, since offensive and defensive maneuvers feature timed button presses for emphasis -- similar to Super Mario RPG.

Basically, you can press a button to add extra attacks, modify your strikes, or add magic damage to them. Abilities are even more interactive, and some of them involve twirling your analog stick around in a circle to swing a hammer, or pressing a button at the exact right moment to hit a baseball into an opponent's face. The entire theme of the attacks not only hearken back to Mario RPG, but EarthBound as well, which is a goo??d feeling. It's also funny to se?e elementary school kids run away and threaten to tell their moms for beating them up.

Having said that, don't expect a lot from the combat system in general. You won't get a whole lot of abilities to mess around with, the magic system is very rudimentary (which is based on farts), and fights are extremely easy -- even boss encounters. You won't really have to modify your strategy at all during them, which kind of takes you out of the moment from time ?to time once you realize how shallow fights are. Quests also aren't all that exciting in theory, since many of them are of the fetch variety. But the key is that like the battle system, they're elevated by the game's charm and?? faithfulness to the show.

Although you'll level up in combat by way of a typical experience system, I really like the incentive to meet new people and friend ??them on Facebook to earn perks (all in-game, of course). Perks are relatively straightforward with bonuses like "extra melee damage" or "more resistance to debuffs," but it's incredibly fun to seek people out, as it incentivizes you to truly explore the game.

In addition to a metric-ton of sidequests, you can also search the world for scattered Chinpokomon collectibles, collect extra loot, and find hidden areas. Sometimes, I would spend hour-long sessions just walking around and interacting?? with people on the world map, trying to find secrets. Occasionally I encountered a glitch like a framerate stutter or something that didn't trigger properly, but in my personal experience it wasn??'t game-breaking -- just a minor annoyance.

If you don't watch South Park that often, you most likely won't enjoy The Stick of Truth as much as someone who does. The RPG elements are very serviceable but they're not going to satiate most of the hardcore genre fans out there. It's a goo??d thing then that the rest of the package is filled with so much care from the show's creators, that it makes it something truly special.

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EU gets Michaelangelo's David, AU gets a crying koala

South Park: The Stick of Truth is nearly here, but if you reside in Europe or Australia, you're not going to see every single scene. Specifically, you'll see a censorship screen with Michaelangelo's David facepalming or a crying koala, describing the scene in detail -- here's an example (mild spoilers and NSFW text).

While censorship isn't ideal, at least you know what's happening in the story, and South Park creators Matt Stone and Trey Parker are no strangers to the concept, handling it like pros. Expect our Stick of Truth review early tomorrow morning. It's hard to believe that the game is a?lm?ost out!

This is what EU-residents see? during the censored Stick of Truth scenes [Reddit]

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Also, farting on a whole lot of people

The Achievement / Trophies list for South Park: The Stick of Truth have just been uncovered, and it looks like "New Kid on the Block", what seems to be the very first one you'll earn, is for joining the KKK. Well then, we're just going to jump right into the deep end in true South Park style, even though it probably stands for somethin??g like "Kool Kids' Klub."

The rest of the list is notable too, as it's littered with South Park refere?nces. My favorite is "Canadian Handshake", which is unlocked by farting on 100 people. Truth be told, this game looks as if it'll be a continuous e??xercise in defecation and flatulence.

For those concerned about spoilers, the set is fairly safe to look at, as the progression-based ones are locked away as secrets. Also, it seems that completionists will get their money's worth since some conflicting Achievements indicate that it'll require two separate playthroughs. Oh well, more South Park probably won't necessarily be a bad thing.

South Park: The Stick of Truth Achievements [Xbox Achievements]

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Censored version eventually rated R18+

Over at IGN, three reports have been obtained detailing the difficulties Ubisoft had with securing a ratings classification for South Park: The Stick of Truth&n??bsp;by the Australian ??Classifications Board, before finally receiving an R18+ rating.

In the reports, the ACB references depictions of child sexual abuse and other content "...which due to the interactive nature of the sequence, warranted complete refusal of classification." The board additionally stated &ldq??uo;[i]mplied sexual violence that is visually depicted, interactive, not justified by context or related to incentives or rewards is not permitted.”

The scene which, according to the ACB, depicts child sexual abuse titled Alien Probing features "...buttock-nude male characters, captured by aliens, repeatedly having an overs?ized, phallic probe thrust into their buttocks. The probe is repeatedly thrust i??n and out, mimicking sexual thrusting and accompanied by squelching sound effects."

The scene that contains the additional thematic content, that warranted refusal, take??s place in an a??bortion clinic and features the player taking hands-on control of a doctor.

&ldq??uo;The player controls the doctor’s hands and repeatedly thrusts a length of wire between the patient’s splayed legs (implicitly to bring about an abortion) before applying a vacuum device to the patient’s genital region (below screen),” explains the report. “A minority of the Board is of the view that, due to the interactively of this sequence, it is very high in impact and offends against the standards of morality, decency and propriety generally accepted by reasonable adults to the extent that it should not be classified.”

In the numerous failed attempts to get the game classified in Australia by Ubisoft, the ACB did acknowledge that it was aware that the content in the game was based on similar scenes from the television show and are “satirical in tone and intent,” but do to the interactive nature exceeded “wh??at can be accommodated within the R18+ guidelines.”

Eventually, a heavily modified version was deemed acceptable for the ACB's R18+ rating on November 21. Text describing the scenes has now replaced what gamers in other territories --like North America -- will see during these parts. Furthermore, as noted by the ACB, these updated scenes "....are accom??panied by a still image of? a koala crying and the word “censored” written in large red text.”

South Park: The Stick of Truth i?s slated to?? release on March 4, 2014 in North America.

Anal Probes Caused South Park: The Stick of Truth’s Pain?? ??Down Under [IGN]

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How Nintendo's classic helped shape the upcoming RPG

When asked what games inspired the upcoming South Park: The Stick of Truth during a panel at San Diego Comic-Con, Trey Parker and Matt Stone, the creative minds behind the iconic series, jokingly answered "Crash Bandicoot 2."

While the comment garnered an instant laugh and cheer from the crowd, when all things settled down the duo's actual answer provided a much deeper insight into the passion the two have for creating something that is more than another videogame slapped with the South Park label on it.

"We're big gamers and I think what was inspiring the game was a lot more lofty than what we could pull off," Parker said. "I was a big fan of it and what I kept thinking in my mind was EarthBound."

"I haven't played it [EarthBound] again in forever, but I just remember something being about 'Oh wow, I'm a little kid in a house and there's my mom and I go outside my house and am fighting like an ant and a little mouse.' It started out feeling so real," Parker added. "I kept having in my head 'do I really want [South Park: The Stick of Truth] to feel like that you are a little kid and you're playing this game and bigger shit ends up happening.' But I really loved that feeling that EarthBound had of I'm a cute little kid in my neighborhood and we're running around p??laying a game.'"

In addition to EarthBound, Parker and Stone also noted that The Legend of Zelda's silent protagonist Link and the 2D/3D visuals of Paper Mario were other big influences to the to the de??sign of the game.

That's a whole lot of Nintendo love guiding the way for South Park: The Stick of Truth and three more reasons I'm looking forward to the upcoming RPG. Looks like I found another reason to download EarthBound when I get back from San Diego. Not that I really ??n?eeded one.

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Deadly new move announced!

In what feels like the first real piece of news on South Park: The Stick of Truth in a while, those wacky folks at South Park Digital ?Studios have decided to share something special at this E3: the deadly Nagaskai?? fart!

This is clearly just another brilliant marketing strategy from the minds of Trey and Matt! While not much new footage was shown, original clips and animations from the show seem to showcased in this trailer instead. I still can't wait to try out South Park: The Stick of Truth. Oh, and remember, never fart on anyone's balls!

South Park: The Stick of Truth will be dropping this holiday season.

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Legal stuff

South Park Studios has filed an objection in court to prevent the sale of South Park: The Stick of Truth in THQ's bankruptcy asset sale taking place later today unless certain conditions are met. South Park Studios wants the right to deny the sale unless they've given their approval to the bidder, get adequate assurance of future performance, and receive $2.275 million in allegedly defaul??ted payments.

South Park Studios asserts that, if these conditions are not met, they have the right to buy back the game themselves for the exact cost THQ has put into the project. THQ counters that they don't need the studio's approval to sell the IP as the license is exclusive to them. In regards to the debt, THQ states that they "are current??ly evaluating the amount South Park Studios is claiming we owe and anticipate working with them to resolve it."

This whole THQ business is just one sad and messy affair. We'll see just how all this will play out later today during the a??ss?et sale.

South Park Studios objec??ts to THQ's sale of The Stick of Truth, seeks $2.275 million in de?fault payments [Polygon]

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Don't shoot the messenger

In reporting its second-quarter fiscal 2013 results, THQ announced the delay of South Park: The Stick of Truth. Originally scheduled for March 5,? 2013, the Obsidian Entertainment-developed role-playing game is now looking to release "early fiscal 2014" -- in other words, at the earliest, in April 2013.

Unfortunately, there's more where that came from. Company of Heroes 2 and Metro: Last Light are now expected to ship in March. "Our fourth quarter releases are the f?irst titles that I have had the abili??ty to materially impact," stated THQ president Jason Rubin, "and experience told me that the games needed additional development time to be market-ready."

Disappointing news to come home to, no dou??bt about it. Hopefully that extra development time can be used effectively. Obviously we want every game to be good -- who wouldn't? -- but I do have high hopes for these three titles in particular.

The post Three major THQ games dela??yed including South Park appeared first on Destructoid.

Here are four new screenshots for Obsidian's South Park: The Stick of Truth, otherwise known as the one thing? Microsoft showed at its press conference worth getting excited for. 

I am seriously looking forward to the game, though I always find it hilarious when people praise it for looking exactly like the show. Given the fact that South Park is supposed to look cheap and poorly anim?ated, it shouldn't be hard to make a m??odern videogame resemble the series. 

Oh wa??it, I just remembered that N?64 shooter ... oh dear. 

Carry on, Obsidian!

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