Saints Row (2022) Review – Keep It Weird

If I have a nickel for everytime an open-world game that disappoints players for being something that it isn’t what they expected, riffle with bugs and has pretty mediocre scores all around, I’ll have two nickels because like that Dr.Doofenshmirtz quote people keeps referencing, it has happened twice in a lifetime (and no, it’s not Cyberpunk).

The latest installment of Saints Row has been polarizing by fans and critics alike, but after spending 20 plus hours already, I think I’m in the other side of the fence, where people are enjoying it’s pretty cringy dialogue, and it’s content feels like it is the Third game once more but more refined or reworked.

So, what do I like about this game? Besides its jankcore appearance? Lots really.

Presentation

For starters, the graphics look like a step in the right direction for the series after Agents of Mayhem’s too cartoony look and the rather dated upgrade of Saints Row The Third Remastered. It feels more unique between Voltion’s last two outings and sure it looks dated when compared to the likes of Rockstar’s Red Dead Redemption 2 graphic style, it looks just right for this style of game.

Performance on PC is pretty good on my PC rig that includes a 1060 Ti, it plays on 1080P with no dips over 60fps, perfect for an open-world game. There is some texture pop-in on Medium settings, which I guess is the limit of the Unreal Engine 4, but with the amount of stuff happening on screen during gameplay (lots of random encounters that help make Santo Ileso feel alive), it still keeps its high frame rate. 

On the voice acting side, it’s quite a noticeable drop in performances from the likes of the 3rd and 4th games, but it’s understandable for Volition to go for newer voice talents. Although it’s first hour doesn’t not leave a good impression, the voice over work does get better as the games goes on, with my assumptions that the voice cast gets more comfortable in their role in the later on in the game.

All in all, a pretty good version of the game for PC, even with the Epic Games exclusivity.

Gameplay

To keep it simple, this version of Saints Row gameplay feels like a more refined version last seen in SR Third Remastered a few years ago, with the combat flowing much more better and the variation of enemies that was a part of Agents of Mayhem makes it more enjoyable to play than in 3rd Remastered. 

It’s driving mechanics, as one would expect in an open-world game, is quite alright. It copies over some elements of AOM with the ability of ramming enemies to lose your notoriety. And it’s fair to say it’s more fun to drive in this one than any of its open-world counterparts, like Watch_Dogs Legion. One small feature that I like is that when you drive over a fire hydrant, you can get ridiculous airtime on it and that’s one of the fun quirks that this game has. 

It’s side activity mostly are the ones you have seen from the previous two games, like Insurance Fraud and Mayhem being the long-time staples alongside others that are newish like Helicopter Magnet Stealing and Wingsuit missions, but I do feel it lacks the flow that the fourth game had brought in, which not only ties it with your side characters giving them but the added variation that makes it not boring to tackle them, but in this one, it feels more disjointed within the game’s narrative. 

Speaking of which, it’s base-building aspect is quite nice regardless of the side-content gameplay flow, as you can see your empire building from the beginning and it’s radio news broadcast makes it more believable that your are making waving within the public mind, something that was an aspect from the 2nd game but was absent after it.

Content

Saints Row is perhaps your typical AA Open-world affair where time-sinks are fully welcomed. Like for this review, I just reached the 20 hour mark as the game is dwlinging down of stuff to do, with you seeing your criminal empire rise during that playtime and all in all, a very good showing within the content side. Plus Co-op play is also available if you want to cause chaos within Santo Ileso.

Personal Enjoyment

It is quite an interesting predicament for both Volition and Saints Row. After putting themselves in the corner, story-wise and the blandness of Agents of Mayhem, this might be the make-or-break moment for the series and although I enjoyed my time here, most fans doesn’t feel the same way, feeling the game doesn’t play the same (although it does play exactly like the older titles) and the characters isn’t just the same as the golden trio (which I can agree on).

But judging this game with the likes of the mega-behemoth that is Grand Theft Auto is baseless, as that era of GTA Clones comparisons have ended like a decade ago (almost as old as GTA 5 too). This is well and truly a AA game in both design and feel, which their owners Deep Silver is known for. 

It’s a great game, bar it’s shoddy first act, and it is a shame that many won’t play this game due to various baseless reasons that I guess it is their choice. The older titles are still there as well, and their publisher won’t take them down and make a terrible trilogy out of it whilst suing any fans who dare to make the game more fun via mods.

All things considered, I will come back for more Saints Row shenanigans.

Verdict

Saints Row is a polarizing mess of an open-world game that this reviewer loves dearly. And although it shows its flaws more than the good parts of the game, that doesn’t mean that the game is purely bad, but rather a testament that AA games can be fun and enjoyable too.

Played on PC, Review copy purchased by reviewer.

Saints Row

A mess of an open-world game that is also a testament that AA games can be fun and enjoyable too.

• Presentation 7.5

• Gameplay 7

• Content 7.5

• Personal Enjoyment 8