How Old is South Park: The Fractured But Whole?
South Park: The Fractured But Whole was released worldwide on October 17, 2017. As of today, October 26, 2023, that makes the game 6 years and 9 days old. It’s a mature role-playing game developed by Ubisoft, serving as a sequel to South Park: The Stick of Truth.
A Deep Dive into The Fractured But Whole
South Park: The Fractured But Whole isn’t just another video game; it’s an experience tailor-made for fans of the irreverent and often controversial animated series. Developed by Ubisoft and penned by the show’s creators, Trey Parker and Matt Stone, the game plunges players back into the chaotic world of South Park, Colorado, but this time, the kids are playing superheroes.
Following on from the events of The Stick of Truth, the game shifts its focus from fantasy role-playing to the world of superheroes. The kids, led by Cartman (as The Coon), are determined to start their own superhero franchise and cash in on the burgeoning superhero movie craze.
Players once again assume the role of The New Kid, a customizable protagonist with a mysterious past and an arsenal of flatulent superpowers. The gameplay blends turn-based tactical combat with exploration and puzzle-solving, all wrapped in the signature South Park humor.
One of the most notable aspects of the game is its willingness to push boundaries. The Fractured But Whole tackles sensitive topics with the same satirical bite as the TV show, unafraid to poke fun at everything from religion to social justice.
Gameplay Mechanics and Features
Combat System
The combat system in The Fractured But Whole is a significant improvement over its predecessor. It features a grid-based battlefield, allowing for more strategic movement and positioning. Each character has unique abilities and special moves, requiring players to carefully consider their team composition and tactics.
Customization
The game offers extensive customization options for The New Kid. Players can choose their character’s gender, skin color, and appearance, which affects how other characters react to them. This adds a layer of immersion and allows players to create a truly unique avatar.
Exploration
South Park is a fully explorable open world, filled with hidden secrets, side quests, and collectibles. Players can interact with familiar characters and locations from the TV show, discovering new areas and uncovering the town’s hidden secrets.
Humor
The game is packed with humor, from the witty dialogue to the absurd situations the characters find themselves in. The jokes are often crude and offensive, but they are delivered with the same satirical edge that has made South Park a cultural phenomenon.
Reception and Legacy
South Park: The Fractured But Whole was generally well-received by critics and fans alike. The game’s humor, gameplay, and faithfulness to the source material were praised, though some reviewers found the game’s reliance on shock value to be tiresome.
Despite mixed opinions on its more controversial elements, the game’s legacy is one of a well-crafted and entertaining RPG that perfectly captures the spirit of South Park. It’s a must-play for fans of the show and a great entry point for those looking for a unique and humorous gaming experience. Studying how games can be integrated into the classroom environment can be very helpful to understand games. The Games Learning Society and the GamesLearningSociety.org are great references.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What platforms is South Park: The Fractured But Whole available on?
The game was initially released for PlayStation 4, Windows, and Xbox One. It has since been released on the Nintendo Switch.
2. Is South Park: The Fractured But Whole suitable for children?
No, it is not. The game is rated Mature (M) due to its violent content, strong language, sexual themes, and drug references. It’s intended for adult audiences.
3. Is The Fractured But Whole a direct sequel to The Stick of Truth?
Yes, it is. The game continues the story of The New Kid in South Park, following up on the events of the previous game.
4. Can you play as a girl in South Park: The Fractured But Whole?
Yes, you can. The game allows you to choose your character’s gender, which affects how some characters interact with you.
5. How long does it take to complete South Park: The Fractured But Whole?
The main story takes around 30 hours to complete. With side quests and exploration, the game can last upwards of 40-50 hours.
6. Does the difficulty setting affect combat in South Park: The Fractured But Whole?
Yes, while it doesn’t directly impact combat difficulty, the chosen difficulty setting affects your character’s skin color, which is a satirical commentary on societal issues.
7. Is the game censored in any way?
No, Ubisoft confirmed that the game is uncensored on a worldwide scale, retaining the show’s characteristic raunchy humor and controversial content.
8. Does Butters play a significant role in The Fractured But Whole?
Yes, Butters returns as Professor Chaos, serving as one of the game’s main antagonists.
9. Who is The New Kid in South Park: The Fractured But Whole?
The New Kid, also known as Douchebag, is the player-controlled, customizable protagonist who moves to South Park and gets caught up in the kids’ superhero antics.
10. Do familiar characters from the South Park series appear in the game?
Yes, the game features a wide cast of characters from the South Park series, including Cartman, Stan, Kyle, Kenny, Butters, and many more.
11. What type of gameplay does The Fractured But Whole feature?
The game is a turn-based role-playing game (RPG) with exploration elements and puzzle-solving.
12. What are some of the common themes explored in the game?
The Fractured But Whole explores themes of superhero culture, social justice, identity, and childhood innocence, all through the lens of South Park’s signature satire.
13. What are some tips for new players of The Fractured But Whole?
Some tips include experimenting with different character classes, exploring the open world for secrets, and paying attention to the dialogue for hidden clues and jokes.
14. Are there any DLC expansions for South Park: The Fractured But Whole?
Yes, there are several DLC expansions, including “Danger Deck“, “From Dusk till Casa Bonita“, and “Bring the Crunch“, which add new challenges, storylines, and characters to the game.
15. Is South Park: The Fractured But Whole worth playing?
For fans of South Park, the game is definitely worth playing. It captures the humor and tone of the show perfectly, while offering a compelling and engaging RPG experience. However, those unfamiliar with South Park might not fully appreciate the game’s humor and references.