The Saints Row reboot delivers a high-octane crime spree filled with signature humor, vibrant purple aesthetics, and an expansive open world, though it struggles with inconsistent technical performance. Developed by Deep Silver Volition, this reimagining retains the series’ chaotic soul while introducing a new cast, making it a blast to play—especially in cooperative mode.
A Familiar, Yet Flawed Experience
Saints Row captures an infectious energy from the very first mission, though the experience is periodically interrupted by graphical glitches and gameplay-halting bugs. While these rough edges are noticeable, they don’t overshadow an otherwise outstanding game. It functions less as a series evolution and more as an alternate sequel to Saints Row 3. While the mission design and co-op mechanics effectively build upon that foundation, the gunplay and animations feel dated compared to modern genre standards.
Meet the New Saints
The game embraces its silly, low-brow roots immediately, highlighted by a protagonist who delivers an impressively long string of profanity within the opening minutes. Players enjoy deep customization options for their lead character, including voice, appearance, and even anatomical details. This protagonist is backed by a fantastic supporting cast: Eli, the strategic mastermind with a passion for LARPing; Neenah, whose love for art and automotive engineering influences gameplay; and Kev, the shirtless, taco-loving cat dad who plays a surprising role in the narrative.
Exploring the Vibrant Santa Ileso
The fictional setting of Santa Ileso is visually striking, blending architectural marvels like state-of-the-art skyscrapers and dinosaur statues with rugged desert landscapes. Deep Silver Volition encourages players to document these sights; photographing specific landmarks unlocks new decorations for the Saints’ headquarters. The collection loop is highly rewarding, keeping exploration engaging throughout the campaign.
Vehicles and Mission Variety
Traversal is rarely dull, thanks to a robust selection of vehicles ranging from hoverbikes to powerful, battery-operated tanks. Even basic cars are capable of physics-defying maneuvers and can be heavily customized through a deep modification system. Every mission, from critical story beats to side hustles, feels well-crafted. I was particularly impressed by a prison-break mission that seamlessly transitions into a stylized music video. These activities are designed to scale perfectly for co-op, offering fresh skills, currency, and gear as rewards.
Pacing Issues and Combat Frustrations
While new ventures unlock at a steady pace, the narrative pacing suffers significantly in the third act. The transition from “rags to riches” feels abrupt, leaving the player with the sensation that a vital chapter of the Saints’ evolution is missing. Furthermore, the combat system struggles to find its footing. Enemy AI is often predictable and clumsy, and the weapon variety is underwhelming. While the “Thrustbuster”—a weapon that launches enemies into the stratosphere—is a highlight, standard firearms lack impact. The reliance on an outdated lock-on targeting system further diminishes the intensity of firefights, though the sheer satisfaction of blowing things up remains a redeeming factor.
Technical Hurdles and Final Thoughts
During my 30-hour playthrough, I encountered several bugs, ranging from visual anomalies like disappearing character heads to more severe issues where weapons stopped firing entirely. While the game is generous with checkpoints—minimizing the frustration of reloads—the technical polish is currently lacking. Despite these irritations, I was never bored. The latest Saints Row may not push modern hardware to its limits, but it succeeds as a hilarious, deep, and deeply entertaining comedic romp that makes me glad to see the franchise return.
Leave a Reply