Saints Row: The Third Remastered

The story of Saints Row: The Third Remastered is praised by many critics for its over-the-top humor, chaotic energy, and nostalgic appeal. Reviewers like PC Games and Xbox Tavern highlight the game’s absurd scenarios and "hilarious" dialogue, while Trusted Reviews and Cubed3 commend its smartly written comedy and irreverent tone. The narrative’s focus on action-driven missions and character customization—such as the unique charm noted by PlayStation LifeStyle—adds to its appeal. Critics like TheGamer and IGN acknowledge the balance between serious and silly elements, with IGN Italia noting the game’s "simple" yet engaging chaos. The remaster retains the original’s signature style, offering a fun, if shallow, experience that resonates with fans of the series. However, several critics critique the story for its lack of depth, outdated humor, and problematic content. GameSkinny condemns the writing as "terrible" and the jokes as "outdated and offensive," particularly highlighting the negative portrayal of women. Malditos Nerds and Player 2 note that societal shifts have made the humor less relatable, while Screen Rant and Worth Playing criticize the narrative’s scattered structure and reliance on random mission connections. The decision to kill off a key character early—mentioned by PlayStation LifeStyle—and the "poorly executed" death of Johnny Gat, as noted by DarkStation, further detract from the story’s impact. Critics like GameCritics and PC Invasion also point to a lack of originality, with the plot feeling like a "cobbled mess" of references rather than a cohesive tale. Overall, the consensus leans toward appreciation for the game’s chaotic charm and humor, despite its flaws. While many critics, including IGN and We Got This Covered, celebrate the absurdity and engaging set-pieces, others like GameSkinny and Malditos Nerds express reservations about its dated elements and narrative shortcomings. The remaster is seen as a nostalgic trip for fans but may struggle to connect with newer audiences due to its outdated tone. As Digital Chumps note, the story thrives on "absurdity without needing a serious justification," reflecting a polarizing yet enduring appeal that balances humor and chaos in equal measure.

The gameplay of Saints Row: The Third Remastered is widely praised for its chaotic energy, variety of missions, and open-world freedom. Many reviewers highlight the game’s ability to deliver absurd, over-the-top fun through its sandbox-style design, with critics like IGN noting that "the gameplay includes completing missions, activities, and driving, which earns respect and money for upgrades." The remaster retains the original’s signature humor and irreverent tone, as seen in Player 2’s observation that "the gameplay is still a blast" with self-referential humor and "absurd" missions. PC Invasion and TheXboxHub commend the game’s engaging side activities, while GameGrin celebrates specific mechanics like car theft and customization. The core loop of exploration, mission completion, and character progression is seen as addictive and enjoyable, with Wccftech praising its "bombastic, non-stop action" and Finger Guns noting the unique, less-linear approach to missions. However, several critics point out that the gameplay feels dated due to outdated mechanics and technical issues. Malditos Nerds and Vandal criticize the "basic gunplay" and "poor enemy AI," while CGMagazine and The Digital Fix highlight awkward shooting controls and clunky driving. Repetitiveness is another recurring issue, with JeuxActu and IGN Italia noting that missions often devolve into "shootouts and explosions" or feel simplistic. DualShockers and Game Revolution mention frustrating AI and combat that feels tedious, while Multiplayer.it points to the lack of local co-op as a significant drawback. Even DarkZero acknowledges the game’s "lack of realism," and We Got This Covered criticizes the "dated" shooting mechanics. These flaws, though not detracting from the overall fun, underscore the game’s age in a modern context. Despite these criticisms, the consensus among critics is that Saints Row: The Third Remastered remains a fun, if imperfect, experience. While Malditos Nerds and Vandal note that "gameplay remains largely unchanged from the original," many agree that its charm and variety of activities make it Worth Playing. IGN, GameGrin, and TheGamer praise its enduring appeal, with TheGamer calling it "compelling" and noting that "the gunplay and melee combat are satisfying." Others like Xbox Tavern and Twinfinite acknowledge its role as a strong alternative to GTA, even if it lacks polish. The game’s mix of chaos, humor, and freedom resonates with fans, though its technical shortcomings and dated mechanics prevent it from being a modern standout. Overall, the remaster is seen as a nostalgic trip that retains the spirit of the original despite its flaws.

The critical reception of Saints Row: The Third Remastered’s graphics and visual design highlights several notable improvements that elevate the experience compared to its original release. Many reviewers praised the enhanced character models, with Push Square noting improved car, weapon, and character models, while GameGrin and Press Start Australia highlighted a "transformative" visual overhaul, including rebuilt lighting engines, updated textures, and reworked world geometry. CGMagazine and PC Games emphasized the game’s modernization, with 4K resolution, HDR support, and cleaner visuals that make Steelport feel more vibrant. TheGamer and GameSpace lauded the improved lighting effects and textures, calling it a "prettier" and more thoughtful release than Saints Row IV: Re-Elected. These upgrades collectively create a visually sharper and more immersive experience, particularly for fans of the original. However, several critics pointed out persistent flaws that limit the remaster’s impact. IGN (across all platforms) and DualShockers criticized the graphics as unimpressive compared to modern AAA titles, with JeuxActu noting issues like clipping and frame rate drops. Push Square and Xbox Tavern highlighted outdated art direction and environmental inconsistencies, while Atomix and USgamer pointed to clunky character models and awkward facial animations. DarkZero and Vandal mentioned specific technical hiccups, such as odd lighting effects or problematic representations of darker skin tones. Additionally, XGN and Noisy Pixel noted that while the visuals are improved, they still feel "dated" in some aspects, with glitches and inconsistencies detracting from the overall polish. Despite these criticisms, the consensus among critics is that Saints Row: The Third Remastered represents a meaningful visual upgrade that respects its roots while embracing modern standards. Hardcore Gamer called it the "best-looking version of the game," and SomosXbox praised its "current-gen" feel despite retaining the original engine. While IGN and others acknowledged its limitations, many recognized the effort behind the remaster, with We Got This Covered and Eurogamer Italy noting that the enhancements make the game stand out on modern platforms. Overall, the reviews suggest a balanced view: the remaster is a worthwhile improvement for fans but unlikely to rival the graphical prowess of newer titles. Its success lies in revitalizing the original’s charm while addressing its technical shortcomings, making it a visually appealing yet imperfect package.

The overwhelming consensus among reviewers is that the sound design and music of Saints Row: The Third Remastered are a standout feature, with many praising the game’s eclectic and memorable soundtrack. Critics like 3DJuegos, COGconnected, and Digital Chumps highlight the inclusion of iconic tracks such as Kanye West’s “Power” and Sublime’s “What I Got,” which enhance gameplay moments and reinforce the game’s over-the-top, chaotic vibe. IGN, Gameblog.fr, and SpazioGames emphasize how the music selection—particularly the radio stations and licensed tracks—creates an immersive atmosphere that aligns with the game’s absurd humor and superhero themes. The remastered version retains the original soundtrack’s charm, with reviewers like Hobby Consolas noting the value of consistency, while others, such as Vandal and Wccftech, appreciate how the music amplifies key sequences, from high-octane shootouts to comedic set-pieces. The soundtrack’s ability to blend genres and eras also earns praise, as seen in God is a Geek’s mention of its “huge and eclectic spread of music.” However, some critics point out limitations in sound design and technical execution, particularly regarding audio quality and consistency. DarkStation notes that weapon sound effects lack the impact and clarity of the original, while Attack of the Fanboy and DarkZero criticize dated gun sounds and inconsistent engine noises on PC, which detract from immersion. Gamer Escape mentions that the music selection feels “somewhat limited” compared to later titles, and GameMAG observes that some tracks feel outdated despite their nostalgic appeal. Additionally, Hardcore Gamer points out minor issues like lip-syncing flaws in dialogue, though they acknowledge strong voice acting overall. These critiques suggest that while the music remains a highlight, the remaster’s audio improvements are not universally flawless, particularly on PC platforms where technical shortcomings are more apparent. Overall, the majority of critics view the sound design and music as a major strength of Saints Row: The Third Remastered, with praise for its nostalgic appeal, variety, and ability to elevate the game’s chaotic energy. While some reviewers, like BaziCenter and Cubed3, note minor improvements in sound effects and voice acting on consoles, the broader sentiment is that the soundtrack remains a defining element of the experience. The mixed feedback on technical aspects—particularly on PC—does not overshadow the general enthusiasm for the music, as seen in ZTGD’s comment about the soundtrack being a key reason to revisit the game. For most critics, the remastered audio strikes a balance between honoring the original’s legacy and delivering an engaging auditory experience that complements the game’s humor, action, and style.

The voice acting in Saints Row: The Third Remastered receives widespread praise for its humor, memorability, and alignment with the game’s irreverent tone. Critics like GameCritics highlight the "humorous and memorable characters" and standout performances that enhance the comedic atmosphere, while Gamer Escape notes that the main cast delivers lines "fitting the game's tone," even if some moments feel "hammy." SpazioGames emphasizes the over-the-top performances that match the game’s "humorous and irreverent tone," and Twinfinite calls it "stellar," with Vandal praising the "impeccable" English voice acting. BaziCenter specifically commends actors like Troy Baker, whose work contributes to the game’s "humorous atmosphere," while Cubed3 appreciates the "electric" energy of the cast and the variety in protagonist voices. The remastered version also retains the original quality, as noted by LaPS4, who calls it "perfect" with Spanish text support, reinforcing its enduring appeal. However, some criticisms surface regarding specific elements or outdated humor. Digital Chumps points out the retention of controversial figures like Hulk Hogan as a downside, while PlayStation LifeStyle notes that certain performances, such as the cockney accent, feel "funnier in the past." Slant Magazine critiques the repetitive nature of character interactions despite their charm, and Attack of the Fanboy argues that the humor "may feel cringey compared to contemporary standards." Additionally, Hardcore Gamer mentions that original actors did not re-record lines, which could disappoint fans expecting updated performances. These points reflect a minor but notable tension between nostalgia and modern expectations, though they don’t overshadow the overall quality of the voice work. The consensus among critics is largely positive, with most acknowledging the voice acting as a key strength that elevates the game’s comedic and chaotic spirit. While there are occasional critiques about specific performances or dated humor, these are framed as minor drawbacks rather than major flaws. DarkZero and GameSpace highlight the excellent delivery by actors like Laura Bailey and Troy Baker, while Worth Playing and Xbox Tavern simply note that the voice acting is "quite good" or "good." The remaster’s ability to preserve the original’s vocal charm—despite its quirks—has been well-received, cementing the game’s reputation as a standout in terms of character-driven humor. Overall, the voice acting remains a defining feature that contributes significantly to the game’s enduring appeal.

The technical performance of Saints Row: The Third Remastered varies across platforms, with notable positives for each system. On PS4, several reviewers praised its stability and enhancements, such as Digital Chumps and Eurogamer Italy highlighting unlocked frame rates and improved visuals, while Gameblog.fr noted a consistent framerate on the PS4 Pro. For Xbox One, GameMAG and Generación Xbox emphasized stable frame rates, with the latter noting 60 FPS on Xbox One X during demanding scenarios. On PC, critics like GameSpew and PC Invasion acknowledged decent performance on capable hardware, citing solid framerates and improved technical aspects compared to earlier versions. TheGamer and Wccftech also praised HDR support and uncapped framerate modes, which enhanced the experience for players with modern setups. However, the remaster faced significant technical hurdles across all platforms. On PS4, multiple critics like DarkStation and Gamer Escape reported crashes, frame rate fluctuations, and persistent bugs such as enemy AI issues and loading screen problems. TheXboxHub and God is a Geek highlighted clunky menus, long load times, and erratic NPC behavior, while PC reviewers like PC Invasion and USgamer criticized cutscene performance, audio syncing issues, and legacy bugs that undermined stability. Xbox One saw mixed results: while some praised frame rate improvements, others like Finger Guns lamented poor AI pathing and God is a Geek’s list of crashes and freezes. On PC, despite some positive notes from GameSpew, critics like Attack of the Fanboy and Malditos Nerds pointed to frame-rate caps, cutscene glitches, and performance issues that detracted from the experience. Overall, the remaster received a mixed but generally favorable reception for its technical improvements over the original game. While PS4 and Xbox One versions saw praise for unlocked frame rates and visual upgrades, persistent bugs and optimization issues plagued both systems. PC performance was more variable, with capable hardware mitigating some flaws but not eliminating them entirely. Critics like GameGrin and Trusted Reviews noted that while the remaster addressed some older problems, it carried over many original glitches, such as AI pathing errors and texture pop-in. Despite these shortcomings, the consensus leaned toward appreciation for the game’s technical enhancements, with TheGamer and Wccftech highlighting its appeal to newcomers and fans alike. However, the lack of consistent optimization across platforms left many reviewers disappointed, emphasizing that the remaster’s technical performance remained a mixed bag rather than a definitive success.

The positives surrounding the replay value of Saints Row: The Third Remastered are largely centered on its extensive content and accessibility for new or returning players. Many critics highlight the inclusion of all original DLCs, expansions, and customization options, which significantly bolster the game’s longevity. For instance, PC Games emphasizes that the “variety of activities and character customization” keeps players engaged, while IGN and GameGrin praise the chaotic, fun side activities like Mayhem mode and Insurance Fraud. The co-op multiplayer aspect is another standout feature, with Gamers’ Temple and Eurogamer Italy noting that it adds substantial replay value, especially for fans of the franchise. Additionally, 3DJuegos and GameSpace argue that the sheer volume of content—ranging from missions to mini-games—provides enough material for completionists, with some critics like JeuxActu suggesting the game offers “around thirty hours of gameplay.” The remaster’s modernized visuals and mechanics also appeal to nostalgia-driven players, as noted by Comicbook.com, which calls it “enjoyable to replay” despite its age. However, negatives frequently revolve around repetition and a lack of fresh content for returning players. Critics like Push Square and Game Revolution point out that the game’s “tedious activities” and “repetitive side missions” may wear thin over time, while BaziCenter and DarkZero note that familiarity with the original diminishes its appeal. The short main story and unbalanced DLC integration are also criticized; PC Games mentions a “short main story” limiting replayability, and DarkStation highlights that DLC feels “unbalanced.” Additionally, the removal of features like the character database (per DarkZero) and the absence of local co-op (as noted by Finger Guns) detract from the experience. DualShockers and Attack of the Fanboy explicitly state that the remaster is only recommended for newcomers, as returning fans may find little incentive to revisit unchanged content. Even Worth Playing acknowledges that while the remastered version is a “good way to revisit” the original, it’s not essential for those already familiar with it. The overall consensus among critics is mixed but leans toward acknowledging the game’s value for new players and fans seeking nostalgia, despite its limitations. While many praise the sheer volume of content—Xbox Tavern notes “endless activities,” and COGconnected highlights “replayability and exploration”—others like Gameblog.fr and DualShockers argue that it lacks innovation for returning players. The game’s replay value is often framed as a trade-off: the remaster offers a polished, expansive experience with co-op and DLCs, but its repetitive mechanics and lack of new story content may deter long-time fans. Critics like Twinfinite and Screen Rant acknowledge that while the core gameplay feels “repetitive after years of playing the series,” the chaotic fun and variety of activities still make it worth revisiting. Ultimately, the remaster is seen as a worthwhile experience for newcomers and die-hard fans alike, but its replayability hinges on players’ tolerance for repetition and their appreciation for the game’s anarchic charm.