South Park: The Fractured But Whole (Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and PC.)

Falthyron

Falthyron wrote: »

The Polygon review should be largely disregarded. If you read it, the author confesses to not being a fan of South Park in the first place and argues that if the creator's had a more mature sense of humour, it would make for a better game.

I get the point on trying to remain as unbiased as possible, but the decision to choose someone who doesn't like South Park to review the game would be like asking a Green Peace advocate to review Forza or Gran Turismo.

Similarly, don't trust steam reviews of niche indy games that are "Overwhelming Positive". The only people that play these games are people are already hardcore converts to whatever it is. Axiom Verge for example. There is absolutely nothing wrong with getting a Joe Bloggs to review a game.

Zero-Cool

Falthyron wrote: »

if the creator's had a more mature sense of humour, it would make for a better game.

Wow, dunno what polygon is on about...




:pac: :pac: :pac:

johnny_ultimate

Falthyron wrote: »

I get the point on trying to remain as unbiased as possible, but the decision to choose someone who doesn't like South Park to review the game would be like asking a Green Peace advocate to review Forza or Gran Turismo.

I have to disagree with this. Surely having a South Park superfan review the game would bring its own limits and biases? A healthy critical landscape is built around a range of opinions, and that's not what's achieved when you only have people predisposed to like a game talk about it. A review's job isn't to score it as favourably as possible.

It's been a long time since I've had any interest or enthusiasm for South Park the TV show, but I liked the original game for the confidence of delivery and how much it streamlined and cut out some of the usual RPG bloat. Certainly have lost a bit of interest in this given the reviews pointing out it's lost some of that conciseness...

Falthyron

johnny_ultimate wrote: »

I have to disagree with this. Surely having a South Park superfan review the game would bring its own limits and biases? A healthy critical landscape is built around a range of opinions, and that's not what's achieved when you only have people predisposed to like a game talk about it. A review's job isn't to score it as favourably as possible.

I'm not saying the reviewer has to be a superfan, but I believe they should be approaching the game from a fresh and open mind, not tainted before starting the process. Its no different to people who dislike Christopher Nolan films. They go into the cinema to see Nolan's latest feature knowing they dislike Nolan films and they come out saying it was terrible - hardly a surprise, is it?

The Polygon reviewer clearly went into TFBW disliking the South Park show and its style of humour and then produces a review that mirrors that prejudice. A more sensible choice would have been to pick someone who doesn't know anything about South Park, imo.

johnny_ultimate

The Polygon reviewer clearly went into TFBW liking the South Park show and its style of humour and then produces a review that mirrors that prejudice.

But surely the above is true then as well?

As said, I believe a real diversity of opinion is what makes for a great variety of discussion and debate, and that isn't achieved through just some bland 'objective' middle ground either.

Some of the best, most robust & thorough criticism in film is from those borderline obsessed with the work of individual directors. Equally, being confident enough to rip apart sacred cows can make for incredible, provocative writing. There's no right way to critique something, and certainly somebody not being predisposed to like South Park shouldn't disallow them from commenting on this game - hell, as someone in the same boat, I'm glad there's people out there writing about it with a similar attitude

AlmightyCushion

johnny_ultimate wrote: »

But surely the above is true then as well?

As said, I believe a real diversity of opinion is what makes for a great variety of discussion and debate, and that isn't achieved through just some bland 'objective' middle ground either.

Some of the best, most robust & thorough criticism in film is from those borderline obsessed with the work of individual directors. Equally, being confident enough to rip apart sacred cows can make for incredible, provocative writing. There's no right way to critique something, and certainly somebody not being predisposed to like South Park shouldn't disallow them from commenting on this game - hell, as someone in the same boat, I'm glad there's people out there writing about it with a similar attitude

I kinda get what you're saying but in this case it would be like having someone who hates driving games with a passion reviewing a driving game. They don't need to get a superfan to review it just someone who doesn't hate south park and its humour as that is going to be a big part of the game. Chances are someone who hates south park isn't going to be interested in this game in the slightest anyway same as someone who hates driving games isn't going to be interested in a driving game.

What time will it be unlocked at? I'm sensing an impending stomach bug making me incapable of working tomorrow...

"This game will unlock in approximately 23 hours"

So tomorrow at 6pm apparently

martyos121

Deleted User wrote: »

What time will it be unlocked at? I'm sensing an impending stomach bug making me incapable of working tomorrow...

It unlocks at midnight if you bought on the Irish store, but nobody will believe you have a stomach bug...

Just tell the boss the storm blew the roof off your house and you couldn't sleep. You'll never have a better chance to use that excuse. :pac:

EDIT: 6pm?! That doesn't sound right, digital games usually unlock at midnight for me.

martyos121

martyos121 wrote: »

It unlocks at midnight if you bought on the Irish store, but nobody will believe you have a stomach bug...

Just tell the boss the storm blew the roof off your house and you couldn't sleep. You'll never have a better chance to use that excuse. :pac:

EDIT: 6pm?! That doesn't sound right, digital games usually unlock at midnight for me.

Hmmm. Bought mine directly from steam for the full whack. It says that time on the steam store page for me. Hopefully that approximation is way off.

martyos121

Deleted User wrote: »

Hmmm. Bought mine directly from steam for the full whack. It says that time on the steam store page for me. Hopefully that approximation is way off.

Ah that might explain it, I'm a console gamer and have never pre-ordered on Steam. It still sounds odd though, I don't see why they have a reason to hold the game back 18 hours on you.

Spear

A Tuesday release reflects American release times, so that usually means either 0900 or 1000 in Pacific Standard Time, so about 1800 in Ireland. It also has the benefit of having Valve support available. Not all stick to this, but annoyingly many do.

Achievements/Trophies look straight forward, nothing missable apparently except for a difficulty based one.

wotzgoingon

Deleted User wrote: »

Achievements/Trophies look straight forward, nothing missable apparently except for a difficulty based one.

TSOT was like that too afair. I think so anyway this is just going by memory so I could be wrong.

Penn

wotzgoingon wrote: »

TSOT was like that too afair. I think so anyway this is just going by memory so I could be wrong.

Nah sadly there was a collectable one (Chinpokomon) that if you missed one of them during the story you couldn't get it afterward because the environment changed. Think it was in the school or something.

wotzgoingon

Penn wrote: »

Nah sadly there was a collectable one (Chinpokomon) that if you missed one of them during the story you couldn't get it afterward because the environment changed. Think it was in the school or something.

I just checked there and I have that achievement. And I don't go out looking to collect all achievements as I have a fair few left to get but can't be bothered going back to get them as I have already finished the game.

The way I got that Chipokomon achievement is because of the way I play games I like to search through every place in games where you find stuff like potions and food or even guns in some games like Borderlands.

Yeah that was very missable , as Penn said it was because the school changed.

ERG89

Tempted to get this tomorrow. Especially if I get a stick of truth code with it too.... >.<
I normally don't like his reviews but ACG may have sold me on it as his review seemed to be from someone who understood what South Park is. Whether it's content is right or wrong

Notorious

Anyone else cracking into this when it drops at midnight? Storm Ophelia has granted me an extra day off; I figure it’d be rude not to crack into TFBW.

Zero-Cool

My Canadian copy is locked and won't start on my Irish account, anyone else have the same problem?

Edit: nvm, started in Canadian account, it unlocked it and downloaded patch. Quit and tried Irish account and working fine now.

Doctor Nick

Presume this will be Turn Based again? While I liked TSOT for the most part I could not get into the combat at all and gave up on it. Pity because it was probably the funniest game I've played.

SeantheMan

I wanna play it...but 70e....a bit too much tbh

Mickeroo

SeantheMan wrote: »

I wanna play it...but 70e....a bit too much tbh

€40.99 on cdkeys: https://www.cdkeys.com/pc/games/south-park-the-fractured-but-whole-pc-uplay-cd-key

Penn

Doctor Nick wrote: »

Presume this will be Turn Based again? While I liked TSOT for the most part I could not get into the combat at all and gave up on it. Pity because it was probably the funniest game I've played.

It took a bit of getting used to, especially since I'd rarely played games with turn-based combat before, but once you got into it I actually found the combat to be pretty great. I probably over-relied on some certain attacks and buddies but against tougher enemies it got pretty strategic and difficult.

Cina

Penn wrote: »

It took a bit of getting used to, especially since I'd rarely played games with turn-based combat before, but once you got into it I actually found the combat to be pretty great. I probably over-relied on some certain attacks and buddies but against tougher enemies it got pretty strategic and difficult.

I thought the problem with that first game was that it wasn't in any way difficult whatsoever. By about the midway point of the game you could just one-shot every enemy pretty much. It looks like it's improved in this and more challenging though which is good.

Liam McPoyle

SeantheMan wrote: »

I wanna play it...but 70e....a bit too much tbh

I got it on Amazon for about €45 incl the stick or truth download, arrived this morning.

Doctor Nick

Penn wrote: »

It took a bit of getting used to, especially since I'd rarely played games with turn-based combat before, but once you got into it I actually found the combat to be pretty great. I probably over-relied on some certain attacks and buddies but against tougher enemies it got pretty strategic and difficult.

It's the only game I've played with that combat system. Likewise, I stuck to certain attacks and won most times so didn't bother to change anything and it just got boring for me. It seemed to ruin the flow of an otherwise great game. Obviously no disrespect to anyone who likes that. I really want to get this for the giggles but don't want to risk my €60 in case same happens. I'll keep an eye on the thread, it may change my mind.

Doctor Nick

Doctor Nick wrote: »

It's the only game I've played with that combat system. Likewise, I stuck to certain attacks and won most times so didn't bother to change anything and it just got boring for me. It seemed to ruin the flow of an otherwise great game. Obviously no disrespect to anyone who likes that. I really want to get this for the giggles but don't want to risk my €60 in case same happens. I'll keep an eye on the thread, it may change my mind.

What kind of combat system would you prefer?

Doctor Nick

[Deleted User] wrote: »

What kind of combat system would you prefer?

Real time combat? Not sure if that's the name but the type that's in the majority games I like; e.g.Arkham games, Bloodborne, Souls, Silent Hill,Resident evil etc. I feel TBC pauses the flow of the game. There's probably a knack to it that I don't get.

Penn

Cina wrote: »

I thought the problem with that first game was that it wasn't in any way difficult whatsoever. By about the midway point of the game you could just one-shot every enemy pretty much. It looks like it's improved in this and more challenging though which is good.

That was true for most of the fights, especially random henchmen etc, but some of the named characters and bosses were difficult enough, due to huge HP and trying to replenish your HP & PP for moves. I remember ManBearPig in particular took ages to go down.

Penn

Doctor Nick wrote: »

Real time combat? Not sure if that's the name but the type that's in the majority games I like; e.g.Arkham games, Bloodborne, Souls, Silent Hill,Resident evil etc. I feel TBC pauses the flow of the game. There's probably a knack to it that I don't get.

It's just the difference between action and strategy. Action games you mostly just jump in, hit as much as you can and avoid getting hit. Turn-based combat, you're going to get hit, which means you have to think about what effect their turn will have on you, how to sacrifice your turn to set yourself up better for your next turn and do more damage, how/when to replenish health or available moves.

Like I said, I didn't really play any turn-based combat games before Stick of Truth, at least none I really remember. But I found SoT's combat enjoyable enough. Not the main reason I would have played, unlike some action games, but enjoyable enough that it didn't annoy me. I did regularly avoid fights whenever possible though as the game went on.

Doctor Nick

Doctor Nick wrote: »

Real time combat? Not sure if that's the name but the type that's in the majority games I like; e.g.Arkham games, Bloodborne, Souls, Silent Hill,Resident evil etc. I feel TBC pauses the flow of the game. There's probably a knack to it that I don't get.

I couldn't' imagine anything but TBC working in this game world. How could they create a souls like game? I like the casual relaxing nature of TBC sometimes.

marcbrophy

60 on Argos for the console versions!
41 on cdkeys for the pc version!

75 at gamestop :pac:

Xenji

Arrived at the Parcel Motel this morning, will not have it till tomorrow, could of made good use of it yesterday.

Zero-Cool

Check out the uplay rewards, there is an iron man costume and assassin's creed costume for your character, both look class.

First loading screen:

"If you are having trouble with some of the battles, try getting better at the game"

Spear

Deleted User wrote: »

First loading screen:

"If you are having trouble with some of the battles, try getting better at the game"

I got a tip saying there's no jump button. A few seconds later in the intro sequence I fall to my death missing a jump prompt....

Zero-Cool

The gamesphere is gas, always updating anytime you turn it on. The toilet mini game is gas as well. Much offering the whole superhero setting than the fantasy, costumes are much better so far.

Anyone know how to view a full size image of a pic you have taken? I took a photo of me and the goth kids looking mopey with a dark filter. I want to see it full screen to take a screenshot with the PS4 but the viewer in phone only shows a small display of it.

Penn

I'm a bit torn on the combat. Having to move around for attacks definitely adds a new element to it, but since you no longer have to use weapons, and stickers to improve your gear and weapons to add status effects etc, it's feeling a bit bland. I've barely paid any attention to anything I've collected because it seems like it's all just used for recipes and stuff.

I'm still early enough in the game anyway and just unlocked artifacts which I guess are the replacement for the stickers & weapons, so I'll keep belting away anyway.

Game is great so far anyway. Some really funny moments.

dudeeile

Just received my code from Amazon for Towelie. Game hasn't moved from PacelMotel Dublin since yesterday

Penn

Penn wrote: »

I'm a bit torn on the combat. Having to move around for attacks definitely adds a new element to it, but since you no longer have to use weapons, and stickers to improve your gear and weapons to add status effects etc, it's feeling a bit bland. I've barely paid any attention to anything I've collected because it seems like it's all just used for recipes and stuff.

I'm still early enough in the game anyway and just unlocked artifacts which I guess are the replacement for the stickers & weapons, so I'll keep belting away anyway.

Game is great so far anyway. Some really funny moments.

Yeah I'm not really impressed with the looting. I hate crafting. I'm only an hour in but the world feels empty because its just crafting ingredients everywhere. I'm not really arsed checking every room for useless stuff like that. Combat is strange. I like the added complexity but are you given all your abilities from the very start? Surely not, but all my characters seem to have four abilities each already. There's a few too many "collect them all" quests so far (well just two). I think I'll plow through the main quest and see if I'm arsed coming back for the rest afterwards. I was arsed in TSOT so here's hoping it keeps my attention. I'm loving the game regardless; really enjoying the character interactions and potential of whats to come. Your characters back story and Melvin were great.

I went for a black character. I've yet to notice any further difficulty. Maybe that slider was just a joke?

Penn

Deleted User wrote: »

Yeah I'm not really impressed with the looting. I hate crafting. I'm only an hour in but the world feels empty because its just crafting ingredients everywhere. I'm not really arsed checking every room for useless stuff like that. Combat is strange. I like the added complexity but are you given all your abilities from the very start? Surely not, but all my characters seem to have four abilities each already. There's a few too many "collect them all" quests so far (well just two). I think I'll plow through the main quest and see if I'm arsed coming back for the rest afterwards. I was arsed in TSOT so here's hoping it keeps my attention. I'm loving the game regardless; really enjoying the character interactions and potential of whats to come. Your characters back story and Melvin were great.

I went for a black character. I've yet to notice any further difficulty. Maybe that slider was just a joke?

I think they confirmed it was just a joke. That being said, after visiting Mr.Mackay in the school

I said my character was transgender and got attacked by a load of rednecks after leaving the school. But I assume you get attacked by a different group regardless of whichever you pick

Falthyron

Penn wrote: »

I think they confirmed it was just a joke. That being said, after visiting Mr.Mackay in the school

I said my character was transgender and got attacked by a load of rednecks after leaving the school. But I assume you get attacked by a different group regardless of whichever you pick

Yeah, you do. Which is funny because:

I went with a straight cisgendered male and to hear the rednecks saying they don't take to my kind around here was funny!

Penn

Falthyron wrote: »

Yeah, you do. Which is funny because:

I went with a straight cisgendered male and to hear the rednecks saying they don't take to my kind around here was funny!

Really? I assumed it'd just be a different group, like maybe PC Bros attacking you for saying you're straight & cisgender because there's nothing wrong with being trans or something. Makes no odds I suppose. I only went with trans to see how it'll throw up different dialogue throughout the game.

Make sure you gross out token in a fight

ERG89

https://twitter.com/rad_adult/status/920870520404500480

Brilliant

Way too much useless collectibles. The game is full of skins. Was the first one like this?

Spear

Deleted User wrote: »

Way too much useless collectibles. The game is full of skins. Was the first one like this?

No, the way too much useless collectibles in the first were Chinpokomon, instead of skins. You can the see the box of them dumped in a box in someone's garage at the start of the game.

Zero-Cool

Spear wrote: »

You can the see the box of them dumped in a box in someone's garage at the start of the game.

I thought that was gas when I saw it!

Zero-Cool

It's much safer than sot. I'm not far into it but have visited the church, school, police station, every house I've come across, etc but it feels much tamer than the last game so far. The scrap and items in the game are very boring, I've stopped looking at what I'm even picking up anymore.

The combat is.... Different. It's more complex than sot but since fights go on longer than they should.

Need to lash into it a bit more.