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Danny Edwards Creating hard to find guides for games is one of the most rewarding jobs i've ever had! View all articles | Contact author

If your considering Saints Row 2, you must consider that controlling your neighbourhoods is crucial, because each neighbourhood pays a certain amount of money per day, which can be picked up from the safe in any of your, er, cribs. Your neighbourhoods are also full of your gang members, and as you progress, you'll unlock the ability to recruit them. Your homies follow you around, shoot your enemies and aggro the opposition to give you a bit of room, and they're key to succeeding at the game's tougher moments.

The whole territorial control concept works well. Watching your influence spread over Stilwater is great fun - and you can also take advantage by buying up businesses in the areas you've grabbed, increasing your revenue stream and earning a handy discount in the process. When you've managed to get into lots of trouble with a rival gang, it's also handy to drive into one of your own areas and watch as your gang members pile into your pursuers.

Saints Row 2's other major diversion from the GTA formula is style. Customisation is absolutely key, from the incredibly comprehensive character-creation pages (we've already waxed eloquent about the ability to make a grossly obese, elderly transvestite as your main character, should you so desire - but you can also make just about anyone else you want, as hideous or as handsome as you wish) through to the vast selection of clothes on offer in Stilwater's different stores. Even your cribs can be heavily upgraded and restyled as befits your standing as one of the city's top crime bosses.

Cars, too, can be modified to a huge extent. Each one you hijack can be brought to a garage and, for a price, you can fit a wide range of body mods, engine and chassis upgrades, new paint and weapons. All of these modifications - clothes, cars or cribs - contribute to your style rating, and the higher your style rating goes, the more respect you earn for each activity you undertake, so the game's various ratings and currencies feed off one another helpfully, and Saints Row 2's style elements are as deep or as shallow as you like. If you want to spend ages finding and customising a smart pinstripe suit and a white fedora hat with a black band (which I did, and I'm not ashamed), there's a small bonus in it for you. If, on the other hand, you just want to shoot goons in the face, well, the bonus is no great loss. Style is well catered for, but the developers clearly feel that style is its own reward.

Also rewarding is multiplayer, where the key mode is unquestionably co-op - a well-considered drop-in/drop-out system that means that you can join another player's game, do a few missions, and then hop back into your own, retaining any items or progress you made. There's no split-screen, sadly, but for households with more than one console, or for friends online, this has immense potential. Deathmatch-style multiplayer and a more complex, group-based competitive mode are also included, but Saints Row 2 doesn't lend itself to precision shooting, and while this is fine in single-player it's makes for random and frantic deathmatch.

Still, in single-player and in co-op, Saints Row 2 is one of the most ridiculous and enjoyable games of the year. Some will dismiss it as GTA's "gangsta" offshoot, but they're missing the point; with its immense scope, fun physics and focus on entertainment over realism or grit, Saints Row is what GTA would have become if Rockstar North had followed Vice City to its pimpin' conclusion. It may not have the graphical fidelity or the polish of its high-budget counterpart, and will be beaten up for that, but it compensates more than adequately by answering the crucial question - "is it fun?" - with an exuberant, sweary, two-fingered affirmative.

CRITICS CORNER:

96PGNx Media
Let's be clear: Saints Row 2 isn't a genre-changing experience. But the game is also wickedly fun.

92ZTGameDomain
Saints Row 2 is the type of game soccer Moms will scream about. Why, I'm sure I don't know because it is clearly not for kids. Silly, Outrageous, Profane, Excessively Violent, Very Naughty, and Unapologetically so. And it is a hell of a lot of fun.

91Game Revolution
Saints Row 2 isn't going to be the next Godfather, but it's not trying to be. If you want class and moral dilemmas with your gang warfare, then look elsewhere. But if you want explosions, revenge, sex, money, drugs and rock and roll, then a trip to Stilwater is just what the doctor ordered.

91GameShark
The game's engaging story line, great voice acting and mix of humor and mayhem kept me coming back whether it was to spend some more time stealing ho's, or participating in Fight Club or simply chipping away at the gangs that took over my fair city while I was away. Add on an engaging multiplayer mode and seamless co-op and you have sandbox game that can proudly stand shoulder to shoulder with the GTA's of the world.

91Gaming Age
It doesn't have the polish that GTA IV has, but at the same time I just felt like I was having more fun here than I ever did in Liberty City. The sheer amount of freedom in how you do your missions (and the lack of scripted set-ups) is one of my favorite aspects in a sandbox environment, and right now, Saints Row 2 honestly serves up the best experience when it comes to just having some fun in a big city with no rules for a few hours.

90Game Over Online
Saints Row 2 retains everything that made the original a great addition to the sandbox-city crime genre, and tweaks it even further.

90EuroGamer
In single-player and in co-op, Saints Row 2 is one of the most ridiculous and enjoyable games of the year. Some will dismiss it as GTA's "gangsta" offshoot, but they're missing the point; with its immense scope, fun physics and focus on entertainment over realism or grit, Saints Row is what GTA would have become if Rockstar North had followed Vice City to its pimpin' conclusion.

90GameSpy
Saints Row 2 offers up a shooting and driving experience that is plenty of fun. Its story isn't as engrossing as that of Grand Theft Auto IV, but it's not that kind of game. It's self-consciously funny in its irreverence, and its low-brow humor will definitely appeal to much of its audience.

90Total Video Games
Packed full of rewarding and entertaining features, Saints Row 2 is an unadulterated videogame that makes no attempt to rival GTA4. Instead, it's quite content to offer plenty of fun and set itself as a worthy alternative to Rockstar's opus.

90GameZone
Rising above its flaws, Saint's Row 2 is an addictively over-the-top sequel that proves that bigger is definitely better. With more side missions, deeper customization features, more vehicles and bigger environments, its easy to overlook the glaring flaws that do pop up on the PS3 version. In other words, a bus ride to Stillwater is definitely in order.

90Jolt Online Gaming UK
It does lack GTA4's overall polish and sense of parody, but it at least doesn't it take itself too seriously and there's something to be said for absurd levels of comic violence. Crucially, what the game sets out to do best it does do better than the GTA series, and that's depth of customisation, structure of missions and online co-op.

90DarkZero
Saints Row 2 is a huge improvement over its prequel in every manner, and has successfully carved its own niche in the sandbox crime genre. The co-operative play is almost certainly one of the best such experiences available on consoles, and the sheer variety of things to do in Stilwater is so deliciously satisfying that the technical hitches can be overlooked. It's so fun, it's almost criminal.

90Boomtown
Saints Row is an explosive mix of gameplay elements that will always provide you with something to do, something to see and something to destroy.

90Game Chronicles
This game really packs in the action and does a great job of integrating the activities and respect system in order to unlock story missions. And the multiplayer for Saints Row 2 is far more engaging and addictive than Liberty City.

88Game Informer
While – both graphically and in gameplay – Saints Row feels behind the standards set by GTA IV, it has an ace up its sleeve in the online arena: true online co-op. And it works.

87Ferrago
Like a bullet to the face, Saints Row 2 is a brash, over the top, occasionally childish but actually quite lovable foil to the convention-breaking seriousness of GTA. It isn't perfect, technical glitches and imperfections abound in places, but Volition score big with the explosive, water-tight action, the user-customisation elements and in offering such an incredible amount of content allowing players to spend tens of hours immersing themselves in Stilwater's many attractions. Bling bling.

87Extreme Gamer
Saints Row 2 is an excellent alternative that has stepped out of the shadow of Grand Theft Auto making it perfect replacement for all the gamers who want to unload the madness like the GTA games did in the past.

87GamingExcellence
Once again, from every angle, Saints Row 2 is golden (shiny like the box). You'll drive around and conquer Stilwater for many hours to come.

85Gameplanet
A real challenge to... you know, that other sandbox game... Saints Row 2 expands on the original with a dizzying level of complexity. Stilwater is back and bigger than ever - there's so much to see and do you'll be entertained for hours.

85GameFocus
The amount of customization alone in this game is definitely worth it, but if that weren't enough, there's a ton of activities and missions to keep you hooked for quite some time. There's a wealth of options here and really the only thing that will totally put some people off the game is the lack of serious content, as the game goes out of its way to prove just how ridiculous it can be. For fans of low-brow humour though, this game has it in spades.

84PSM3 Magazine UK
A GTA clone to a large extent, only fun's the number one priority. [Dec 2008, p.80]
823DJuegos
Saint' s Row 2 is ridiculous in the best sense of the word. It´s funny and wild, and its sense of humor and scope makes it too far from GTA IV, wich is more solemn and occasionally even sentimental. This is a title that could have been unforgettable if it would have achieved a more solid sense in its irregular sections, despite of that is still very recommendable for the fans of the Sand-Box genre.

82IGN
Players who enjoyed the action-packed moments in GTA will have an absolute blast with Saints Row 2. It's tough not to hate on the slightly lacking production values, but when you see the rest of the game it actually makes a bit more sense. The technical shortcomings are the only truly bad part of Saints Row 2, but the core gameplay experience is extremely enjoyable.

81Gamer 2.0
Saint's Row 2 is as every bit as good as the first game despite its glaring technical faults.

80TheSixthAxis
SR2 has its flaws and plenty of them, and whilst it's possible for the game to descend into little more than driving and shooting, the sheer amount fun to be had and the fact the game just wears its heart on its sleeve makes it impossible not to have a great time in Stillwater.

80MEGamers
Saints Row 2, we repeat, is no "GTA IV". It is a whole lot more of a relaxed and loose experience.

80Playstation Universe
Saints Row 2 isn't Grand Theft Auto, but that's a good thing. With strong replayability and wacky mini-games, the game will remain relevant for months down the road.

80IGN AU
On the surface, Saints Row is an easy game to hate. Actually, I have a feeling that a lot of players and reviewers will write this game off for the sheer stupidity at play at all times. But to do so would be a big disservice to a game that tries hard to do a lot of things and show you a good time. Did we have a good time? Definitely.

80VideoGamer
We loved it, but if you're someone who takes games very seriously and are looking for a nigh-on carbon copy of GTA 4 this won't be for you. If the idea of childishly laughing every time your character speaks in a completely inappropriate voice sounds fun, or you just want a game that positively encourages you to mess around, we can't recommend Saints Row 2 enough.

80GameSpot
Saints Row 2 is crass, immature, and really fun.

80GameDaily
Saints Row 2, despite looking awful, is a guilty pleasure that'll entertain you for hours as you streak across town, blow up cars and slice gang members with a samurai sword.

80Gamer.nl
Saint's Row isn't a very original game. It's a tweaked version of the previous game that offers a lot of fun, especially with a friend in the coöperative mode. Everyone who missed the useless violence in GTAIV will be very satisfied with Saint's Row 2, since that game basically is about just that.

80Kombo
The gameplay has been expanded but not evolved over the last in the series but there is plenty of destruction and mayhem to go around to care.

79WonderwallWeb
Saints Row 2 is an enjoyable action game, however it doesnt really offer anything that we haven't seen before.

79Play UK
Anyone disappointed that GTA IV left behind most of the silliness and anarchy of its PS2 past will love Saints Row 2, but don't expect anything especially polished. It's rather too similar to its prequel.

77PSX Extreme
This is basically a cartoon-ier version of GTA with an emphasis on gratuitous violence and some sexual content. It's the kind of game that will hook a certain audience but will eventually grow wearisome for another, and it really just depends on your own personal taste.

76Cheat Code Central
This game is little more than a lowbrow, yet humorous, thug-life simulator.

75TotalPlayStation
Saints Row 2 is a very flawed game, but it does have entertainment value.

751UP
Saint's 2's main deficiency, however, isn't the graphics, gameplay, or anything technical -- it just doesn't hold a candle to GTA's signature style. Not one character in the entire cast stands out as anything other than generic. The city, too, is an uninspired, washed-out metropolis.

75IGN UK
Ultimately it's difficult to see, really, what it adds to the original Saints Row, or indeed, the GTA-formula and the macho posturing and po-faced moral bankruptcy is likely to infuriate as many people as it enthrals.

70Maxi Consolas (Portugal)
We live in a complicated age for all sandbox games, after "GTA IV". Saints Row 2 is a victim of that comparison, because while it has some elements that are better than the Rockstar game, it can't satisfy in the technical aspect. In fact, it has some huge technical issues, which not even the co-op, the good customization tools or the mindless fun allow to be overlooked. [Oct 2008]
67Gaming Nexus
Another solid outing for Volition as they've cranked out a game that is a lot of fun to play. The co-op features and character creator are great features but the game could use another level of graphical polish.

60G4 TV
There is no comparison to Grand Theft Auto IV in terms of gunplay, presentation, story, ambient city life, or driving. Rockstar has this beat by a country mile. But while Row's lack of polish and rough exterior make it the less attractive choice from a technical standpoint, for those who felt shortchanged by GTA IV's scaled-back features (especially when compared to San Andreas), Saints Row 2 will help fill the void.

50Playstation Official Magazine UK
To be fair, this is a game that degrades everyone. [Dec 2008, p.106]

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