Since 2006, the Saints Row series has become a significant franchise for Volition and Deep Silver, with over 13 million copies sold to date. Initially perceived as an over-the-top and often unreliable GTA clone, the franchise prioritizes extravagant set-pieces over serious storytelling and character development. While it’s easy to critique a game from a past era (the original Saints Row The Third was released in 2011), the timing of this remaster’s release in certain regions is unfortunate, given the inclusion of a “Whored Mode” game type (a play on “horde mode”) that involves eliminating waves of prostitutes with a giant dildo. With that context established, we proceed to review the remaster of Saints Row The Third, released today.
Saints Row centers on a gang of criminals, characterized by their unhinged antics and lack of remorse when committing crimes such as bank robberies, car thefts, and shootouts with law enforcement and rival gangs. The core gameplay resembles a more absurd version of GTA, offering a sandbox environment where players can undertake missions, acquire properties and weapons, engage in turf wars, and control various vehicles ranging from mopeds to aircraft. Interspersed within this open world is a narrative that takes unexpected turns. The game maintains a high-octane pace from the outset, with a cartoonish level of realism. The experience consists of largely nonsensical elements, oscillating between genuinely amusing dialogue (delivered by talented voice actors, some of whom are well-known) and cringeworthy moments, such as the ability to dress as a giant hot dog and taunt enemies with flatulence and burping. Prepare for a wild ride.
To clarify, our critique is not rooted in prudishness regarding crude humor. We appreciate well-executed and insightful dark comedy, such as that found in South Park (both the television series and its game adaptations), which often incorporates social commentary and intelligent wit. While one might argue for similar underlying themes in Saints Row, the game largely relies on juvenile setups and gameplay mechanics seemingly conceived and targeted towards a younger, less sophisticated demographic.
Despite its flaws, the game can be engaging, particularly for enthusiasts of the sandbox genre and those seeking a GTA-style experience. Certain action sequences, like the introductory mission and the airplane fight, provide the kind of over-the-top, cartoonish violence that can be enjoyable. Over time, players may find themselves invested in the game world, driven by the desire to upgrade weapons, expand their gang, and enhance their avatar’s properties.
Given the age of Saints Row The Third, the developers have opted for a remaster, resulting in enhanced visuals – at least initially – thanks to anti-aliasing and properly implemented HDR. However, the dated facial models and environmental elements reveal the game’s age, as does much of its humor and tone. The controls are also problematic, exhibiting a sluggishness that impacts accuracy and responsiveness, particularly during fast-paced action sequences and vehicle maneuvers that demand precision.
Technical issues persist despite multiple patches. The PS4 version exhibits noticeable frame rate drops, occasionally causing brief freezes. Reports indicate that the Switch version suffers from similar, significant issues. While future updates may address these problems, our assessment reflects the game’s current state.
Saints Row The Third, unfortunately, hasn’t aged gracefully. Beneath the risqué humor and clunky controls lies a potentially enjoyable sandbox experience. However, the genre offers numerous superior alternatives. Players seeking a gangster-themed experience may find better value in titles like Assassin’s Creed or Red Dead Redemption 2, which offer greater depth and polish for a comparable price. Alternatively, consider Volition’s own Agents of Mayhem, which provides a more refined gameplay experience and improved visuals.
This remastered release is primarily recommended for dedicated GTA fans and those with existing affection for Saints Row (The Third). The wealth of high-quality remakes and remasters available now and in the near future offer compelling alternatives for other players.
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