South Park: Snow Day changes the rules, for better or worse

The concept of an epic RPG based on South Park once sounded like a joke, but fans were pleasantly surprised by Stick of Truth and its acclaimed follow-up, Fractured But Whole. Having been a South Park fan for 27 years, I naturally had high expectations when a new game that continued the story was announced.

Although South Park: Snow Day is technically a sequel to those games, it has very little to do with them. The kids have switched their Marvel Avengers-inspired superhero personas for decade-old costumes from season 18. The role-playing elements have been dropped in favor of traditional hack-and-slash mechanics. And, most notably, the graphics have received a three-dimensional overhaul.

Knowing all of that, I was still willing to give Snow Day a chance. Besides, the low price tag made it seem like too good a deal to pass up. So, was it worth it?

Related

South Park The Fractured But Whole review: Turn-based RPG sensation, or a bit of a stinker?

South Park: Snow Day!

The long-awaited follow-up to Stick of Truth and Fractured But Whole, South Park: Snow Day trades RPG rules for traditional hack-and-slash mechanics.

Genre(s) Action-Adventure Platform(s) PC, PS5, Switch, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S Released March 26, 2024 Developer(s) Question Publisher THQ Nordic $30 at Amazon $30 at Steam See at PlayStation See at Xbox

Rehashing old gags

New ideas are few and far between

As a deadly winter storm ravages South Park, all Cartman and company care about is school being canceled. To celebrate the long-awaited arrival of winter, everyone breaks out their Game of Thrones-inspired costumes from Stick of Truth and gets ready to party like it's 2014. Once again taking the role of the New Kid, you must defend Kupa Keep against Kyle's elvish forces.

After the opening scene, the series' signature humor is largely absent. There aren't many original jokes or creative tie-ins to the show. The number of characters you can interact with has been drastically reduced, and you can't play as any of the show's main cast.

The game doesn't even follow the show's continuity. For example, Mr. Hankey makes an appearance, but fans know he was banished to Springfield years ago.