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. Alex_Pilgrim008
    Dec 23, 2021
    8
    The most refined of the series. While some of the activities of SR 2 have been removed, everything else has been improved. In addition to the campaign, there's a horde mode and online co-op. If you liked the previous two entries, then you'll like this one too. It's Jackass meets GTA. I'd rate it with an 8.4 out of 10.
  4. GWGTS
    Mar 2, 2012
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Saints Row is a great game to sit around and do extremely strange stuff in. Itâ… Expand
  5. HARBING3R
    May 25, 2012
    8
    The game is great, but I feel that there is less to explore not as much content as before. Even so what it lacks in longer story and more exploration it makes up in well....crazy sh***t so its worth every dollar. I highly recommend it to fans of senseless violence.
  6. 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.
  7. 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
  8. brendo214
    May 22, 2019
    9
    Looking at it from a purely critical standpoint, Saints Row: The Third is probably the best in the series.
  9. JACK15q
    Apr 9, 2020
    10
    One of the best games I've ever played. Its amazing from its story, graphics to action. You can basically do what ever you want in this game and I love it.
  10. SWFan523
    Jun 21, 2020
    8
    A total blast. Leader in open world absurdism before GTA V ran with a lot of what SR3 did. Light on story but heavy on fun. Worth a buy if you haven't played.
  11. Cementer200
    Sep 28, 2020
    8
    Saints Row The Third is a good game. SR3 is a open world game game set in a city called Silport with a good missions and good side activities but the game play is ok. SR3 isn't as good as Saints Row 2.
  12. 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
  13. CloudStrife05
    Aug 20, 2021
    9
    This is where the series really changed and it was a great change. The series went from being called "That GTA wannabe" to Saints Row. Great game play, driving in the airplane was awesome and the game was funny af.
  14. JJ2FAS4U
    Dec 28, 2021
    6
    Atmosphere: 6
    Enjoyment: 6
    Gameplay: 7
    Graphics: 6
    Music: 5
    Story: 5
    Total: 5.83
  15. YipManSays
    Nov 21, 2011
    8
    Saints Row the Third is a very fun sandbox game. It allows you to cause tons of chaos with your gang and customize them and your character a lot. That being said though I feel like the game is lacking the vast amount of content Saints Row 2 had. I don't feel like there are as many weapons and stores. To me it almost feels like they took away stuff so they could add it as dlc for later.Saints Row the Third is a very fun sandbox game. It allows you to cause tons of chaos with your gang and customize them and your character a lot. That being said though I feel like the game is lacking the vast amount of content Saints Row 2 had. I don't feel like there are as many weapons and stores. To me it almost feels like they took away stuff so they could add it as dlc for later. That being said though its a pretty fun game!… Expand
  16. RastaCC
    Nov 18, 2011
    8
    I wasn't sure what to expect, but what I got was a trip down memory to the countless hours I spent being a nuisance to the citizens of GTA: San Andreas. This is my first Saint's Row, FYI. The story missions are somewhat interesting, but I've only done a couple so far. I'm having an incredible time just racing around doing side missions like "tank mayhem" where you, well, start mayhem in aI wasn't sure what to expect, but what I got was a trip down memory to the countless hours I spent being a nuisance to the citizens of GTA: San Andreas. This is my first Saint's Row, FYI. The story missions are somewhat interesting, but I've only done a couple so far. I'm having an incredible time just racing around doing side missions like "tank mayhem" where you, well, start mayhem in a tank and attempt to cause a certain dollar amount of damage. Then there is "Professor Gerki's Super Ethical Reality Climax" side missions. It is essentially a corridor shooter where you go through an obstacle course of fire, electricity and mascots trying to shoot or bludgeon you. Again, you need to get up to a certain dollar value of points to pass. It's definitely not for everyone, but I'm having a blast!… Expand
  17. 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
  18. 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
  19. Utora
    Nov 23, 2011
    10
    I basically was able to create my own intense 30 min Micheal Bay action sequence in co-op with 5-star STAG and Gang notoriety. It was incredible. We weren't even doing anything related to game except simply messing around in world making up our own rules and objectives (get the to airport in tanks). There is no other game that can offer these kinds of experiences, its in a league all ofI basically was able to create my own intense 30 min Micheal Bay action sequence in co-op with 5-star STAG and Gang notoriety. It was incredible. We weren't even doing anything related to game except simply messing around in world making up our own rules and objectives (get the to airport in tanks). There is no other game that can offer these kinds of experiences, its in a league all of its own, and simply put, the best openworld-SANDBOX game I've ever played.… Expand
  20. Richeh
    Dec 1, 2011
    8
    For months we were dripfed snippets of demented carnage sprinkled with **** bats and psycho cats. Journalists crawled back from previews, blood pouring from their noses, gasping of the insanity of the game we were about to be exposed to. "Jesus, this game is insane", they gibbered. "You are about to go FULL RETARD for this game". Then gouged out their own eyes and began to worshipFor months we were dripfed snippets of demented carnage sprinkled with **** bats and psycho cats. Journalists crawled back from previews, blood pouring from their noses, gasping of the insanity of the game we were about to be exposed to. "Jesus, this game is insane", they gibbered. "You are about to go FULL RETARD for this game". Then gouged out their own eyes and began to worship c'thulhu.

    And now we've got it.

    Welllllll... it isn't really insane, is it? The promises of a rocket-ride of utterly original gameplay are, at best, scandalous exaggeration. It doesn't even have many activities that aren't copied wholesale from Saint's Row 2. In fact, this is a very down-to-earth sequel to a great game. It's very, very good, but it's linear. It's grounded. It's a lot of respectable things that it's put a lot of effort pretending not to be, just so people will think they'll like it on a very superficial level.

    It's like a guy at a party who everyone describes as CRAZY. He isn't crazy, is he, he's an accountant who sings unaccompanied karaoke when he's drunk and introduces himself with pencils up his nose. In fact, you wouldn't even want to spend that much time with him. And so it is with Saint's Row.

    Of course all of this is coloured by the recent gaming landscape. SR3 was released a week after Skyrim, a game which contrasts the crazy accountant by sitting quietly in the corner sipping good scotch and charming the underwear off all present with modest tales of its adventures exploring the continent.

    And they'll all be true.

    Saint's Row 3, when I think about it, is best described as epic marketing effort and bad release timing conspiring to improbably replace what should have been a lovely surprise with a vague feeling of disappointment. And guilt at being such a spoiled brat for being disappointed with what is, after all, a very good game. If I'd paid twenty pounds for it, I would have loved it. Unfortunately I paid thirty-five, and feel a little shortchanged.    … Expand
  21. Runfocovah
    Nov 21, 2011
    8
    Ok I will start saying this is the best SR of the series. Graphics arent superb but are way better than previous. Car handling, respect, character upgrade, melee combat, sound, and vehicles have been really improved and there is not a single boring mission this time arround, but they are less and the game its really short if you ignore side missions and activities. Really loved it.
  22. KSP2011
    Nov 20, 2011
    8
    Bought this on Friday night. I have to say i was disappointed at first due to the poor framerate and ropey driving animations, but it grew on me eventually. Very OTT which is by no means a bad thing and a wealth of customisable options. Recommended for the gamer who's looking to pass a few days before going back to MW3 again
  23. DannyWeed08
    Nov 21, 2011
    9
    Great game!! Loads of fun with plenty to do!! Missions are crazy, reason it doesnt get a full 10 is there is no car showrooms or bike showroom where u can purchase vehicles like you could in saints 2 and no spinner wheels or car hydrolics which is i think a step back as were both featured in the previous games !!
  24. real1g
    Nov 22, 2011
    10
    Saints Row: The Third is a bad-ass game. This is what all the GTA fans can do while waiting for GTA5. It's certainly better than GTA4 in my opinion. The humor, gameplay, and straight-up raucous fun, will have you playing this game for hours!
  25. ComingOfShadows
    Nov 23, 2011
    8
    Saint's Row: the Third is a fun, chaotic sandbox game with plenty of potential. The Co-op is easy and intuitive, allowing for 2 player open world play, co-op activities and campaign missions. The campaign missions are fun and unique, though the story seems a bit weak compared to previous games. The game overall is great, though it does have it's problems.

    I was quite disappointed by    Saint's Row: the Third is a fun, chaotic sandbox game with plenty of potential. The Co-op is easy and intuitive, allowing for 2 player open world play, co-op activities and campaign missions. The campaign missions are fun and unique, though the story seems a bit weak compared to previous games. The game overall is great, though it does have it's problems.

    I was quite disappointed by some of the changes Volition decided to go with for Saint's Row: the Third. Many of my favourite activities from SR2 have been removed such as Fuzz, Septic Avenger and Fight Club, though Professor Genki's S.E.R.C. and Tank Mayhem are welcome additions.

    My biggest complaint though is how much they have reduced the customization options since the previous game. It feels like a step backwords with the reduced options.

    The Character body sliders have been removed, instead replaced with the Skinny/Fat/Strong triangle style body selector. Ability modifiers such as dual wielding are permanent, once you can dual wield, you always dual wield. There is no option of selecting 1 or 2 guns like in SR2 and the weapon selection is much less diverse.

    Several clothing layers have been removed, replaced with preset clothing combinations instead. If you want a specific shirt/coat option you better hope that someone at volition wanted it as well or you are out of luck. Gone are the 4 layer torso options, ability to have multiple rings or piercings, etc... Also the selection of clothes seems quite limited, with many of the NPCs having much better options then the player is given.

    Vehicles have also been affected by this with the removal of Spinners and hydraulics and vehicles that were previously customizable can no longer be upgraded such as the Bear APC. I was really hoping for an expansion of the customization options, maybe allowing boats and planes to be customized, but instead they decided to reduce the player's options rather then expand them.    … Expand
  26. TLove
    Dec 11, 2011
    8
    I was expecting a little bit more of a badass feel. That said, it was a hell of a good time. It kept the laughs coming. With the obvious exception of there being way too many **** Customization is awesome, which is what GTA lacks in. You can style your character, weapons, and most importantly, your ride, to the way you want it. The opposing gangs are a little corny. I didn't like theI was expecting a little bit more of a badass feel. That said, it was a hell of a good time. It kept the laughs coming. With the obvious exception of there being way too many **** Customization is awesome, which is what GTA lacks in. You can style your character, weapons, and most importantly, your ride, to the way you want it. The opposing gangs are a little corny. I didn't like the Luchadores (a gang of wrestlers) especially when I found out they were basically the main antagonists. The extras like the activities, assassinations, vehicle thefts, etc. were cool and I enjoy the expanded array of vehicles, with a few zany additions. The one thing that kept me from voting it a 9 was the ability to make your character completely invincible with enough money. That's kind of stupid.… Expand
  27. NovaRift
    Nov 29, 2011
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I am actually going to give this a 9, a 10 is in order but it is still very similar to Saint's Row 2 just different city. To all the people trying to compare it to GTA, just stop. This game is Saints Row, Volition even said themselves that they want to take the GTA genre and give it what people want. The ability to do whatever they want. Over the top wacky things! Did they deliver? Yes, Yes they did. Prof. Genki is AWESOME and actually challenging. The weapons are awesome, the customization is more in depth. Still would like to see some more added features to car customization though. That would make me a happy panda!

    BTW, I marked this as containing spoilers due to the mention of Prof. Genki and the activities being a little challenging. Not really a spoiler but some crymores might think so!    … Expand
  28. 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
  29. Veritas
    Nov 17, 2011
    10
    Great game, lots of fun and epic randomness. That's what this game is, and the game is good at it. Sadly, no larger scale co-op, or competitive mp modes, so that part feels like a bit of a step back. It's fun, though, and that's what it aims to be.
  30. Lucrious
    Nov 15, 2011
    8
    Saints Row: The Third hits more than it misses, but unfortunately it ended up a victim of it's own immense hype, and while it is a fantastic game, ultimately Saints Row 2 is the best of the series, as 'The Third' iteration of this series, the game play has been seen in all the hilarious videos, **** bats, man-o-canons, etc but the overall repetitive nature of the side missions remains andSaints Row: The Third hits more than it misses, but unfortunately it ended up a victim of it's own immense hype, and while it is a fantastic game, ultimately Saints Row 2 is the best of the series, as 'The Third' iteration of this series, the game play has been seen in all the hilarious videos, **** bats, man-o-canons, etc but the overall repetitive nature of the side missions remains and the story is somewhat weaker than the second, but story only serves to give backdrop to the fantastic world that is the city of Steelport. The game is fantastic, and well worth your money, but unfortunately it did fall short of a perfect sequel to the already fantastic game that was Saints Row 2, and it's enormous expectations led to the game feeling somewhat less than what many may have expected. BUY IT.… 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.
    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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