South Park: The Stick of Truth | Game Preview

What do you get when you cross TV's most explicit and wild cartoon with an Xbox controller? That's right, the world's greatest idea for a game. This particular game comes in the form of South Park, entitled "The Stick of Truth". Fully licensed by the show itself, they have gone to new depths to keep the fans happy in a way that seems ridiculous on paper, but could actually be a potential classic. Ubisoft have released the first thirteen minutes of gameplay on Youtube and from what I have seen so far, it is incredible and it's already left me feeling excited for more.

The game kicks off with two adults moving into a house in the glorious town of South Park. We then discover the main character; a nine year old boy. Our mute protagonist gives a blank stare at his parents whilst they urge him to go out and make new friends, safe in the knowledge that the child doesn't "remember" why the family have moved house. There is immediate speculation on what the big secret could be. But the story continues when the boy goes outside, greeted by snow and two kids play fighting. One of these children is recognisably Butters. For all those who are familiar with South Park will know and love Butters. He then tells our main character to attack the other kid, who then runs off in pain. Butters (the Merciful) then befriends you in a Facebook-esque manner and takes you to his leader - everyone's favourite anti-hero, Cartman. Guised as a wizard, Cartman tells you to enter his back garden to start off your quest.

The game itself has a World of Warcraft vibe and has traits of the South Park episodes when they play the game, as well as the "Lord of the Rings' parody episode. The game itself has a lot of cutscenes, but they aren't annoying as they provide the narrative throughout, whilst making the game feel like you're in an actual episode of South Park. There is immediate comedy in the game when you have no option but to name your character "Douchebag" as suggested by our good friend Cartman, as well as the slightly controversial choice of being a Jew as opposed to the conventional mage or fighter. Although it could be deemed as distasteful, it's all in good faith and South Park have continually got away with issues like this for years. It's what has made the show as popular as it is.

The game is basically a hybrid of an RPG, a fighting game and one with definite laugh out loud moments. I'm sure it will receive extremely positive feedback and cult fans will be proud to play it. Hopefully the game will be cohesive throughout and have just as good an ending as it does a start.

Link to the gameplay video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5w0cakO78u8