Reviews November 21, 2011
Saints Row: The Third
Reviewed by: Calvin Percy
System: Xbox 360 (Also on PS3, PC)
Genre: Action
Rated: M
Players: 1 (2 Online)
Cost: $59.99
Release Date: 11/15/2011
Publisher: THQ
Developer: Volition
The Saints are back with a vengeance. In the third tale of the nameless boss of the Saints, the once a small town gang has turned into a commercial giant. They are promoting everything from comics to HGH induced energy drinks. Don’t get me wrong there is nothing truly commercial about them, but they found a new way to make even more money. This makes Volition’s decision to use Kanye West’s song “Power” as the theme song a perfect decision.
“No one man should have all that power
The clock’s ticking I just count the hours
Stop tripping I’m tripping off the powder
Till then, F’ that, the world’s ours”
These lines give great insight to what is to be expected from the latest iteration of this series. I can honestly say I was blown away with the balance between the over the top antics and the dialogue that drives the title. It took me a while to really get into the story when it came to the two previous titles. This time around I was hooked from beginning to end. The game starts off with you pulling off a bank heist with Johnny Gat and Shaundi. Johnny is the same old Johnny but Shaundi has went from your college pot head to a mega reality star. This is one example of showing what the growth of money can do to various individuals. The Saints quickly find themselves engulfed in a new gang war when they “accidentally” rob a bank owned by the Syndicate. This leads the Saints to a new city filled with new characters. Among the new faces, you’ll meet Oleg, an oversized man, Angel, a luchador whose mask had been taken from him, and then there’s Kinzie, who is a framed FBI agent who befriends the Saints. So, we have a crazy story about a crazy gang war featuring a…luchador? Yep, we’re playing Saints Row.
Jumping to gameplay, Volition has added a nice RPG element to the Third. You level up your character, gang and weapons with the money you earn, with some enhancements unlocking after achieving the required levels. Also, as usual, the weapons are just crazy ranging from oversized “adult” toys to laser rifles and bazookas, all of which can be upgraded. Volition has done a great job borrowing small aspects from various sources. One example is the progression bar that shows how you are doing when it comes to completing challenges (think Gears of War). The free aim system continues to be superb compared to the other big sandbox game Grand Theft Auto. Another great thing is the fact that the diversions are just that, a diversion from the main story. They are no longer required to open up missions, but they are still fun to play. The new Professor Genki diversions are addicting and challenging. I found myself searching these out constantly. One thing I was sad to see excluded from the newest version is the Septic Avenger diversion. Speaking of exclusions, the online multiplayer modes (outside of co-op) have been dropped this time around because the developers felt it just wasn’t up to par. This too saddens me, although I definitely respect the decision to deliver a quality product. There also is a new Whored mode and yes it pretty much Horde mode from GOW, but as you can only expect it is over the top with wave after wave of angel winged prostitutes, gang members and Brutes coming after you either alone or with a friend. On all fronts, this is a really fun game to play!
This series always featured a great soundtrack; Volition has always had a good selection of music to listen to. When it came to the Third’s soundtrack, I found it lacking until I got to the last mission and the song “I Need A Hero” came on (the one from Footloose). This song gave a strong, emotional weight, adding to the magnitude of the mission as it played until I arrived to finish the fight at hand. Awesome! I like how there are branching decisions to certain missions that have visible consequences within the game. One example is whether you choose to save someone or not and the fact that if you choose not to they are no longer in your phonebook to call. This also applies to the two endings, one of which is extremely underwhelming. I am glad that Volition thought to allow you to complete the other mission (resulting with the alternate ending) after choosing which to go for first.
When it comes to graphics, this is the best the series have offered to date. With that being said, I did have a big problem with pop-ins while playing. Enemies and parked cars would just appear out of nowhere. This is extremely frustrating when trying to evade the police and a parked car launches you in the air that wasn’t there the millisecond prior. Speaking of the vehicles they handle so smoothly with the loose arcade controls that allow you to pull of some amazing feats behind the wheel.
Overall, this isn’t the world’s greatest game in terms of visuals and things, but it is one of the world’s greatest games for overall enjoyment. Saints Row the Third delivers fun and enjoyment from beginning to end.
Gameplay: 9
The free aiming system is spot on. Co-op is a blast. Hand to hand combat is hilarious. The story is crazy. Good times!
Graphics: 8
Very nice except for the pop-ins.
Sound: 9
The soundtrack was lack luster but some titles just fit perfectly within the game.
What’s New: 8
I don’t think there has ever been a game quite like the Saints. I mean there are similar games in this genre, but none of them combine so many gaming elements into one title like Volition’s.
Replay Value: 9
The branching story will have achievement and trophy hunters coming back for more.
Final Score:
9