South Park: The Stick of Truth Preview

The editors over at Game Informer bring us the first E3-based preview of South Park: The Stick of Truth we've seen to date, filling us in on how the game kicks off and what we can expect from the actual gameplay. Here's a taste:
Obsidian's E3 demo began with the introduction of South Park's (new kid.) When the child arrives in the sleepy mountain town of South Park, his parents' first priority is clearly to christen their new living quarters. His father dismisses the player by telling him to (go find some friends,) followed by a speedy trip to the bedroom. When the new kid attempts to enter his new home, the now-naked father opens the upstairs window with a more urgent demand to (go make some friends!).

The new kid can pick up on a hint, and leaves his new home to explore the neighborhood. South Park regulars like Cartman and Stan are battling in fantasy gear, but they don't pay any mind to the town's unknown face. After walking around a bit, the new kid stumbles upon the doorstep of the perpetually friendly Butters. LARPing as a Paladin, (Butters the Merciful) informs the new kid that he must visit the wizard if he hopes to join in on the fun. Unfortunately, the wizard reveals himself as the borderline-sociopathic Cartman.

Cartman introduces the new kid to his backyard, which he refers to as (The Kingdom.) Clyde peddles weapons in the armory, and the diabetic Scott Malkinson manages the stables (which consists of Cartman's cat). Vaguely important relics like the Pool of Vision (a kiddie pool) and the Rock of Insanity (a standard rock) litter the backyard, and Cartman clearly takes this (Kingdom) seriously.

After showing him the sights, Cartman prompts the new kid for his name, which allows the player to enter whatever they wish. No matter what is entered, Cartman responds with (You entered '˜***.' Is this correct?) (note that this is significantly less offensive than the line we heard during our cover visit). When the player chooses (No,) Cartman ignores the request and lands on *** as the new kid's official title.

Cartman allows the player to choose his or her's class, although the selections didn't include the (Jew) class that we saw during our cover visit. I asked a few THQ and Obsidian reps about this change, and got the impression that the class may still find its way into the game.