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Saints Row

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Saints Row
Item: Saints Row
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2022

GenresAdventure, Action, Third Person Perspective, Shooter, Crime, Open World, RPG, Drama, Single Player, Multiplayer

AvailableAug 23, 2022

PlatformXbox Series X, PC, PlayStation 5

DeveloperVolition Inc.

Overview

Welcome to Santo Ileso, a vibrant fictional city in the American Southwest. In a world rife with crime, a group of young friends embark on their own criminal venture, as they rise to the top in their bid to become Self Made.

Elsewhere

7.5

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

Saints Row's story divides critics: some praise its fun character dynamics and light-hearted tone, while many slam its lack of depth, coherence, and originality. The narrative is deemed dull, rushed, and clichéd, resulting in an underwhelming experience that fails to engage players. Overall, the reboot struggles to deliver a compelling story fans expect from the franchise.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

15%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

62%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

23%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The story of Saints Row has garnered a mix of opinions, with some critics appreciating certain aspects of the narrative. For instance, XboxEra describes the story as enjoyable and light-hearted, highlighting the fun, R-rated tone and the dynamics among the group of friends who start their own gang. Similarly, GameGrin praises the strong character dynamics and backstories, suggesting that the interactions among the protagonists add depth to the experience. Critics like We Got This Covered and IGN Japan also note the emphasis on interpersonal relationships, which they find to be a strong point in the narrative, making it relatable and engaging despite some originality issues. However, a significant number of reviews point out the story's shortcomings, particularly its lack of depth and coherence. Pure Xbox criticizes the narrative for being dull and motivated by mundane reasons, while AusGamers mentions the failure to adequately develop the gangs and villains, leading to a disconnect in understanding their motivations. Critics such as Digital Spy and Shacknews echo these sentiments, describing the story as short, rushed, and filled with uninteresting characters and poorly executed humor. The overall consensus among critics is that the narrative feels forced and disconnected, with many noting that it relies heavily on clichés and predictable plot twists, as highlighted by BaziCenter and VGC. In summary, while there are some positive elements regarding character interactions and humor, the overwhelming sentiment among critics is that the story of Saints Row lacks the depth, coherence, and originality that fans might expect from the franchise. Many reviews, including those from The Enemy and Trusted Reviews, emphasize the narrative's failure to engage players fully, leading to an experience that feels underwhelming and forgettable. Overall, the critics agree that while the reboot attempts to reimagine the franchise, it ultimately falls short in delivering a compelling and memorable story.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Saints Row's gameplay splits opinion: Critics praise extensive customization and a mix of engaging missions, but many slam it for shallow shooting mechanics, repetitive mission design, and lack of innovation. The result is a chaotic yet tedious experience that feels more like busywork than engaging gameplay, ultimately falling short of expectations.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

25%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

59%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

17%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of Saints Row has garnered a mix of opinions from various critics, with some highlighting its engaging aspects. Many reviewers appreciate the extensive customization options available for characters, vehicles, and weapons, which allow players to tailor their experience to their liking. Critics like Gamepressure and Generación Xbox note the enjoyable mix of main and side missions that contribute to character progression and the building of a criminal empire. Additionally, the chaotic sandbox elements and the blend of serious and absurd missions, as mentioned by Vandal, provide a nostalgic feel reminiscent of classic open-world games, which some players find engaging and fun. However, a significant number of critics express dissatisfaction with the gameplay, citing numerous shortcomings that detract from the overall experience. Oyungezer and ZTGD point out the lack of excitement and depth in the shooting mechanics, labeling them as shallow and outdated. Many reviewers, including IGN and Games.cz, criticize the repetitive mission design and the overall sense of monotony that pervades the gameplay. The combat system is frequently described as underwhelming, with critics like New Game Network and GameOver.gr noting poor enemy AI and frustrating mechanics that lead to a grindy experience. Overall, the game seems to suffer from a lack of innovation, as many critics feel it does not evolve from its predecessors, leading to a stale experience. The overall consensus among critics leans towards a negative sentiment regarding the gameplay of Saints Row. While there are enjoyable moments and some fun mechanics, the repetitiveness of missions and the lack of depth in combat overshadow these positives. Critics like EGM and Hardcore Gamer emphasize that the game feels like busywork rather than an engaging experience. Despite its potential for creativity and chaos, many reviewers agree that the gameplay ultimately falls short of expectations, with critics such as GameSpew and PC Gamer highlighting that while the game has its entertaining moments, it is marred by tedious and recycled content. The sentiment suggests that while Saints Row offers some enjoyable elements, it struggles to deliver a fresh and captivating gameplay experience.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Saints Row impresses with its vibrant and immersive city, Santo Ileso, earning praise for its colorful design and lively atmosphere. However, critics are divided as many find the graphics outdated and technically flawed, citing issues like poor draw distance and low-quality textures. Overall, while the game showcases creative potential, it fails to meet modern visual standards, leaving a sense of disappointment in its graphical execution.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

11%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

64%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

25%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The graphics and visual design of Saints Row have garnered a mix of opinions, with several critics highlighting some positive aspects. Many reviewers appreciate the vibrant and immersive city of Santo Ileso, noting its colorful and eclectic design. For instance, Game Informer describes the world as "colorful and visually appealing," praising the creative architectural designs and scenic landscapes that encourage players to explore. Critics like Hey Poor Player and Gaming Nexus echo this sentiment, emphasizing the city's liveliness and the unique touches that enhance the gameplay experience. Additionally, PCGamesN points out the natural animations and improved lighting, which contribute to a vibrant world, while NME highlights that the setting feels like a character itself, positively impacting the overall experience. However, despite these commendations, a significant number of critics express disappointment regarding the game's graphical fidelity. Many reviews, including those from Gameblog.fr and Trusted Reviews, criticize the visuals as outdated, with Gameblog.fr stating that the game feels like it belongs to a previous generation. Reviewers such as Pure Xbox and Comicbook.com point out technical issues like poor draw distance, pop-in problems, and low-quality textures, which detract from the overall visual experience. Critics like WellPlayed and Stevivor describe the graphics as lifeless and bland, with character models that fail to compete with modern titles. This sentiment is echoed by The Enemy, who notes that the visuals do not meet current genre standards, further emphasizing the game's lack of polish. Overall, the consensus among critics is that while Saints Row offers a vibrant and well-designed city, it falls short in terms of graphical quality and technical execution. The game is often described as visually inconsistent, with many reviewers noting that it does not fully utilize the capabilities of current-generation hardware. Critics like GamesRadar+ and VGC recognize the potential of Santo Ileso but lament the dated character models and technical issues that hinder the experience. Ultimately, while there are moments of beauty and creativity, the overwhelming sentiment is that the graphics and visual design of Saints Row leave much to be desired, failing to meet the expectations set by modern gaming standards.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Saints Row's sound design and music offer a mixed bag: praised for its diverse and engaging soundtrack featuring various genres and artists, enhancing the gameplay atmosphere. However, critics slam the sound design for weak audio effects and immersion issues, like silent vehicle sounds and music cutting out during missions. Overall, while the soundtrack shines, significant flaws in sound design leave players with a lackluster experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

28%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

52%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

21%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The sound design and music of Saints Row have received a mix of praise and criticism from various reviewers, highlighting some notable strengths. Many critics appreciate the game's diverse soundtrack, which includes a variety of genres across multiple radio stations. For instance, Atomix and JeuxActu commend the variety of licensed music, enhancing the gameplay experience and contributing positively to the atmosphere. Critics like Hobby Consolas and IGN Italia also note that the soundtrack, featuring artists like Rosalía and classical music, adds an enjoyable contrast to the chaotic gameplay, making it a highlight of the experience. Furthermore, several reviewers, including GameGrin and MGG, emphasize the effectiveness of the voice acting, which helps to elevate the overall sound experience. Despite these positive aspects, several reviewers pointed out significant shortcomings in the sound design. Critics like Dexerto and Comicbook.com criticize the sound design for lacking impact, with gunplay feeling uninteresting and vehicle sounds nearly silent, detracting from immersion. Additionally, Gameblog.fr and PlayStation LifeStyle highlight issues such as music cutting out during missions and characters dancing to no music, indicating inconsistencies in the audio experience. Many reviewers, including God is a Geek and AusGamers, express disappointment in the soundtrack's overall quality, describing it as lackluster or small compared to previous entries in the franchise. Overall, the consensus among critics indicates that while the soundtrack of Saints Row offers a diverse range of music that enhances the gameplay experience, the sound design suffers from notable flaws. Many reviewers appreciate the variety and enjoyment provided by the radio stations, as noted by critics like Vandal and Shacknews, but they also highlight significant issues with audio mixing and sound effects that undermine the game's immersion. As a result, the sound experience is seen as uneven, with some critics, such as Gamer.no and New Game Network, pointing out that the sound design does not stand out as a strong point of the game, ultimately leaving players with a mixed impression.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

Saints Row's voice acting garners mixed reviews; praised for enhancing character depth and adding charm, but criticized for poor dialogue quality and uninspired performances. While some find it engaging, many feel it lacks the emotional weight needed, resulting in a divided reception among players.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

26%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

59%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

15%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in Saints Row has received a mix of positive feedback from various critics, highlighting its contribution to character development and the overall gaming experience. Reviewers such as Atomix and Gamepressure praised the voice acting for its credibility and variety, noting that it enhances the personalities of the characters and fits well within the narrative context. Critics like Malditos Nerds and Game Grin emphasized the engaging performances that add charm and depth, with the latter mentioning the camaraderie fostered by the character interactions. Furthermore, some reviews, such as those from VG247 and XboxEra, commended the energy and enthusiasm of the voice cast, suggesting that their performances contribute positively to the game's overall vibe. Conversely, several critics pointed out significant drawbacks in the voice acting. Eurogamer Italy and Finger Guns expressed concerns about the quality of the dialogue, with the latter describing the protagonist's voice as a generic imitation of Ryan Reynolds, which detracts from the depth of character interactions. Reviews from Checkpoint Gaming and IGN echoed these sentiments, citing cringe-worthy dialogue that undermines the intended humor and emotional engagement. Additionally, critics like T3 and Gamer.no noted that the voice acting often felt dry and uninspired, leading to a lack of memorable characters and moments, which ultimately detracts from the immersive experience. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the voice acting in Saints Row is decidedly mixed. While some reviewers, such as GamePro Germany and COGconnected, found merit in the variety and execution of the voice performances, many others highlighted issues with dialogue quality and character depth. The presence of both commendable performances and significant shortcomings suggests that while the voice acting has its charms, it ultimately falls short of elevating the game's narrative to the level expected by fans of the series. This dichotomy indicates that while there are enjoyable moments, the voice acting may not resonate with all players, leading to a divided reception.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

Saints Row struggles with severe technical issues across all platforms. While some critics noted stable performance on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X, the overwhelming consensus highlights numerous bugs, crashes, and optimization problems that overshadow gameplay enjoyment. The game's current state is marred by glitches and a lack of polish, leading to widespread disappointment among players, despite hopes for future patches.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

30%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

69%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

The technical performance of Saints Row varies significantly across different gaming platforms, with some positive remarks noted by several critics. On PC, some reviewers like The Games Machine highlighted that the game performs well overall, maintaining stability at 60 frames per second, despite minor bugs. On PS5, critics such as Gaming Nexus and MeuPlayStation noted that the game runs relatively smoothly, with some minor bugs that are typical for open-world titles. Similarly, on Xbox Series X, Generación Xbox mentioned that the game runs smoothly with minimal bugs, suggesting that the platform offers a decent experience, especially with the expectation of a day-one patch to address lingering issues. However, the negatives are quite pronounced across all platforms. On PC, Oyungezer and New Game Network pointed out severe optimization issues and numerous bugs that significantly detract from the overall experience, with glitches and crashes being common complaints. On PS5, multiple reviewers, including WellPlayed and CD-Action, reported being plagued by numerous bugs, soft locks, and graphical glitches that disrupt gameplay. The Xbox Series X version faced similar criticism, with EGM and AusGamers describing it as an unfinished mess filled with bugs, crashes, and glitches that severely impact gameplay. This overwhelming negativity across platforms suggests a lack of polish and quality control in the game's development. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Saints Row suffers from significant technical issues across all platforms, overshadowing any positive aspects of the game. While there are some reports of stable performance and minor bugs, the overwhelming feedback indicates that the game is marred by numerous glitches, crashes, and optimization problems. Critics like GameGrin and Xbox Tavern emphasized that these issues not only disrupt gameplay but also detract from the overall enjoyment of the experience, leading to a general sentiment of disappointment. The expectation of patches and improvements is noted, but the current state of the game leaves much to be desired for players across PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Critics have mixed feelings about the replay value of Saints Row. While some praise its extensive side content, customization, and co-op play, many highlight the repetitive missions and tedious activities that diminish long-term enjoyment. Overall, the consensus is cautious—there’s potential for replayability, but the game's monotony and technical issues make returning a chore. Approach with tempered expectations.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

16%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

65%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

19%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions on the replay value of Saints Row reveal a mixed yet somewhat optimistic sentiment among some critics. A number of reviewers, including Pure Xbox and GAMINGbible, acknowledge that the game offers a plethora of side content and customization options that can entice players to explore the open world further. Critics like GamesRadar+ and Hobby Consolas highlight the game's potential for replayability, emphasizing the engaging nature of the missions and the extensive character customization available. Additionally, the inclusion of co-op play, as mentioned by Gameblog.fr and The Loadout, is seen as a feature that could enhance the overall experience and encourage players to revisit the game. However, a significant number of critics express concerns about the game's replay value, primarily due to the repetitive nature of missions and the lack of engaging content. Reviewers such as Stevivor and IGN point out that the game's structure leads to a feeling of monotony, making it hard to recommend for extended play. Many critics, including Meristation and New Game Network, echo similar sentiments, noting that while there are numerous side activities, they often feel tedious or generic, which detracts from the overall enjoyment and replayability. The technical issues mentioned by some, like Stevivor and Gamer.nl, further compound these concerns, suggesting that players may not find sufficient incentive to return to the game after their initial playthrough. Overall, the consensus among critics leans towards a cautious outlook on the replay value of Saints Row. While there are elements that could potentially enhance replayability, such as co-op gameplay and a variety of side missions, the overwhelming feedback suggests that the repetitive nature of the core gameplay and the lack of engaging content significantly limit the game's appeal for long-term engagement. Critics like VGC and AusGamers encapsulate this sentiment, emphasizing that while the game has a lot to offer, it ultimately feels like a chore to revisit, leading to a general recommendation for players to approach it with tempered expectations regarding replay value.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

21%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

67%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

12%

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The reboot of Saints Row has garnered a mix of opinions, with some critics highlighting its fun and chaotic gameplay as a redeeming quality. Reviewers like Gaming Nexus and PCGamesN praise the game for successfully revitalizing the franchise while retaining beloved elements, describing it as a "chaotic good time" and an "excellent, necessary reboot." Critics such as PSX Brasil and PlayStation LifeStyle also appreciate the humor and mayhem that the game offers, suggesting that it has the potential to be a great addition to the franchise. Additionally, some reviews, like those from The Independent and Dexerto, acknowledge the fun aspects and engaging characters, indicating that there are enjoyable moments to be had despite the game's shortcomings. However, the negatives surrounding Saints Row are significant and prevalent across many reviews. Critics like Pure Xbox and IGN express disappointment with the game's janky gameplay and outdated design, labeling it as one of the worst urban open-world games. Technical issues and bugs are frequently mentioned, with reviewers from Launcher and Digital Spy emphasizing that these problems severely hinder the overall experience. Many critics, including Metro GameCentral and Gameblog.fr, point out that the game fails to innovate or capture the essence of its predecessors, leading to a lackluster experience that may disappoint long-time fans. The consensus is that while there are moments of fun, the game is marred by repetitive gameplay and a lack of depth in both story and mechanics. Overall, the critical consensus leans towards disappointment, with most reviewers agreeing that Saints Row does not live up to the expectations set by its predecessors. Despite some critics acknowledging the enjoyable gameplay and humor, the overwhelming sentiment is that the game feels outdated and lacks the innovation necessary to compete in the modern gaming landscape. Reviewers like Game Revolution and Gfinity express a sense of missed potential, suggesting that the game could have benefited from a more ambitious approach. Ultimately, while there are elements that some players may find enjoyable, the majority of critics recommend caution, indicating that Saints Row may only appeal to those who are willing to overlook its significant flaws.

TL;DR

Saints Row's reboot offers chaotic fun and humor that some praise as a revitalization of the franchise. However, widespread criticism highlights janky gameplay, technical issues, and a lack of innovation, leading many to deem it a disappointing entry that fails to capture the essence of its predecessors. Most reviewers suggest caution, as the game may only appeal to those willing to overlook its significant flaws.

MONSTER

Reviews

208 reviews found

Gaming Nexus

PlayStation 5

Aug 22, 2022