South Park Stick of Truth Review: Fan Service meets an RPG

Most of the South Park games haven’t been very good. Gamers had a right to be wary about the Stick of Truth. Would this be another licensed game that was nothing more than a ploy to make money? Stick of Truth is a game that provides fan service, while catering to those gamers who like a different style of RPG.

I’ve played a few of the other South Park games such as South Park Rally and the South Park game for N64. Were they good at the time? Not really, and it shows that Matt Parker and Trey Stone might have had a hands off approach with those games. Not with Stick of Truth. As soon as gamers fire up the game, the fun references to a variety of episodes and themes start. If it has been in South Park, there is a good chance it will be referenced. Even for me, someone who hasn't watched South Park since college, I still find myself chuckling at the items and events that are taking place in South Park at the time of the game.  

All references to the show aside, the game is fun. It's a neat western RPG that has turn based combat. Combat moves quickly and the characters have melee and ranged attacks, magic, and abilities they can use in combat. There are options, but those come later. Almost all the moves in combat require precision button taps to do the most damage. This is the same for defense. Players can use an item in combat, as well as attack, or use a special ability. I thought this was a nice touch

There are 4 classes, fighter, jew (monk-like), thief, and wizard. All of them have their strengths and weaknesses in combat. Gamers can have one other party member in their party at the same time and can rotate them out as needed, even in mid-combat. The main character levels and can upgrade, as well as unlock new abilities for combat. Weapons and gear can be modified to provide an extra kick. Some of this includes extra damage or healing players based on attacks.

The plot revolves around two sides: the humans and the elves, fighting over the Stick of Truth. Two sides, one with Cartman, and the other with Stan and Kyle, just like in the show. The plot is a little more complicated, but I want to leave out spoilers.

Graphics and sounds look like they were ripped from the TV show and I personally enjoyed the little touches in the game. South Park: The Stick of Truth is about 15 hours long, if gamers take the time to do everything. I wish it was longer, but it was fun. There are a lot of small side quests to do, as well. Everything that people find offensive, fun, and quirky about the world of South Park is in this game.