It is that time once again to grow a pair and take on the Row or in this case take back what the “Syndicate” ripped off from you. How are you going to get your dignity back? Like a damn Third Street Saint that’s how! The fame has gone to your head and it is time to go back to old tactics with a new spin and style to show the other gang members that you are not going out like a punk! All right let’s get our missile launcher ready and strap on your adult pants because we are kicking into this review of Saint’s Row The Third like a boss!
The Third Street Saints have risen to fame and even though they have sponsors, Japanese commercial deals and their faces splattered all over world. They still can’t seem to stop their old ways which get them into deep trouble taking on a new band called “The Syndicate” led by some Belgium dude that is about to wish he never messed with the Saints! All your fame will get reset and you’ll have to start all over and putting your foot in anyone’s ass that tries to get in your way.
I have to go into the controls which have been totally been remastered since the last game. Its very fluid in combat and when switching to gun play. It sets apart from other sand box titles because it seems as if they obtained real combat mechanics switching between light and heavy attacks or pressing certain buttons to cause more comedic damage! I do like how you can change your gun by switching in and out to perform combos. I was in a gun fight and put my gun away when sprinting to do a mega double deuce drop kick and then whipped out my gun again to attack the other enemies. Those are the kind of combos that are needed when involved in a heavy battle. Also you can run at an opponent and take them as your personal meat shield. You can definitely use your imagination while fighting. The weapons of ‘The Third’ are even more ridiculous and powerful than in previous titles. This time around you have the option to upgrade weapons to different levels, but be warned although it is pricey it will help you get through the game a lot faster. The weapons get ridiculous (I said that right?) and I do mean it, for example the Dildo Bat which is actually very powerful bringing a whole new meaning to being “DICK SLAPPED!”.
The customization makes a huge come back, with it being bigger and better this time around. And thanks to Volition you are able to upload your characters on the Saints Row website where other users can rate your ideas and download them onto their game to use. That totally gets cool/weird gamer points in my book. The best thing about the sandbox environment is that it gives us, the users, creative control of our character so we can either put ourselves into the game or another manifestation that we adore. In terms of customization you can take vehicles to a place called “Rim Jobs”. Yes, I know I started laughing too. Rim Jobs allows you to install NOS, color schemes, lethal rims and even tune the car to perform better for high intensity getaway situations. The crew that you roll with can be customized from Ninjas to Bikers in different sequences. For example I have a ninja outside, biker on the roof chilling and some hood females in the house watching TV. The customization goes that deep and makes the game feel like your own.
Unlike the first game in the Saints Row series there is no multiplayer, Volition decided to just focus on the co-op campaign mode that made the sequel such a great success. The game features full storyline co-op ability that will not interfere with the main story, unless the other player wants to skip the movie sequences. The advantage of the feature will make the game twice as fun with you either doing missions together or splitting up doing your own thing in the world. This also will give you the opportunity to get more trophies/achievements cooperatively.
This game has great voice acting and comedic story driven moments, especially my favorite area in the new DLC that came with the pre-order called “Professor Genki’s Murder Time Fun Time!”. It’s a game show that unlocks a quirky new area in The Row where you literally risk your life taking on weird situations in an attempt to win the big money pot. The money you earn can be used to buy gear or upgrade your Saints character which can be accessed through your cell. The cell phone in the game is so user friendly which made me wishes that it was a real telephone carrier. The icons on the phone give you options for your map/gps, phone book, upgrades and many other things.
There is not much to be said bad about the game, but if I have to choose I would say they needed more voice options in the customization area. I have to say the option to talk and look like a zombie is pretty funny, but not really up there as something I would do. Some could argue that it goes way over the top with its rude jokes and crude situations, but as my friend “Ambitiouslove” stated about Shaundi, “Shaundi rocks! Thank you THQ/Saints Row 3 for not making yet another lifeless, mean, slutty, helpless female we always see in games!” Having a tough female character in a game like this gives you much cool points.
I have to say Saints Row the Third is a definite “BUY”. It has great action, great soundtrack, funny commentary, excellent combat and a lot of replay value whether playing solo or with a teammate. The added bonus for Playstation 3 owners since we are not getting DLC that was promised, Sony decided to give us Saints Row 2 for free as a digital download when you use your online pass. If you want something extra download the season pass which gives you The “Nyte Blayde” DLC Pack out now and other DLC later spring next year. I have to say this game is worth the $59.99 price tag. That is it for me gamers, I have to head back into the Row to take back what is mine and I hope you give this game a shot. Thanks again for reading and see you in the digital world, stay frosty!
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