Map: 5/10
Story: 2/10
Coop Features: 2/10
In this "reboot," Volition mainly introduced cringe-worthy characters and dialogue that stray far from the essence of any Saints Row installment. The unexpected absence of key features like 4-player co-op, cheats, and customization, which were prevalent in previous titles, is disappointing. One would anticipate a reboot to reintroduce these old features.
The new "crew" of Saints takes pleasure in activities like drinking chocolate milk, larping, and even getting kidnapped. However, the campaign lacks the impactful moments seen in previous games, such as taking down Dane Vogal, avenging Aisha/Carlos, and building a gang. Notably, the only character resembling a true tough gang member is ironically the final boss. His sudden change in character and motives feels unnatural. At the end, his desire to take over the Saints and lead the life of the boss is puzzling, given that he already possesses his own gang and crew from the outset.
The character development among the main set of friends is lacking. One might hope that they evolve and grow stronger in the face of loss, similar to Jason Brody in Far Cry 3 (2012). Regrettably, they remain dependent on the player and require saving in the last mission. If these friends can be kidnapped within their own headquarters, surrounded by numerous Saints, it raises questions about their suitability for street life.
Beyond the underwhelming story, Santo Illeso's world offers a desert sandbox but falls short in terms of interactive elements. The vibrant colors and diverse districts provide variety compared to Steelport. However, the map remains smaller and less detailed than Saints Row 2 (2008). Notably, few buildings grant access indoors apart from a handful of stores. It's worth mentioning the limited availability of services like Rim Jobs. Constantly driving across the map just to save a single car becomes tiresome. The expectation was that Volition would blend the best aspects of Sr2 and Sr3 to deliver a more comprehensive experience.
Revisiting iconic features like Freckle B*tches drive-thru, purchasing a 40oz at the gas station, and customizing new houses, which were prevalent in older titles, was anticipated. In order to recapture the essence of the earlier games, Volition should heed the feedback of their original fans. After all, they have successfully achieved this in the past. With improved listening and attention to their core fan base, they have the potential to create another hit like they have before.
In this "reboot," Volition mainly introduced cringe-worthy characters and dialogue that stray far from the essence of any Saints Row installment. The unexpected absence of key features like 4-player co-op, cheats, and customization, which were prevalent in previous titles, is disappointing. One would anticipate a reboot to reintroduce these old features.
The new "crew" of Saints takes pleasure in activities like drinking chocolate milk, larping, and even getting kidnapped. However, the campaign lacks the impactful moments seen in previous games, such as taking down Dane Vogal, avenging Aisha/Carlos, and building a gang. Notably, the only character resembling a true tough gang member is ironically the final boss. His sudden change in character and motives feels unnatural. At the end, his desire to take over the Saints and lead the life of the boss is puzzling, given that he already possesses his own gang and crew from the outset.
The character development among the main set of friends is lacking. One might hope that they evolve and grow stronger in the face of loss, similar to Jason Brody in Far Cry 3 (2012). Regrettably, they remain dependent on the player and require saving in the last mission. If these friends can be kidnapped within their own headquarters, surrounded by numerous Saints, it raises questions about their suitability for street life.
Beyond the underwhelming story, Santo Illeso's world offers a desert sandbox but falls short in terms of interactive elements. The vibrant colors and diverse districts provide variety compared to Steelport. However, the map remains smaller and less detailed than Saints Row 2 (2008). Notably, few buildings grant access indoors apart from a handful of stores. It's worth mentioning the limited availability of services like Rim Jobs. Constantly driving across the map just to save a single car becomes tiresome. The expectation was that Volition would blend the best aspects of Sr2 and Sr3 to deliver a more comprehensive experience.
Revisiting iconic features like Freckle B*tches drive-thru, purchasing a 40oz at the gas station, and customizing new houses, which were prevalent in older titles, was anticipated. In order to recapture the essence of the earlier games, Volition should heed the feedback of their original fans. After all, they have successfully achieved this in the past. With improved listening and attention to their core fan base, they have the potential to create another hit like they have before.