South Park: The Stick of Truth Reviews
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We've rounded up another batch of reviews for South Park: The Stick of Truth, confirming the initial generally positive impressions it garnered on release day.
Destructoid, 8/10.
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 good 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.
Giant Bomb, 5/5.
I don't know what else I can even say about The Stick of Truth without just spoiling the jokes for people, so let's just call it right here. The Stick of Truth is the best South Park game by a country mile, but even removed from the franchise's dismal history with video games, it's also just one of the funniest games I've ever played. It pays tribute to the series' long history of memorably offensive jokes while also delivering an original story hilarious enough to stand on its own. Even more importantly, its gameplay is in no way an encumbrance to your enjoyment. Obsidian has fashioned an honest-to-god RPG out of the South Park universe, one with enough depth and longevity to hold your interest even when the comedy takes a breather. If the fantastically foul world of Stan, Kyle, Cartman, and Kenny still holds any appeal to you, The Stick of Truth is a game well worth your time.
Strategy Informer, 9.0/10.
Cards on the table time: not since Rocksteady's Batman Arkham games has a developer so successfully made such an amazing title out of a licensed property, one that not only is a perfect South Park game but an incredible RPG as well. It may not offer you tons of choices or a gigantic open-world like The Witcher 3 or Dragon Age: Inquisition will probably end up doing, but already they have a challenger for RPG of the year as far as I'm concerned. The Stick of Truth has loads of fun things to do, clever and involving combat, well-thought-out mechanics and abilities that open up the town Metroidvania-like, and above all else it's goddamn hilarious. Taking most side-quests into account it took me 15 hours to complete and I utterly loved every minute of it, from silly beginning to glorious ending. It's currently the best game I've played so far this year, and while it's got stiff competition coming up I can't imagine any title beating it in terms of perfectly recreating its source material or in laughs-per-minute. Buy it, love it, play it again with a different buddy, but always remember - never fart on another man's balls. Okay? Good, we're done.
BT.com, 5/5.
Yes, there will be some turned off by the RPG mechanics, who don't want numbers and stats and +1 swords and all the rest of it. And yes, there are still those deluded few out there who feel South Park isn't actually any good.
Will this appeal to them? Absolutely not. Does it matter? Less than you might imagine. The Stick of Truth is the closest we've ever been to a perfect South Park game maybe even the perfect licensed game.
And that's good enough for us.
Neowin, scoreless.
The writing is excellent as expected, assuming you are a fan of the show of course. You get the kind of juvenile humour you would expect and more. It is one of the few games that I have ever laughed out loud at since the days of a Bevis and Butthead adventure game.
Overall it is probably the best licensed game ever, it captures the look, feel, dialogue and story writing of the series while mixing some great but simple RPG elements into the mix. Obsidian have done a great job here and it was well worth the wait, but only for South Park fans. The only downside I could find is that lasting around 20 hours we can only hope that the creators actually want to produce a follow up, something that during their recent interviews they stated that they haven't really taken a shine to.
Push Square, 8/10.
Proud to be one to buck the trend, South Park: The Stick of Truth is a truly brilliant television tie-in. Every scene is stuffed with references and Easter eggs, and the dialogue is so authentically written and acted that you really feel like you're playing through an episode of the show. Performance issues and minor irritations do hold the experience back a touch, but this is still a must-play for fans of the franchise, and it sets a benchmark for future licensed titles to measure up to.
USGamer, 5/5.
Without a doubt the finest TV-to-video game adaptation for a very long time. South Park is a great RPG, a faithful adaptation of its source material -- and a game that knows when to stop before its shtick becomes tiresome.
Shacknews, 6/10.
As an RPG, it's hard to recommend South Park: The Stick of Truth, given that there are a number of more polished titles that offer deeper battle systems and much larger worlds. As a South Park game, however, this is easily at the head of the class, nailing the show's humor at just about every turn. Even with its shortcomings, South Park fans owe it to themselves to play through The Stick of Truth's story, as it's paced and structured very much like the show's classic three-part episodes. This is very much a game for fans of the show only.
EGM, 8.5/10.
Finally, fans of South Park have a game worthy of the TV show. The writing, animation, and little details are all outstanding, and while a few balance issues surface during combat and the main quest is a little short at around 10 hours, those aren't dealbreakers. No South Park game has captured the sleepy Colorado mountain town quite like this, and show creators Matt Stone and Trey Parker delivered on their promise to create a gaming experience that matches the Comedy Central hit.
Videogamer, 6/10.
TSoT is the best, most faithful South Park game to date, but it's still just an okay game. That said it might also be your only chance to fart on a flaming, used tampon and hurl it at Nazi zombie fetuses, unless they make another Postal.
GamesRadar, 4.5/5.
Though some elements of South Park: The Stick of Truth are poorly explained, and you might find yourself growing tired of the combat by the end of the 12-hour journey, Obsidian's RPG is an absolutely fantastic, surprising experience. It's great for those willing to favor story and comedy over innovative gameplay--and still a damn fun time for anyone interested in a light, open-world RPG. Instead of a game trying to be South Park, it actually feels like you're playing South Park, and playing South Park is. well, it's pretty fucking kick-ass.
GameReactor, 8/10.
If there is any reason to criticise South Park: The Stick of Truth, it's for playing it a bit safe. This doesn't sound like a game where the publisher voluntarily cut out scenes featuring anal probing and abortions from the console version (both are included in the PC edition, and we cannot fathom why they were seen as too controversial for console), but it appears as if the game is going after shocks and poop jokes ahead of the more serious current day issues that have kept South Park a long-running success. It's perfectely shown in the aforementioned Al Gore side quest. The ManBearPig episode is almost 8 years old, it was ridiculous, felt irrelevant and rubbed us the wrong way. It's not the only joke from the series that is shamelessly recycled, and you cannot help but miss the bite from episodes like Cartoon Wars or Go God Go, or the pure insanity of Imaginationland. Reportedly South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone have written most of the script, but that's no excuse. We have to make due with the entertainingly absurd and easily digested South Park, as opposed to the genius bits of South Park.
That's not to say The Stick of Truth disappoints. It's fun and entertaining, unusually polished for a game from Obsidian Entertainment, and beneath the simple surface and the fart jokes there's a surprisingly well functioning RPG. If you're in any way tempted by South Park: The Stick of Truth you don't need to worry. Just stick with the PC version.
NowGamer, 8.0/10.
South Park: The Stick of Truth is a faithful and wonderfully paced interpretation of the TV series and, despite lacking some depth, a solid RPG to boot.
Hardcore Gamer, 4/5.
South Park: The Stick of Truth is as close as coming to playing an episode of the show as we're ever going to get. The humor is consistent with some of the show's best episodes, the visuals are wholly original for a game and the gameplay is surprisingly challenging and rewarding. As much of its humor is dependent on character references, those who aren't avid viewers of the show probably won't enjoy it, but you should remedy that if you fall into that category. Everybody else will be in stitches from some great gags and deep references that reward devotees of the classic show. The maps could have been larger and pacing improved, but this is another great accomplishment by Obsidian and the first game to do the classic animated series justice.
Digital Spy, 4/5.
Not only does The Stick of Truth capture the show's wicked sense of politically incorrect humour, but it wraps it up in what is actually a pretty fun turn-based role-playing game, making it a must for fans of the series and the fantasy genre.
PlayStation Universe, 8.0/10.
South Park: The Stick Of Truth does real justice to the South Park license, never failing to entertain with its humour, while boasting a fun storyline and addictive, in-depth combat that will resonate with turn-based RPG fans. Nevertheless, it's not perfect, with some mundane quests and navigation hampered by the need to continuously delve into the map, as well as loading times and framerate drops interrupting flow. Still, Stick of Truth is an essential experience for series fans that mercifully offers the gameplay chops to match outstanding presentation and truly thoughtful design.
We Got This Covered, 4.5/5.
South Park: The Stick of Truth is a fantastic game, which perfectly captures the essence of its inspiration. A lot of hard work went into crafting this passion project of an RPG, and it shows.
PCGamesN, 10/10.
South Park: The Stick of Truth feels like it's been 16 years in the making, drawing on the high points from 17 seasons of lewd hilarity. Kenny dies a lot, and those immortal lines are uttered; Jimmy takes five minutes to spit out a sentence, requiring players to press a button to skip it; and Canada is a weird place containing dire bears, farting comedy duos and queefing women - it's all there. This is South Park, and Obsidian's RPG design at their very best.
Original Gamer, 9.0/10.
I absolutely love the Stick of Truth. It's everything a fan of South Park would want in a game. At around 12 hours my first time through, I was loving every minute of it. I've told my friends about certain points in the game and they laugh just as hard as I did when I experience it for the first time. Non-fans should avoid this game because it will not make you a fan and simply be a waste.
There are some technical hiccups and a combat system that doesn't make sense, but fans of the show must pick up this game.
ZTGD, 9.0/10.
The Stick of Truth is the epitome of South Park games. It may have taken far too long and suffered more development issues than any one game deserves, but it came out the other side exactly as I hoped it would. Fans of the show need not hesitate, this is a must own experience. For those that find South Park offensive or juvenile, this game was never intended for you, and there is likely nothing that will change that. I loved every minute of this title, but it requires knowing what you are signing up for before diving in.
Metro, 8/10.
If the brief was to make a South Park game that was just as funny and outrageous as the show, but was actually a proper role-playing game underneath, then it's hard to imagine how The Stick Of Truth could've turned out any better. Obviously you'd have to like the show to like the game, but that can be considered a criticism.
If only all film directors and TV makers were also keen gamers then maybe licensed games wouldn't have the terrible reputation they do. But at least The Stick Of Truth manages to hit it out of the park.
Dealspwn, 8/10.
That's not a lot for me to moan about though is it? That's the great thing about South Park; you can just plough away at it all day, much as you would any decent RPG game. Being able to have multiple quests on the go at once means you're never far from something to do, which is exactly what we want in an RPG. It would seem that South Park: The Stick of Truth was worth the wait after all.
IncGamers, 8/10.
It would've been nice to have trickier combat or more real RPG bits and bobs, but as an interactive South Park title, this hits pretty much every mark. The Stick of Truth is puerile, authentic, and constantly hilarious.
DualShockers, 6.5/10.
South Park: The Stick of Truth is the tale of two games. It is a ridiculously off-the-wall black comedy that works in every way and successfully captures the tone and essence of the show. Unfortunately, it is also a satirization of the RPG genre that manages to misfire in more than one aspect in its most basic approach, and ultimately feels unfinished and in dire need of a polish.
Official Xbox Magazine, 9.0/10.
Don't be fooled by its relatively modest runtime this is a riotously funny, dense slice of fanservice-meets-clever RPG that's a must for anyone who loves the show.
God is a Geek, 9/10.
Die-hard fans of South Park have waited an eternity for a good game, let alone a great one. The Stick of Truth makes you laugh throughout, but never forgets that it is a game, and engages you on that level, too. I had high hopes for this one, and Obsidian have fully delivered. It's hard to stay mad at Ubisoft for the censorship, because you get the feeling that their quality assurance really helped this become the wonderful experience that it is. Don't be a conformist, grab this one and indulge in the stupid toilet humour and dick jokes that it possesses. One of the best games of 2014 so far.
LazyGamer, 8.5/10.
South Park: The Stick of Truth is more than just a faithful adaptation of a cult TV series. It's a benchmark for translating a favourite property into a video game format, something that other licensed properties could learn from. And it's also the funniest game on the market.
GameSided, 8.5/10.
Despite the poking at the genre, South Park: The Stick of Truth is a game that benefitted greatly from the numerous delays. It has nearly every element that can make a good RPG a great one, and the love for the genre by the show's writers Trey Parker and Matt Stone shines throughout the adventure.
GameRevolution, 4.5/5.
If it were just five or more hours longer in content, South Park: The Stick of Truth would have struck the perfect balance between writing, gameplay, humor, and length. Not since Earthbound and Super Mario RPG: The Legend of the Seven Stars has there been a turn-based RPG with such a distinct style and with so many memorable moments. It has incredible respect for its brand and classic gaming, and incredible disrespect everywhere else in the best way possible. While Stick of Truth won't receive perfect marks now, just wait for it to drop in price later in the year and gift it the last half-star it's missing. Or tell me to screw off, go home, and play it anyway. Either way, I'll perform two salchows and a triple lutz because that's what Brian Boitano'd do.
XB1 Magazine, 8/10.
http://www.xb1.co.uk/reviews/xbox-360-reviews/south-park-the-stick-of-truth-review/
The Koalition, 90%.
South Park: The Stick of Truth is available on March 4th for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and PC. Let us know your thoughts and if you are picking up the game down in the comment section below!
Entertainment Buddha, 8.5/10.
The Stick of Truth does a whole lot right. While the notion of turn based RPG set in South Park might seen like a genuinely baffling choice at first glance, mere minutes with the game prove just how great this concept works. South Park has long been the definitive modern satire, and The Stick of Truth is no exception. In an era where video games so desperatly want to be taken seriously, Trey Parker and Matt Stone have risen to the challenge of proving that games should be just what they are games. Humorous and vulgar, yet equally charming and brilliant, South Park: The Stick of Truth is a RPG that is deserving of all the praise that it is sure to get.
Talking Ship, 8/10.
That being said, every minute of The Stick of Truth is funny, and the vast majority is quite enjoyable to play. It has moments where it sags, and the EU censorship is downright unacceptable.but it's still a good game. No, the mechanics aren't perfect and the gameplay isn't revolutionary. But for an adaptation of a very funny TV show, it ain't half bad.
StartReplay, 9/10.
I can't believe how much fun I ended up having during my time in South Park. After imagining what it would be like to be part of the town's random shenanigans, I no longer need to imagine, as the ultimate South Park simulator is finally here. There's plenty that I haven't delved into, but rest assured that if you're a fan of the series, you won't be disappointed by the results. I'd say that even if you hate the series you should give it a try, but to be honest if its humour hasn't appealed yet, then I doubt the game will change your mind. Since spending over thirteen hours in the main story, I've still got plenty of quests to complete and friends to make on Facebook. So if you don't mind, screw you guys, I'm going to fart in someone's face.
Dork Shelf, scoreless.
It's still a worthwhile endeavour. While other AAA games demand that you live out the fantasies of action heroes and rock stars, The Stick of Truth gleefully encourages you to experience less glamorous lines of work. It drags any self-important notions of games as art down into the muck, and that's exactly what makes it wonderful.
South Park: The Stick of Truth is a welcome reminder that the games industry could use a little more indecency.
3news, 5/5.
Overall though it was a fantastic romp through the environs of South Park, fighting all kinds of foes and getting a great amount of laughs while doing it (a hint 'mug' under the thief class is probably the most OP ability in the game).
That it has taken this long for a worthwhile South Park game to come out is surprising, but when you can get it right first time, what's a wait?
Mercury News, 3.5/4.
Thanks to the top-notch narrative and mission design, "The Stick of Truth" will have players glued to their controllers, even if the ending is messy. They'll be motivated to see what's around the corner; unpredictability is the game's strength. They won't know what risque events will transpire. They don't know what comedic spectacles they'll see. But players will feel compelled to find out.
GameInformer, 8.50/10.
I can't think of a better way to bring this franchise to gaming consoles. The RPG format allows for a ton of funny items and sidequests, the objectives are unlike anything else in the genre, everything moves along at a solid pace, and the overall feel is distinctly South Park. It's one of the most faithful adaptations of a license I've seen, and it ranks among the best comedic games ever released.
Wolf's Gaming Blog, 4/5.
Obsidian Entertainment should be proud of what they have done here, crafted a brilliantly funny RPG which could easily have posed as the premise for another South Park movie.
Finally, Rev3Games and GameTrailers both have video reviews, and award the title 3/5 and 8.3/10 respectively.
