Saints Row, a video game franchise known for its over-the-top action, humor, and criminal underbelly, has carved a distinct niche in the open-world genre. Developed by Volition and originally published by THQ Nordic (now Embracer Group), Saints Row has captivated players for over 15 years with its unique blend of chaos and customization.
This article delves into the history of Saints Row, exploring its evolution, controversies, and the upcoming reboot.
From Humble Beginnings to Third Street Saints (2006-2008)
The first Saints Row arrived in 2006, aiming to offer a more grounded and character-driven alternative to the established king of open-world games, Grand Theft Auto. Players took on the role of a nameless protagonist who joins the 3rd Street Saints, a struggling street gang in the fictional city of Stilwater.
The game offered a mix of gang warfare missions, carjacking, and side activities, all within a relatively serious tone.
While commercially successful, critical reception was mixed, with some praising the game’s open world and customization options while others criticized its repetitive missions and lack of innovation compared to GTA.
Saints Row 2: Escalation and Customization (2008-2009)
The sequel, Saints Row 2, released in 2008, marked a turning point for the franchise. Volition embraced the aspects that differentiated Saints Row from GTA, injecting the game with a heavy dose of humor and over-the-top action.
Players could customize their character to an unprecedented degree, from clothing and hairstyles to facial features and even their genitals.
The story saw the 3rd Street Saints rise to power, acquiring territory and engaging in increasingly outrageous activities.
Saints Row 2 garnered critical acclaim for its open-world sandbox, character customization, and wacky humor. However, some reviewers criticized its juvenile tone and repetitive gameplay loop.
Superpowers and Aliens: The Escalating Absurdity (2009-2015)
Saints Row: The Third (2011) further pushed the boundaries of the franchise. The story placed the 3rd Street Saints as a media empire, battling rival gangs and even invading a fictional Martian empire. Superpowers, outlandish weapons, and a more cartoonish art style became defining aspects of the game.
Subsequent entries like Saints Row IV (2013) and Saints Row: Gat out of Hell (2015) continued to escalate the absurdity.
Players wielded superpowers, fought aliens, and explored virtual realities – all while maintaining the franchise’s signature humor and customization options.
Reviews for these later entries were more mixed, with some praising the sheer fun factor and others criticizing the departure from the earlier games’ grounded approach.
A Reboot for a New Generation (2021-Present)
In 2021, Volition announced a reboot of the Saints Row franchise. This new iteration aimed to recapture the spirit of the earlier games while offering a fresh start for a new generation of players.
Released in August 2022, the Saints Row reboot features a new cast of characters, a redesigned city of Santo Ileso, and a revamped gameplay experience.
Despite its reboot status, the core elements of Saints Row remain – open-world exploration, gang warfare, and over-the-top action.
Critical reception for the reboot has been mixed, with some praising its return to a more grounded tone and others criticizing technical issues and a lack of innovation.
Glitches, Memes, and Controversies: The Legacy of Saints Row
The Saints Row franchise hasn’t been without its controversies. The overt sexual content and violent nature of some entries have drawn criticism from certain groups. Additionally, technical glitches and bugs have plagued some games, particularly the recent reboot.
However, these issues haven’t overshadowed the franchise’s loyal fanbase. Saints Row’s unique blend of action, humor, and customization has spawned countless memes, online communities, and even cosplay. The glitches and technical issues, while frustrating at times, have inadvertently added to the franchise’s charm for some players.
FAQs
Q: What’s the story in Saints Row (2023)?
A: You and your ragtag crew, The Saints, rise from obscurity to become the ultimate criminal empire in Santo Ileso. Take down rival gangs, build your empire, and become the boss.
Q: Can I create my own character?
A: Absolutely! The character creator offers extensive customization options for your Boss, from clothing and hairstyles to body features and even voice pitches.
Q: What kind of gameplay does Saints Row offer?
A: It’s an open-world action-adventure with a heavy focus on over-the-top gunplay, vehicle mayhem, and wacky missions. Expect plenty of explosions, crazy stunts, and hilarious moments.
Q: How big is the open world?
A: Santo Ileso is a vast and diverse city with distinct districts, each with its own vibe and challenges. Explore deserts, vibrant cityscapes, and sprawling suburbs.
Q: What kind of vehicles can I use?
A: From muscle cars and motorcycles to outrageous customized vehicles, there’s something for every driving style. You can even hijack enemy vehicles on the fly.
Q: Are there any activities besides the main story?
A: Tons! Explore the world for side missions, collectibles, street races, challenges, and more. You can even build your own criminal ventures to generate income.
Q: Can I customize my crewmates?
A: While you can’t directly control your crew’s appearance, you can unlock different outfits and weapons for them as you progress.
Q: What are some of the crazy weapons I can use?
A: The arsenal is wild! Think grenade launchers that fire bouncing projectiles, six-shooters that chain lightning, and even a weaponized trash can lid.
Q: Are there any special abilities I can use?
A: As your Boss levels up, you can unlock powerful abilities like super sprinting, health regeneration, or even calling in airstrikes.
Q: Can I play Saints Row with friends?
A: Yes! The entire game can be played cooperatively with up to three friends online. Cause some serious mayhem together.
Q: Are there any online-exclusive features?
A: While the story is best experienced in co-op, there’s no separate online mode. You can explore the open world and complete missions with your friends seamlessly.
Q: When did Saints Row (2023) release?
A: It launched on August 23rd, 2023, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.
Q: How does Saints Row (2023) compare to previous Saints Row games?
A: It retains the series’ signature zaniness and humor, but offers a more grounded story and a revamped gameplay experience.
Q: Does the game reference past Saints Row titles?
A: There are subtle nods and Easter eggs for longtime fans, but the story is a fresh start accessible to newcomers.
Q: What framerates can I expect on consoles?
A: The game targets 60 FPS on next-gen consoles (PS5 & Xbox Series X) and aims for a smooth experience on last-gen consoles (PS4 & Xbox One).
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