Saints Row 2

 PlayStation 3
User Score
8.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 189 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 144 out of 189
  2. Mixed: 31 out of 189
  3. Negative: 14 out of 189
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  1. JamesD.
    Jan 26, 2010
    10
    I am not joking when I say this is the most original PS3/360 game out there. Rather than go through all of the things that ake this game so brilliant I would rather tell you everything that makes this better than GTA IV. Bfore that let me just clarify that I know well that this game looks dated and has numerous bugs, but my score makes these elements irrelevant. Firstly you remember in I am not joking when I say this is the most original PS3/360 game out there. Rather than go through all of the things that ake this game so brilliant I would rather tell you everything that makes this better than GTA IV. Bfore that let me just clarify that I know well that this game looks dated and has numerous bugs, but my score makes these elements irrelevant. Firstly you remember in GTA IV where serbian fag Nico has to do all those tutorials on how to implement the game mechanics effectively? Saints Row 2 wastes no time in letting you fuck shit up with intent. You don't get your cousin phoning you up ever 5 mins asking you to go and collect his dirty landerie from his gay sailors house. Basically what I'm getting at is that GTA IV desn't know what it wants to be at all, Saints Row 2 goes 5 steps ahead by having a naked superman fly out of a jet and land ass crack first on a police officer. Game conventions mean nothing in Saints Row 2, that's why its so good and fun to play, not to mention all the side missions you can embark on.… Expand
  2. Michael
    Aug 24, 2009
    9
    Saints Row 2 is an absolutely mesmerising experience. Whether its exploring the city, throwing pedestrians off of bridges or just causing downright mayhem, Saints Row 2 is what GTA IV should have been - Fun. It's a pleasantly fun game and one that will keep you occupied through till the 2010s if not longer.
  3. JedBeetle
    Feb 4, 2009
    10
    This game is rated pretty well, but it's still severely underrated. It's one of the most fun games released in 2008, and the co-op play makes it a must have for friends who like to play online together. It is the best co-op game for 2 players currently available on the ps3.
  4. AdamB.
    Apr 10, 2009
    9
    Compared to GTA4, SR2 is over-the-top, colorful, crazy, hilarious, and fun. It's really a shame that GTA manages to constantly (and unfairly) steal its thunder. It's amazing how much content is packed into Saints. Customization, music tracks, NPC voice acting, side missions and diversions, collectables, unlockables... the game is utterly massive and filled with detail and things Compared to GTA4, SR2 is over-the-top, colorful, crazy, hilarious, and fun. It's really a shame that GTA manages to constantly (and unfairly) steal its thunder. It's amazing how much content is packed into Saints. Customization, music tracks, NPC voice acting, side missions and diversions, collectables, unlockables... the game is utterly massive and filled with detail and things to do. You can change your character at any time without losing game progress, and customize nearly any vehicle in the game. The only things keeping it from being perfect are: online co-op should be 4-player instead of 2, there are a fair number of bugs that freeze the console or disconnect you, and after you complete all the missions, there are no more gang members roaming around the city to give you a challenge (though you can replay old missions). Gripes aside, I highly recommend the game.… Expand
  5. NikoJ.
    Nov 5, 2008
    9
    I totally agree with Eric. U can't compare SR2 and GTA IV, cuz their like totally different games and SR2 is NOT trying to be like GTA IV. Well, what I liked about specially about this one was the huge amount of stuff that U can do between the storyline missions. This is actually pretty likely the only thing I didn't like about GTA IV: After the storyline theres basically I totally agree with Eric. U can't compare SR2 and GTA IV, cuz their like totally different games and SR2 is NOT trying to be like GTA IV. Well, what I liked about specially about this one was the huge amount of stuff that U can do between the storyline missions. This is actually pretty likely the only thing I didn't like about GTA IV: After the storyline theres basically nothing U could do! About the graphics. People diss SR2's graphs cuz their not like as realistic than the GTA IV's ones, but I think that that wasn't even in the mind of Volition when they started making SR2. The graphs of SR2 aren't that bad, theyr just different from them (a bit of toony look on 'em.) Actually I personally think that U can't compare them at all! The fysics aren't seriously as good as GTA IV's euphoria ones, but they still do their work just fine. What I specially liked about the guns of the game is that there are very many types of weapon, when compared to GTA IV, which has got just pistols, rifles etc. "usual guns", so I think that the weaponry is basically better than GTA's one, but then the fysics of the weapons are better in it. The AI is way back from GTA IV's one, and the story and the characters of GTA are much better. The storyline of SR2 is - as it's predecessors - pretty messy and kinda like unfinished. Another thing I liked about the game is the way U have to gain respect before U can go on with the missions. What I specially DIDN'T like about was the mass of bugs and glithes the game has on it's knees. It's really anoying when the buildings, vehicles and people like appear and disappear randomly at times, and it's in my opinion the only thing that almost ruins the fun. Many people have been dissin' the controls, but I liked them actually. The driving of the cars doesn't feel that great at firs, but U'll get use to it. Well, that was pretty much about what I had to say. Atleast I don't remember anythin' else what to say (Well the online-game sucks), but what the heck, I'm still in love with it thought I got this like couple of weeks ago. I'd like apologize people for comparing this wonderful but freekin' glitchy game to GTA IV, but I know that most people do it, and wanted to show them with this that Saints Row 2 IS NOT GTA IV! Have fun Fossu.… Expand
  6. Eric
    Oct 28, 2008
    9
    Although the story in saints row 2 I feel is lacking, they try to make everyone seem totally badass, and It dosen't work out so well, because someone must be a weakling, the gameplay is amazing. This game is fun. Plain and simple, I understand people try to compare this game to GTA IV, but you just can't! While the games fork, and GTA IV goes the Serious live a good life route, Although the story in saints row 2 I feel is lacking, they try to make everyone seem totally badass, and It dosen't work out so well, because someone must be a weakling, the gameplay is amazing. This game is fun. Plain and simple, I understand people try to compare this game to GTA IV, but you just can't! While the games fork, and GTA IV goes the Serious live a good life route, SR2 just goes nuts! where else can you kill someone, after they ding your car, bring them back to life with your shock paddles and kill them again! SR2 is Literally just ridiculous, and that's exactly what I wanted, a wacky zaney crazy fun game. Get it, you won't be sorry. PS: Thanks THQ for not telling anyone about delaying the PC release...… Expand
  7. AndrewL
    Dec 18, 2009
    10
    Captures and fine tunes everything that made GTA: San Andreas so perfect. Standard storyline aside, from the high level of customization to the colourful surroundings, Saints Row 2 really is one of the better games on PS3.
  8. Robx
    Aug 30, 2010
    9
    No rules here, you are free to do whatever you want, however you want, with the strength of ten mans, and your own growing gang, you are pretty much unstoppable. The single player story proves to be hilarious yet entertaining, and the Co-op for is amazing, as it allows you to do everything from the single player game, with a buddy (Activities and Missions), or just mess around and doNo rules here, you are free to do whatever you want, however you want, with the strength of ten mans, and your own growing gang, you are pretty much unstoppable. The single player story proves to be hilarious yet entertaining, and the Co-op for is amazing, as it allows you to do everything from the single player game, with a buddy (Activities and Missions), or just mess around and do insane stunts. The multi-player requires skills, you'll mostly need a good team to survive too,but the terrible matchmaking system will tear you up, as you are even allowed to bring your own friends to ranked matches, often results it getting banged up by the bests players all together, and finding a match usually takes a while to work. The great customization the game offers is also remarkable. You are free to modify the attributes from the body; gender, muscularity, fatness, age, skin tone. Deep customization options for your character's face, many hairstyles and make-ups, and lastly, the personality; the way he or she walks, talks, compliments and taunts. Then you can go up with many layers of clothing, for tops, undershirt, shirts, coats and bras, and for bottoms pants, belt, undies and socks. You can even buy rings for each finger, or get your whole body tattooed, each and every piece of clothing is tint-able for your own tastes. As much as I enjoy the game and find it extremely hilarious when playing with buddies, I'm unable to give it a higher score since there are way too many frustrating bugs that will get in your way, but this is definitely a fun game that will get you the experience you missed from GTA: San Andreas.… Expand
  9. Reaperville
    Nov 12, 2010
    9
    As with the rest of the reviews it is kind of like GTA, The main difference is the graphics are brighter, language is 10 times more vulgar, and some of the missions are more brutal... that being said this was an excellent game that i would recommend......
  10. RyanDerossi
    Oct 30, 2011
    10
    Best game in the worlddddddddd... WIckedly hilarious and deeply engaging storyline. Charismatic and badass characters. Good ol graphics and quite a massive city to explore. Tons and tons of hours of fun. I paid $13 for this and i dare to say one of the best bargain in my life!
  11. broseiden
    Dec 24, 2011
    9
    Saints Row 2 is a hilarious and unique experience that is a MUST play. It's an action packed, testosterone filled, journey that pits you, the leader of a gang known as the Third Street Saints, against three other gangs, a massive corporation rife with corruption, and Stilwater's finest. Graphically, it isn't the greatest, but what it lacks in graphics it makes up for in gameplay. You canSaints Row 2 is a hilarious and unique experience that is a MUST play. It's an action packed, testosterone filled, journey that pits you, the leader of a gang known as the Third Street Saints, against three other gangs, a massive corporation rife with corruption, and Stilwater's finest. Graphically, it isn't the greatest, but what it lacks in graphics it makes up for in gameplay. You can clock in MANY hours in Saints Row 2. The main story line only took me around 10 hours to complete, but you can play for many more, mainly because of the diverse array of activities. Whilst GTA IV had bowling, darts, and races, Saints Row 2 has you commit insurance fraud, snatch prostitutes from abusive pimps, and spew septic waste all over people's houses. Need I mention that there is a wide variety of customization? (I made Edgar Allen Poe) The glitches only make the absurd nature of the game even funnier, so you don't need to worry about it when your motorcycle gets stuck in a wall. It also has much more freedom than in GTA IV. In GTA IV, should you get in a scuffle, a cop will immediately come to get you. In SR2, should you get in a scuffle, cops will take no notice of it UNTIL it reaches a maximum level. And while in GTA IV you needed to have the skill, reflexes, and instinct of an angel to finish most missions, here you can tear apart everything rather quickly and it'll still be satisfying. Make no joke about it, Saints Row 2 is one of the finest open world experiences you can play.… Expand
  12. smirky
    Feb 16, 2012
    10
    This was one of those games i had never heard of, or the first one, for that matter. A forgotten, de-valued game that i passed by many times in the gamestop or best buy. When i first got my ps3 i wanted GTA4 and that was the end of it. I didn't think or even consider any other modern sandbox game at the time. Later on, when i had less money and had beaten GTA4, i grabbed a copy of saintsThis was one of those games i had never heard of, or the first one, for that matter. A forgotten, de-valued game that i passed by many times in the gamestop or best buy. When i first got my ps3 i wanted GTA4 and that was the end of it. I didn't think or even consider any other modern sandbox game at the time. Later on, when i had less money and had beaten GTA4, i grabbed a copy of saints row 2 for cheap and took it back to play it. Immediately and in my ignorance, i scorned it in comparison to GTA4. It didn't have the enhanced graphics, the gritty realism, or darker tone. I had to play it for a few hours to find out how wrong i was. It was everything fun that i did in GTA3 and 4, but all the crap i did that wasn't supposed to, saints row 2 actually rewarded the crazyness, and made it part of the game. Sure saints row 2 has its gritty crime drama theme, but also so much is dedicated to humor, fun, and carefree mayhem. There is so much to do, so much to discover and customize. Most of it is totally over the top, and that's the point, the game wants you to have some crazy fun with it. Anyone who's weary from the hardcore realism or overly dramatic games, need to get saints row 2, and have some real fun.… Expand
  13. Kerbster
    Jan 1, 2010
    9
    Its not like gta 4 at all its not ament much less seroius and more focuseod on having a laugh and it works keeps you ocupied for hours
  14. ArkonBlade
    Jul 12, 2011
    8
    im actaully suprised hear THQ did a pretty decent job with this game . it picks up right where the first one ends . every thing you worked for in the first is lost and you have to reclaim it . its a good GTA clone that in some ways does it better . i live the creat a charicter mode its pretty deep . the story is fairly decent and the missions pretty fun . the biggest down side is you areim actaully suprised hear THQ did a pretty decent job with this game . it picks up right where the first one ends . every thing you worked for in the first is lost and you have to reclaim it . its a good GTA clone that in some ways does it better . i live the creat a charicter mode its pretty deep . the story is fairly decent and the missions pretty fun . the biggest down side is you are still in the same city . i mean this could have just been a expansion pack for the first one .still its fun game .… Expand
  15. Harry210
    Nov 23, 2010
    9
    If your inserted a blank Blu-Ray disc into a PlayStation 3 and your PlayStation 3 started to tell jokes and start rampaging around the room putting on random clothes and then spits the Blu-Ray disc out again, Saints Row 2 is probably what you would end up with. This game is a silly version of Grand Theft Auto and because of this, the game is so much fun to play. The game is set in theIf your inserted a blank Blu-Ray disc into a PlayStation 3 and your PlayStation 3 started to tell jokes and start rampaging around the room putting on random clothes and then spits the Blu-Ray disc out again, Saints Row 2 is probably what you would end up with. This game is a silly version of Grand Theft Auto and because of this, the game is so much fun to play. The game is set in the fictional city of Stillwater and the game basically plays like any sandbox game you've played with a huge city to explore and find hidden areas. There's the main campaign in which the story centers around your character and your gang known as the Saints, try to bring down 5 rival gangs and reclaim Stillwater through a variety of missions which include shooting, driving and the odd protecting and destroy mission. The game play is your standard Third Person Shooter and at times it really works well: Take out enemies using a selection of weapons or take them on with hand to hand combat. The driving stages feel great and instead of being limited to firing your gun out the side of the car while your driving (Like in the PlayStation 2 stages) you can now aim and shoot through 360 degrees and with a handy cruise control feature in each vehicle you drive, you don't have to keep the car moving and concentrate on shooting your enemies. The graphics are great but lack detail and it can be glitchy sometimes. The story mode is fast-paced and full of comical cutscenes and great voice acting. An addition to the story mode, there are activities to take part in which add to the crazy factor of the game. There's Fuzz, where you play as an undercover cop and try to capture footage for the TV Show known as Fuzz by apprehending your suspects with different weapons. Then there's Trail Blazer where your on a quad bike covered in flames and have to race through checkpoints smashing into cars and barrels and setting pedestrians on fire to gain time and money. There's even more ridiculous activities to try and you earn respect from them so you can move on to the next mission in the story mode. The brilliant thing about this game is the customisation options. Unlike Grand Theft Auto 4, you aren't limited to playing one pre designed character. Before you start the campaign, you can choose what your character looks like. You can choose if the character is male or female, their build their facial features, their voice (a selection of 3 voices for male or female), hair style and colour, their taunt and normal facial expression. The wealth of customisation options is staggering and you can really put your creation skills to the test with this game. Create the most sensible character or create the most outrageous character ever. You can even customise your vehicles though not to the degree of Need for Speed: Underground. The shops throughout Stillwater provide even more ways to customise your character with clothes shops and Jewelery shops. There are a healthy amount of vehicles to choose from and unlike Grand Theft Auto 4, you can pilot a jet! Feel bored and want someone to play with? Get connected to PlayStation Network and double the amount of fun you'll be having by playing with a friend on online co-op which allows you to complete the campaign or activities together. Or you could just mess around a bit, causing destruction or telling people to f*** off with your taunt (or what ever your taunt is). The online multiplayer is basic team-deathmatch and can provide you with some entertainment or a mode called "strong arm" in which two teams fight for control over a neighbourhood. Saints Row 2 is a lighter, more hilarious game than Grand Theft Auto 4 which doesn't take itself too seriously and is a game that nails the definition of a video game due to guaranteed entertainment and limitless customisation.… Expand
  16. Rosco
    May 9, 2011
    9
    Living in the shadow of GTA isn't easy and Saints Row 2 has been finding that out but make no mistake Saints Row 2 is not a GTA imposter as suggested, it deserves to be treated on its own. And on its own its a damn fine game! Yes, its insane and outrageous but that means only one outcome... an all round fun experience. In order to fully appreciate SR2 you have to let all serious things goLiving in the shadow of GTA isn't easy and Saints Row 2 has been finding that out but make no mistake Saints Row 2 is not a GTA imposter as suggested, it deserves to be treated on its own. And on its own its a damn fine game! Yes, its insane and outrageous but that means only one outcome... an all round fun experience. In order to fully appreciate SR2 you have to let all serious things go and just embrace whats on offer. The story of SR2 picks up from where the original left off, you have been in jail in a coma. After a jailbreak you realise that The Saints are no longer the dominating force in Stilwater. A new group Ultor now leads the way. It isn't the strongest of storylines but the missions are a combination of madness and brilliance as you take down three rival groups in any which shape or form you choose. Visually its safe to say that SR2 is a million miles away from the likes of God of War or Uncharted but don't let that hinder you, although you way wtiness a few bizarre glitches even now and then! Gameplay is just awesome! Really, GTA may win in terms of graphics and looks but the gamplay is quite repititive but Saints Row is enticing and always offers something different from blowing people into smithereens from a step away, to protecting or gaining strongholds. If the single player mode doesn't occupy you (really?) then their is plenty of DLC available to be played as well as online co-op amongst things to enjoy! In all honesty Saints Row 2 is one of the most underated games and for that fact you don't really know what your missing out on. And based on the price that SR2 is selling at right now I couldn't recommendit more!… Expand
  17. Schuback
    Aug 5, 2011
    9
    Given how I enjoyed playing sandbox games like Grand Theft Auto, Red Dead Redemption, TESIV Oblivion and Fallout, I decided to give this game a random chance after I was pretty much done with other games despite watching the trailers and going "What year was this game released again? You sure it wasn't made for the PS2 instead?" Anyway, got the game on discount and after completing thisGiven how I enjoyed playing sandbox games like Grand Theft Auto, Red Dead Redemption, TESIV Oblivion and Fallout, I decided to give this game a random chance after I was pretty much done with other games despite watching the trailers and going "What year was this game released again? You sure it wasn't made for the PS2 instead?" Anyway, got the game on discount and after completing this game, I must say I was truly satisfied and I come to see the fine differences between SR2 and GTAIV. While GTAIV focused on a more being dark and mature theme. SR2 is entirely the opposite. Sure, it adopts the same open-world concept. Punch a guy on the street, taunt a pimp and get your butt kicked, it's all up to you. But I'll tell you what SR2 does (which GTAIV doesn't) that makes SR2 good enough to avoid itself being labelled 'the poor man's GTA'. You play the head of the 3rd Street Saints taking on the other factions to reclaim the territories of Stillwater. You can customise your character's facial and body appearance, clothing, voice, taunts, figthstyle, walking style etc. It can look like you, your favourite actor, or Niko Bellic if you still think this is GTAIV. The cutscenes are more over the top, and you'll probably go "Wow! That's bad*ss!" in most of them, or get a good laugh or two in others. The side characters are hilarious and likable, more so than the ones in GTAIV. Another thing that stood out having your own gang members who usually hang out in cribs or the Saints headquarters, and you'll be able to recruit up to 3 Saints to join you on your missions. You can also choose your gang style (attire), vehicles, sign, and taunt. Outside your main mission there are lots to do, there's street racing, boat racing, driving a helicopter, spraying cr*p on people and buildings, being a bodyguard for a celebrity, pimping, demolition derby, you name it. Now, the bad part, the graphics as I said are bad. It looks like it wasn't meant for current gen consoles. Poor AI and the poor combat controls makes shooting ugly to feel and look at. Multiplayer is also poorly implemented and it's nowhere near the excitement you'll get when playing online in GTAIV or RDR. There's no trophies in this game for the PS3 meaning that you'll probably have less of a reason to complete the sidemissions and activities. My final statement, try to enjoy SR2 for what it is rather than trying to see how it fails to be GTAIV. You get a good story, a more enjoyable and less serious gameplay, likable characters, and the feel of running a street gang. It's definitely worth giving it a shot.… Expand
  18. Unsatisfried
    Aug 22, 2011
    7
    Having played the original "Saints Row", followed by "GTA IV", the second seemed tired. The reality was I played it out too fast. After ages having it lay on the shelf collecting dust, I finally started playing it again. This time I paced myself. This time I didn't bother doing stuff I found annoying or unfun just for the 'rewards'. This time I simply did what felt enjoyable in the moment.Having played the original "Saints Row", followed by "GTA IV", the second seemed tired. The reality was I played it out too fast. After ages having it lay on the shelf collecting dust, I finally started playing it again. This time I paced myself. This time I didn't bother doing stuff I found annoying or unfun just for the 'rewards'. This time I simply did what felt enjoyable in the moment. This time I had great fun.… Expand
  19. Zilcell
    Aug 18, 2012
    10
    Games don't need to innovate. Thats only a bonus. This game does what open world gang shooters should do. With nice looking graphics, an open world with a ton to do, and nearly maximum customization, its one of the most fun games of its entire genre.
  20. Lukedfrt
    Feb 10, 2012
    8
    Saints Row 2 is an insane amount of fun! The story is actually decent considering what the game is about, the graphics look dated now though (2012) but they're still playable. You can spend hours just messing around on the islands its great fun and easily worth buying as it's cheap now :)
  21. gamer2013
    Jan 6, 2013
    10
    amazing game for 2008

    good customization great cars yo can customzie cars aswell fun cheats great city and decent city

    graphhics are a bit cartoonish but they r very soilid

    major replay value memorable missions

    and a whole lot of fun def get cuz its really cheap now
  22. deedz
    Jun 23, 2022
    10
    Better then gta! . . . . / . . ., c.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . .. . .. .. . .
  23. LukeD
    Nov 4, 2009
    4
    annoying controls and bad gameplay, its kinda like a bad GTA San Andres
  24. metalaries
    Jul 6, 2011
    5
    I can't, for the life of me, see how the hell anyone can give this game anything higher than a 5. the gameplay is horrible. there is no lock on, which bugs the crap out of me since aiming is annoying at times, more likely than not, although the game tends to be fair most of the time so I'll give it that much. the bad bugs here are REALLY bad sometimes. you try to beat up someone and theyI can't, for the life of me, see how the hell anyone can give this game anything higher than a 5. the gameplay is horrible. there is no lock on, which bugs the crap out of me since aiming is annoying at times, more likely than not, although the game tends to be fair most of the time so I'll give it that much. the bad bugs here are REALLY bad sometimes. you try to beat up someone and they fall into the floor?? I run into a biker and their body literally becomes part of the hood of the car, flailing around as if they've become a cylinder of the engine?? when you do the mission for the Ronin gang area, when you're protecting the car being driven by the game, there is SERIOUS issues as I had to restart this level more than twice since the car was driven off the bridge??? too many ultimately retarded things that go on with this UGLY as hell game to be tolerated. it's not "mesmerizing", it's not "better than GTA4", it's a flawed attempt at a great game, and it really could have been if it wasn't so damn stupid all over the place. oh, and the fact that on the back of the box it mentions trophies? THERE ARE NONE!! pathetic.… Expand
  25. the_blueprint
    Dec 18, 2013
    5
    Like all Saint's row games this one begins really funny and entertaining. After a while though it get's really frustrating because of too much chaos and technical flaws. Sidenote: one of the rare games were the sidemissions are actually fun.
  26. daveionduran
    Jan 8, 2021
    0
    Daveion Duran-Saints Row 2 is an absolutely mesmerising experience. Whether it is exploring the city, throwing pedestrians off of bridges, or just causing downright mayhem. It's a pleasantly fun game and one that will keep you occupied through till the 2010s if not longer. You are also able to change ur character model between male and female and able to mess with everything on theDaveion Duran-Saints Row 2 is an absolutely mesmerising experience. Whether it is exploring the city, throwing pedestrians off of bridges, or just causing downright mayhem. It's a pleasantly fun game and one that will keep you occupied through till the 2010s if not longer. You are also able to change ur character model between male and female and able to mess with everything on the character. yes, even ur genitals. This game is just all-out destruction another version of GTA. A long story that will make battle the streets of the city and make the Saints the top gang.… Expand
  27. blakfayt
    Mar 29, 2019
    6
    I feel like the people saying the side missions were fun had to be stoned while doing them. The side missions are the WORST part of this game. They're designed in a very special way to screw the player. In one instance I had to avoid news vans that were trying to get pictures of someone having sex in the back of my car, how the news knew about this person getting a prostitute and how theirI feel like the people saying the side missions were fun had to be stoned while doing them. The side missions are the WORST part of this game. They're designed in a very special way to screw the player. In one instance I had to avoid news vans that were trying to get pictures of someone having sex in the back of my car, how the news knew about this person getting a prostitute and how their footage could see through tinted windows (a common thing since the 90's) I don't know, so it's stupid already in premise. But then as SOON as I pick this person up a T shaped intersection, three news vans spawn, one down each road, and they all barrel towards me. I'm at a DEAD STOP IN A SEDAN, and yet these vans can OUT RACE ME. I ... I don't have to explain how stupid that is. It's not funny ha ha stupid, it's nonsense. If they were paparazzi in actual cars I'd be like "Okay" but they aren't, they HEAVY NEWS VANS DOING 70MPH AND TURNING ON A DIME SPAWNING OUT OF NOWHERE.

    And you can't just IGNORE the side missions in 2. No, god no. You have to do them if you want the good upgrades like MORE HEALTH. Who thought locking upgrades being allegedly optional content was a good idea should be taken out back and fired so they can't steal from the company. This kind of thing happened all the time in my 20 hours of play time. I did about 4 story missions and spent the rest of the time sampling the bonus missions which ranged from difficult but enjoyable to infuriatingly broken by design. "Mayhem! Cause mass destruction for big points!" But only destroy fences, because your multiplier means more than what you blow up, fences are easy to run over and when you need to get 800k in 4 minutes and a cop car is worth a piddly 4k at best and takes forever to blow up but a fence can be knocked down in a single shot and a couple hundred rack up to 100k a pop, it's dumb. When the police spawn right in front of you and then run you over, and then back up and run you over again and kill you instantly, it's not fun. When the AI can easily and accurately pit check your car but attempting to do the same to them causes you to lose control, it's not fun. People say games like Furi or Dark Souls are "hard for the wrong reasons" but they clearly haven't played this ****

    SR2 has the best story in the series, I know that. It's dark humor, over the top, but gritty and leaves you with feelings. The gameplay though feels like it was made on a toaster for the PS2, then upscaled to the PS3 with terrible draw distances, AI that's too skilled (Please, I've beaten every other SR game except 1 which isn't available digitally, on the hardest settings. 2 should not be killing me this easily), and a lot of just not fun things. I mean, honestly, people complain about the lack of Septic Avenger in later games, but it was the slowest and most boring side mission I've ever done. It was also really annoying because the AI driving would get STUCK ON THINGS ALL THE TIME AND JUST KEEP DRIVING INTO THEM. It's a fun game at staged, but overall it's a half baked open world game with some minor charm. Looking at it from a 2019 perspective, it just does not hold up a single bit.    … Expand
  28. kev_i_n
    Sep 6, 2013
    8
    Summary
    +Great creativity combined with tonnes of content (about 25 hours)
    +High quality balance between clever writing and comedy elements. +The use of activities helps set the game apart from its competition (GTA 4) +Great customization options that occur throughout the game +The three different gangs (Ronin, Sons of Samedi, and the Brotherhood) all feel unique and each has    Summary
    +Great creativity combined with tonnes of content (about 25 hours)
    +High quality balance between clever writing and comedy elements.
    +The use of activities helps set the game apart from its competition (GTA 4)
    +Great customization options that occur throughout the game
    +The three different gangs (Ronin, Sons of Samedi, and the Brotherhood) all feel unique and each has interesting story lines
    -The game is a bit too easy particularly after completing some of the activities unlocking unlimited ammo etc.
    -The game has many annoyances like the occasional bug, characters that never shut up during activities etc.
    In short in my opinion this game is far superior to GTA 4 (I’ve written a review on that if you want to have a look) and I urge you to give it a go.

    Full Review
    Possible the best thing about Saints Row 2 (SR2) and something you will notice very quickly is the fact that the game doesn’t take itself too seriously. This is particularly noticeable in divisions like Ho-ing etc. and taunts like tea bagging etc. However unlike other goofy games, SR2 is combined with great writing and creativity to help prevent to the game from getting to ridiculous. An example of this is how in one mission you steal nuclear waste from a nuclear power plant, which you them deliver to tattoo pallor, causing serious burning to the leader of the Brotherhood when he is getting tattooed. Such creativity is further seen by how each gang as its own unique story line, and you can pick and choice to follow each of these story lines in any order you wish, as you can choice who to do mission for which each mission feeling unique while at the same time maintaining the feeling of being an ultimate badass gang lord.

    The second great thing about Saints Row is the sheer of variety of everything in terrain, characters (my favourite being Shaundi), customization on cars, bikes clothes and character creation (which can be altered at any time due to plastic surgeon shops); therefore allowing you to actually spend some of the money you earn in the game. This level of variety is a huge punch in the face to GTA 4 where the only customization options are a limited number of clothes. Such variety in SR2 is most noticeable in the missions because although stronghold missions are repetitive each missions for the gangs feel unique and interesting. An example of this is that clashing with the Ronin, leads to a serious death which is surprisingly impactful in a game that isn’t that serious.

    What really makes SR2 stand out from other sandbox games are the activities, which help to add to the sheer content in the game, while not feeling like padding. An example of one the more noticeable activities for me is Heli Attack which requires you to protect your homie while they make drug deals while using an attack chopper. This is great because while it is your standard blow everything up, as you go through each level the difficultly increases requiring more skill than you would except. Another of the activities worth mentioning is hitman where you essential kill key targets for money, but you often have to participate in certain behaviour in order to lure the target out e.g. drink 2 40oz. However possible the greatest stand out activity is Septic Avenger, which literally involves spraying crap everywhere, is a further reminder that this game is comical. These activities combined with standard activities in such games like racing, collecting car help to provide originality while maintaining core elements of sandbox games that are appreciated.

    Unfortunately the main issue with the game is that it is too easy offering little challenge. Such ease is enhanced by the activities because they lead you to unlock certain abilities e.g. completing all of the Hitman tasks leads you to unlock unlimited rifle ammo. Other activities unlock quicker health regeneration, reduced damage from bullets etc. All that said though such lack of difficultly doesn’t make the game a bore as some of the activities do provide some challenge, e.g. trial blazing which requires you to drive around under time pressure while on a quad (which is a piece of s**t).

    However they are little annoyances in the game that prevent it from being legendary. One of the most noticeable ones is how in some of the activities (in particularly Septic Avenger) your partner never shuts up, and while the lines they pull out are funny they quickly wear off after hearing them 20 times. Other annoyances include how the driving can feel clunky as it is not as refined as it should be. Likewise the game does have the occasional bug, a particular one of annoyance was how once or twice it would crash after completing a mission but before the game had AutoSaved, meaning you had to play the entire mission over again.

    Nevertheless the game is such a laugh and it is certainly worth a play.    … Expand
  29. Lolzified
    Dec 31, 2013
    9
    Remember Grand Theft Auto San Andreas on the Playstation 2 (or Xbox)? This is that, but it's on the Xbox 360 PS3 and PC, and hilarious quirkyness thrown in. That's a good thing. A REALLY good thing. It doesn't throw in to much humour either so it doesn't feel like one big joke (unlike one of the later games in the series) if you don't have this game, you need it, get it. Get it. GET IT.Remember Grand Theft Auto San Andreas on the Playstation 2 (or Xbox)? This is that, but it's on the Xbox 360 PS3 and PC, and hilarious quirkyness thrown in. That's a good thing. A REALLY good thing. It doesn't throw in to much humour either so it doesn't feel like one big joke (unlike one of the later games in the series) if you don't have this game, you need it, get it. Get it. GET IT. GEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEET IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIITT.… Expand
  30. LtGrenn1947
    Jan 4, 2014
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Best co-op game to ever happen to me. No joke, better than Gta IV/V. While GTA is not lacking in the realism department, Saints Row II makes up for what is lost in a highly realistic "omg dats amaze" environment with pure entertainment and bliss. Highly recommend.… Expand
  31. Epic6Man612
    Jan 5, 2014
    10
    This is a VERY enjoyable title with barely any flaws at all! It has ridiculously funny humor, and you can drive drunk and lots of things you could NEVER do in real life. Great title: highly recommend.
  32. onewarmslime
    Oct 17, 2015
    7
    It's not a bad game, but the story mode seemed kinda empty, nothing like Saints Row 3 which had a really engaging and fluid story mode... I've seen people say this is the best game in the franchise but I don't really agree. What's true is, there's a lot more to do in the city than in the next games, the sidemissions are fun.
  33. Kai82
    Jun 4, 2021
    8
    The Saints Row franchise is an alternative to GTA. Its unique selling point is that it is far more crazy and hilariously funny (The good kind). Each game surpassed its predecessor in this category by far. All games are open world action games. Story: Set a few years after the conclusion of Saints Row your player character awakens from coma. Everything from before is gone. The Saints areThe Saints Row franchise is an alternative to GTA. Its unique selling point is that it is far more crazy and hilariously funny (The good kind). Each game surpassed its predecessor in this category by far. All games are open world action games. Story: Set a few years after the conclusion of Saints Row your player character awakens from coma. Everything from before is gone. The Saints are just a memory as 3 other gangs have overtaken and split the city among them. You are on a journey to retake the city and rebuilding the Saints. Gameplay: You are retaking the city neighborhood by neighborhood. For this you have to complete mission, side quest, take enemy strongholds or partake in activities. To start a main mission you need to earn respect (points) as nobody wants to follow an unproven or unknown leader. You earn respect by various side missions, mini games or stunts. Also there is a style rank that improves the gaining of respect by purchasing items like clothes, cars etc. (You are also a style and fashion icon). You are free to chose which of the 3 gangs you are going after first or you can mix missions for all. The side activities are always great in the franchise. This game has for example demolition derbies, a fight club, insurance fraud (so funny), septic avenger (favorite mini game), races, heli assaults, vandalism and more. Those are mostly great and have so much dark humor. My favorite was septic avenger where you go on a route with a tank wagon spraying liquid manure to lower the estate prices for your client. This is the enjoyable craziness that won me over and I repeat the next games increase this by far. Each of the 3 gangs named the Ronin, Brotherhood and Sons of Samedi have a unique arc and great characters. For your team you have of cause Johnny Gat who is my favorite character in the Saints and newcomers I wont spoil. I like all the characters as they have quite grown on me. A lot in the game is infused with craziness and there is a lot of dark humor. This is a make or break point for some as I find this entertaining. If you want realism than it can be a bit annoying. Visually the game was good for its time. The city was a huge and interesting playground. Acoustically there are a lot of tracks for you to listen with a wide variety with Rock, Heavy Metal, Pop and R&B. There are top notch voice actors for the characters like Michael Dorn (Worf), Elza Dushku (Faith from Buffy), Neil Patrik Harris or Mila Kunis to name a view. For me the whole package was awesome and I played all follow up games. There are also a few negatives. The player character does a lot of things that are disgusting for me and took me out of the immersion (They fixed this in the sequels). I had also some minor bugs but those where neglectable in the total rating. Overall this is a crazy fun game and I enjoyed it a lot. However I must sadly admit that it does not hold up that well compared to the sequels or more modern games. I say it is worth a try but is not that excellent anymore today.… Expand
  34. frederik1478
    Feb 23, 2021
    10
    One of the best sandbox game ever created with An amazing story too, The best improvement that this game has over the GTA games is that place like a third-person shooter instead of a auto lock on shooter , And what about driving into game it is not realistic at all and you can pretty much made some insane Drifting with all the cars but that just makes it more fun,
    , PS3 port is not the    One of the best sandbox game ever created with An amazing story too, The best improvement that this game has over the GTA games is that place like a third-person shooter instead of a auto lock on shooter , And what about driving into game it is not realistic at all and you can pretty much made some insane Drifting with all the cars but that just makes it more fun,
    , PS3 port is not the worst but it has frame rate drops like most of times    … Expand
  35. kwame
    Jan 30, 2018
    10
    you know when your were a kid and you played games you weren`t allowed to play...Saints row 2 was one of those games and man I still love this game.
  36. evolution98
    Jan 17, 2018
    9
    My second favorite GTA clone out of all the clones that were created ever since GTA Vice City was released 15 years ago and launched the plethora of "GTA Clones."

    I love this game. The size of Stillwater is absolutely stupendous. There is so much to explore like GTA San Andreas but without the repetitive property buying with shop buying instead. There are a lot of buildings to interact    My second favorite GTA clone out of all the clones that were created ever since GTA Vice City was released 15 years ago and launched the plethora of "GTA Clones."

    I love this game. The size of Stillwater is absolutely stupendous. There is so much to explore like GTA San Andreas but without the repetitive property buying with shop buying instead. There are a lot of buildings to interact with. The graphics look amazing and the environment looks so breathtaking. The soundtrack is the best out of all the series. The game has great customization options for your character and cars. The gameplay is so much fun. So many side missions to do to unlock different upgrades and character skills and collectables to find.

    I didn't find the story that interesting. That's the only thing I didn't like.

    It's great.    … Expand
  37. TheSnitchfather
    Apr 18, 2019
    10
    10/10, just and amazing game through and through.
    When it comes to graphics and engine, definitely an improvement from the first game, but the thing I was disappointed in, was that it lost it's urban thug/hip hop style, which I absolutely loved in the first one.
    Another thing that bugs me just a tiny bit is that the franchise has already shown a few signs of getting ridiculous before    10/10, just and amazing game through and through.
    When it comes to graphics and engine, definitely an improvement from the first game, but the thing I was disappointed in, was that it lost it's urban thug/hip hop style, which I absolutely loved in the first one.
    Another thing that bugs me just a tiny bit is that the franchise has already shown a few signs of getting ridiculous before they actually got out of hand. I mean how can one person take on a whole team of professional Ultor "security" guards? Kinda laughable, but not over the top.
    I loved that we got revenge on Julius after listening to the recordings and picking up the files. Meeting in the old church and kicking it one last time before killing the traitor. Shooting him in the head was one the best feelings I ever had when it comes to video games and I don't normally feel that way. but I actually got goosebumps from the last conversation, loved it.    … Expand
  38. FidelGastro
    Sep 9, 2020
    8
    Well, Saint' s Row 2 is ridiculous and interesting game.
    I played it after finishing GTA IV. So after doing heists,assassinations.... i was spraying buildings with fertilizer :-D while Aha - Take on me was playing on radio, it was totally ridiculous. It´s funny and wild, its sense of humor makes it too far from GTA IV, wich is more serious.
    It was nice parody of GTA and it has a nice    Well, Saint' s Row 2 is ridiculous and interesting game.
    I played it after finishing GTA IV. So after doing heists,assassinations.... i was spraying buildings with fertilizer :-D while Aha - Take on me was playing on radio, it was totally ridiculous. It´s funny and wild, its sense of humor makes it too far from GTA IV, wich is more serious.

    It was nice parody of GTA and it has a nice song playlist (My Chemical romance, Europe, Aha, The red jumpsuit apparatus and etc.), however i cant go higher than 8/10.

    Good game, but not the best for sure.    … Expand
  39. dahurtbizness
    Sep 9, 2022
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. published by thq inc that's responsible for the greatest wrestling games that's ever created like: n64's wwf no mercy, wwf wrestlemania 2000, wcw/nwo revenge, smackdown series & smackdown vs raw franchise, its sad that they're defunct, they were my childhood publisher games like 50 cent: blood on the sand underrated classic. when thq team up with volition it felt like a match made in heaven like yukes and thq for smackdown series, SR 2 has the best soundtrack OMG i love the soundtrack, i can listen for hours of cassie's me and you, Amerie's 1 thing & Apache's i need a gangsta b**** this game is the perfect mixed of campy, seriousness all while being gangsta at the same time. its like gta sa & the cancelled John Singleton's fear & respect game but flipped on its head bcuz although u have to earn respect to play every mission and takeover cities, the twist is that u have takedown Ultor: an organization that claims to the public that they're cleaning up the urban drug areas but they're doing shady business deals on the side. u really become attached to these main characters after a few minutes of playing the game, it really feel like u knew these characters and feel like ur apart of this world. this game was so ahead of it's time. i think carlos is one of the best side character in video games just by way he's introduced to when he dies, Shaundi before "SR THE THIRD" RUINED HER! she was funny i like her, in my opinion Eliza Dushku is the voice of Shaundi, i hated that volition recast her, it just never felt the same and retconning her being a weed smoker. i always viewed her as a female snoop dogg lol bcuz she was claim in serious situations but always high lol. the best gang is the red biker gang they had the most entertaining and fun missions. i love that u can assemble homies by calling them on the phone or whistle if nearby. this game had cheat codes to just about everything. very customizable from your logo, to how u want ur gang to look like. the vehicles in this game are more controllable than gta3 to Grand Theft Auto IV the only negative i can say about this game is that it doesn't have enough songs in the soundtrack but other than that it's a flawless game and deserve to never be touch by modern volition. that killed this franchise by that garbage cash grab broken & uninspired woke SR REBOOT. makes u appreciate what came before and how it should always be cherish.… Expand

Awards & Rankings

36
#36 Best PS3 Game of 2008
28
#28 Most Discussed PS3 Game of 2008
23
#23 Most Shared PS3 Game of 2008

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
82

Generally favorable reviews - based on 50 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 45 out of 50
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 50
  3. Negative: 0 out of 50
  1. IGN
    82
    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.
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  2. IGN AU
    80
    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.
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  3. Total Video Games
    90
    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.
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