..South Park: The Stick of Truth..

Video games based on established properties in other media very rarely work out. While there are a few noteworthy exceptions (The Witcher comes to mind), most adaptations simply don't work. Something always seems to get lost in translation; something always seems to go wrong. Whether it's a developer not understanding the original vision of the creator or a publisher simply not caring, licensed games too often tend to be bottom-of-the-barrel offerings which are better left forgotten. 

Thankfully, that doesn't seem to be the case with South Park: The Stick of Truth. Not even remotely. For one, the show's creators - Matt Stone and Trey Parker - have been present for virtually every step of the design process. The end result is that Stick of Truth looks, sounds, and feels like an episode of South Park. Except it's a video game.

That's where Obsidian Entertainment comes in, bringing with it an impressive track record including Neverwinter Nights 2 and Fallout: New Vegas. Working with South Park's creators, Obsidian has fashioned The Stick of Truth into a hilarious, off-key, and over-the-top old-school turn-based RPG (though a few quick-time events have reportedly crept their way into the title).

In South Park: The Stick of Truth, you are thrust into the role of the new kid (with a fully customizable appearance). Recently arrived in South Park with your parents, you're initially tasked with finding friends as your parents decide to go upstairs for a bit of "wrestling". It doesn't take long for you to meet Butters, who brings you to none other than Cartman and the gang, who've crafted a whole imaginary fantasy kingdom for themselves.

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