August 23, 2022<\/time> Rating:<\/b> Mature <\/p>\n The Saints Row reboot features a new cast of characters and a different location to explore, but its heart and soul haven\u2019t changed: Players can once again expect an exciting crime fest, giggle-worthy humor, purple splattered everywhere, and an open-world chock full of things to do and secrets to unearth. The game also has a knack for blowing everything up. In other words, it is great fun in that traditional Saints Row way and even better when experienced with a friend.<\/p>\n
Saints Row establishes an exciting pulse from the outset of play that periodically palpitates with graphical glitches or can outright flatline when gameplay bugs halt progress. The rough edges are noticeable yet are minor nuisances in an otherwise outstanding game. Saints Row has never been better, but I wouldn\u2019t call it the next evolution in the series \u2013 it feels like an alternate sequel to Saints Row 3. Take that as both a compliment and a minor complaint. The mission designs and co-op play creatively build off that formula, while the gunplay and animations haven\u2019t shown much improvement and are well behind what we expect in games today.<\/p>\n
This entry hits with silliness within minutes of play, with the lead character delivering what is likely the longest string of f-bombs in all of entertainment. This moment cements the game\u2019s silly (and low brow) vibe, which hits more than it misses, and shows the protagonist can be a bit of a wild card. The player designs this character, determining their sex, voice, facial features, and even the size of their genitalia. This lead is nicely penned and blends seamlessly with a fantastic supporting cast that gives the game a legitimate team dynamic, both in the story and mission flow. Eli is the brains of the operation, and his love of LARPing rubs off on you. Neenah\u2019s obsession with cars and art is contagious and represented in play. And then there\u2019s Kev, who is always shirtless, loves tacos, and is one of the\u00a0fathers to a fantastic cat (that actually plays a significant role in the plot).<\/p>\n
The fictional world of Santa Ileso is just as colorful as this cast, stealing the eye with creative architectural designs like dinosaur statues and state-of-the-art skyscrapers backed by scenic deserts and mountains. I like how developer Deep Silver Volition encourages the player to stop to admire the architectural craftsmanship with photo opportunities. When photographed, some of these wonders transform into decorations for the Saints\u2019 base. I don\u2019t know how many hours I sunk trying to track these collectibles down. They reward you well for taking the time to explore.<\/p>\n
Getting around Santa Ileso is rarely a bore, even if stretches of it are remarkably flat. From hoverbikes to battery-powered tanks, vehicle variety is high and surprisingly powerful. A basic rusted-out car doubles as a weapon that can knock other vehicles off the road and break the laws of physics to turn corners on a dime. Most of these rides offer extensive tuner customization, allowing their looks to transform through deep wells of body mod parts, tires, paint, and more. Additional customization parts are tucked off to the side as hidden collectibles, giving yet another reason to explore.<\/p>\n
I enjoyed every mission in the game. The critical path and side hustles are handled with care, delivering interesting or goofy objectives in locations that collectively give you a good look at most of the map\u2019s significant landscapes and interiors. It wouldn\u2019t be fair of me to spoil these setups, but I was particularly impressed by a prison mission that turns into a music video for Onyx\u2019s \u201cSlam.\u201d These missions scale nicely for cooperative play, as do the mostly optional criminal ventures. Insurance Fraud sadly hasn\u2019t evolved (yet is still dumb fun), but there\u2019s a nice variety to them collectively. Most are short and sweet, and reward the player with much-needed new skills, cash, weapon crafting materials, and maybe even a new car or outfit.<\/p>\n
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