9.5

Saints Row the Third

The third instalment of the popular Saints Row series has arrived on the PC, PlayStation 3 and the XBox 360 that given the hype and controversy surrounding this game, it's a much needed title in this rather stagnant gaming market. Best of all SAINTS ROW THE THIRD successfully manages to not only take itself too seriously but create a very sturdy game from start to finish. It's definitely the game that most gamers wanted.

Although unfair comparisons have been made to the Grand Theft Auto series (where did they go wrong?), the Saints Row series has managed to fill a unique gap that many developers have tried but most have failed. It's over the top nature and sometimes guttural humour has been carefully interwoven with not just the story but also the gameplay which creates an award winning formula that works 90% of the time.

With a star studded cast that include actors, wrestlers and even super sexy pornstars, all the characters in Saints Row the Third have this unique charm about them which helps in drawing you into this violent world that is laden with political incorrectness. Also for those parents looking to buy their kids a game for Christmas, let me say two words... responsible parenting.

This game has not been made for kids. It contains all sorts of adult themes from excessive violence to sex and some scenes that would make a ministers wife turn gray and run for the hills. But enough preaching... PRAISE JESUS CHRIST! *kidding*, Saints Row the Third is actually a thoroughly entertaining game that creates this amazing third person action adventure game in this huge sandbox city.

Although the game contains various stories and plotlines, the gamer can actually make quite a few choices in how their experience of Saints Row the Third will play out which opens up the title for at least another play or two... provided you have the time. Similar to the previous games, players must create their own avatar to interact with this world and needless to say, the customisation options are extremely in-depth.

Whether you want to create a character with good looks and bravado or an overweight sexual gimp-like deviant, or even a ZOMBIE with undead noises, the choice is yours. Once your character has been created, you basically need to rebuild your gang again and time hasn't been too kind for the Saints. As you rebuild your powerbase, you will soon discover that with power comes wealth as not only do you take on other gangs but also the entire city of Steelport itself.

Unfortunately there are other stakeholders in your way which include "The Syndicate". The Syndicate have basically bought out your rival gangs in Steelport as you valiantly attempt to regain your turf and the money that comes with it. And then you have the authorities who are considerably more powerful than the previous games. 

The game starts with a bang as the Saints are robbing a bank in Steelport in order for an actor to be able to get into character for his new Saints Row movie rolw which doesn't go quite according to plan. Unfortunately they are given an ultimatum from this international criminal organisation called "The Syndicate", join us or die. Of course, you choose the later option which leads to a spectacular scene of you going on a murderous killing spree on the plane that must be seen to be believed. It's almost like a James Bond scene but considerably more violent. Welcome to Saints Row the Third.

Without spoiling this thoroughly entertaining story further, your initial time in the game is spent building up your own gang again and recruiting your colourful lieutenants. Once you have re-established the Saints as a force to be reckoned with, this is where the game goes into high gear. As you engage in various story missions and submissions, the game gives the player a considerable amount of choice of how to complete the missions and more importantly, some decisions that you make impact on how elements of the story will play it. Very cool.

As mentioned, there's plenty to do in the game from saving hookers from their pimps to even searching for collectible sex dolls. Navigating the world of Steelport can be done through a variety of methods from walking to driving a plethora of vehicles. I must admit that compared to the original Saints Row title, the driving mechanics have received a much needed makeover that feels more responsive and smoother. The refined vehicle controls makes driving or flying through the city a much more enjoyable aspect of the gameplay, especially those high speed chases through the streets of Steelport.

Apart from exploring the city and increasing your gangs powerbase, combat is needed to achieve your goals. Combat is definitely more outrageous and violent than the previous games, especially with its new weapons, including sex toys. When I first saw my character with a giant purple dildo, I could not stop laughing as I belted my enemies with it... what a way to go!

Whether you're fighting hand to hand combat or using another weapon such as the dildo for melee combat, Saints Row the Third has a plethora of ranged weapons which really do some damage, like the rocket launchers. The choice of weapons is quite ridiculous but most gamers will rub their hands together with glee. In relation to melee combat, your character also has access to a powerful combo-attack to put down your enemas. 

For those with the Professor Genki' DLC, it adds a deadly game show to the title called Murder is Fun Time which puts you in this almost Running Man (Arnold Schwarzenegger) environment as you try to survive from mascot killing psychopaths. I just love the variety in this game!

For lovers of multiplayer, they have not been forgotten in Saints Row the Third. Apart from the option of playing the campaign mode with a friend, there is a controversial new mode called "Whoremode" which is reminiscent of the Gears of Whore... err... War, Horde mode. This allows you to fight a never ending hoard of  whores as they attempt to kill you or for something even stranger, a never ending hoard of gimps. I know what you're thinking... WTF. Although multiplayer is not the central aspect of Saints Row the Third, what is there is almost enough for that online fun.

Graphics & Audio

Graphically, this game looks great on the PS3 with its FULL HD visuals. From detailed environments to whacky characters, Saints Row the Third is like a living breathing city with a touch of cartoon violence thrown into the mix. Lighting, textures and special effects all look quite realistic and best of all, the game keeps its frame rate quite high.

Voice acting is an exceptionally high quality and with the inclusion of pornstar extraordinaire and real-life hottie Sasha Grey (don't ask how I know this... I'm a good researcher), crazy man Hulk Hogan and professional actor Daniel Dae Kim. Not just these three actors but ALL actors in the game really lend themselves well to their characters which assist in making the game such a hoot to play.

Oops... how'd this slip in? Sasha Grey as the lovely Viola

Apart from all the realistic sounds of the city, including your mayhem of murder, death, kill, Saints Row the Third has a really awesome tracklisting that includes bands such as the Deftones, Butthole Surfers and even Faith No More plus lots of other singers like Kayne West and even classics like Bach. I thoroughly enjoyed the radio stations included in the title as well that adds to the realism and more importantly, fun factor of the game. It's definitely a game that should be listened through a surround sound system. All in all, the amazing gameplay, awesome graphics and kick-ass sound have created one of the best games of 2011.
 
Final Level

In conclusion, Saints Row the Third is a fun and extremely ridiculous game. It's definitely the most fun I've had on the PS3 for quite some time and it's great that Volition have taken the piss out of the gaming world with this release. From its almost perfect gaming engine to amazing environments, Saints Row the Third is oozing with more action than all of Hollywood put together and best of all, everything comes together quite well in this over the top game. If you want a game that will allows you to complete how you want, than this is the game for you and  when you've finished saving the city of Steelport, actually, enslaving it, than why not jump back into whore mode for some even more crazy fun. Highly Recommended from start to finish.