Saints Row By: Keezy
You ready for this playa?
Sorry, I had to. I love that guy’s voice (Keith David). Oddly enough, the voice acting was one of my favorite parts of this game, but more on that later. Saint’s Row might remind you of a little known game called Grand Theft Auto. There, I said it… I made the obvious connection that everyone else in the world made when hearing about this game. It is quite similar, but also pretty different. SR plowed into stores a little over a month ago, after being originally slated to be launched when the 360 dropped. The delay was obviously a good choice.
First, a little background information: SR puts you in the shoes of a character trying to come up in the gangsta underground or a big city. You can go wherever you want in the city, hijack vehicles, walk or take the train. Sections of the city are captured, and have to be defended occasionally. This game has everything you would expect from a 3rd person-urban-adventure-action-gangster game.
Familiar? Sort of. What is different is that you are not simply a generic character created in the likeness of the developer's neighbor. Instead your character looks exactly the way you want it to look. Saints Row has a robust character creation, which is very fun. Our very own Wondermonkey’s character looks spot on, thanks to careful modeling of his face by Dangerkitty. Adding further individual touches is the ability to trick out your cars. If you crash them they can be revived any time at your garage, so your effort is not wasted.
The story veers from the traditional GTA-ish storyline, but has the same general idea. It seems as though the intentions of the 3rd Street Saints are somewhat benevolent… to clean up the city of the other gangs. The methods used for accomplishing this task are not so noble. Stealing, prostitution, murder and dealing drugs are just some of the pastimes for your character. Do whatever you can to be the last one standing.
Let’s break it down.
General Gameplay
Saints Row is a game that you can play for hours while accomplishing nothing. Perhaps that's the wrong description. I spent a good half hour trying to shoot a helicopter down so that it would land on the elevated train tracks. When I finally did, it was as hilarious as I imagined it. This is just a preview of some of the fun you can have away from the missions.
You can run, jump, drive, swim and shoot which leaves millions of possibilities for passing time in-game. The controls are responsive while perhaps a little too sensitive at times, but they work very well. The physics are arcadey, but not too unrealistic. They actually add to the fun. Cars explode, and the parts fly all about, knocking anything over in their path.
The key to the gameplay is that the environment is fully fleshed out. You can ram a car into a street sign which hurtles across the street hitting a poor pedestrian in the head, which sends them through the air. Ragdoll physics is perfectly executed, and very hilarious.
Tech Specs
Saints Row is pretty. What, a gansta game is "pretty." Yep. The city and everything in it is rendered in HD goodness. There are some problems though. V-sync is a big issue with heads and other items popping in and out of play. There is also an occasional graphical slowdown when too much action appears on screen at the same time. As a whole, however, the game is bright and full of great graphics.
The sounds of the city are best experienced on a 5.1 system. There’s nothing like hearing a gang coming for a drive-by from the rear speaker. You will feel immersed in the city as it surrounds your ears with ambience and crazy commentary from its citizens.
Game Rage
Saints Row is hit and miss with the difficulty. Some missions are easy, while a few of the later missions are based heavily on luck. With any open world game, there are many variables in trying to complete some of the missions. A huge semi may be in your way one time through the mission, and the next time there may be no cars at all. Some of the missions are frustrating but eventually they come together giving you a sense of accomplishment.
Butt Groove
There is a great deal in Saints Row to keep you coming back. All of the missions, side-missions, collecting CDs and adding graffiti tags are enough to keep you playing for hours. Then, of course, is the fun you can have just getting into trouble in the open environment. Missions may get old, but there is always something else to do if you want to mix things up
Bedtime Rating
Foul language, violence and sexual references/innuendo earn this game every bit of its M for Mature rating. Don’t play this until the kids are in bed, and granny has taken out her hearing aid.
Achievements
Some standard achievements and some cool secret achievements makes for a perfect mix of rewarding you for exploring and just finishing Saints Row. You’ll have to earn all 1000 points though.
Mutliplayer
Saints Row multiplayer is yet another victim of having potential crushed by lag and other online troubles. When it works, this game is a blast. Protect the Pimp and Blinged Out Ride are my personal favorites. In PTP, you have to protect a pimp that is defenseless except for his way-strong pimp hand. You are placed in a building, and have to escape without letting him die.
Blinged Out Ride has you earning money to upgrade a team car, all the while trying to take out the other team in a race to reaching the highest upgrade level. Things get even crazier when you must “show off” your maxed out ride in a specified area for 1 minute. You must defend your car during this time. If it is blown up, you lose a level of Bling, and must upgrade it again. This is a hybrid game of king of the hill, capture the flag and deathmatch. Genius!
Category Rankings General Gameplay 
Tech Specs Game Rage Butt Groove Bedtime Rating Achievements Multiplayer Overall Couch Count: 4 out of 5 
