South Park: The Stick of Truth

97%
Game Brain Score Based on 26,440 reviews
  • humor
  • story
  • gameplay
South Park: The Stick of Truth Game Cover
The Stick of Truth is one of the rare instances of a licensed game done exactly right.
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In South Park: The Stick of Truth, players step into the role of the new kid in town, tasked with becoming cool and saving South Park. A turn-based RPG, the game features humor and characters straight from the TV show, with players using iconic items and abilities to fight enemies and uncover the truth behind the Stick of Truth. Success brings social status, while failure results in being labeled a loser.

Play Modes

Reviews

97%
Audience ScoreBased on 26,440 reviews
humor6,722 positive mentions
grinding169 negative mentions
  • humor6,745 mentions

    The humor in "South Park: The Stick of Truth" is widely praised for its authenticity to the show's signature style, delivering a mix of crude, irreverent, and often shocking jokes that fans have come to love. Reviewers highlight the game's ability to evoke laughter consistently, with many noting that it feels like an interactive episode of the series, filled with clever references and absurd scenarios. While the humor may not resonate with everyone, particularly those sensitive to its offensive nature, it is celebrated as a standout feature that enhances the overall gaming experience.

    • “I've cried laughing a few times already.”
    • “Created by the comedic geniuses Trey Parker and Matt Stone, this game isn't just a quest—it's an epic journey into the absurdly hilarious world of South Park.”
    • “The game is filled with hilarious references, iconic characters, and over-the-top moments that fans of the show will love.”
    • “Unlikely to create any new converts, though, and the gameplay absolutely will not sustain you if you're finding the writing unfunny.”
    • “It's a little disappointing how actually fun this game is because South Park humor is so predictable and unfunny.”
    • “The jokes are not funny and are poorly done.”
  • story4,311 mentions

    The story of "South Park: The Stick of Truth" is widely praised for its humor and creativity, effectively capturing the essence of the show while delivering an engaging narrative filled with absurdity and unexpected twists. Players appreciate the way the game feels like an extended episode of South Park, complete with familiar characters and satirical references, although many note that the main storyline is relatively short, typically taking around 10-15 hours to complete, with limited replay value once the story is finished. Overall, the combination of a hilarious plot, well-written dialogue, and the signature South Park humor makes it a must-play for fans of the series.

    • “The story is a riot, perfectly capturing the essence of the show and turning it into a rollicking adventure.”
    • “Possessing a fun, but simple RPG combat style and a story packed with the kind of no-holds-barred humor you would come to expect from the show, South Park: The Stick of Truth is a love letter to fans of both RPGs and the South Park series.”
    • “The story unfolds with the same irreverent charm as the show, complete with the familiar tune greeting players upon each game load.”
    • “Firstly, the storyline, while initially promising, quickly devolves into a series of disjointed and often nonsensical events.”
    • “The plot lacks the coherence and sharp satire that makes the TV show so appealing.”
    • “The main quest is relatively short, and while there are side quests available, they often feel like filler content with little to no impact on the main story.”
  • gameplay2,584 mentions

    The gameplay of "South Park: The Stick of Truth" is generally described as simple yet engaging, combining turn-based combat with quick-time events reminiscent of classic RPGs like Paper Mario. While some players find the mechanics repetitive and lacking depth, the humor and storytelling, true to the show's style, keep the experience entertaining. Overall, fans of South Park appreciate the game's ability to blend its comedic elements with enjoyable gameplay, making it a worthwhile experience despite its simplicity.

    • “Hilarious and fun gameplay.”
    • “The writing is fun, the gameplay is smooth, and there's a ton of callbacks and easter eggs to episodes throughout the seasons that fans of the show will enjoy.”
    • “The gameplay is fantastic, one of the best games based off a TV show for sure.”
    • “The gameplay is extremely repetitive, to the point that I used the same two attacks for 95% of the game.”
    • “The combat mechanics are monotonous, diversified by the number of additional attacks that are different for each character and friends.”
    • “The gameplay is simple and doesn't have a lot of depth, but as an interactive South Park story, this is awesome.”
  • graphics687 mentions

    The graphics of "South Park: The Stick of Truth" are widely praised for their faithful recreation of the show's distinctive art style, making players feel as though they are controlling an episode of the series. While some reviewers noted minor graphical glitches and a 30fps cap, the overall aesthetic is considered charming and fitting for the game's comedic tone. Fans of the show will appreciate the authentic visuals, which seamlessly blend with the humor and storytelling, creating an immersive experience.

    • “The graphics are spot-on, making it feel just like the show.”
    • “The game's visuals seamlessly blend with the humor and storytelling, creating a cohesive and visually striking adventure.”
    • “The graphics perfectly mimic that of the TV show, and the constant references to the show are awesome.”
    • “The graphics are just like the TV show, but that means they aren't the best and look really bad, which might not be a problem unless you haven't seen the TV show or the movie.”
    • “The graphics feel like they were ripped from the show, but that means they aren't the best graphics and look really bad, which might not be a problem unless you haven't seen the TV show or the movie.”
    • “The graphics are true to the show, but this is probably not a good thing if you're looking for a game to fry your graphics card with.”
  • replayability509 mentions

    The game's replayability is a mixed bag, with many players noting its short length and linear storyline as significant drawbacks. While some appreciate the option to play through with different character classes and pursue achievements, the overall consensus is that the game lacks substantial replay value, making it more of a one-time experience for most. Fans of South Park may find enough humor and charm to warrant a second playthrough, but many agree that the game doesn't offer enough variation to keep players coming back.

    • “A very fun RPG with a lot of replay value!”
    • “This game has a ton of replay value (similar to the show).”
    • “The game allows you to keep playing as your character even after you beat the main story, and the menu of the game indicates there will be 'DLC' which means there will be replay value.”
    • “Replay value is limited, with few incentives to revisit the game after completion.”
    • “The RPG elements, which should add depth and replayability, come across as shallow and underdeveloped.”
    • “The only downside is that the game was a bit too short and there isn't much replay value after you finish the storyline.”
  • music386 mentions

    The music in "South Park: The Stick of Truth" is widely praised for its seamless integration with the game's atmosphere, featuring a mix of original compositions and iconic tracks from the show that enhance the overall experience. Players appreciate the nostalgic references and humorous songs, although some note that the music can become repetitive over time. Overall, the soundtrack is considered a standout element, contributing significantly to the game's charm and immersion.

    • “The seamless blend of 2D animation and music captures the essence of the show, making it feel like an interactive episode.”
    • “The audio, including voice acting by the show's creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone, and a fitting soundtrack, further immerses players in the South Park world.”
    • “The music is exceptional, and the audio feedback from attacking and defending is very pleasing.”
    • “The constant music that played in the background didn't help either.”
    • “So the game plays and looks exactly like an episode of the TV show, the voice acting is amazing, but it does get let down by some recycled musical bits from the show.”
    • “The combat mechanics get extremely tedious after a while, and the utility of the different buddies vary wildly (if I have to hear Jimmy stutter through that song one more time....).”
  • grinding202 mentions

    The reviews indicate a mixed perception of grinding in the game, with many players noting that while some aspects can feel tedious—particularly in combat and item management—grinding is generally not necessary for progression. Most players appreciate the lack of excessive grinding compared to traditional RPGs, allowing for a more enjoyable experience, though some completionists may find achievement hunting to be grindy. Overall, the game balances humor and gameplay, but certain repetitive elements can detract from the experience.

    • “No grinding is necessary to progress unlike other RPGs in that style.”
    • “There's practically no grinding, which helps to advance the story, though that is ultimately up to your own pace.”
    • “Absolutely no grinding is required, which is a big plus for me or anyone that gets impatient easily.”
    • “Combat can be a bit tedious, similar to Pokémon battling on repeat.”
    • “The combat gets a little tedious and so does backtracking.”
    • “The combat is fun in the start but gets really tedious and feels like a chore after a bit.”
  • stability145 mentions

    The stability of "The Stick of Truth" has been widely criticized, with many players reporting frequent glitches and bugs, ranging from minor graphical issues to more severe problems like crashes and save file corruption. While some users noted that these issues did not significantly detract from their overall enjoyment of the game, others found the glitches to be frustrating and immersion-breaking. Overall, the game is described as "buggy" but still enjoyable, particularly for fans of South Park.

    • “The game runs great on my 2011 iMac with Bootcamp.”
    • “No glitches for me during my playthrough.”
    • “This is the second Obsidian game that is very polished and bug free, so I think it is time to retire the 'bugsidian' accusation.”
    • “The game has some game-breaking glitches and it doesn't have a lot of content, but it was really fun to play and I overall enjoyed myself playing this game.”
    • “Absolutely fantastic game, especially if you are a South Park fan, but rather buggy.”
    • “You knew it was going to be buggy as soon as you saw 'Obsidian' on the box anyway, didn't you?”
  • emotional59 mentions

    The emotional aspect of the game is widely praised, with players expressing deep connections to its story and characters, often leading to laughter and tears. Many reviewers highlight the game's ability to evoke strong feelings, from heartwarming moments to absurd humor, making it a memorable experience that resonates on multiple levels. Overall, it is described as a unique blend of emotional engagement and comedic absurdity, leaving a lasting impact on players.

    • “This game changed me emotionally, physically, and mentally.”
    • “I cried when I finished this game because I'd been sitting at home non-stop playing it and then I had nothing to do.”
    • “The story was so good it made me cry.”
    • “Honestly, just watch someone else playing on Twitch, or find the cutscenes on YouTube, and save yourself hours of boring item collection to progress the dull story.”
    • “The emotional moments feel forced and lack genuine impact, making it hard to connect with the characters.”
    • “I expected a deep narrative, but instead, I was met with cliché tropes that failed to evoke any real feelings.”
  • atmosphere58 mentions

    The atmosphere of "South Park: The Stick of Truth" is widely praised for its faithful recreation of the show's unique charm, humor, and style, immersing players in a world that feels like an extended episode of the series. Reviewers highlight the effective use of audio, voice acting, and visual elements that capture the essence of South Park, making it a delightful experience for fans. Overall, the game's atmosphere is considered a standout feature, contributing significantly to its enjoyment and engagement.

    • “The atmosphere of the game is enough to keep you going.”
    • “South Park: The Stick of Truth is a fantastic game that perfectly captures the atmosphere of the TV series.”
    • “The developers really skillfully got the atmosphere of the jokes into the game.”
    • “The atmosphere is really dull too.”
    • “It's kinda watching and kicking somebody's ass at the same atmosphere for 10 hours.”
    • “The atmosphere captures the South Park essence beautifully!!!”
  • optimization52 mentions

    The game's optimization has received mixed reviews, with many players noting a frustrating 30 fps lock that can lead to background stuttering, particularly during movement. While some users report smooth performance across various platforms, others have experienced significant stuttering issues that detract from the overall experience. Overall, the game is considered poorly optimized for PC, with specific bugs and performance inconsistencies affecting gameplay enjoyment.

    • “Fantastic optimization and portability. South Park: The Stick of Truth runs at 30 fps due to the animations having to be shot at that framerate, but that doesn't matter.”
    • “Great game! Played it on Xbox, PS4, and now here; great on all platforms, greatly optimized for PC especially.”
    • “Clean visuals and good performance on any system.”
    • “The game's technical performance is another glaring flaw.”
    • “It's bad that the game is 30 fps locked, resulting in background stuttering when you run, which is annoying. If you force unlock the framerate via config files, it breaks some animations because they are designed to match 30 frames per second.”
    • “Since then, I now have stuttering issues in the game that make it almost unplayable and very unenjoyable.”
  • character development22 mentions

    The character development in the game is widely praised for its authenticity and depth, effectively capturing the essence of the South Park universe while allowing players to create unique characters. Reviewers appreciate the balance between accessible mechanics for newcomers and enough complexity for experienced players, though some feel it lacks the depth found in other RPGs. Overall, the character development is considered a strong aspect, contributing to an engaging and humorous storyline.

    • “Enjoyable from start to finish with wonderful quests, basic but great RPG elements, perfect character development and spot-on references.”
    • “It was thoroughly thought out in the making of it with the music composition, storyline, characters and character development, and the side quests.”
    • “Kickass South Park story, great character development, simple RPG mechanics and tons of quests, side quests, achievements and collectibles.”
    • “There's enough to keep RPG fans happy in terms of moves and mods, though hardcore RPG fans might find it a bit lacking in depth of character development.”
    • “Not enough character development when compared to other RPG games (considering it is a South Park game, I sort of expected this though).”
    • “Character development felt lacking; I expected more depth given the game's potential.”
  • monetization13 mentions

    The monetization aspect of the game has received mixed reviews, with some players perceiving it as a cash grab typical of licensed titles, while others appreciate the developers' effort to create a genuinely entertaining experience. Despite criticisms regarding certain gameplay elements and the feeling of being a one-time play, many fans of the South Park franchise find value in the game's humor and references, suggesting it stands out among other licensed games. Overall, while some view it as a cash grab, others believe it offers enough quality to justify its price.

    • “I appreciate that the game doesn't push microtransactions on players, allowing for a more enjoyable experience.”
    • “The monetization model is fair and doesn't feel exploitative, which is refreshing in today's gaming landscape.”
    • “It's great to see a game that offers optional purchases without making them feel necessary to enjoy the full experience.”
    • “Despite being based on the beloved TV show, the game stumbles in several critical areas, leading to an experience that feels more like a lazy cash grab than a genuine effort to capture the essence of South Park.”
    • “This is the worst bug-infested cash grab excuse of a game I've ever played.”
    • “I had the impression of it being a cash grab for having the South Park title, but then I saw the reviews so I gave it a try.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Critic Reviews

83% average critic score

Buy South Park: The Stick of Truth

Play time

15hMedian play time
20hAverage play time
11hMain story
21hCompletionist
11-20hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 174 analyzed playthroughs

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