South Park: The Fractured but Whole | Xbox One | Review

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A direct sequel to 2013’s The Stick of Truth, South Park: The Fractured but Whole sees players reprise their role as the titular mountain town’s New Kid, only this time, swords and sorcery give way to capes and ridiculous superpowers.

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by Liam
​Andrews

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@pass_controller

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Developer: Ubisoft San Francisco
Publisher: Ubisoft
Platforms: Xbox One, PS4, PC
Players: 1

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Set not long after the previous game’s conclusion, Cartman and the boys have abandoned fighting over legendary branches in order to cash-in on the lucrative superhero business; namely the making and selling of their very own film and TV franchises.
 
The change in direction not only serves to parody the abundance of hero flicks that have been doing the rounds on our screens for the past few years, but also gives every player a fresh start, meaning those who never played The Stick of Truth can jump right into The Fractured but Whole without feeling lost.
 
As a newly initiated member of Coon and Friends, one half of the town’s two rival superhero factions, it’s your job to help track down a missing cat and claim the $100 reward the team believe will go a long way in getting their franchise off the ground. What starts out as a simple enough task quickly escalates as the gang inadvertently get caught up in a more sinister plot that incorporates the local mafia, crooked cops, and, of course, sixth graders.
 
It’s classic South Park stuff - intentionally basic visuals and all - packed with the sort of crude humour, plot twists and biting satire that fans of the show know and love. While it’s also full of knowing references, you don’t necessarily need to be a diehard to appreciate them, allowing even casual observers such as ourselves to enjoy their comedic effects.

Though some gags might miss the mark if you’re a complete South Park virgin, there’s still plenty here to enjoy, thanks to the role-playing game’s revamped combat mechanics and a deep, yet accessible, progression system.

It’s classic South Park stuff - intentionally basic visuals and all - packed with the sort of crude humour, plot twists and biting satire that fans of the show know and love.

Battles in Fractured still follow the turn-based structure found in The Stick of Truth, but now offer players (and enemies) greater tactical freedom by allowing them to move around the battlefield on a grid. Rather than simply queuing up and kicking lumps out of each other, it’s now possible - with enough careful planning and the right mix of heroes - to surround and outmanoeuvre enemies, or even dodge their ranged attacks.
 
This new freedom is put to particularly good use in boss battles, creating some memorable fights. Highlights include outrunning an obese stripper and her one-hit-kill crush attack, simultaneously clearing a path through her minions, and a showdown with a sober Towlie, who’s immune to your attacks and instead must be pacified by igniting cannabis stores placed around the arena.
 
A range of QTEs crop up both when dealing out and defending against damage to boost outgoing or mitigate incoming punishment, as well as helping to build a meter that, once full, unleashes an over-the-top special attack that’s equally entertaining and devastating.

​Before a fight, players can tactically select up to three other members of Coon and Friends to battle alongside them, providing you’ve already unlocked them as a buddy and aren’t on a mission that requires a specific set of characters. Finding the right team may take a bit of trial and error, as there are quite a few options to choose from, but most people should be able to assemble a preferred combination that compliments their play style nicely.

​Some of your allies also have powers that can be used outside of combat to reach secret areas hidden around South Park. As an example, you can activate the Human Kite’s flying ability wherever you see a pinwheel, allowing you to reach previously inaccessible areas and rewards, such as new hero costumes and Artefacts (the latter enhancing passive powers and boosting your Might, which makes missions easier). It’s something that helps stop mundanity creeping in as you track your way back and forth across the limited reaches of the town, but, luckily, Jimmy returns to offer another fast travel option that makes things easier on that front.

The Fractured but Whole was always going to be packed with comedy gold, but buried underneath all the fart jokes and political incorrectness is an engrossing and hugely enjoyable strategy RPG.

Although you’re cast as the Amazing Butthole, whose legendary flatulence can be used to interrupt enemy attacks and even bend time, players are able to customise their avatar both visually and on a deeper level, specifically across hero classes and a range of abilities spread between brawler, speed and support archetypes. As you make progress more and more classes begin to open up, and you’re free to combine multiple, though you still only ever have four ability slots no matter how many you’re rocking, not counting your special attack.

It’s worth noting that you’re never locked into a choice, as you’re able to visit Cartman in Coon and Friends’ headquarters to switch out classes should you have a change of heart or just want to experiment with everything that’s on offer.
 
The Fractured but Whole was always going to be a faithful title packed with comedy gold, which is, to be fair, probably the main appeal for many, but it was surprising (maybe because I didn’t play The Stick of Truth) to find that buried underneath all the fart jokes and political incorrectness is an engrossing and hugely enjoyable strategy RPG.
 
Pros

• Filled with classic South Park humour
• Vastly improved combat
• Lots of customisation options
• Accessible progression system
• Memorable boss fights

 
Cons

• A lot of backtracking
• Voice lines can get repetitive

 
9/10