If fart jokes and magic are your thing, then South Park: The Stick of Truth is the game for you. Like a finely knitted blue-and-yellow beanie, the world of South Park has stood the test of time and continues to impress with its own unique presence.

The usual suspects are all in tow for their latest adventure in the small Colorado town, and this time around, they get involved in some major medieval hijinks. Our favorite fourth-graders are dressed to the nines in medieval swag as they find themselves in a heated battle for The Stick of Truth, an artifact that gives its possessor control of the universe (or at least bragging rights on the playground during recess). As part of Cartman’s group, you are tasked with retrieving The Stick from The Elvins, who are actually just kids who ran into Cartman’s backyard and stole the stick. But don’t talk about such things with a lighthearted tone around these guys; for them, it’s a matter of life or death.

The Stick of Truth is a love letter to the fans of the show that have supported it since its inception and continue to watch it. That being said, you don’t have to be familiar with the show to enjoy the game. Bathroom humor is universal. Playing as your own personally created character who is bestowed with “Grand Wizard” Cartman’s request to bring back the stick, you are given free rein to explore the world of South Park ~ something that many longtime fans of the series will surely love. It’s a highly interactive, open-ended environment that allows the player to check out all the popular landmarks from the series and snoop around in all of the characters’ houses. Be forewarned, though, some doors are better left unopened.

As you make your way through South Park, you will run into familiar faces who will give you side missions to complete, ones that are integral to the story and some that are not (Al Gore pops up and asks you to find the elusive “ManBearPig” for him). You will also run into different groups of Elvins that challenge you to battle. The battle aspect of the game is similar that of the Final Fantasy RPG style ~ you’re given a turn to choose your target and type of attack. The attacks range from a simple kick in the pants to a Thor-like hammer of thunder, delivered in priceless fashion by your travelling buddy, Butters. Although you may not start out with much in the way of magic in the beginning, there are numerous upgrades that you can earn as you complete various quests.

Playing The Stick of Truth is much like watching an episode of South Park. It’s laugh-out-loud funny, and the graphics and presentation look just like the television show. The content may be humorous, but the gaming aspect and all the details worked into it are nothing to shake a stick at.

For more, visit southpark.ubi.com/stickoftruth/en-us/home/index.aspx.

By Jason Savio