Southpark, Smaller, Shorter in Your Pocket

It's hard to believe that Southpark has been around since the mid 90's. Back when I first got to the U.S it was a novelty, one which middle schoolers with cable were all too happy to embrace because of its, then, unheard of humour, profanity and animation.

Thirteen seasons later the show has evolved from pure grossout to social commentary. This is not to say that the gross out factor has disappeared, its still there, but it has at least grown up, in the same respect as its viewers and former viewers have. That the show has jumped the shark is uncertain, I haven't watched it in a while, but it still is consistently funny and its number of seasons is starting to reach Simpsons or at least King of the Hill like notoriety.

All of this just to talk about the brilliant Southpark Mega Millionaire for the iPhone. The game takes the familiar kids from Southpark and throws them into a stereotypical (but fun) Japanese game show, the kind that makes people humiliate themselves for money and goods. The tilt controls and reach-the-goal mechanics would have worked with any popular or non-popular characters, the Southpark kids therefore work great here as the show has previously explored Japanese culture and the bright pallette of colours meshes perfectly with the games art and style.

Here you take turns using Cartman, Stan, Kyle and Kenny as they navigate through various stages (on roller skates) with various obstacles and variables thrown in for good measure. From having to carry something on their head to dealing with greased up floors or having to serve tea to four "masters", sumo wrestlers, the wheel of misfortune, the challenges are varied enough to keep one entertained without ever feeling repetitive. Successfully completing challenges earns a player goodies as well as giving us some great screens of the Japanized characters along with tons of flashy Kanji which very well could say "you suck for playing this game" for all I know or care.

This is not only a great game but its also a great satire (in the Southpark spirit) of Japanese game shows in general. The host is reminiscent of the crazy dude from Lost in Translation, the odd phrasing is reminiscent of Japan's love of Americana which in turns fuels our obsession with Japanese culture. If Japanization is inevitable, if its already happened and cannot be reversed then we're definitely headed to a better place. I for one welcome their Pocky, Katamari and beer candy and if we can get some of our icons into their concepts (like in this game) then all the better.

I know I say this a lot but this is one of the better games for this platform. It uses the phone's abilities to perfection, it has some great art, its cheap, licensed and very original. There's not much to complain about, obviously those who loathe South Park will be hard pressed to buy this but they dont have to, unfortunately they'll be really missing out.