Saints Row: The Third

 Xbox 360
User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 546 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 364 out of 546
  2. Mixed: 132 out of 546
  3. Negative: 50 out of 546
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  1. M1sfiT
    Sep 3, 2023
    6
    Gaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaameeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeees!
  2. JJ2FAS4U
    Dec 28, 2021
    6
    Atmosphere: 6
    Enjoyment: 6
    Gameplay: 7
    Graphics: 6
    Music: 5
    Story: 5
    Total: 5.83
  3. genesisdoes
    Oct 2, 2020
    7
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    Saints Row 3 and I have always had a rocky relationship. I was so excited for it to release due to my love for the 2nd installment and upon playing, I really enjoyed it but I pretty quickly realized that it didn't hold a candle to Saints Row 2. I still feel that way. The game is pretty good and it did a good job a establishing a more unique identity from Grand Theft Auto    Picture
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    Saints Row 3 and I have always had a rocky relationship. I was so excited for it to release due to my love for the 2nd installment and upon playing, I really enjoyed it but I pretty quickly realized that it didn't hold a candle to Saints Row 2. I still feel that way.

    The game is pretty good and it did a good job a establishing a more unique identity from Grand Theft Auto but the amount of cut content from SR2 is just too much for me to even consider having a conversation about which one is better. To me, 2 is undeniably a better game in almost every single aspect. That's why, for a long time, I really didn't like Saints Row 3.

    Nowadays, I'm closer to the middle. I can appreciate it for what it is but I won't forget how much substance is gone from Saints Row 2... but on its own, it ain't half bad.
    I beat this game in August of 2020 after beating it many times before.    … Expand
  4. GamingGuy
    Feb 20, 2015
    5
    I have to admit, "Saints Row: The Third," is okay. It wasn't bad but it wasn't amazing per say. I couldn't stand the fact that a notorious street gang went from selling drugs to being "pop icons." I thought that was the stupidest thing that adult swim changed. I totally understand they wanted to do something different but it was completely stupid to change the whole main plot of the story,I have to admit, "Saints Row: The Third," is okay. It wasn't bad but it wasn't amazing per say. I couldn't stand the fact that a notorious street gang went from selling drugs to being "pop icons." I thought that was the stupidest thing that adult swim changed. I totally understand they wanted to do something different but it was completely stupid to change the whole main plot of the story, that's the huge thing. The activities was alright, not the greatest, but alright. At least they kept that. They did follow the story at least a little bit, the third street saints was still ran like a gang. There was some funny moments in it, I have to admit, running around with a **** and beating people with it was hilarious!! The combat system did improve with more executions!! That is one positive aspect of the game. But this game is specifically designed for more of the laid back gamer who just wants to get together with friends and have fun with them. This isn't like the first and second one at all. I think that the first and second saints row is built for the more serious gamers which includes myself. That's just my opinion. But back to reviewing the game, I just don't look at a gang being "pop icons." Like I said, I thought that was the stupidest thing adult swim could've done. That's why I rate this a 5. When I found out that adult swim changed the whole plot of the game went down a lot (basically from a 10 down to 6). Like I said, this game is more for the laid back gamer who just play for fun. This isn't for serious gamers.… Expand
  5. TheWildBlue
    Jan 4, 2015
    6
    A slightly fun romp through a new town, Steelport.

    My only real gripe here is the mini-games. Drive a tiger around- isn't that fun and cwazy? No, it's lame and lazy, from my eyes. Other than that, the storyline is a'ight, the gameplay is the best in the series, and the co-op aspect is flawless. If you haven't played it, I suggest SR2 and this title- they are some of the best co-op    A slightly fun romp through a new town, Steelport.

    My only real gripe here is the mini-games. Drive a tiger around- isn't that fun and cwazy? No, it's lame and lazy, from my eyes.

    Other than that, the storyline is a'ight, the gameplay is the best in the series, and the co-op aspect is flawless. If you haven't played it, I suggest SR2 and this title- they are some of the best co-op experiences I've had in a game.    … Expand
  6. fullmetalcritic
    Dec 11, 2014
    7
    As an alternative to GTA, a much more light-hearted comedic approach to the open world game, this is a must play for anyone who enjoys open worlds. Though the childish humor has its droll moments, in a lot of cases it's quite comedic. Though the story and character design leaves some wanting, the world is quite beautiful as a more cartoony look instead of the real world atmosphere providedAs an alternative to GTA, a much more light-hearted comedic approach to the open world game, this is a must play for anyone who enjoys open worlds. Though the childish humor has its droll moments, in a lot of cases it's quite comedic. Though the story and character design leaves some wanting, the world is quite beautiful as a more cartoony look instead of the real world atmosphere provided by GTA or Red Dead Redemption.… Expand
  7. DoUEvnLft
    Sep 30, 2014
    6
    A massive step down from the amazing quality of Saints Row 2. It's certainly not a terrible game, but it's just simply not as fun or as unique as it's predecessor.
  8. WatchMyShortz
    Aug 21, 2014
    5
    I still haven't played Saints Row 2 and I feel I need to, because I've been told that it's better than Saints Row The Third in many ways. After it's awesome first 3 hours Saints Row The Third really starts to show its stale spots. I'm a fan of open world games that give me plenty of optional side activities for me to do outside of the main missions. My problem with Saints Row The Third isI still haven't played Saints Row 2 and I feel I need to, because I've been told that it's better than Saints Row The Third in many ways. After it's awesome first 3 hours Saints Row The Third really starts to show its stale spots. I'm a fan of open world games that give me plenty of optional side activities for me to do outside of the main missions. My problem with Saints Row The Third is that, while there are activities like Gang Takedowns and mini games to do in the open world, the main missions force you to do these anyway.
    There's no doubt that most of the main missions are great and there's so much creativity. Hell, there's even a mission where you have to drive a tiger around the city while avoiding 'press' vans and trying not to piss off the tiger! The first mission also gives you really good first impressions. But despite this level of creativity I always felt like the overall game was missing something and I ended up not doing the side activities and just doing the main missions which made for an extremely linear 12 hour experience.
    The city of Steelport was not worked on enough in The Third. I did not feel the need to return to the game and explore it once I'd completed it and the graphics are average. My final gripe with the game is that it really started to show its bugs near the end. The game froze twice in my last two hours playing it and on the last mission when travelling to destinations enemies would practically spawn directly in front of me causing me to crash into them. This is pretty bad considering this game came out 3 years ago and many of its issues still haven't been patched.
    Aside from those issues the game is still a ton of fun. You can pick it up pretty cheap now second-hand and it does have its share of variety, interesting characters and a unique visual style...and sex jokes, lots and lots of sex jokes. This game goes over-the-top a lot, but while I could recommend this game to people at its current exchange price there are plenty of other excellent games out there that also go over-the-top but don't have as many of this games annoyances and are generally just more fun. While I've yet to play previous Saints Row titles I'd recommend Saints Row 4. Sure it reuses the open world in this game, but at least it's filled with collectibles that get you to explore Steelport more, the side missions are incredibly fun (especially insurance fraud) and they're not mandatory, and the creativity put into all of the missions is truly unparalleled and the amount of fun you can have with the superpowers is practically unlimited. Plus, I've put over 40 hours into SR4 and a maximum of 13 hours into The Third.    … Expand
  9. Brainstorm123
    Aug 14, 2014
    5
    I walked in thinking Saints Row 3 was gonna be a blast. And it was, for the first 3 hours. The game throws everything at you, and you have tons of fun playing with them. But the novelty wears off when you realise you can access things really quickly. The shooting and driving is really fun, especially when you're in a helicopter. And it's really funny. But since you do things so much,I walked in thinking Saints Row 3 was gonna be a blast. And it was, for the first 3 hours. The game throws everything at you, and you have tons of fun playing with them. But the novelty wears off when you realise you can access things really quickly. The shooting and driving is really fun, especially when you're in a helicopter. And it's really funny. But since you do things so much, things get REALLY BORING, REALLY FAST!… Expand
  10. TheSquirrel
    Jun 27, 2014
    5
    A mediocre addition to a very full genre, gunplay and driving are weak and the story makes me hate my character more and more the farther I get. The environment size and variety of tasks available are commendable and the character building and upgrading are an addition I would like to see more games in this genre adopt.

    In the end though, you realize there a a variety of other similar    A mediocre addition to a very full genre, gunplay and driving are weak and the story makes me hate my character more and more the farther I get. The environment size and variety of tasks available are commendable and the character building and upgrading are an addition I would like to see more games in this genre adopt.

    In the end though, you realize there a a variety of other similar games that deserve your time more than this one.    … Expand
  11. Ebelon
    Nov 8, 2013
    6
    Not so much a bad game but just a boring game. The game is very unrealistic and way too goofy. The series started off trying to steal some of Grand Theft Auto sales with the first game (which actually was a pretty fun game) but then they tried to create their own flavor with the sequels. Saints row the Third is just simply "another game". Not a bad game but not a good game either. 6/10
  12. jaroldo
    Oct 19, 2013
    6
    Saints Row: The Third is a disappointing but fun sequel to Saints Row 2, a game which I adore. While this game certainly has its moments, poor writing, technical issues and length make this a lesser game than its predecessor.

    SR3 is at it's best when it is being completely insane. Driving a pixel tank with your character who is wearing a g-string and a bear hat and who has a accent is    Saints Row: The Third is a disappointing but fun sequel to Saints Row 2, a game which I adore. While this game certainly has its moments, poor writing, technical issues and length make this a lesser game than its predecessor.

    SR3 is at it's best when it is being completely insane. Driving a pixel tank with your character who is wearing a g-string and a bear hat and who has a accent is good and all but it's the points where the game slows down and becomes a subpar Saints Row 2 where it really suffers. Most of the missions are boring despite there being some great ones in there and the side activities can be downright terrible at points (Except for Professor Genki's Super Ethical Reality Climax, that was awesome).

    The story in SR3 is poorly written and doesn't leave any impact on the player like SR1 and 2 did. The returning characters have become boring and the new characters are nothing to write home about. At the start of SR3 the Saints are exiled from Stilwater and are placed in the new city of Steelport. Steelport is not a bad setting but Stilwater was more varied.

    Another problem with this game is its length, I 100% completed it in 15 hours, for an open world sandbox this is terribly short, although this is probably due to the fact that a large portion of the game was cut to be DLC in a scummy business practice.

    Final Thoughts: Good but not as good as SR2, if you find the complete edition for cheap, pick it up, you won't regret it.    … Expand
  13. MrLulz
    Aug 17, 2013
    7
    I was a big fan of Saints Row 2 and I was excited for the next installment. Saints Row 2 had a really well done story and the gameplay was well done, Stilwater felt cool and realistic, And the activities were sooo much fun. So when Saints Row: The Third came out I was looking forward to it. Unfortunately, It did not live up to expectations. The new city of Steelport was pretty bland andI was a big fan of Saints Row 2 and I was excited for the next installment. Saints Row 2 had a really well done story and the gameplay was well done, Stilwater felt cool and realistic, And the activities were sooo much fun. So when Saints Row: The Third came out I was looking forward to it. Unfortunately, It did not live up to expectations. The new city of Steelport was pretty bland and boring and hard to look at, The pedestrians all blend in and all look the same, and every street looks the same. The story isn't really that interesting or memorable, It seems like Volition said "Let's have a bunch of crazy s**t happen and built a story around it" which makes the story only 10 hours long which may sound long but Saint's Row 2's story was about almost 20 hours long. The new activities weren't that interesting, A bunch of activities that were fun in SR2 are gone. Now they've been replaced with pretty basic ones like Tank Mayhem and Guardian Angel (Professor Genki's Super Ethical Reality Climax is pretty fun though). Customization is pretty lacking though, In Saints Row 1 & 2 you could customize your character to have an overshirt, an undershirt, Buttoned or Unbuttoned etc. In Saints Row: The Third you can't do any of that. If it sounds like there's no fun in this game, that's not the case at all. This is probably one of the best games of 2011. If you have a friend on Xbox Live, PSN Or Steam, Go play co-op because it is so much fun! So the question is "Is this better than Saints Row 2?" No, Saints Row 2 is better in a lot of ways but this is still a great game! Hope Saints Row 4 is awesome!… Expand
  14. RayPist
    Aug 17, 2013
    7
    Saints Row has finally created its own identity to not instantly said to be "a GTA clone", as it turns down the gritty story and turns up the insane gameplay. Though its story is weak and graphics average at best it is still an extremely fun game to play, especially with a friend. With interesting weapons and creative game mechanics this will keep you hooked for a while, if you're intoSaints Row has finally created its own identity to not instantly said to be "a GTA clone", as it turns down the gritty story and turns up the insane gameplay. Though its story is weak and graphics average at best it is still an extremely fun game to play, especially with a friend. With interesting weapons and creative game mechanics this will keep you hooked for a while, if you're into giant purple and running around dressed as a panda that is.… Expand
  15. Rem
    Jul 12, 2013
    6
    Saints Row: The Third is without a doubt a funny game, but how does it play? Well, it plays..not so well. The gameplay spices things up a little, but much of the controls are too jumpy or unresponsive. All I'd like to mention that this game does not look pretty. It looks average at best. Even some of the snarky humor fails to generate a few chuckles. However despite all this, I still likedSaints Row: The Third is without a doubt a funny game, but how does it play? Well, it plays..not so well. The gameplay spices things up a little, but much of the controls are too jumpy or unresponsive. All I'd like to mention that this game does not look pretty. It looks average at best. Even some of the snarky humor fails to generate a few chuckles. However despite all this, I still liked playing it. It's not as great as the one before it, but when you're having whacky fun, why bother?… Expand
  16. M9ki
    Jul 11, 2013
    7
    Honestly I though this game was messed up, it was very repetitive and boring after a while.The magic crap ruins the game to me.It was an okay game as we speak.
  17. Ghassanid
    Jul 6, 2013
    7
    Saints Row 3 has alot of options and side activities to do and has some fun story missions but it has some major flaws which ruin what could have been a great game. The biggest flaw is the story which is very weak and tries to be funny but doesn't do a good job. The game is also extremely boring in the second half of the game because it becomes so easy and no longer offers a challenge.Saints Row 3 has alot of options and side activities to do and has some fun story missions but it has some major flaws which ruin what could have been a great game. The biggest flaw is the story which is very weak and tries to be funny but doesn't do a good job. The game is also extremely boring in the second half of the game because it becomes so easy and no longer offers a challenge. Also the driving feels to arcade like and makes driving uninteresting.… Expand
  18. zatch32
    Jun 14, 2013
    7
    What a letdown this game was. It pales in comparison to the first two in the series. The story was forgettable, the characters were bland, and after you beat the game, there is really no reason to keep playing. SR1 and SR2 had me playing long after I beat the story, while after I beat SR3, I didn't play much afterwards. SR1 and 2 also had a great balance of seriousness and silliness to it.What a letdown this game was. It pales in comparison to the first two in the series. The story was forgettable, the characters were bland, and after you beat the game, there is really no reason to keep playing. SR1 and SR2 had me playing long after I beat the story, while after I beat SR3, I didn't play much afterwards. SR1 and 2 also had a great balance of seriousness and silliness to it. With SR3, it is pretty much all silly all the time, nothing is meant to be taken seriously, even parts that you'd think should be. The city is also lifeless compared to Stilwater. This game was definitely one of the most disappointing games I've ever played.… Expand
  19. blacksheeptrp
    Apr 26, 2013
    5
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. its dumb down version of saints row 2. Its the worst game in franchise. graphics are meh. saints row and saints row had a great story. then they have a nerve to kill off gat within first 15 minutes of game.… Expand
  20. BlacksitePSU
    Feb 17, 2013
    6
    The third entry of the Saints Row series, while fun, holds the player's hand a bit too much and reduces the majority of missions to simple tutorials and mini-games. Fans of the previous two installments will also be disappointed to find out that Volition really didn't do much to advance the plot. That said, let's hope Saints Row 4 focuses more on the protagonist tracking down Dex.
  21. Rox22
    Dec 12, 2012
    7
    This is a fun game, not meant to be taken seriously. One could almost call it a humors take of GTA. It is flawed and far from perfect, but it's obvious that it's not trying to be. Clearly the developers were focuses on one theme: A fun over the top gangsta game, in which case they succeeded. Missions are hit & miss. Some are really boring, but then there are those make you go: Holy f*****gThis is a fun game, not meant to be taken seriously. One could almost call it a humors take of GTA. It is flawed and far from perfect, but it's obvious that it's not trying to be. Clearly the developers were focuses on one theme: A fun over the top gangsta game, in which case they succeeded. Missions are hit & miss. Some are really boring, but then there are those make you go: Holy f*****g s**t! That was f*****g awesome!! It's those amazing moments that make this game stand out from mediocrity. Saints Row the Third is a good game worth a go if you've got nothing better on your plate.… Expand
  22. The-Watchers
    Sep 2, 2012
    6
    Great Game for your First playthrough but after completion not much to do unlike sr2 were there is a ton of fun activity's and you can go into to tons of buildings and the cheats are so much better. but on sr the third there is hardly any buildings to go in the map is smaller and most of the clothes stores are planet saints. the best cheat in the game cant even be used in bloody co-op
    but    Great Game for your First playthrough but after completion not much to do unlike sr2 were there is a ton of fun activity's and you can go into to tons of buildings and the cheats are so much better. but on sr the third there is hardly any buildings to go in the map is smaller and most of the clothes stores are planet saints. the best cheat in the game cant even be used in bloody co-op
    but the game is good but not like the other gangster games sr1-2 was    … Expand
  23. ColdHardTruth
    Jul 4, 2012
    7
    Let me start and say this is not your serious sandbox experience. This is a over the top sandbox experience with thrills and spills. Graphics are behind a few years and sounds of the environments are not synchronized with the actions taking place. The main story in these games seem to be generally the same, with no innovations. But the voice acting and comedic take on life is a refreshingLet me start and say this is not your serious sandbox experience. This is a over the top sandbox experience with thrills and spills. Graphics are behind a few years and sounds of the environments are not synchronized with the actions taking place. The main story in these games seem to be generally the same, with no innovations. But the voice acting and comedic take on life is a refreshing side. A lot goes on in Steelport (the city you venture in) including air battles with cool futuristic jets and challenges set all over the city from insurance fraud to a game show you can star in (listen to the hosts of the game show, they are funny!). Yes this is a open world modern day action game, but Saints Row the Third lacks structure in giving you more interesting side missions outside of your everyday bad ass actions. If your itching over this summer for GTA 5, buy Saints Row the Third for a discounted price and enjoy some open world chaos.… Expand
  24. JangerGR
    Jul 2, 2012
    5
    This game is fun, has lots of items to beat up people with, and serves hours of trying out new weapons and roaming the streets. However, the campaign was short, and sort of creative, but not mind blowing. Most places look the same, and no stronghold looks different on the inside except the HQ. The game gets really boring after a while, and the takeover the city stuff isn't worth doing inThis game is fun, has lots of items to beat up people with, and serves hours of trying out new weapons and roaming the streets. However, the campaign was short, and sort of creative, but not mind blowing. Most places look the same, and no stronghold looks different on the inside except the HQ. The game gets really boring after a while, and the takeover the city stuff isn't worth doing in my opinion. Theres no store to get cars, and none of the cars look that cool, sometimes even when I customize them, and the clothes are crazy, letting you make any odd design you want. This isn't a bad game, but I probably won't come back to it.… Expand
  25. diehard-gamer
    May 16, 2012
    5
    GTA lite anyone? Driving control is nowhere near as good as GTA, Combat controls are about the same level of clunkyness as GTA, but you don't notice because your character is pretty much invincible (even on normal setting). And you can do more dressing up, Especially comedy dressing up, but that all fits in with the loony toons graphics and zany setting.
  26. topender
    Apr 4, 2012
    6
    While i am enjoying this game I cant help feeling its just a rip-off of the GTA series without the same level of polish. Definately enjoying the tongue in cheek action but it could have used a lot more work on finer details prior to release
  27. Rexnos
    Mar 15, 2012
    6
    If zany and ridiculous game play is your thing, this is where to find it. However, the story is a massive step back from the previous installment. It's definitely fun, but there's not much to it besides its over the top violence and insanity.
  28. zurupeto
    Mar 13, 2012
    6
    I got a few laughs out of this, but gave up on it about 70% of the way through. I had a hard time relating to my character, who spoke like a zombie because all of the other voices were too annoying, and the gratuitous revelry in violence was a little much.
  29. PopeDizzle
    Feb 15, 2012
    7
    Well its a fun ride one time through. I have to admit I am disappointed with the game. It had a lot of hype. Sure it is pure fun but the game forgot where it came from. SR2 had a compelling story compaired to this one. The real missions seem few and far between and mini games are forced to be played as part of the main story. Maybe I was just expecting more. No Death Match or any modeWell its a fun ride one time through. I have to admit I am disappointed with the game. It had a lot of hype. Sure it is pure fun but the game forgot where it came from. SR2 had a compelling story compaired to this one. The real missions seem few and far between and mini games are forced to be played as part of the main story. Maybe I was just expecting more. No Death Match or any mode outside of co-op. Rental only.… Expand
  30. Jon-Ryo
    Jan 18, 2012
    7
    This game tried to be over the top and lost sight of what made the 2nd one great, which was that the wiriting had a serious tone with some funny moments, but ultimately you were a hardened street gangster and the story kept in line with that with moments of death, revenge, losing gang members etc but never taking the feel of the game out of the context it was set in. Whereas this (the 3rd)This game tried to be over the top and lost sight of what made the 2nd one great, which was that the wiriting had a serious tone with some funny moments, but ultimately you were a hardened street gangster and the story kept in line with that with moments of death, revenge, losing gang members etc but never taking the feel of the game out of the context it was set in. Whereas this (the 3rd) disregards the fact the saints are supposed to be a hardcore street gang instead setting them as famed celebrities first and a gang second. The game loses it's gritty appeal by doing this, the missions force you to do some of the 'activities' that were in the other one as filler to the main quest line (which is annoying). Following the story ultimately it doesn't evoke any type of feeling in the gamer as the writers are made to go for over the top stunts and gags that get old real quick. The saving grace is that the two player online co-op for the whole game is back and is still enjoyable. Overall I'd recommend saints row 2 over this one especially to play with a friend, it has a better story, better activities (which are optional) and is overall a better game.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

36
#36 Best Xbox 360 Game of 2011
21
#21 Most Discussed Xbox 360 Game of 2011
27
#27 Most Shared Xbox 360 Game of 2011

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
84

Generally favorable reviews - based on 70 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 61 out of 70
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 70
  3. Negative: 0 out of 70
  1. Xbox Achievements
    Feb 15, 2012
    84
    Volition gets many things right in Saints Row: The Third in what is no doubt a fine sequel, but it's very much a case of sequelitis for the THQ franchise. The zany and over-the-top nature, well-written script and whole host of sandbox toys are held back ever so slightly by the oddly paced and repetitive proceedings of the game's main story.
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  2. Gamer.no
    Feb 7, 2012
    60
    Saint's Row: The Third sets out with a great ambition of giving the player freedom and an arsenal of fun elements to play with. Unfortunately, though, the game still falls a bit short with a somewhat childish sense of humour and quirky game mechanics.
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  3. EGM
    Jan 3, 2012
    80
    Despite my gripes with the multiplayer options, the 10-to-12-hour campaign's still very much worth the price of admission, and it needs to be seen to be believed-trust me, this game's done more than enough to earn its "M" rating from the ESRB.
    Read full review
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