Retawes Review: Saints Row the Third

Saints Row the Third- 13/20

In an industry of "Graphic Whores" and "Multiplayer Fanatics", does Saints Row the Third fulfill it's developers goals and commitments of excellent co-op, driving mechanics, complete customisation and story-driven gameplay?

Story and Setting - 6/10

Saints Row's plot revolves around the Saints' gang and their adventures within Steelport. Their leader whom you play as must defeat several other "bosses" and the military in order to be top dog! However interesting this may sound, it feels very much like deja vu and unoriginal. Sure, there's a few interesting moments such as parachuting from the sky in a tank and stealing a jet and using it against the owners but the story doesn't grasp my attention or portay anything new to the genre of Crime-style Sandbox games. I understand that the developers didn't want the game to be taken seriously, however they should've at least thought through their plot-holes.

What a Babe!

My character on the other hand, feels like he's part of the world instead of an observer. This is due to the supperior character customisation menu where you can give your guy absolutely anything, from a zombie voice with a female brute appearance (whose male) to an "ol'english" accented female wearing no clothing at all. These characters along with your buddies smoothly blend into this bizare world of sex, alchohol and violence.

Speaking of Saints Row's environment, the world feels inhabited and lively, even if at times it can be disturbing and obscure. For instance, in the "Mucho Libres" area there are several male prostitutes with bondage gear casually waltzing along the streets. The dialogue in cutscenes and on the streets feel and act as if there overstimulated with stereotypes and cliches. The soundtrack in Saints Row doesn't dismiss this concept either.

Incidentally, the soundtrack of Saint Row the Third is very varied and is inspired by it's scenarios. From Bach to Kanye West it's got several "hip" and "classic" tracks to be played on Saint Row's radio stations which each provide a different way of playing such as listening to Eine Kleine whilst running over overweight hookers.

Gameplay and Graphics - 7/10

Wanna ride?

Saints Row's gameplay consists of incredibly accurate driving mechanics, average aiming and several ridiculous mini-games that are hardly tolerable. Driving through Steelport is as if the game has transformed itself into a racer. The drifting for instance, is better than some racing games (GT 5) and the acceleration/brakes are so efficient and basic. However, this is when your in a jet, mini-car or scooter/motorcylce, unlike when you drive a truck or a helicopter where it isn't smooth, yet realistic.
That being said, every other component of Saint Row isn't realistic, although it is far more fun than the likes of Mafia 2 or GTA IV. The weapons are much more crazy and imaginative than a basic assualt rifle or a rocket launcher. For instance, GTA has a baseball bat where as Saint Row has a giant purple dildo!
Although, the shooting mechanics are bland as butter. For instance, when aiming down the sight the player can find it very basic and seemlessly like a standard third person shooter, yet the graphics make it hard to function. However, the games does like to mix it up in boss battles. For example, (SPOILER ALERT) when the Saints infiltrate the Deckers hideout and you face their leader, you are transported into a "Tron" style world where you fight their boss as a giant dragon.

Concerning the graphics, it is dissapointing that in this era, we still have AAA titles with graphics of a 2009 game. Taking into account that this was a 2011 release, it still doesn't take the cake or even a slice for their design. Although, the customisable cars and characters are unique it still feels mediocre and essentially, a rushed out game. Even with co-op, you still notice this defect.

Get Ready! It's gonna be Hectic!

By the way, the co-op is only 2 player online which is argueable as 2+ players would be chaotic. Considering this, co-op is exceptionally enjoyable when doing mini games and free roaming. The mission modes can be tiresome and incredibly dull. Although, this is probably due to some missions being "fillers" or in other words, the mini games themselves. Now, I am fine with having 1-2 missions being fillers but Saint's Row doesn't just have 1-2. It has about 14 of the 35 missions as time consuming mini games such as, "Take the Hoe to your Homie" or the evermore boring "Kill the Hoes' master and return her to your Homie". As you can tell they end up being the same concept, repeated just with a different member of your gang or at a different district. Although, the sex doll investigations and gang hideout clearances are interesting to say the least!

Overall

Taking it all in, Saint Row the Third is an excellent game for 2009 but not for it's release. It feels, looks and plays as if it was rushed and disregarded as a digital download. That being said, the game does have some highlights. It's vehicle gameplay, story-driven (not that there's many) missions, voice acting/dialogue, boss fights and sandbox-style gameplay accompanied by their slightly average co-op functionality.