Game: Saints Row
Platform: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, and PC
Rating: M for Mature
Cost: $59.99
On August 23rd, the Saints Row reboot hit store shelves much to the anticipation of avid gamers who’ve been playing the series since it was first released in 2006. This action-adventure, open world game follows a street gang as they complete missions, commit a multitude of crimes very much like the Grand Theft Auto series; however, the reboot has new characters, revitalized environments, and was boasted to have a wider range of customizations. With all of the hype, this iteration has been somewhat of a letdown for fans and reviewers are not mincing their words when they say it lacks substance.
Basic looks and gameplay
Saints Row was created for the next generations consoles, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X. Instead of capitalizing on the sheer graphical power of these platforms, Saints Row is more akin to a slightly upgraded Xbox One/PlayStation 4 game, maybe even a high-end Xbox 360 version. The character models lack real depth—just like it’s open world capabilities. Instead of allowing players to enjoy the vast world of Saints Row, they are left with limited interactions with Non-Playable Characters (NPC) and only a co-op online mode. That being said, it doesn’t mean this game lacks entertainment value, it’s just not as good as it should be.
Story
The story follows a rag tag group and their crime spree, and for some these characters are relatable young adults trying to pay their rent and face goofy situations. Yet, for myself, these characters are not interesting to sway too much interest, and the over-the-top, forceful humor gets a bit tiresome. There are moments where characters utter something funny or a laughable situation occurs, but the silliness gets old fast. The missions can be arduous when glitches occur as well as repetitive, and you have to restart at a previous check point. The voice acting and cutscenes are well-done, making the Saints Row a tiny bit more fun when battling outdated mechanics.
Conclusion
Saints Row can be fun if you simply want to pass the time, but it’s not worth the next-gen gaming price of $59.99. Everything about this game is rudimentary from its gameplay to it’s storyline, it just so happens to have a few moment that make you chuckle before tossing your controller aside to play something with a bit more substance.
