Nintendo Switch is hardly wanting when it comes to turn-based RPGs. In fact, it’s positively teeming with them, so South Park: The Fractured But Whole finds itself having to prove its existence on two very different fronts. It has to be both a worthy sequel to 2014’s brilliant The Stick of Truth and show its handheld port can hold true parity with the versions that graced consoles and PC last year.
Thankfully, Ubisoft San Francisco’s superhero-aping sequel pulls off both feats with a confidence worthy of South Park’s own ballsy residents. And while it’s no great leap from the original, the end result is a laugh-out loud romp that riffs and enhances in all the right places.
Stepping into the shoes of former developer Obsidian (which stepped away from the formerly THQ-published title to work on the acclaimed Pillars of Eternity series), the new dev team has taken the turn-based combat system, open-world exploration and that truly authentic South Park humour and, somehow, made a game that’s even better.
If you never played the first instalment, and you’re a fan of Matt Stone and Trey Parker’s two-decade-long animated lampooning, then you’ll love just how authentically authentic it is. From the 2D recreation of every inch of the Colorado town (including a taco shop run by Morgan Freeman, naturally) to the unflinching satire of every demographic imaginable (a ‘Hooters’-style bar run by kids, anyone?), it’s as true to the franchise as any of its myriad TV seasons.
So if you’re easily offended, this might not be the game for you, but it’s an irreverent humour that’s consistently self-aware while it lashes the zeitgeist with its barbed tongue. Whether it’s the side-story that pokes fun at your choice of gender (especially if you choose to identify as ‘cis’, which a bunch of rednecks turning up to accost you as a result) or the difficulty system that ramps up the difficulty the darker the shade of your avatar’s skin, TFBW doesn't pull a single punch.
Trading out the dungeons and dragons theme of TSOT for a superhero theme, that new superpowered conceit isn’t just there to mock the MCU and DCEU with a rictus grin; it facilitates an improved take on the series’ RPG-lite systems. Your chosen avatar - the returning New Kid - can select from multiple ‘personas’ (read: classes) at once, each with unique powers and abilities, and you can mix and match them anytime from Cartman’s ‘secret’ basement hideout. And those powers now play a more nuanced role with the new and improved battle system.
The static plane of the first game has been dropped in favour of a more dynamic grid system. With more options for movement it creates a great sense of systemic combat, with enemies also boasting charged attacks that strike a larger area of the battlefield. These attacks (such as the one used by a child-bothering priest who runs the length of the field waving some questionable rosary beads) take two turns to activate, so you’re given the time to adjust your party members. The combat isn’t as deep or as multi-layered as something you’d get from the more ‘hardcore’ members of the genre, but that doesn’t mean it’s shallow either.
Your Ultimate attack (each character has their own unique power move) charges over the course of a battle, so there’s a benefit to taking on tougher fights with more foes on the enemy team. With that increased sense of movement you can also knock one enemy into another for extra damage or use special character abilities (such as The Human Kite’s healing trait that buffs a chosen ally and pulls them back a grid square to relative safety). It’s a set of systems simple enough to empower a player who hasn’t spent much time with turn-based RPGs, and just enough depth to keep veterans playing until the end.
There’s also tons of places to explore and items to collect (the more-ish Chinpokomon from the first game are out, traded instead for the hilarious Memberberries and the anime-style Yaoi paintings), as well as a new system for crafting consumables - if you’ve ever wanted to know what happens when you combine a burrito with an enchilada, this is the game for you. You even have an ‘Influencer’ level you can increase by taking selfies with South Park’s myriad residents.
So here’s the other big question you’re reading this review for: how well does it run on Nintendo Switch? Thankfully, the prognosis is good. There are a few loading screens between certain areas of the town that take a little too long to load (and occur a little too often for comfort), but there’s barely any slowdown on screen or while navigating the app-style menus. With full support for all the DLC as well, you’re getting the full experience you’d get anywhere else - only now you’re getting to enjoy it with the handheld freedom only Switch can provide.
Conclusion
While it’s a fair few months behind the releases that graced other platforms in 2017, the Nintendo Switch version South Park: The Fractured But Whole isn't diminished by its later arrival. While it’s no great leap from the mechanics of the first game, it still offers both an ideal introduction for players looking to try out a turn-based RPG and a worthy addition to any genre fan's collection.
Comments 78
I love South Park but i'm not a fan of Turn based RPG games so really unsure on this one
... I need a new microSD card for that day one patch.
Plus I think its a shame they did not release the previous game on the Switch.
@Marios-love-child
Same here. South Park is one of my favorite entertainment properties of all-time but I've never been good at turn-based RPGs. Game seems great otherwise. My friends who have played the game really enjoyed the story.
Hmm, big update (that in fairness, isn't needed to play), full fat price, months and months later after the release on all other systems and first game not included like on other systems? It's a pass from me.
I'll pick it up on sale on Steam at some point.
@Shiryu There's an answer to this
Despite looking similar, the games actually have two different engines behind it. FBW uses the Snowdrop engine which is also what Mario+Rabbids uses. Whereas the SoT uses a different engine.
By Ubisoft electing not to port it, it is a safe bet to assume the amount of work to port it to the Switch would be too difficult from an engine basis. Whereas FBW could because the Snowdrop engine was already working with Mario+Rabbids
It's also a good reason why we are getting Starlink. That too is made in Snowdrop.
I can wait for a price drop. But it may fill a gap later in the year.
I am keen to play this - I’ve heard great things. My concern, however, is like everyone else, this is too late, it’s full price and the premise that I get to play in handheld isn’t enough to warranties. Equally, the reviewer states - you’re getting the full experience you’d get anywhere else - only now you’re getting to enjoy it with the handheld freedom only Switch can provide. - however the other versions came with the Stick of Truth and we aren’t getting that either. Definitely disappointed with this one.
I really enjoyed "The Stick of Truth" and been holding off until the Switch release, but I can't bring myself to pay £45 when its half that on PS4 and Xbox One.
Will patiently await a price drop
Absolutely in no rush as I need to clear up my Switch backlog with Mulaka, Night in the Woods and 2nd playthrough of BotW to name a few.
I loved the original, but this one looks like its more tactical RPG, and i am pants at those types of games.
Also the price is ridicualous for a game this old
@Grandpa_Pixel Still a shame since this one relies so heavily on the previous game that I never played.
Sadly I would have tonbuy this game twice.🙁 Because on one hand RPGs are very well suited to play on the go (grinding and such), but I also would like to play it at home on the big screen.
@Gamer83
I'm the same with the Mario RPG's....I love all the 2D & 3D Mario games but never been a fan of the Paper Mario Series for the same reason
Considering the way this game looks it would be obnoxious if it didn't run well on Switch.
I'm the opposite of several posters here: I like tactical RPGs, but I'm not a fan of South Park. So pass as well.
@Bunkerneath it doesn't really play like a tactical RPG I must admit the battle system is actually pretty good way better than I thought and the animations are a highlight of each fight.
I played this last year on release on Xbox One and at the time I found it pretty good. When I look back though I have to say it was one of the most memorable games I have played on Xbox One.
I will pick this one up if I see it at the right price. Looks fun and funny.
Great game, not as good as stick of truth though.
€55 in Ireland at the moment. Bit steep. Will wait for a price drop.
Played it on PC. Amazingly funny game if you're into Southpark. The gameplay is better than SoT, but the story feels decidedly inferior, particularly the final arc and conclusion.
@Bunkerneath The Game is six months old, is much more understandable than other Switch ports
Not buying on full price.
Not a fan of South Park but played them both (the PS4 version had the first game included as a free download) and totally enjoyed them. I found the 1st one was better but this one is still a fun Time.
I got it for $35USD - these usually drop in price quickly. The game is a good fit for the Switch.
Had a lot of fun with this on Xbox so those who can't get it elsewhere are in for a treat, hopefully Stick of Truth will come over as well as that is a better game and this drags a bit towards the end
Holding out for Death Road to Canada. Have already completed this on PC. Is it the uncensored version?
Played it on PS4 and it's a blast.
I have it on PS4 and it’s great. I definitely recommend it, but I can’t double dip on it though.
I'll be picking this up tomorrow as I loved Stick of Truth. Sucks it doesn't come with SoT like the other versions but I wouldn't play it again anyways so not a big loss to me.
I played it on PS4 when it came out last year, so I don't feel a need to buy it again. However, if you're a fan of the show, the game is sort of a greatest hits of what made the show so fun to watch over the years. Tons of easter eggs everywhere. As far as the gameplay is concerned, I think this game is better than Stick of Truth, but conversely, Stick of Truth had a better overall story. Fractured kinda ends abruptly, for my taste anyway. Still, the superhero angle is fun and the turn based mechanics are solid, with a surprising amount of depth. The cutscenes, especially in battle, are absolutely hilarious if your familiar with the show. Plus, it has Morgan Freeman in it. Two thumbs up if you haven't played it yet.
Does it come with a download code for Stick of Truth like PS4 version?
@Handsomistic15
Nope
@wratih9 Ah well that's a shame as both games are really good (more so if you're a fan of the series). Maybe it'll release separately someday.
On hold pending price drop.
My copy already shipped.
Another quality game turns hybrid. This will kill the time until DKC releases in a week or two
@Shiryu Agreed, I missed Stick of Truth as well and it would have been nice if both had been released on Switch. I know on Xbox One, if you pre-ordered TFBW then you got TSOT as a free download code. Wish that would have been a similar offer for the Switch.
I'm so looking forward to this!
I'll get it once a price drop is in place.
Can get this game for $26.99 from Amazon for Xbox One and it includes The Stick of Truth or you can get the PS4 Version also for $32 with Stick of Truth. So I will pass on the Switch Version for now.
Glad it ended up being a good port I look forward to taking a dump in every toilet in town and maybe becoming a professional Coonstagram model.
That 3.1GB day one patch is extremely off-putting. It's nearly a quarter of the size of the full game!
I already got this on the PS4, got the previous South Park game with it as well. It's okay, good stuff for the fans but I feel no need to get it on the Switch, especially considering how much space it takes up with that day one patch and everything.
I don't even watch South Park and I am pretty interested in this game. I would prefer The Stick Of Truth since I really enjoy Obsidian's story arching ability.
@Grandpa_Pixel that's a good point. SoT runs on Obsidian's proprietary engine. So it's possible that, in addition to the porting process, they'd have to work directly with Obsidian to license the use on the the platform. And it isn't like they'd get much out of that, as that engine isn't used in much. Pillars 2 is Obsidian's upcoming Switch debut, and the first one ran in Unity.
Did THQ publish the original? I thought they went out of business prior to the release of the Stick of Truth and Ubi took over publishing it.
Also - for those talking about full price, I’ve managed to preorder at £35, which I think is pretty reasonable. Expecting a publisher to bring this down - at six months of age - to current Xbox/PS4 prices is a bit unrealistic. £35 is good value IMO
@ottospooky
Yes that's exactly what happened. When THQ went under, Ubisoft bought the publishing rights. This new one was made entirely by Ubisoft if I recall correctly.
I also agree with you about price. I mean, I'm certain Wolfenstien 2 will be the same way, a slightly older game out at full price. That's just how it goes with new platforms, when games are late to the party.
Loved it on PS4. Hell I got the platinum trophy. But Idk if I want to double dip
Getting a PS4 Pro today - tired of trying to get it up for these scraps when I could buy God of War for the same price as this. Not that this game isn't possibly excellent, it's just I've felt like I've had to buy these to fill in gaming gaps that have gone on far too long. DK next week, then bye bye until Toad and Octo in July.
I played Stick of Truth and I enjoyed it tremendously. Now I'm just waiting for this one to be delivered. I like both South Park and RPGs; it's a win-win.
@Shiryu
agree.
@Marios-love-child I'm a fan too and loved the first one. The humour is all there and the combat is not to complex and a lot of fun. Played the second one for an hour or so just before they announced it for Switch. Can't wait to play it through. As a fan, you'll love it.
@ottospooky Argos preorder?
Game is fun.
I personally preferred Stick of Truth because I like the action turn based "Paper Mario" combat system better than turn based tactics games but this game is also good.
Ending is kind of unsatisfying though, on purpose, as a troll.
I'm about to get this. I have to beat Alliance Alive first.
never played a turn base RPG, how do they play?
Back when I was in middle school and high school I really liked South Park for its in your face vulgarity, profanity and violence. It had that on top of honestly good satire and comedy. But then in college I had a roommate who watched Comedy Central basically 24/7... and as I have gotten a bit older, I have found that between over saturation and changing tastes, I just don't like this kind of rude to be rude, blunt and vulgar style of comedy anymore.
This sounds like a pretty interesting title mechanically but I just cannot get past my dislike of the series at this point.
@Marios-love-child
Yeah, only Paper Mario game I've played extensively is Super Paper Mario. Super Mario RPG was actually the game that made me realize I simply don't like turn-based games. Not that the games themselves are designed poorly, I just prefer more action and will fully admit I don't have the patience to get good at turn-based combat.
I love South Park — I've seen every episode, but I'm too cheap to buy this until it drops to about $25. Looks hilarious and a good time though.
Hoping they port the first game over, even if its a digital only release. Just would love to go through the first game before tackling the sequel.
@Gamer83
Pretty much summed up my thoughts perfectly.
I did play a fair bit of Super Paper Mario in the early days of the Wii as I was desperate for some Mario action and that was about the only option at the time, but just could never really take to the turn based nature of the battles.
I played stick of truth on ps3 and my roommate did get a ps4 a month ago but I held out to buy the switch game ticket publishers know the switch is worth making games for. I already know it’s worth the money and it is more than what I could buy it for on another system but I also love the switch. More please .
@Monkeyofthefunk preordered from amazon when it was £49.99! Knew I wanted it. But then happily they dropped the price!
I'll buy this when it's on sale. Also seems like a great game to block with parental controls.
@ottospooky Nice. I pre-ordered from Argos when they had it at £35. Now it's £46.99.
Another £35 Argos pre-order here! Despatched yesterday. Looking forward to it.
What I do find interesting is the file size. On my PC, it's 19GB and the e-store lists it as 17.5GB. So essentially nothing was lost and we're getting the full game with perhaps compressed video. The programming there is quite remarkable. I only have a few GB free so no South Park for me.
GAME is selling it for a whopping £49.99 - how are they managing to stay trading? Must be alot of mugs out there willing to be fleeced.
Not including Stick of Truth is a major disappointment
Most likely a buy just wish it was like 40
Any chance of The Stick of Truth being released on Switch as well?
I want it quite a bit, but yeah the full price tag is pretty steep. It's full price on Steam as well, but it's on sale multiple times of the year. Either I'll be patient and hope for a sale/price drop on Switch, or I'll be impatient and get it during the Steam Summer Sale.
Downloaded this today, very funny game so far
I am really impressed with this port!! Game play is great and the story is very impressive! I bought the figures to go with my POPs collection!!
I feel rather let down by NL for not warning us what a bug infested game this is. When a game is rated 8 I honestly expect to have the game not crash or delete save files.
Warning. https://www.reddit.com/r/NintendoSwitch/comments/8foa1f/the_maddest_of_props_to_nintendo_and_a_bite_me_to/#bottom-comments
Ubisoft are blaming Nintendo for a game bricking bug.
If you get the Call Girl D-Mobile glitch the game becomes unplayable.
You get stuck in a loading loop.
Worse. You cannot start a new game. If you uninstall and reinstall, you cannot start a new game. Game is uncompletable or unplayable.
According to ubi support it's not their problem. Nintendo say it's ubisoft. DO NOT BUY!!!!
I wasted 50 quid on physical, 20 quid on eshop for dlc and hundreds of gold points.
Perhaps if there is an update buy, but for now, DO NOT BUY
I enjoyed this game. I am glad Switch owners get to enjoy it.
I bought it with DLC and everything and I’ve been enjoying it a lot.
At one point the game glitched reallly bad: my character lost all progress and abilities, but I was still in the same part of the story. It was impossible to solve the puzzles required for progress, so I had to load an old save and lost at least 10 hours of gameplay. Other than that I haven’t had any problems though.
@Marios-love-child bro thats exactly how i feel
@Marios-love-child it’s worth
@Shiryu they released the stick of truth on switch. only available through the e shop though
@Tix03 I bought it.
Tap here to load 78 comments
Leave A Comment
Hold on there, you need to login to post a comment...