Beating each level is easier (and more fun) in four-player co-op.[Note: Before you play the game — or if already have and just want to get caught up on the references you may've missed — make sure you read our What to Watch Before You Play guide!]
How much do you love South Park? You certainly don’t need to be a super-fan of Comedy Central’s profanely hilarious animated series to enjoy this XBLA co-op platformer, but it helps... a lot. Drawing on 15 years of backstory — focusing mostly on Cartman’s ongoing feud with his nemesis and half-brother, Scott Tenorman — Tenorman’s Revenge is a romp for up to four players through backdrops inspired by the show’s most famous episodes, literally taking you to Hell and back. It’s one of those games infused with so much fan service that your love for it will be proportionate to your love for the series itself.
Tenorman’s revenge is pretty mild compared to tricking a guy into eating his own parents. When he steals the hard drive from Cartman’s Xbox 360, depriving Cartman, Stan, Kenny, and Kyle of their save-games, the foursome must fight Tenorman’s army of robotic redheads and chase the evil mastermind through time, starting with the far-off future of 2546 first seen in the episode “Go God Go.”
Each of the boys can transform into his superhero identity to access new areas.If you want, you can play the game solo, but it’s tougher and not as much fun: it’s clearly designed for four-player co-op, with each player controlling a different character. Each of the boys has a unique ability (Cartman uses his bulk to shove through walls and knock over enemies; Kyle can walk through “ginger forcefields” by revealing his red hair) and can occasionally turn into his costumed superhero counterpart to access special areas. Most useful is Kenny’s Mysterio alter-ego: once you send him to his death, he can walk through deathtraps in ghost form.
Completing each of the game’s 22 levels is just part of the challenge, though. Chronal-energy pickups dot the landscape, offering incentive to replay levels so you can boost your score and increase your standing in online leaderboards.
Made with the input and voice talent of South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone, Tenorman’s Revenge is a loving homage to classic 2D platform games. The story is a blast for South Park fans, the jumping and climbing action is challenging but not too hard, and the price is definitely right. And really, who wouldn’t want to hop across levels set on a moving train made of poo and a waterpark turned yellow from toxic pee?
Even good kids like Stan can wind up in Hell.PUBLISHER: Microsoft Studios • DEVELOPER: Other Ocean Interactive • ESRB: Mature • MULTIPLAYER: 4 locally or on Xbox Live • ACHIEVEMENTS: Easy • COST: 800 Microsoft Points ($10)
+ A deep dive into classic South Park storylines and environments.
+ Fun, challenging gameplay for up to four players.
– The solid platforming won’t be enough to entice folks who don’t “get” South Park ’s potty humor.
? When will Cartman’s alter ego, The Coon, star in his own game?
