Review: Saints Row (360)

"What if?" It's the question Gamestyle asks when a developer with a strong history in a specific genre turns the tables and breaks free to try something new. In some respects this has already happened with Neversoft taking on the GTA genre with its enjoyable cowboy epic Gun, or Electronic Arts attempting the same with The Godfather. Now the most blatant form of flattery arrives with Volition's Saints Row. Both The Godfather and Gun without question had their faults, but they also delivered some overdue variety to a monopoly where everything and everyone is GTA-inclined. Saints Row is far more ambitious and sinister, because it does not switch eras or environments. Instead it comes straight onto on GTA's home turf and aims to stake a claim for a piece of this hotly contested property.

The opening story, for what it's worth (and it's worth very little), sees you joining an aggressive and ambitious gang (3rd Street Saints) who are fighting it out with rivals for control of the city of Stilwater. There are three rival gangs and therefore three different strands, which you can follow at your own leisure. The storyline lacks the memorable development of GTA, as characters just exist - normally in your way to the next level. The plot just doesn't come together at all, and each strand only serves to offer some varied missions, many of which are easily completed.

One aspect of the storyline that is unfortunate is the way in which the majority of women are portrayed. They are either rude mouth bitches, hookers or involved in another aspect of the sex industry. This may be unfair reflection on America or just playing to Saint Row's target audience, but Gamestyle finds it a little tiresome and degrading. The whole game it pitched towards attracting the opposite sex, as you can create a virtual duplicate of yourself with patience. Saints Row takes the character customisation one step further than seen in San Andreas by including clothes shops, garages, jewellers, plastic surgeons, tattoo parlours and so on. The more cash you lavish on yourself, then the greater your pulling power and the more options that become available. Saints Row is all about respect and your progress is governed by this factor.

While Saints Row fails to establish its own identity, it does however execute some ideas extremely efficiently. The in-game map is fantastic and allows you to select various icon options, before zooming in or out of the whole city. In addition it will highlight a path to your chosen destination as you drive along. Given the size of imaginary cities nowadays, you no longer need the knowledge to find your way from A to B. The aiming system is also focused, and requires nothing more than pointing and firing (whilst strafing) to overcome most opposition gang members. Add this to the loose vehicle handling (no planes or helicopters here) and you have a game which is entertaining and immediately playable. If you dislike the driving controls, then you can customise your own if required.

Refreshingly, the size of the game is just enough and avoids the titanic proportions of GTA. Explorers will find rewards for their dedication, with new music tracks being available to those who find CDs hidden away on the map; yet, with the wide range of radio stations in every car, it's not really essential. The inclusion of downloadable content (forthcoming) and a limited online versus mode means that Saints Row will have a life beyond the main storyline. Those expecting an online version of the open city will be disappointed to note that it's just particular areas that are supported. The standard death match scenarios are in place for those that want to take their gang global - with some tremendous lag in places when player numbers reach double figures. While online missions are indicative of what's already available in the game offline, it offers a glimpse of what may be possible when the next GTA arrives.

Adding to the overall fun feeling is the fact that Saints Row is more forgiving and lets you enjoy the simple things in life (unlike GTA) without the threat of being arrested. In fact, it takes a sadistic intent to attract the attention of the cops who seem to avoid pulling over gang members. This means that road traffic accidents or mowing down pedestrians do not automatically put an end to your mission in progress. Even when you are being pursued, it is relatively easy to use the open highway to tick down the clock on any wanted level.

Visually, the city and its inhabitants are good without ever blowing you away. The graphics on show are more 'Xbox 1.5' than fully being worthy of a next generation release. Pedestrians and traffic exist in equal measure, with decent levels of variety. The environments are also well defined, feeling solid and maintaining the illusion of this virtual landscape; however the streaming from the disc results in pop-up and the odd lapse in frame rate. Fans of destruction will enjoy the tremendous explosions that can occur during battles, combined with Havoc physics and over the top sound effects.

It is difficult to review Saints Row without mentioning GTA, as the game is almost identical in every sense without hitting the same barometer of quality. The influence is everywhere, but if you're going to make a video game, then you might as well take note of the best product on the market. The enjoyment factor, online support and escapism will ensure that Saints Row keeps fans of Rockstar's franchise occupied for many months to come.

Rating: 7 / 10

Words by Jason Julier