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Saints Row IV (PS3) Review
Developer: Volition
Publisher: Deep Silver
Genre: Open-world action-adventure
Release: 2013
Saints Row IV takes the outrageous direction of Saints Row: The Third and pushes it even further. Instead of simply being an open-world crime game, it becomes a superhero-style sandbox filled with superpowers, alien invasions, absurd weapons, and deliberately ridiculous humour. The result is one of the most chaotic and entertaining open-world games of its generation, although its shift away from traditional driving and criminal activities may disappoint players who preferred the earlier entries.
Gameplay & Mechanics
The biggest change in Saints Row IV is the introduction of superpowers. The player can run at incredible speeds, leap across enormous distances, glide through the air and use powerful attacks such as telekinesis and elemental blasts.
These abilities completely change how the city is explored. Instead of relying on cars to get around, you can sprint down streets, jump over buildings and glide across the skyline. Movement is exceptionally fast and gives the game a strong sense of freedom.
Combat is similarly exaggerated. A large selection of conventional and bizarre weapons is available, while superpowers provide another layer of destructive options. Weapons can be upgraded, powers can be improved, and character abilities can be expanded throughout the campaign.
The game also includes numerous activities and side missions. These range from combat challenges and races to various mini-games designed around the new powers.
Strengths
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Excellent superpowered movement system
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Fast and entertaining combat
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Large variety of weapons and abilities
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Extensive character and weapon upgrades
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Plenty of side activities
Weaknesses
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Traditional driving becomes considerably less important
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Combat can become repetitive
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Some activities feel like padding
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The difficulty is generally quite forgiving
Exploration & World Design
The game takes place in Steelport, the same city featured in Saints Row: The Third, but it has been transformed into a virtual simulation controlled by an alien enemy.
Rather than simply providing another conventional open world, the city functions as a playground for the player's superpowers. Buildings, roads and rooftops become platforms for high-speed traversal.
The verticality of the environment works particularly well. Being able to jump between skyscrapers and glide across the city makes Steelport feel considerably more dynamic than it did in previous games.
However, the reuse of Steelport means the world does not feel particularly fresh. Players who have already explored the city extensively in The Third may find the setting familiar.
Story & Themes
The story follows the Boss after the Saints have become an enormously successful organization. The Boss eventually becomes President of the United States, only for Earth to be invaded by the alien Zin.
The Boss and several Saints are subsequently placed inside a simulated version of Steelport, where they must fight back against the alien empire and find a way to escape.
The plot is intentionally ridiculous and frequently breaks the fourth wall. References to popular culture, videogames and the previous Saints Row games are everywhere.
While the story is not particularly deep, it succeeds at maintaining the series' comedic identity. Characters such as Johnny Gat, Kinzie Kensington and Pierce Washington provide plenty of memorable interactions.
The campaign also benefits from being more character-focused than a straightforward crime story. The Saints' personalities and relationships receive considerable attention.
Graphics & Presentation
The PS3 version shows its age, particularly when compared with later versions of the game. Character models, environments and textures are functional but not especially impressive.
Steelport can sometimes look relatively plain, although the exaggerated visual effects associated with the superpowers help give the game some personality.
The large amount of activity on screen can also expose the technical limitations of the hardware. Nevertheless, the game's colourful presentation and exaggerated visual style remain effective.
Strengths
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Distinctive art direction
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Fun visual effects
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Large and detailed open world
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Lots of character customization
Weaknesses
Pros
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Excellent superpower-based movement
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Hilarious and deliberately absurd story
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Entertaining combat
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Huge amount of customization
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Strong cast of characters
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Excellent soundtrack
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Lots of side content
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Fun cooperative gameplay
Cons
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Reuses the Steelport setting
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Less emphasis on traditional vehicles and criminal activities
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Side activities can become repetitive
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Humour can be hit-or-miss
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PS3 visuals and performance show their age
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Relatively easy for experienced players
Final Verdict
Saints Row IV successfully transforms the series into something completely different from a conventional open-world crime game. The introduction of superpowers gives the game a unique identity and makes simply travelling around the city one of the most enjoyable parts of the experience. Combat, customization, humour and cooperative play combine to create an exceptionally entertaining sandbox.
The reused setting and increasingly ridiculous tone will not appeal to everyone, particularly players who preferred the more grounded criminal themes of the earlier games. On PS3, the aging visuals and technical limitations are also noticeable. Nevertheless, the sheer amount of content and the freedom provided by the superpowers make Saints Row IV one of the more memorable open-world action games of its generation.
Score: 8.5/10
