That's my secret: I'm always gassy.
South Park: The Fractured But Whole is a slower "burn" than Stick of Truth was, but I'd ultimately call Fractured But Whole (hhhehehe) more fulfilling and more entertaining than its forebear.
The game can be off-putting, at first, in large part because of its Mega Man Battle Network-like combat system: the battle grid and attack options look complicated, but really aren't (just deal damage!); and Quick Time Events for attacking and defending are simple and flat. So, battles can come across as dull and slow.
Also, literally, you can't run very fast -- and it's quite a jog from one map location to another. The distance inbetween is usually dense with activities and collectibles, except, the abilities you need for them ... aren't unlocked until you make more story progress.
These problems make the game's early chapters feel pretty uneventful. But if you stick with it - because, like last time, you dig South Park's absurd quips and farts - Fractured But Whole gradually opens up (hhhehehe) and everything starts to come together.
Combat becomes more interesting as you get more characters and more moves to experiment with, even if it never gets very "tactical." Story beats unlock new points of interest, new abilities to navigate obstacles, and the solutions to those previously-locked overworld puzzles.
And, most importantly: this is still South Park.
It's got the kids playing pretend and swearing at each other, it's got adults acting negligent and irresponsible, it's even got Towelie giving you in-game hints (like "don't trust the government"). The game is a perfect conduit for South Park's flavors of irreverence, creativity, and commentary.
In fact, while Stick of Truth kinda felt like fanservice-y (but fun) sidequests wrapped around a haphazard main story, Fractured But Whole's core narrative develops the same gravitas as some of the show's best multi-episode arcs. It has twists!, not just for the sake of another reference, but which actually tell an engaging tale of their own.
(But there's still room for plenty of referential content, like dealing with the Raisins girls, and a ridiculous Crab People scheme.)
South Park: The Fractured But Whole takes some time to warm up, but it eventually meets - and exceeds - the narrative and gameplay bars of Stick of Truth. It's still not perfect, but even when its shitty Flappy Bird parody is going on too long -- it's fun, and a meaningful step forward for comedic RPGs.
And most importantly: no missable collectibles! So you can actually complete those sidequests in the post-game. About time.
Better than: South Park: The Stick of Truth
Not as good as: Mass Effect 3
Maybe even as good as: Shadowrun: Dragonfall - Director's Cut
Progress: Finished on Heroic (normal), mastered all the toilets, collected all the, uh, fanart.