South Park: Tenorman’s Revenge Review

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Finally, a South Park game that doesn’t suck.

South Park has been around for over 16 years now, and it’s still staying fresh and going strong. During all those years, one would think that a series this popular would spawn a game that is loved by all fans of the show. The few that have come out have been disappointing, leaving fans waiting for that gem. Well, the wait is over! Scott Tenorman is here and it’s pretty sweet.

Who is Scott Tenorman and why is he trying to get revenge on the four mischievous boys of the titular town where anything and everything happens? The gruesome truth is Cartman tricked Scott into eating his own parents. The story picks up as we come to find out just how Tenorman is getting his revenge: by stealing the boys’ Xbox 360 hard drive containing all their saved data. Once he has accomplished this dastardly feat, he uses a time machine to travel into the future. Distraught and not standing for it, the boys build their own device and follow Tenorman to retrieve their prized hard drive.

The gameplay is reminiscent of the olden days of side-scrolling platformers, with enemies widely scattered throughout the level as you jump on their heads to defeat them. In the beginning of the game, you have the option of selecting one of the four main characters: Kyle, Stan, Kenny and The Awesome and the Cool Eric Cartman. Each has a unique special move and alternate personality that helps you through the levels and reach secret areas. Once a character is picked, you are stuck with him throughout the entire level. The levels are filled with not only ginger robots that Tenorman created, but a fair amount of collectibles as well. Some give extra lives, while others seemingly don’t do anything. In order to progress through each level, you have to collect a certain amount of time capsules.

Since this game is largely a throwback platformer, it does tend to get a bit hard. Like most of them, the jumping can be a bit wonky, requiring perfect timing or you’ll fall to your death. I also found that just jumping and trying to get through the level quickly leads to certain doom. Instead, I learned the lost art of patience and found that helped me through the levels- that, and the checkpoints. That’s right; there are checkpoints in this game. Oh, and you get 5 lives to get you through the levels. Once those are depleted, its game over and back to the very beginning of the level. You’ll start with a fresh set at the start of each area, though.

Playing through the game, I found that I was obsessed with trying to nab all of the collectibles. Since I played the single player, though, that was impossible. In order to get all of them, each one of the boys needs to be used to access certain areas. This is where the alter egos come in to play, each with their own special power. For example, Kenny becomes Mysterion who, when killed, becomes invincible.

Each of the levels are old-school difficult. So yes, Kenny will die.


Each of the levels are huge and introduce new forms of ginger robots and hazardous traps that need to be avoided. I expected the levels to look similar to the show, but they really don’t. The characters do, however. The dialogue stays true to the show with a fair amount of cursing (uncensored) and banter between the boys, which is hilarious and helps to move the game along. If you are looking for fan service, this game has it. There’s everything from character cameos to subtle little things that only the diehard fans will get.

Tenorman’s Revenge does support four-player co-op, and it plays perfectly. I was worried that it would become impossible to play, because each person can move forward without the other players following closely behind. But the game adjusts well by panning the camera out so each character is shown. If one character does get too far ahead, then the others will be teleported to the person who decided to leave his friends behind.

South Park: Tenorman’s Revenge is one of my favorite XBLA games ever. With fun gameplay, witty dialogue that stays true to the show, huge levels, and a ton of fan service, this is THE game South Park fans have been waiting for.

Review copy of game provided by publisher.
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Written by
Justin is a quiet fellow who spends most of his time working on things in the back-end of the site. Every now and then he comes forward throwing a controller, but he is attending anger management for that.

24 Comments

  1. 9.7? Are you mad? I love South Park and 2d platformers but this game is just tedious and boring. And the co-op is not well implemented at all. It doesn’t capture any of the crazy fun that was in New Super Mario Bros Wii.

    The game just feels slow too. This has to do with how slow the kids move (no run button) and how the level designs are so vertical. And with so much verticality the camera will zoom out even more with 4 players on screen and then the game looks even slower.

    If you want a modern 2d platformer there are far better options. New Super Mario Bros Wii, Shank 2, Rayman Origins is only $20 now, and Fez will be out in a couple weeks.

    And if you want a South Park game go with the Tower Defense one. The South Park kids would be bored out of their minds if they played Tenorman’s Revenge.

    • So I am “mad” because I enjoyed the hell out of this game? Its a great throwback platformer that reminded me of the good old days of the original Mario. And I don’t understand the complaint about the camera panning out. What would you have it do? If it didn’t pan out, it would be impossible to see where all the characters are on the screen. And a run button? Really? The game moves at a good pace for me. The game is a great fan service for those that like the show. And for $10, it provides great dialogue and a pretty good story. As for the co-op, how is it not well implemented? Again, what would you have it do? You compare it to New Super Mario Bros. Wii but it isn’t supposed to play like that. I stick with my score because it is THE best South Park game available to this day. You don’t have to agree with my score but calling me mad because I gave it a 9.7 is just dumb. I think you need to check out ZT’s “back in My Day” article…

      • I’m glad you enjoyed it but I think you’re kidding yourself and most importantly, the consumer. Classic throwback platformers are more exciting and less tedious than this.

        The level design is just horrid. The developers should have made a more focused experience. Having each character only able to reach certain parts of a stage is a neat idea in hindsight but it was poorly executed and diminishes the quality of each level. So now the levels just look big and boring instead of tight and polished. I think most gamers would rather have the latter with characters all controlling the same.

        As for the co-op not being implemented well I think it’s pretty obvious. You can’t interact at all with the other characters. You can’t even jump on each other.

        And it’s foolish to give this game a 9.7 simply because it’s the best South Park game to date. Newsflash: South Park games have all been crap with the exception of the Tower Defense game. You should rate the game on the basis of how it stacks up to other modern 2D platformers. I mean what kind of score would you give Rayman Origins? Let’s say you would give it a perfect 10. So you think that game is only .3 better than Tenorman’s Revenge?

        That is why I questioned your sanity.

        And I think you need to check out

  2. “It doesn’t seem like the 4 player is adding a lot here..” -Ryan Davis

    “Um, this isn’t very fun so far you guys…” -Ryan

    “I mean you can jump” – Patrick Klepek

    “I think we’re going the wrong way” -Jeff Gerstmann

    “We were going the wrong way when we booted up this game” -Patrick

    “This isn’t fun. This is boring.” -Ryan

    “It moves really slowly” -Jeff

    • How am I kidding myself and the consumer? I liked the game and I scored it as such. I had a blast playing through it both single and multiplayer. It was enjoyable from beginning to end and I thought it did the show justice. And yes, I think it is the best South Park game to date that I have played. I have not and will not play the tower defense game as I have no interest in those games. But the thing to remember here is that a review that I write is MY OPINION and in that opinion I thought this game deserves the score I gave it. And if anyone that actually read this review and wants to try it, I hope they have enough sense to play the demo first because their opinion of it probably will be different than mine. As for your little video I needed to check out, do you actually think that I care what other sites are saying about it? And all those quotes? Really? They mean nothing to me. Other reviewers didn’t like the game. I get that. But I am not and never will be other people. I am me and I loved the game. My score was a 9.7 because I had a ton of fun playing it, the fan service was great, and I loved the dialogue. Oh and I liked the platforming. This whole thing goes back to being gamers being spoiled anymore. Just because its a simplistic throwback makes it boring? Because it doesn’t have a run button or the characters can’t jump too far means it sucks? You say I should have reviewed the game on the basis of how it stacks up to modern 2D platform games, well here’s a newsflash for ya, that’s not how I operate. I do not compare games to others when I review them. I review it based on how much fun I have with it. That’s my writing style. Is it the best? Nope. Far from it. But that’s the way I do things. Sorry you don’t like that but it won’t change. And I do respect your output and opinion, just an FYI. And I’m sorry you thought the game was a disappointment…but again, just remember that this review is my opinion…one you don’t have to agree with but respect.

      • It’s funny when people feel the need to reiterate “remember it’s my opinion, I’m allowed to have an opinion”.

        Thank you Captain Obvious.

        Anyway I explained to you why it’s a bad game and it’s mostly due to the poor level design and lack of character interaction. I never said “simple = bad” and if that’s what you picked up from all that I wrote then I feel sorry for you.

        Earlier you compared it to Mario yet Mario had a run button which varied up the gameplay and the level design was technically superior. Mario is also a “simple” game.

        If it’s a throwback it’s certainly not a throwback to polished 2d gaming like Mario or Sonic.

        And if you don’t see the importance of reviewing with standards in mind then you are doing no service to Video Gaming as an art form and an industry. And if you continue this way then it’s not my opinion but a fact that no logical gamer will take your opinion seriously.

        • We need to reiterate it because people like you seem to take scores personally like you made the game. I should never have to defend my review. If our roles were reversed and you gave this game a score you felt it deserved, I wouldn’t agree with it but I would never call you out on it. Because its your opinion and, while I wont agree with it, I respect it. And, honestly, what is the deal with the damn run button? And you are complaining that the characters don’t even “jump on each other.” Do you honestly think that if the game allowed that to happen that the game would be any better? To me, that is what made me stop playing Marios multiplayer on the Wii. It made the game tougher than what its supposed to be. And just because I refuse to compare games in my reviews doesn’t mean I don’t review with standards. And if you can’t see that different people have different writing styles, then I feel sorry for you. And I take it you consider yourself a “logical gamer.” Let me tell you something: in my eyes, if a logical gamer has a problem with a review, they would just leave it alone instead of arguing over it. They wouldn’t take to the internet and try to tell the reviewer that he is wrong. You made your point and don’t agree with my score. Good for you. I really do not care that you don’t agree with it because that doesn’t change the fact that I really enjoyed the game. I understand your points and all that but I am done defending against you. I enjoyed the game and gave it the score I thought it deserved. And, in my awesome opinion, arguments like this is doing no service to video gaming. So here’s an idea: instead of tryng to tell me I’m wrong, why don’t you go play games or do something more constructive? Because we can do this all day long but it wont change my opinion of the game and it wont change yours either. So what is the point of all this? What is the point of people arguing with a reviewer over a score? Maybe you can answer me that because I can’t seem to figure that out…

          • You’ve got to be kidding. Logical people can’t debate? If I disagree with an article or review I should just keep quiet since it’s their opinion? I don’t think you are cut out for journalism if you are this sensitive.

            And yes a run button would make the game better. But that’s assuming the level designs would also be better. For example in Mario games sometimes you have to run to make a gap. That increases the variety of the gameplay and just makes the game more thrilling. That’s also why some games have double jumps. Variety with control allows for better/more creative level design.

  3. Haha, the reviewer must’ve been bribed or just out of his mind.
    I wont come here again, thats for sure.

    Also the “review” was poorly written.

  4. “During all those years, one would think that a series this popular would spawn a game that is loved by all fans of the show. The few that have come out have been disappointing, leaving fans waiting for that gem.”

    “this is THE game South Park fans have been waiting for”

    “I have not and will not play the tower defense game”

    Looool

    Also, I think you’re under the impression that people think this is a bad game because they hate retro-styled platformers when the reality of it is that people hate this game because it’s bad.

  5. You should always have to defend your review. You’re a reviewer. As much as I’d question your judgement in giving a 9.7 score, I’d be fine with it, as long as I understood your reasoning behind it.

    Having played through the demo, I came across no clever puzzle mechanics or challenges in the gameplay that for me makes a platformer great, and instead of reminiscing of the glory or formative days of platforming, I was busy wondering whether this was a ported android or apple app. From what I played I found it functional and tedious.

    If you give a score of 9.7, I’d expect this game to be genre changing or defining.
    I can’t understand how you could give this game the score you did. I don’t know, and you don’t state what side-scrolling platformers this game is reminiscent of. Ask yourself how this game would stack up against the early Mario series, Castlevania, Ghouls and Ghosts and the Donkey Kong series. Even the new Mega Man (9), a direct continuation of the Mega Man series, didn’t score as highly as you’ve given this game.

    • “If you give a score of 9.7, I’d expect this game to be genre changing or defining”

      see what you did there, “i’d expect…”

      you didnt write the review, its all about the reviewers expectations and how much he enjoyed it. just saying. remember guys, its all about how much FUN you have with a game.

  6. Damn man. You ever played other games of this genre? You bribed by publisher))
    GameSpot 3.5 out of 10
    GameInformer 2 out 10

    • Hey look, I can do that to prove my point too!!

      EGM 8.5/10
      Official Xbox Magazine 8.5/10

  7. Sorry, I just had to step in here and say you guys are idiots for arguing back n forth with this guy. So what he gave it a 9.7? If you don’t like his style, don’t go to the site. Simple. Fucking trolls.

    • @Dude

      The reviewer has given a score that posters here are disagreeing with. Posters here are, in the main, debating the review and the reasoning behind it. How is that trolling?

      You’re the one on here dropping the f-bomb and throwing out accusations. You need to reassess what trolling is, and the difference between discussion and blind criticism.

  8. I can unedrstand when critic and user rating different on hard deep strategy/economy games. But damn – thats a simple arcade. Average critic score is 50. Dont buy a game if u read only 1 review on it.

    • Yup, you should always judge all games by meta scores. Never play them for yourself. Now you know, and knowing is half the battle! G.I. Troll!!

      • Lol. Play more than 1 arcade game first. Then score a game. G.I. Donkey!!
        Justin “KillerWolverine” Testa never played other arcade games. Camera in this game jut AWFUL! Chaotic level design! Dump jumping mechanics!

  9. Gamers are the worst bunch of babies. Crying about the 9.7 Justin gave this game. If you don’t like it, don’t visit the site. If he wants to give the game 100 out of 10 he can, it is his opinion and his review. Play games and enjoy it, don’t play the review scores.

  10. Work of critic to taste all and to tell – to eat or not to eat.
    Ken “ZeroTolerance” McKown – ur trolling words “Yup, you should always judge all games by meta scores. Never play them for yourself” so FAT trollin. Its ur work to play game and to tell – play or not. U recommendin this bullsh-it while all others asking – WTF.
    Justin “KillerWolverine” Testa you eat sh-it, and told all – “how delicious”.

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