Saints Row: The Third Remastered

The story of Saints Row: The Third Remastered is widely praised for its over-the-top humor, chaotic energy, and embrace of absurdity. Critics like Press Start Australia highlight the “wild and over-the-top” narrative, where the 3rd Street Saints clash with gangs and cause urban chaos, while Twinfinite describes it as a “vehicle to set players loose on a chaos-filled open world.” The game’s irreverent tone and memorable characters resonate strongly, with Hobby Consolas noting its “surreal and humorous moments” and GameGrin appreciating the “enjoyable” character interactions. Many reviewers, including IGN Italia and We Got This Covered, commend the story for its balance of absurdity and humor, calling it “refreshing” and “ridiculous yet engaging.” The narrative’s focus on chaos and satire, as noted by Wccftech and Vandal, aligns with the game’s identity as a parody of open-world genres, offering a lighthearted counterpoint to more serious titles. However, several critics point out significant flaws in the story’s execution. DarkStation critiques the “poorly executed death of Johnny Gat” and a mid-section slump caused by repetitive side missions, while GameSkinny and Player 2 condemn the outdated, offensive humor and negative portrayal of women. Others, like PC Games and Wccftech, argue the narrative lacks depth, focusing on “absurd and humorous scenarios” at the expense of meaningful storytelling. Slant Magazine and TheGamer highlight an “identity crisis,” blending serious and comedic elements unevenly, while GameCritics dismiss it as a “cobbled mess of references.” The decision to kill off key characters early, as questioned by PlayStation LifeStyle, and the lack of narrative cohesion in missions, noted by GameSkinny, further detract from the experience. Overall, critics agree that Saints Row: The Third Remastered succeeds as a chaotic, humorous ride despite its flaws. While IGN and Finger Guns praise its “two equally funny endings” and “explosive, violent, and humorous moments,” others like GameSkinny and Screen Rant acknowledge the dated elements that may alienate modern audiences. The remaster retains the original’s charm and absurdity, as highlighted by Multiplayer.it and Hobby Consolas, but its narrative shortcomings—such as outdated humor and uneven pacing—are frequently cited. For fans of the series, the story remains a nostalgic celebration of chaos, even if it falls short of deeper storytelling. The consensus leans toward appreciation for its entertainment value over critical acclaim, with many reviewers recognizing it as a product of its era that still delivers fun through its irreverent, over-the-top approach.

The gameplay of Saints Row: The Third Remastered is widely praised for its chaotic energy, variety, and open-world freedom. Critics like Press Start Australia highlight its "brash and messy" nature, emphasizing the senseless shenanigans and limitless creativity players can unleash. ZTGD calls it one of the most enjoyable rides of the last generation, while Twinfinite praises its "tightly refined third-person action" and diverse activities. The game’s emphasis on absurdity—such as ridiculous missions, over-the-top vehicles, and self-referential humor—is a recurring highlight. TheGamer notes that the core gameplay holds up well, with satisfying shooting mechanics and a "bombastic" sense of fun, while GameGrin appreciates the iconic car-jumping mechanic and extensive customization options. Many reviewers, including IGN Italia and The Games Machine, celebrate its freedom and chaotic appeal, framing it as a standout example of the open-world genre’s potential for pure entertainment. However, several critics point to dated mechanics and repetitive elements that detract from the experience. God is a Geek criticizes imprecise shooting and handling, while GamingTrend mentions AI issues and bugs that persist despite remastering. PC Games and Slant Magazine highlight repetitive mission design and poor enemy AI, with We Got This Covered noting that enemies take "too many shots to put down." The lack of a cover system (as pointed out by Push Square) and clunky driving mechanics (mentioned by The Digital Fix) further underscore the game’s age. Some side activities, like escort missions (DarkStation) or repetitive mini-games (Malditos Nerds), are seen as less engaging, and Trusted Reviews calls the gameplay "archaic" compared to modern standards. While the game’s charm persists, its technical shortcomings and lack of innovation in core systems are frequently cited as drawbacks. Despite these flaws, the overall consensus among critics is that Saints Row: The Third Remastered remains a fun, if imperfect, experience. Many acknowledge its enduring appeal despite aging mechanics, with DualShockers calling it "pure fun" and GameSpew describing it as "daft, outrageous, and explosive." While Worth Playing notes the gameplay is "familiar" and not exceptional, others like TheXboxHub and CGMagazine praise its chaotic creativity and variety. The game’s ability to balance absurdity with engaging activities keeps it relevant for fans, even if it doesn’t fully modernize its systems. Ultimately, critics agree that while the gameplay shows its age, its unique personality and open-world experimentation make it a memorable title worth revisiting.

The majority of critics praised the Saints Row: The Third Remastered for its significant visual upgrades, highlighting improvements in lighting, character models, textures, and environmental details. Press Start Australia noted the "transformative" effort in rebuilt character models and reworked world geometry, while Hardcore Gamer called it the "best-looking version of the game." DarkStation and ZTGD emphasized enhanced lighting and texture work, with God is a Geek praising reflective puddles and smoother animations. GamingTrend and PC Games celebrated the remastered version as the "best-looking Saints Row game to date," citing improved draw distance and a modernized lighting engine. Many reviewers, including Twinfinite and We Got This Covered, appreciated how the visual polish allowed the game’s unique style to shine, blending futuristic and run-down elements effectively. The HDR implementation (noted by IGN Italia) and 4K resolution (as highlighted by SomosXbox) further elevated the experience, making Steelport feel more vibrant and immersive. However, several critics pointed out limitations and inconsistencies in the remaster’s visual design. Push Square and Hobby Consolas criticized the "dreary" city visuals and outdated art direction, while Gameblog.fr and JeuxActu found the game "dated," with issues like clipping, frame rate drops, and poorly rendered rain effects. IGN and DualShockers were particularly critical, calling the graphics "underwhelming" and a "basic job" that failed to meet modern standards. Some reviewers, including GameCritics and Vandal, noted that while textures and character models improved, the game still felt like a 2011 title, with plastic-like character animations (USgamer) and awkward facial expressions (Finger Guns). Additionally, inconsistencies in lighting effects under different weather conditions (Atomix) and minor glitches (Trusted Reviews) detracted from the overall polish, suggesting the remaster prioritized nostalgia over cutting-edge visuals. Overall, the consensus among critics is mixed but leans positive, acknowledging the remastered version as a meaningful upgrade that revitalizes the game’s aesthetic while recognizing its age. Most reviewers agreed that the visual improvements—such as enhanced lighting, textures, and character models—make it "visually appealing" (COGconnected) and "a prettier release" (TheGamer), even if it doesn’t fully match modern AAA standards. While some critics like IGN and DualShockers found the upgrades minimal or underwhelming, others, including Cubed3 and GameGrin, celebrated the remaster as a "significant overhaul" that successfully bridges the gap between its original 2011 design and current-gen expectations. The game’s stylized visuals, while not groundbreaking, are seen as a nostalgic yet effective update that enhances gameplay without overshadowing its core charm.

The Sound Design and Music of Saints Row: The Third Remastered received widespread praise for its vibrant, eclectic soundtrack and immersive audio experience. Critics highlighted the game’s iconic music choices, such as Kanye West’s “Power” during high-octane missions and Sublime’s “What I Got” on the car radio, which effectively amplify the game’s chaotic energy and thematic flair. ZTGD noted that the soundtrack is so compelling it keeps players engaged for hours, while God is a Geek praised its “huge and eclectic spread of music from all genres and eras.” The remastered version retained the original’s licensed tracks, with many critics like Press Start Australia and Wccftech emphasizing how these selections enhance gameplay moments. Voice acting also stood out, with Twinfinite and Worth Playing commending its strength, and Cubed3 highlighting the “electric” performances that add to the game’s humor and drama. The soundtrack’s ability to blend absurdity with style was a recurring theme, as seen in Slant Magazine’s praise for “absurd and enjoyable sound design elements.” However, some critics pointed out technical shortcomings in the remastered audio. DarkStation criticized the weapon sound effects for lacking impact and clarity compared to the original, while DarkZero reported inconsistent sound effects and engine issues on PC. Attack of the Fanboy noted that sound design felt dated, with “adequate” gun sounds and dialogue that didn’t meet modern expectations. GameMAG mentioned that while the soundtrack was strong, some tracks felt outdated, and Gamer Escape pointed out a “somewhat limited” music selection compared to later titles. Additionally, Hardcore Gamer and Player 2 noted minor issues like lip-syncing problems and repeated voice lines, though these were less pervasive than the audio flaws in other areas. These critiques suggest that while the soundtrack itself was a highlight, certain technical aspects of the sound design didn’t fully translate to the remastered version. Overall, the consensus among critics leaned heavily toward appreciation for the game’s music and sound design, with most acknowledging its role in capturing the original’s spirit. The remastered edition preserved the iconic tracks that defined Saints Row: The Third, as noted by Press Start Australia, IGN, and SpazioGames, while also maintaining the chaotic, over-the-top atmosphere that fans loved. Though some technical issues were reported—particularly regarding weapon effects and consistency across platforms—the majority of reviews emphasized that the soundtrack’s energy and variety remained a core strength. Critics like God is a Geek and BaziCenter celebrated the remastered audio as a key factor in the game’s enduring appeal, even if it didn’t fully address all the technical hiccups. The result was a mixed but largely positive reception, with the music and sound design serving as a testament to the game’s nostalgic charm and stylistic boldness.

The majority of critics praise the voice acting in Saints Row: The Third Remastered for its humor, character depth, and energetic delivery. Hardcore Gamer highlights that the performances "contribute to the humor and character depth," while Twinfinite and Worth Playing describe it as "stellar" and "quite good throughout," respectively. DarkZero specifically commends Laura Bailey and Troy Baker for their "excellent" work, noting how they enhance the game’s comedic tone. BaziCenter and Cubed3 also laud the cast, with the latter emphasizing the "electric" energy of the voice actors and the variety in protagonist voices. SpazioGames and Vandal further praise the over-the-top, irreverent performances that align perfectly with the game’s chaotic humor, while GameCritics and Trusted Reviews highlight memorable, humorous dialogue. Even LaPS4 and Xbox Tavern acknowledge the voice acting as "perfect" or "good," underscoring its consistency with the original’s quality. However, some critics point to limitations in the voice acting’s impact. Slant Magazine notes that while characters are "a joy to interact with," their repetitive activities diminish engagement. Digital Chumps critiques the retention of controversial figures like Hulk Hogan as a downside, though this relates more to content than vocal performance. PlayStation LifeStyle mentions that certain voices, such as the cockney accent, feel less funny now compared to the original, suggesting some performances may not age well. Attack of the Fanboy also observes that the humor "may feel cringey compared to contemporary standards," implying that while the voice acting itself is strong, its comedic timing or delivery could be outdated. Additionally, Gamer Escape notes that the delivery can be "hammy at times," which might detract from the experience for some players. Overall, the consensus among critics leans overwhelmingly positive, with most praising the voice acting for its humor, energy, and alignment with the game’s tone. While a few critiques highlight aging humor or repetitive gameplay as factors that slightly diminish the impact of the performances, these are minor compared to the widespread acclaim. The remastered version retains the original’s vocal strengths, with many reviewers noting that the quality remains "impeccable" (Vandal) and "perfect" (LaPS4). Though not without its quirks, the voice acting is widely regarded as a standout element that enhances the game’s comedic and chaotic appeal.

The technical performance of Saints Row: The Third Remastered varies across platforms, with some notable positives. On PS4, several reviewers highlighted improvements in frame rates and stability on higher-end hardware. Hobby Consolas praised the PS4 Pro for running at 60fps with HDR, while Wccftech noted an uncapped framerate mode. TheGamer emphasized modern console capabilities, including HDR support, and The Games Machine called it "technically well-made." For Xbox One, ZTGD observed that upgraded consoles (like the Xbox One X) run at 1440p, while GameMAG and Generación Xbox praised stable frame rates of 60fps on the Xbox One X. On PC, critics like PC Games and GameSpew acknowledged solid performance with minor graphical issues, though Atomix noted that the game runs better on capable PCs than on consoles. These positives suggest the remaster leverages modern hardware effectively in some cases. However, technical shortcomings plagued many platforms. On PS4, numerous critics cited persistent bugs, glitches, and frame rate instability. DarkStation reported crashes and autosave mitigations, while Twinfinite and Slant Magazine criticized erratic physics, enemy spawning, and "janky" character creators. IGN Italia noted 30fps drops during intense moments, and Worth Playing warned of motion sickness from unstable framerates. Xbox One faced similar issues: God is a Geek highlighted bugs like disappearing cars and long load times, while GameGrin mentioned texture pop-in and poor AI pathing. On PC, PC Invasion and Atomix criticized cutscene lag, audio issues, and "braindead" AI, though some reviewers noted that higher-end PCs handled the game better. These negatives reveal a lack of consistent optimization across platforms, with base consoles struggling more than their upgraded counterparts. Overall, critics agreed that Saints Row: The Third Remastered is technically inconsistent, with improvements on modern hardware but lingering issues from its original release. While PS4 Pro and Xbox One X users experienced smoother performance (e.g., Hobby Consolas, Generación Xbox), base consoles like the PS4 and standard Xbox One faced frequent bugs, frame rate fluctuations, and visual glitches (e.g., DarkStation, PC Invasion). The remaster’s technical flaws—such as enemy AI issues, vehicle physics problems, and pop-in effects—were widely noted across platforms, though some praised its ability to run on newer systems. Despite these challenges, the game’s core mechanics remained playable for many, with critics like The Games Machine and Digital Chumps acknowledging its potential as a "win" for fans despite its technical shortcomings.

The replay value of Saints Row: The Third Remastered is largely praised for its extensive content and engaging mechanics. Many reviewers highlight the inclusion of all DLCs, co-op modes, and a vast array of side activities that keep players invested. For instance, IGN Italia emphasizes that the "inclusion of all DLCs and various modes, including co-op, adds significant replay value," while Twinfinite and Slant Magazine note the game’s chaotic fun and variety of tasks like Mayhem and Professor Genki’s Reality Climax. The remaster also benefits from robust customization options, as highlighted by PC Games and GameCritics, which allow players to revisit the open world with fresh characters and styles. Additionally, critics like TheXboxHub and Cubed3 praise the game’s "huge amount of content" and "multiple endings," suggesting that the remastered version offers enough variety to justify multiple playthroughs, especially for fans of the series. However, several critics point out limitations in the game’s replayability. Repetition in mission design and a short main story are recurring criticisms. PC Games notes that "repetitive missions and a short main story limit its replay value," while BaziCenter and GameRevolution argue that familiarity with the original can diminish enjoyment for long-time fans. The removal of certain features, like the character database functionality (as pointed out by DarkZero), also hampers experimentation for returning players. Additionally, some reviewers, such as Atomix and Attack of the Fanboy, suggest that the core gameplay feels stagnant, with a playtime of around 15–20 hours for the main story, which may not satisfy completionists. The lack of new narrative content and the repetitive nature of side missions (noted by Eurogamer Italy and GameRevolution) further detract from its longevity. Overall, critics agree that Saints Row: The Third Remastered offers a solid replay value for fans of the series and newcomers alike, but with caveats. While the remaster’s DLC integration, co-op modes, and chaotic gameplay (as praised by IGN Italia, GameGrin, and Xbox Tavern) provide ample content to revisit, its repetitive mechanics and lack of innovation (highlighted by PC Games, DarkZero, and DualShockers) mean it may not appeal to all. The consensus leans toward a mixed but generally positive assessment: the game is enjoyable for those who appreciate its absurd humor and open-world chaos, but its replayability hinges on player preferences. As Worth Playing notes, "there are better entries in the series to try for newcomers," yet for veterans, the remaster remains a nostalgic and entertaining experience.