This summary of the video was created by an AI. It might contain some inaccuracies.
00:00:00 – 00:31:21
The video reviews the evolution of South Park video games, focusing on "South Park: The Stick of Truth," "The Fractured but Whole," and the recent "South Park: Snow Day." Unlike its 2D RPG predecessors, "Snow Day" transitions to a 3D action-adventure co-op format, eliciting mixed reactions. The creators, Matt Stone and Trey Parker, aimed to innovate with multiplayer elements and address the workload of previous projects.
The speaker critiques "Snow Day" for its shift from 2D to 3D and a gameplay style reminiscent of Fortnite, highlighting concerns about whether updates will include story content. Despite some enjoyable elements, reviews note repetitive combat, design flaws, and a less immersive 3D world. The game introduces in-game currencies and offers unique upgrades, but its skill tree system is deemed simplistic.
While "Snow Day" includes classic South Park references and missions, its lack of interactiveness and depth compared to earlier games is noted. The narrative involves the protagonist, a new kid, navigating escalating conflicts among South Park characters, ultimately fighting a corrupted Mr. Hanky. The story concludes with a 2D cutscene involving Jesus and forgiveness, but is criticized as thin and lacking key characters.
Overall, "Snow Day" is seen as a step down from previous South Park RPGs, with hopes for a return to 2D RPG styles in future installments. Despite some redeeming qualities, the game’s potential is considered underwhelming, and the speaker recommends checking out additional South Park content and the YouTube channel 'Johnny TOS' for fans of adult cartoons.
00:00:00
In this segment of the video, the speaker reviews the history and evolution of the South Park video games, beginning with “South Park: The Stick of Truth” released about 10 years ago, which was highly acclaimed for its authentic South Park experience. This was followed by an even more ambitious sequel, “The Fractured but Whole,” three years later. With high fan anticipation, the latest game, “South Park: Snow Day,” was announced in August 2023, eliciting mixed reactions due to its departure from the traditional 2D style to a fully 3D action-adventure co-op game.
The speaker transitions to discussing the physical demands of playing “Snow Day,” noting its action-heavy gameplay, and introduces today’s video sponsor, the Valari Gaming Pillow, emphasizing its benefit for gamers’ posture and comfort. The video then shifts focus to the reasons why creators Matt Stone and Trey Parker chose a different direction for “Snow Day,” including their desire to experiment with multiplayer and co-op functionalities, as well as the intense workload involved in creating previous games. They also highlighted their ongoing projects like the restoration of Casa Bonita and their exploration of various entertainment mediums.
00:05:00
In this part of the video, the speaker compares the new game to the South Park RPGs and expresses disappointment due to its shift from a 2D RPG to a 3D action game. The new model seems to align with Fortnite’s constant updates, raising questions about whether updates will be story-focused or cosmetic. Despite lower expectations set by IGN’s poor review, the speaker acknowledges some fun elements in the game, particularly enjoying the 2D-to-3D transition in the opening sequence. The game offers different weapons and abilities, with randomized upgrade cards making each run unique. However, the speaker criticizes the repetitive combat and certain design choices, such as the loud “M” voice during gameplay.
00:10:00
In this segment, the speaker discusses the importance of in-game currencies, toilet paper and dark matter, in upgrading a character’s capabilities. Toilet paper is used for immediate upgrades within a run, while dark matter supports long-term upgrades. The skill tree system is described as simple, primarily offering percentage increases for various attributes. The game’s repetitive nature and lack of comedic elements compared to previous South Park RPGs are highlighted, suggesting it detracts from the overall experience. The speaker also critiques the 3D world design, noting it feels disjointed and less immersive than desired, drawing comparisons to other games like “Simpsons Hit and Run.”
00:15:00
In this part of the video, the speaker reflects on the excitement of exploring a 3D South Park video game and the importance of references to the show’s history, though lamenting the lack of interactiveness in the game world. The speaker highlights the inclusion of classic locations and deep-cut references, such as Cafe Monae and An NOA Familia. They mention specific missions, such as lighting beacons in the ruins of SoDo SoPa, and appreciate the continuity between games with references like the underwater UFO from the pilot episode and Stick of Truth. The speaker discusses the return of the Stick of Truth fantasy personas and expresses some disappointment with the limited character customization options, hinting that more outfits can be unlocked or purchased through in-game currency or DLC.
The narrative focuses on the new kid being the protagonist again, with the storyline starting as the kids deciding to play a game during a snow day. This escalates into typical South Park chaos, with conflicts among the boys mainly revolving around game rules. The speaker critiques the vague nature of the game’s initial conflict compared to more specific conflicts in previous games, noting that the battles between Cartman and Kyle, although fun and visually appealing, lack significant stakes.
00:20:00
In this part of the video, the speaker discusses the gameplay mechanics and storyline progression in the South Park game. Initially, there is humor derived from the contrast between the lively South Park animation style and the static nature of character selection screens. The first mission involves retrieving keys and gas to free Randy, who is humorously obsessed with hoarding toilet paper.
The game features boss fights against the main characters: Kyle uses Earth Magic, Kenny attacks in an anime princess style, Stan gets help from Randy, and Cartman has a wizard Snow Golem. However, the main gameplay focuses on “new kids” rather than the South Park characters, which may detract from the authentic South Park experience.
Story progression involves defeating each boy, who then joins the player at Koopa Keep to move the story forward. Kyle motivates the team to target Stan, leading to a mission across Main Street. Eventually, the true antagonist, Mr. Hanky, corrupted by Dark Matter, is revealed. The story ties back to a Season 22 episode where Mr. Hanky was exiled.
The narrative escalates when Cartman, aiming to avoid school, collaborates with Mr. Hanky, highlighting Cartman’s selfish character. The final fight, involving Cartman and his snow golem, ultimately brings all characters together to defeat Mr. Hanky. Despite the disconnected feel of cutscenes and gameplay, the final battle is a highlight, filled with “Dune” references, showcasing the creators’ evident passion for the material.
00:25:00
In this part of the video, the final boss is depicted as Mr. Hanky, a giant poop worm, after which the game concludes with a 2D cut scene. The scene involves Jesus, who hasn’t appeared since season 23, telling the boys to forgive Mr. Hanky for his past actions. The story ends with Mr. Hanky recasting a winter spell so the boys can continue their snow day. The narrative is criticized for feeling thin and tame compared to previous South Park games, with many key characters notably absent. Despite some enjoyable music and nostalgic moments, the game is deemed disappointing overall. The upcoming DLCs appear to focus largely on gameplay and cosmetic enhancements, with limited new story content expected. Ultimately, the reviewer expresses a preference for the deeper narratives of earlier South Park RPGs.
00:30:00
In this segment, the speaker discusses their thoughts on the ‘South Park: Snow Day’ concept, expressing that it had potential as a standalone special or trilogy but ultimately felt underwhelming for the product it became. While initially disappointed, the speaker eventually found some redeeming qualities in the game. They express hope for another 2D RPG experience in the future, lauding earlier games as exceptional extensions of the South Park series. The segment concludes with a reminder to check out more South Park content, upcoming seasons, and specials, while also recommending the YouTube channel ‘Johnny TOS’ for fans of adult cartoons.