At the height of its popularity, Saints Row was hailed as a worthy competitor to Grand Theft Auto, borrowing some of its codes while making even fewer concessions when it came to tongue-in-cheek humor and complete derision. Unfortunately, it was this immense, limitless mess that would also cause its downfall and prevent it from lasting as long as its “rival” from Rockstar Games.
The first stones were laid in 2006
It was in 2006, exclusively on Microsoft’s Xbox 360 console, that the franchise first saw the light of day. Here we discover the foundations of the franchise: the atmosphere and the world of gangs.
You are part of the Saints and wreak havoc in the city of Stillwater, inspired by Detroit and Chicago. You’ll meet characters who will become iconic in the saga, such as Johnny Gat.
However, this installment is the hardest to get into, as its controls have aged poorly and it is limited in terms of content and gameplay compared to subsequent episodes. For newcomers, it’s like discovering Grand Theft Auto III after playing Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas.
Nevertheless, it laid the foundations for the universe and introduced it to players and the specialist press, who gave it a positive reception. The machine was now up and running.
2008: The formula gets refined with a new entry
Saints Row earned its first accolades two years later with the second installment, released in 2008 on PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and PC. This time around, it expanded to other platforms, allowing new players to discover the experience.
Saints Row 2 went further, abandoning the slightly more serious tone of the first game in favor of a more outrageous approach.
Still set in Stillwater, the map was expanded with new locations and enlarged by about 45% compared to the previous title. The playground was larger, and many crazy activities enriched the game world.
The goal remains the same: to make the Saints the only gang in town and take down the other criminals and the Ultor Corporation. The now legendary Johnny Gat returns, and we are introduced to Pierce, Shaundi, Carlos, Aisha, and Tera.
Although Saints Row 2 pales in comparison to Grand Theft Auto IV, released the same year, it scores points with players who found Rockstar Games’ work too serious.
This new installment also stands out for its character customization options, the ability to experience the adventure in co-op mode with a friend, and entertaining mini-games such as insurance fraud, oil change man, muscle man, chaos, and ladies’ man. It took a new direction -and one that would go on to become a staple in subsequen games…
This post highlights an interesting perspective on the Saints Row franchise. It’s great to see a game that embraces humor and fun, setting itself apart in the gaming landscape. The comparison to Grand Theft Auto adds an intriguing layer to the discussion.
Thank you for your thoughts! It’s interesting how Saints Row’s commitment to humor and over-the-top gameplay sets it apart from more serious titles like Grand Theft Auto. This unique approach allows players to experience a different kind of escapism, which can be refreshing in the gaming landscape.
I completely agree! Its unique style really set it apart from other open-world games. The way it embraced absurdity allowed for creative storytelling and memorable characters, making it a beloved franchise for many.
Absolutely! The over-the-top antics and playful satire really created a distinct identity for Saints Row. It’s interesting how that approach allowed players to embrace a more carefree and imaginative gaming experience, unlike the often serious tone of other titles.