Embarking on “South Park: A Frosty Misadventure” is akin to being stranded in a cabin during a fierce blizzard, with the fervent wish to be literally anywhere else becoming all too real. This title, which serves as a sequel to a duo of exceptional turn-based RPGs and a noteworthy mobile diversion, embarks on an ambitious journey with its cooperative 3D hack-and-slash format. Unfortunately, it ends up jettisoning both its merits and flaws in one fell swoop, culminating in a tedious and haphazard experience. The game mechanics feel cumbersome and imprecise, rendering the arsenal of weapons and abilities lackluster and monotonous. Despite the game spanning merely five levels, which theoretically could be completed within a handful of hours, the gameplay drags on interminably. More disheartening is the absence of South Park’s signature comedic edge and shocking twists, leaving behind a vacuous and repetitive shell. It’s baffling how we transitioned from an ingeniously crafted RPG by Obsidian that captured the essence of South Park to this disheartening downturn.
The game positions itself as a lackluster third-person multiplayer experience, where you, along with up to three of your companions, navigate through monotonous hordes of adversaries, reminiscent of elementary school bullies. While it introduces a somewhat novel card-based progression system and occasional humorous quips (such as a timely dig at NFTs by Jimbo), these fleeting moments of potential are lost in a sea of mundane and repetitive combat sequences that seem lifted straight from a bygone era.
The game starkly fails to elicit any gasps or laughter with its scenarios, a far cry from its predecessors’ outrageous adventures. The absence of humor and wit, trademarks of the South Park franchise, is palpable, leaving the player longing for the irreverence and boldness of earlier titles. The narrative, while attempting to maintain a semblance of continuity with the gang’s fantasy escapades, unfolds in a linear and uninspiring manner, lacking the series’ characteristic shock value and satirical sharpness.
The combat system, arguably the core of the game, is where the disappointment deepens. The player is given a sparse selection of melee and ranged weapons, none of which provide a satisfying combat experience due to the game’s unresponsive controls. The inclusion of special abilities and the card system offers a glimmer of strategic depth, yet these elements are insufficient to alleviate the overall tedium of the combat mechanics.
The game’s attempt to introduce a roguelike element with the card system is noted but falls short of creating a compelling gameplay loop. The cards, while providing temporary boosts, fail to leave a lasting impact on the game’s dynamics. Additionally, the introduction of the “Bullshit Card” mechanic, intended to add unpredictability to battles, instead further bogs down the combat with its arbitrary effects and frequent interruptions.
In its current state, “South Park: A Frosty Misadventure” stands as a stark contrast to the franchise’s storied legacy of engaging and provocative titles. While innovation and experimentation in game design are commendable, this venture into uncharted territory has unfortunately led to a lackluster addition to the South Park game library. It is with a heavy heart that we, as long-time fans and connoisseurs of the series, advise even the most ardent South Park enthusiasts to approach this title with caution, if at all.
By Andrej Kovacevic
Updated on 23rd April 2024