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. MusicJJJ
    Nov 15, 2011
    7
    "Saint Row: The Third" is the craziest sandbox game i've played up to date. Those people who expect beautiful graphics and amazing story like "GTA 4" will either love or hate this, cause this is NOTHING like GTA. The story's got some unique missions but a decent story. The graphics aren't the best, but you can at least see it. The best thing for "SR 3" is the open world environment. ****"Saint Row: The Third" is the craziest sandbox game i've played up to date. Those people who expect beautiful graphics and amazing story like "GTA 4" will either love or hate this, cause this is NOTHING like GTA. The story's got some unique missions but a decent story. The graphics aren't the best, but you can at least see it. The best thing for "SR 3" is the open world environment. **** the cops, kill whores, dance with gay men...Everything IS POSSIBLE. Sex change? You got it. Running around naked while hitting pedestrians with a **** stick? You got it. Flying around with Jets blowing up **** You ****in got it! Overall the game is meant for you to enjoy and relax, to do stuff you never can do in reality. Have fun, fellow saints :)!!!!… Expand
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. JJ2FAS4U
    Dec 28, 2021
    6
    Atmosphere: 6
    Enjoyment: 6
    Gameplay: 7
    Graphics: 6
    Music: 5
    Story: 5
    Total: 5.83
  7. Bdawg916
    Nov 22, 2011
    7
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Let me start by saying I'm bout 20% of the way through this game so there's no huge spoiler here...
    This is easily the best Saints Row game available. Very over the top, even for Saints Row... which is why I'm a little disappointed. It looks amazing, very clean. Very FUN! The death of Johnny Gat hit me like the Death of Optimus Prime in the original Transformers movies from the 80s. ( Its in the first 10-20 or so minutes don't think I ruined your experience) The story has a good base, many of the activities return from the previous games. Some new ones like Tank Mayhem, are fun. All of the old faces are there, Shondi, Pierce, Gat, and some new faces which I think they made to much of a reach for. A wrestler (Voiced by Hulk Hogan), a pimp (who sounds like T-Pain & gets extremely irritating very quickly) and an EX FBI agent. All of which I THINK they could have done a better job on. The unlocks are all based on respect you now have to purchase them, which i think extends the game play the cars are great. They even brough on some actual Rim companies to make them more accurate and true to like looking(Lexani for one) A nice step up, but to far out in my opinion.    … Expand
  8. Next_metal_god
    Nov 24, 2011
    7
    It has to be said, the parallels to the GTA series and it's ever familiar carjacking, cop shooting, gangbanging (bowling?) gameplay are no coincidence. But in my opinion, Saints Row: The Third is very much a worthy alternative to Rockstar's latest offering, for the most part - it was pretty clear from the beginning where Volition was taking The Third; over the top - wacky, creative,It has to be said, the parallels to the GTA series and it's ever familiar carjacking, cop shooting, gangbanging (bowling?) gameplay are no coincidence. But in my opinion, Saints Row: The Third is very much a worthy alternative to Rockstar's latest offering, for the most part - it was pretty clear from the beginning where Volition was taking The Third; over the top - wacky, creative, unadulterated, colourful fun (and all in co-op! Which is as fun as it has ever been) which for me, is why. After the incredible experience that was San Andreas, I was as excited as anyone about GTA IV. I played Saints Row and it was fun for what it was; a thinly veiled, cheap but admirably tongue in cheek GTA knock-off. And I, like a lot of people, was expecting a lot from IV. And in many ways, it delivered. But in my opinion, it missed the mark in so many others, but not to turn this into a review of GTA IV... My point is, Saints Row: The Third appeals to me because it really hits a lot of those marks GTA missed. The world is vibrant and colourful as opposed to GTA IV's washy pallet of browns and greys. The side activities at least seem worthwhile (again, bowling with Roman). The actual gameplay has improved a lot since Saints Row 2. Everything is a lot better, most notably the driving. The combat is fun and the weapons are satisfying enough. Explosions are beautiful to behold, in fact. And many of the control frustrations experienced in GTA IV and Red Dead Redemption are thankfully not a problem here. The game generally has a good sense of humour, if a little immature at times (the massive, floppy **** and balls **** bat falls into this category in my opinion) and most of the characters are enjoyable enough (although a few are just a little bit irritating, especially the pimp that talks in **** auto-tune). The story is predictably nothing incredible, what with having to hold together so many random gameplay elements, but it's enough, and when you're enjoying so many wacky co-op shenanigans, who cares? This isn't GTA, after all. And if you enjoyed Saints Row 2, you'll know what to expect.

    But as someone that really enjoyed Saints Row 2, I have a couple of small complaints. One of the fun things about Saints Row 2 was the insane amount of customisation options you could play with. Everything from your character's appearance and some fun characteristics to giving your car a tacky spoiler and retractable **** wheel scythes, chariot style. However, in The Third, Volition have sadly watered this down somewhat. Clothing is now mostly bought in outfits and aside from the predictable wacky mascot and ninja costumes there are seemingly nowhere near as many options. You can run around looking stupid but I'll bet it won't be your carefully crafted stupid, just the bright pink mascot costume you've resorted to because nothing else appealed. And I could swear there are a couple of duplicated items with different names... The car customisation offers about the same level of possibilities. The only notable additions, aside from the new cars and their options, is neon under glow and a couple of licensed bits and pieces that to me seem out of place, as someone cynical about advertising and product placement, which isn't limited to the garage, tsk tsk... And you still can't so much as change the colour of any air or water vehicles. Although it is still hilariously called 'Rim-Jobs'... It's also lacking the constant rewards you used to get upon completing the many activities, as well as ditching the eight levels format. Although the upgrades system is undeniably good.

    If I have to give it a number, it'll be a seven. It's worth playing, more so with a buddy. But as much as an improvement on the series as it is, I can't help but feel like it abandoned at least a couple of the things that made me such a fan of the last game. And chances are a fourth Saints Row would be even more of a departure... I'm sure I'll still have plenty of fun with this though, and I'm sure most of you would too.    … Expand
  9. Foxxey86
    Dec 20, 2011
    7
    This game is no where near as crazy as it would like to be, and it doesnt live up to any of the hype that came before it. But that doesnt take anything away from what is a great action game with some truely spectacular set peices. The voice acting is much better than some AAA titles out there and the story isnt to bad either. But its anything but original. Its worth a place in your gameThis game is no where near as crazy as it would like to be, and it doesnt live up to any of the hype that came before it. But that doesnt take anything away from what is a great action game with some truely spectacular set peices. The voice acting is much better than some AAA titles out there and the story isnt to bad either. But its anything but original. Its worth a place in your game collection just to get away from all those serious time consuming titles that are without a doubt in everyones collection. Great stress buster too!!… Expand
  10. generiKGaming
    Nov 17, 2011
    6
    The game is decent however it falls short when compared to a lot of the other sandbox games. Not very original and the game is quite short. Graphics seem dated and there seems to be no true character development throughout the story
  11. williamdun
    Nov 17, 2011
    5
    This game is fun and crayzie like everyone says but it feels too much like SR2. The graphics are almost the same , the gameplay mechanics still feel clunky, Not to mention this is a very glitchy game. I really expect a little more from SR3.
  12. FatHitman
    Nov 17, 2011
    7
    Beat the game within 2 days of owning it. Co-op works great that is IF you have a person to play with because the "Steam Matchmaking" option does not work at all so its impossible to find anyone else to play with unless they are friends. Have done all the content in the game and it was fun for the time, This is a game to be played casually with a friends and just to do random stuff onBeat the game within 2 days of owning it. Co-op works great that is IF you have a person to play with because the "Steam Matchmaking" option does not work at all so its impossible to find anyone else to play with unless they are friends. Have done all the content in the game and it was fun for the time, This is a game to be played casually with a friends and just to do random stuff on which is a fun time waster and also show-off you character and customization.… Expand
  13. Requiem
    Nov 25, 2011
    6
    Off the wall style sums this game up. Does that equal a great game? No. Push all the wackyness and over the top missions, the game falls short on both length and variety. Customization is there but it's nothing compared to Saints Row 2. The world itself is not that big compared to the previous releases. After playing and beating it, I felt as if though the game was a base for futureOff the wall style sums this game up. Does that equal a great game? No. Push all the wackyness and over the top missions, the game falls short on both length and variety. Customization is there but it's nothing compared to Saints Row 2. The world itself is not that big compared to the previous releases. After playing and beating it, I felt as if though the game was a base for future dlc and was meant to be short. There are better games out there, wait till a bundle comes out because this game is not worth over 50 US dollars.… Expand
  14. yokster87
    Nov 16, 2011
    6
    This game is fun if you have no taste for plot and realism, however i do. In this game you type in cheats and mindlessly go around blowing innocent people's heads off. The plot is poorly made and there is little improvement on the graphics from the last one. However it is fun once in a while (just as i said before) to mindlessly blow someone's head off. That is why this game is a sandbox,This game is fun if you have no taste for plot and realism, however i do. In this game you type in cheats and mindlessly go around blowing innocent people's heads off. The plot is poorly made and there is little improvement on the graphics from the last one. However it is fun once in a while (just as i said before) to mindlessly blow someone's head off. That is why this game is a sandbox, so if you like running around naked beating people up with **** this game is right for you.… Expand
  15. Grantus921
    Nov 15, 2011
    6
    Tried it out at a friend's house. Too crazy for me, almost chaotic, but that is why it is fun too. Just not for me, reminds me of GTA just too ridiculous.
  16. parsont
    Nov 15, 2011
    6
    Crazy, fun, but highly inappropriate. This game is fun, but it lacks taste and an actual authentic script. It's over the top, but not in a good way.
  17. charlie412
    Nov 17, 2011
    5
    if this was released in 2009 it would have been good but its just too simple really and you get bored quick, this game will be catching dust on a shelf in a week
  18. 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
  19. 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
  20. 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
  21. 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.
  22. 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
  23. 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.
  24. pitoch
    Jan 3, 2012
    7
    The ultimate sandbox game. Don't play it with a serious mind !

    7 because the graphics are just correct and the main campaign is a bit short and confused
  25. meaniedevilface
    Jan 17, 2012
    5
    It isn't as good as Saints Row 2, but it's not awful either. Saints Row the Third goes balls-out silly sometimes, which can either feel fun or really forced. It's really short. Like, *really* short. There's something lacking about it when compared to the two previous iterations and it feels shallow and lackluster in comparison. The character creator is amazing, and should probably haveIt isn't as good as Saints Row 2, but it's not awful either. Saints Row the Third goes balls-out silly sometimes, which can either feel fun or really forced. It's really short. Like, *really* short. There's something lacking about it when compared to the two previous iterations and it feels shallow and lackluster in comparison. The character creator is amazing, and should probably have been the game. Overall, I regret paying full price, and wish I would've rented this game.… Expand
  26. 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
  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. 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
  30. 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
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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

All reviews »
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.
    Read full review
  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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