In celebration of Xbox’s 25th anniversary, IGN’s Ryan McCaffrey, a veteran “Xbox guy” since the original Xbox era, is sharing his memories. One that stands out? South Park: The Stick of Truth, a game that overcame significant hurdles to become one of the funniest experiences in gaming history.
A Match Made in Comedy Heaven (Almost)
As a long-time fan of Trey Parker and Matt Stone, the creators of South Park, I was ecstatic when I heard they were partnering with Obsidian Entertainment to create a role-playing game. Their satirical genius is undeniable – who could forget gems like Team America: World Police or even their cult classic BaseKetball? When I got the chance to review South Park: The Stick of Truth, I knew I was in for something special.
Business Woes Threaten Hilarious Fun
Unfortunately, the development wasn’t without its drama. THQ, the original publisher, filed for bankruptcy during the game’s production. This meant the publishing rights were put up for auction, leaving the South Park team in a precarious position. While the project thankfully wasn’t canceled, it highlighted the often-unpredictable nature of the gaming industry.
Ubisoft to the Rescue!
Thankfully, gamers didn’t miss out on the hilarious adventure. Ubisoft stepped in and acquired the rights, allowing Parker, Stone, and Obsidian to complete their masterpiece. Despite a massive 850-page first script, the final game clocked in at around 12 hours, but every minute was packed with laugh-out-loud moments. I gave it a well-deserved 9 out of 10, and to this day, it remains my go-to answer when someone asks about the funniest game ever made.
A Timeless Classic
If you haven’t experienced The Stick of Truth, now is the perfect time. Its graphics perfectly capture the look and feel of the show, making it a timeless classic. It’s like playing an extended season of South Park, with Parker and Stone’s signature humor woven into every aspect of the game. From the unforgettable Underpants Gnome boss fight to the hilarious Canada section, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
While other funny games have left their mark – the LucasArts adventures of my youth, Saints Row: The Third, Portal 2, and even recent gems like High on Life – none quite reach the comedic heights of South Park: The Stick of Truth. Even its sequel, South Park: The Fractured But Whole, didn’t quite capture the same magic. I’m incredibly grateful that this hilarious RPG survived THQ’s bankruptcy and became a beloved classic. It’s one of my fondest Xbox memories from the past 25 years (though it’s readily available on other platforms too!).
Ryan McCaffrey is IGN’s executive editor of previews and host of IGN’s weekly Xbox show, Podcast Unlocked, and a co-host of Next-Gen Console Watch. He’s a North Jersey guy, so it’s “Taylor ham,” not “pork roll.” Debate it with him on Twitter at @DMC_Ryan.
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