Saints Row

 Xbox 360
  • Publisher: THQ
  • Release Date: Aug 29, 2006
User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 285 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 190 out of 285
  2. Mixed: 65 out of 285
  3. Negative: 30 out of 285
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  1. JaydenPickens
    Feb 20, 2019
    7
    Wish they would remake this one. Remaster it or something, release it on all platforms, let everyone have fun with the saints. A good start of the series. Pickens approves.
  2. CalebHs
    Nov 10, 2008
    8
    No matter how awful the acts you commit in this game, no matter how many people you killed for no reason, no matter how many times you evade the police, the story line always maintains one central idea: Justice.
  3. BaronMonaco
    Jan 7, 2016
    7
    Saints Row is the first episode of one of the most emblematic sand box game of the last (and probably current) generation.

    This first episode truly represents the spirit of Saints Row, is fun and "offensive", the dialogues are really funny and the side activities entertaining. But unfortunately it wasn't as polished than in Saints Row 2 or 3, both driving and shooting are a little    Saints Row is the first episode of one of the most emblematic sand box game of the last (and probably current) generation.

    This first episode truly represents the spirit of Saints Row, is fun and "offensive", the dialogues are really funny and the side activities entertaining. But unfortunately it wasn't as polished than in Saints Row 2 or 3, both driving and shooting are a little clunky, the side activities quickly become repetitive because you have to do each one 24 times without main changes.

    Graphically the game looks good for one of the first 360 games but it's also full of bugs and glitches that can harm the game experience (I hate when my car disappear and I'm here sitting on nothing). At least the soundtrack was great...

    All in all you can expect 20 hours for the main story plus 15 hours to finish the game at 100%, we're in the good average for a sand-box game.

    So yes it was a good start for the series but it needed to be improve and thank god it was, I advise to buy number 2 or 3 before this one.    … Expand
  4. zotune
    Dec 14, 2011
    7
    Great fun, though a little repetitive, especially doing the activities all the time. But at least the game lets you explore outside the main story. Some bugs here and there, but overall a very entertaining game. Not of the same quality as GTA IV, but the developers knows it, and wanted to make a game that was more over-the-top than taking on the realistic approach.
  5. tigger
    May 23, 2012
    9
    Brilliant classic Gangster-game. The graphics are good, the story is awesome and the gameplay is really cool. You can do so much funny missions or even free-roam around this city and build your Third Street Saints-gang. Explosions look and sound gorgeous and the controls are really smooth. I loved this game not just because of the mor believable story than GTAs but the gameplay, theBrilliant classic Gangster-game. The graphics are good, the story is awesome and the gameplay is really cool. You can do so much funny missions or even free-roam around this city and build your Third Street Saints-gang. Explosions look and sound gorgeous and the controls are really smooth. I loved this game not just because of the mor believable story than GTAs but the gameplay, the vehicles and the weapons are simply better. Great Game!… Expand
  6. Rahsmoove
    Sep 16, 2014
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Saint's Row really captures the 4 gang banging hood life in a weird way. The customization is totally spot on, and there are so many unforgettable charaters Johnny Gat, Lin, Julius, Troy, Dex, and Ben King. The activites are endless, and clothing is great. The gang AI was sort of spot on, and the shooting mechanics were awsome. The graphics were great for their time. The storyline was great, but for the most part I was forced to do strongholds. I mean before doing the final mission for the gangs (The Rollers, The Vice Kings, The Los Carnales) doing all those stronng holds felt boring The cons of it however were 2 things.

    The physics. The car's were very arcadish, and the falling feels like you have no weight.
    The Bugs. There were quite a few bugs in this one, but they were very annoying however.    … Expand
  7. BLAZETHEMCKIDD
    Nov 2, 2014
    10
    better than every saints row game this is the most fun and insanly entertaining criminal activity open world game ive ever played its my number 3 best game of all time
  8. BlueFalcon
    Nov 9, 2007
    10
    I hope gta4 is this much fun. At the moment this is the best game on the xbox 360 (yes better than gears of war, yes better than halo 3, and yes better than bioshock, oh and yes better than the orange box). To address some other comments i see... after 30+ hours of gameplay I haven't come across any noteable glitches. Calling this a gta clone doesn't do it justice. It improves I hope gta4 is this much fun. At the moment this is the best game on the xbox 360 (yes better than gears of war, yes better than halo 3, and yes better than bioshock, oh and yes better than the orange box). To address some other comments i see... after 30+ hours of gameplay I haven't come across any noteable glitches. Calling this a gta clone doesn't do it justice. It improves upon the sandbox formula in a lot of memorable ways.… Expand
  9. TheChaser1985
    Apr 1, 2011
    8
    I like the Saints Row story better than Grand Theft Auto's. I love that you can customize you character. The controls are decent and it shoots as good as GTA. The cars drive better than GTA as well, but that part still sucks. There's plenty of guns and liked the choices of cars. I really felt like I was a part of the story.
  10. hollowfication
    Aug 27, 2012
    10
    I love this game this game i preordered this with dead rising when i got into this game i said **** i love it so much better then gta action many objective and side mission all awesome
  11. amazingred09
    Mar 1, 2013
    6
    Is this a good game? No. Is this a bad game? No. Saints Row is an OK game, at best. The story good and the voice acting is pretty solid. The game play is fun for the most part, and it only has a few glitches, and even they are only minor.

    The main criticisms I have with this game are the SEVERE lack of checkpoints missions, the fact that the activities felt like a chore and some of the    Is this a good game? No. Is this a bad game? No. Saints Row is an OK game, at best. The story good and the voice acting is pretty solid. The game play is fun for the most part, and it only has a few glitches, and even they are only minor.

    The main criticisms I have with this game are the SEVERE lack of checkpoints missions, the fact that the activities felt like a chore and some of the mission were endlessly frustrating and not fun in the least. Overall, I would say, give this one a miss, but buy the sequels, because they are FAR better.    … Expand
  12. PeteB
    Aug 2, 2006
    2
    **Based on Demo, final game may well improve matters*

    Oh dear, the videogames industry has seen many a shameless rip off in its time, but Saints Row is the biggest "tribute" to a game I have seen in a long time. Make no mistake this is GTA, right down to its wheelnuts. Sure the combat works better, the ragdoll effects are nice, it even looks better (not that difficult), but none of the    **Based on Demo, final game may well improve matters*

    Oh dear, the videogames industry has seen many a shameless rip off in its time, but Saints Row is the biggest "tribute" to a game I have seen in a long time. Make no mistake this is GTA, right down to its wheelnuts. Sure the combat works better, the ragdoll effects are nice, it even looks better (not that difficult), but none of the character is there. The cars handle far more "digitally" than the Rockstar title, there is an alarming amount of vehicles dissapearing, the whole environment is more "True crime" than "GTA" in terms of denizens. The developers would have far better off copying GTA:SA in its entirerity, putting it through a polygon-o-matic machine, and selling that instead.    … Expand
  13. PB.
    Nov 7, 2006
    6
    A bad gta knockoff, smaller world, garbage weapons, bad a.i., terrible music, terrible cars, virtually no plot, boring, lots of mission repitition need i say more
  14. AidenW.
    Oct 3, 2006
    10
    This game is the best game ever it is even better than all of the GTA games put together.
  15. Saber
    Aug 12, 2006
    6
    Something fresh on the horizon, but what is it with amateurism...man I hate it when 'clones' get annoying. True Crime New York was an excellent GTA clone but they considered dirty talking and utterly adult themes as the base conception of this genre, and now Saint's Row deals with cars explosion as the 'innovation-base' of this genre, I say quit already...there is Something fresh on the horizon, but what is it with amateurism...man I hate it when 'clones' get annoying. True Crime New York was an excellent GTA clone but they considered dirty talking and utterly adult themes as the base conception of this genre, and now Saint's Row deals with cars explosion as the 'innovation-base' of this genre, I say quit already...there is another title coming up called 'crack down' and then there is 'fear and respect' and then the next GTA4 will also be there. These titles are exactly the same with same subject matter of crime and destruction and I can't find them appealing in any category anymore, GTA was GTA and that's all. But yeah its on 360 so my entire marks go to the graphics...the explosions are awesome, lighting is great (although its the next-gen version of same lighting effects as were in True Crime New York City game), sounds and voice overs are fine but characterizations, storyline and innovation are crap and it won't be wrong to say, old-gen !… Expand
  16. V
    Apr 18, 2008
    6
    A decent game, a GT clone whose only improvements on the series are new technology. Not worth buying now with gta 4 around the corner
  17. joes
    Apr 20, 2008
    10
    this game is so awsome it took some ideas from grantheft auto. but still they made sainnts row alot better than grand theft auto.
  18. GrantJ.
    Sep 19, 2006
    1
    This game is without a doubt a cheap ripoff of San Andreas. The single player game was tired at best, and the online glames were so glitchy they are almost unplayable.
  19. SilentHightimes
    Sep 12, 2014
    7
    Solid over the top gameplay good graphics.

    Worth a play thru some hilarious dialogue and fun side missions make it worthwhile.

    Online is a blast love it until the connection goes crazy and cars start driving up walls lol.

    Worth $50
  20. HelloValium
    Aug 26, 2013
    8
    Saints Row 4 blows the Third directly out of the water. I can never go back to simply driving a car. It's a game that's easy to pick up and put down, or play for hours on end. The music is excellent, the story is fulfilling, and the powers are polished and execute in a very satisfying way. At the risk of sounding like Old Shaundi, this game is an expression of joy. It's impossible toSaints Row 4 blows the Third directly out of the water. I can never go back to simply driving a car. It's a game that's easy to pick up and put down, or play for hours on end. The music is excellent, the story is fulfilling, and the powers are polished and execute in a very satisfying way. At the risk of sounding like Old Shaundi, this game is an expression of joy. It's impossible to feel unhappy while leaping from rooftop to rooftop as a huge, balmy moon hangs lazily in the distance. This game is beautiful, and even though Saints Row 2 will always be my favorite and very dear to my heart, I don't regret this entry in the series one bit.… Expand
  21. GamingGuy
    Jul 12, 2014
    7
    I ordered this game from my local gamestop store and personally I think that the game is a good way to start off the series. Not only that, it shows Johnny as still the bad ass he was in both Saints Row 2 and 3. I only wish there were more activities as there was in the second Saints Row. Character customization definitely was good, if only they allowed the character to actually talk likeI ordered this game from my local gamestop store and personally I think that the game is a good way to start off the series. Not only that, it shows Johnny as still the bad ass he was in both Saints Row 2 and 3. I only wish there were more activities as there was in the second Saints Row. Character customization definitely was good, if only they allowed the character to actually talk like they did in the second and third one. I haven't played the fourth Saints Row yet so I can't go into fully detail of that one. But overall, with the feel of a free world gameplay, it definitely was really good. The only disappointment for me is the lack of activities. A positive factor of the game is that it is really hard to earn respect from playing activities. So glad I bought this game.… Expand
  22. Ihatesaintsrow2
    Jan 27, 2016
    0
    This game SUCKS!!!!! why would anyone want this game? The **** in saints row 3 r better than this game this game is so boring and the graphics suck ass. Halo 5 is better than this **** dont buy this game because it sucks trust me the cheat codes make the gAMe even MORE boring wtf is this it sucks dont buy it please!!!!
  23. Broyax
    Apr 11, 2017
    2
    Voilà un GTA encloné par Volition et le résultat n'est pas des plus heureux : il en reprend les défauts comme les missions longues et chiantes sans points de passage, le manque permanent de munitions, les dialogues à la Tarantino qui se croient drôles parce qu'ils placent un fouack toutes les 15 secondes et la ville qu'on doit traverser d'un bout à l'autre pour un oui ou pour un non (et çaVoilà un GTA encloné par Volition et le résultat n'est pas des plus heureux : il en reprend les défauts comme les missions longues et chiantes sans points de passage, le manque permanent de munitions, les dialogues à la Tarantino qui se croient drôles parce qu'ils placent un fouack toutes les 15 secondes et la ville qu'on doit traverser d'un bout à l'autre pour un oui ou pour un non (et ça soûle...).

    Cela dit la maniabilité est dans la moyenne d'un (bon) TPS et s'avère très supérieure à celle (calamiteuse) d'un GTA mais la conduite des véhicules est en net retrait et la technique est faible : c'est moche et saccadé, tout le temps. Autre souci, bon nombre d'éléments du décor sont indestructibles et bloquent carrément le véhicule : insupportable lors des poursuites !

    Si les activités sont plus originales que dans un GTA, elles sont clairement mal foutues et à l'état de brouillon mal dégrossi ; il faudra attendre les Saints Row ultérieurs pour qu'elles atteignent leur maturité ludique... tout comme l'ensemble du jeu à dire vrai : tout y est trop bancal et branlant pour prétendre faire de l'ombre au célèbre concurrent Rockstar, lequel ne pond certainement pas des chefs-d'oeuvre mais produit des simulateurs de racailles un peu moins pourris que cette copie bien veule de Volition.    … Expand
  24. RedXIII
    Sep 20, 2006
    7
    GTA clone to the max, with updated graphics. The single player game play is fun but sometime repetitive, online is fun until lagging sets in and you cant even see the other players. Positives is that even though its a GTA clone it still is the only thing close to it on 360 making it a fun game by default, if you like the GTA series this game is fun and is different then them, but in its GTA clone to the max, with updated graphics. The single player game play is fun but sometime repetitive, online is fun until lagging sets in and you cant even see the other players. Positives is that even though its a GTA clone it still is the only thing close to it on 360 making it a fun game by default, if you like the GTA series this game is fun and is different then them, but in its core it is just another installment of the Grand Theft Auto series. Its different enought to still be fun.… Expand
  25. ChrisW.
    Sep 3, 2006
    8
    I like this game much better that GTA. It feels like you have a lot more freedom that in the GTA games. The graphics look great in HD. Along with Oblivion, this is a must have 360 game.
  26. AldekJ.
    Jul 7, 2007
    8
    In some ways better then GTA; though, it does take a while to get in to the game. For $30 it
  27. CiaranG.
    Dec 8, 2006
    9
    Like many games, not perfect but definitely one of my favourite games on Xbox 360. I've been playing Saints Row for months and it is impossible to get bored of it. If you fancy a quick police chase (FBI, SWAT, helicopters etc...) or if you want to go shopping (gun shops, jewellery shops, clothes, plastic surgery, drugs and liquor shops, record stores, nightclubs, strip clubs etc.) Like many games, not perfect but definitely one of my favourite games on Xbox 360. I've been playing Saints Row for months and it is impossible to get bored of it. If you fancy a quick police chase (FBI, SWAT, helicopters etc...) or if you want to go shopping (gun shops, jewellery shops, clothes, plastic surgery, drugs and liquor shops, record stores, nightclubs, strip clubs etc.) You can shop in these places, or you can do some daylight robbery or break in at night) You can take people hostage, knock people down, beat people up, get help with your homies by phoning them or whatever. Activities include hijacking, escort, hitman, mayhem, racing etc. etc. There are 22 activities. You can also go to car showrooms, go the arena for destruction derbies and one of the best bits - pimping up or tuning vehichles. The options available when pimping up cars is like something out of Pimp my Ride, you can turn rusty bangers into flashy nitro machines.. or add hydraulics, interiors, alloy wheels, tinted windows, body modification etc. The story missions are great fun and exciting. The story is far more exciting and it stays like that right throughout the game. There are also 'strongholds', which are buildings or areas of land taken over by rival gang members, you can earn cash and respect by reclaiming the building. After reclaiming, you can use the building as a save point. Also, rival gangs can take over neighbourhoods and it is your job to reclaim them so as you're daily income from that particular neighbourhood returns. Neighbourhood takeovers are very satisfying, exciting and great fun. You can get your homies to ride in your car to help you through the gang war. This is all backed up by amazing graphics and superb physics and sound. However, their are graphical issues such as draw-rate issues like cars dissapearing in the distance on the motorway and occasionally something appearing out of nowhere, but other than that it looks fantastic. Environments are interactive, the day/light cycles are nice and there are nice details such as water effects etc. Character customization is great too. There are lots of items of clothing, tatoos and jewellry that you can play about with and wear. The range of vehichles in-game is amazing. Sports cars, cars, buses, trucks etc. The game doesn't have licensed cars, but you can see Enzo look-a-likes and BMW's etc. Character AI is also very good, radio stations have great music and is very funny.. The actual city itself is bigger than Vice City's huge city, but nowhere near as big as San Andreas.. but it's big enough if you just want to for a nice drive around and see the sights...Weapons are great fun and there's a big range, explosions and car damage is amazing and satisfying... Car damage is good , but don't expect Burnout-like crash damage. And of course online play - reasonably addictive and good fun. It's GTA - online! Only problem is that it takes AGES to get into a game... but once you're in it's absolutely brilliant! Overall, if you enjoyed GTA you'll absolutely LOVE this. I personally think that is by far better than San Andreas, Vice City and GTA3 (I've played them all).… Expand
  28. StiffE.
    Aug 30, 2006
    9
    I don't get why the magazine reviews are so low. Call it a clone if you want -- that might diminish its significance but that doesn't mean it's not fun. It is, in fact, at last AS fun as GTA. It's also less frustrating and, in many ways, deeper. Think GTA but with more time spent polishing the gameplay and less time spent coming up with Hollywood-calibre writing and I don't get why the magazine reviews are so low. Call it a clone if you want -- that might diminish its significance but that doesn't mean it's not fun. It is, in fact, at last AS fun as GTA. It's also less frustrating and, in many ways, deeper. Think GTA but with more time spent polishing the gameplay and less time spent coming up with Hollywood-calibre writing and characterization (mind you, the acting's not bad, just the writing) and you've pretty much got it. Definitely worth buying if you liked GTA but aren't, like, married to it....… Expand
  29. AtomHeart
    Aug 30, 2006
    9
    A very deep, fun game. For the first few minutes while roaming around one thinks "ah, it's just a gta clone" but then you go deeper and realize there IS JUST SO MUCH MORE TO DO! More activities, more locations...more fun stuff. Highly recommended.
  30. DerekS.
    Sep 1, 2006
    9
    Major improvement over GTA in almost every single category. Customizability is incredible. Multiplayer is flawless. You can't go wrong with this game if you're a GTA fan and boy does this ever give GTA4 a run for it's money. Unless Rockstar starts ripping Saints Row off as much as they ripped Rockstar off they don't have a chance of competing. Thank you, Saints Row Major improvement over GTA in almost every single category. Customizability is incredible. Multiplayer is flawless. You can't go wrong with this game if you're a GTA fan and boy does this ever give GTA4 a run for it's money. Unless Rockstar starts ripping Saints Row off as much as they ripped Rockstar off they don't have a chance of competing. Thank you, Saints Row team, for finally bringing us an urban chaos game without flaws!… Expand
  31. TheoG.
    Sep 22, 2006
    9
    Yes, it's a GTA clone, except with better everything (except size). So who cares if they copied the model? If you enjoyed GTA, you will love this game. Only those with some sort of misplaced loyalty to corporations will object to the obvious raid on intellectual property.
  32. DanL.
    Sep 26, 2006
    10
    This game is amazing its just like GTA which was brilliant. Its one of the best games out for the xbox 360 along side Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter, the graphics in Saints Row are fantastic and also is the audio. Its just a brilliant game so buy it.
  33. KyleK.
    Sep 2, 2006
    10
    Absolutly the best game that has come to the 360. It is so fun and has good imaginative modes. It isnt a clone of GTA just because it has the same feature of open world environment. REALLY FUN.
  34. MrCotter
    Sep 3, 2006
    9
    Single player done surprisingly well. Graphics on par with next gen. Online has much potential
  35. JohnnyJ.
    Sep 3, 2006
    9
    At first i was a bit put off by the framerate while driving, but with the music off it becomes a lot smoother. When i got the bazooka cheat i spent hours just blowing up stuff and the best would have to be making train wrecks by blasting the leading train and having havok physics control there destiny. Overall a real blast.
  36. HansV.
    Sep 5, 2006
    9
    Even if this is a GTA clone, with a more dark and twisted touch than the "original", I've still had so much fun playin it. There's so much to do and see, and not like GTA San Andreas, where the game got boring after the first 20 hours of gametime, this game just continues to amaze me. The storyline of Saints Row is a bit meh, but otherwise it's pretty interesting, and you Even if this is a GTA clone, with a more dark and twisted touch than the "original", I've still had so much fun playin it. There's so much to do and see, and not like GTA San Andreas, where the game got boring after the first 20 hours of gametime, this game just continues to amaze me. The storyline of Saints Row is a bit meh, but otherwise it's pretty interesting, and you feel like you're a part of a bigger picture, instead of ruling the game world. And if you get bored with the single player storymode, there's allways the Live multiplayer, which is just a blast. I highly recommend this game. Even if it's so similar with GTA series, it still stands on it's on, and in many ways surpasses "the original". I think Volition have hit a homerun with this one.… Expand
  37. [Anonymous]
    Apr 23, 2007
    8
    I'm pretty sure everyone has already made the point clear that this game is a "GTA Clone". And I would agree, but I think this game is funner. Sure, Grnad Theft Auto is fun, and I like it better, but this game is just fun. Riding the sidewalks and watching the people fly is very satisfying, where on GTA the people have a set motion that they will go through, thats horrible and I'm pretty sure everyone has already made the point clear that this game is a "GTA Clone". And I would agree, but I think this game is funner. Sure, Grnad Theft Auto is fun, and I like it better, but this game is just fun. Riding the sidewalks and watching the people fly is very satisfying, where on GTA the people have a set motion that they will go through, thats horrible and stupid. Whehn you hit someone with a car they dont just flatten out and stay in the same positon. If you're going for Story then choose GTA. But if you want some fun go with Saints.… Expand
  38. BobM.
    Aug 25, 2007
    7
    Fun for a short while. Decent graphics. Bad Storyline. Good control scheme. We've seen this before. 6 years ago to be precise.
  39. lycos8
    Feb 29, 2008
    7
    This was a very enjoyable game. Many different missions and activities to do and a reasonably sized city to do them in. The "Activities" vary and are entertaining; however they will become tiring later on in the game. Many graphical glitches will make you think that this may be a beta version and the interface may become awkward from time to time.
  40. MickeyF
    Jul 3, 2008
    7
    Amazing Game, even after completing the game, I still loved it. Between using cheats, and just doing anything you want to do, i never got bored with it. The online play may not be the greatest, but the single player mode makes up for it.
  41. Quaid
    Aug 29, 2006
    10
    You want innovation? well, you got it in this game. The on-line feature is a great addition where you can recruit and create your own gang. Now, that right there should tell you that this is not like any of the other titles. The other titles set the bar, but this game has taken it a step further. Excellent job!
  42. JordanK.
    Aug 30, 2006
    9
    This is a great game. Multiplayer is fun and addictive and the single player is ok but not as great as multiplayer. This will hold a lot of people over until GTA4, which will probably be better, but this is still a great game.
  43. DeeM.
    Sep 20, 2006
    9
    Its a gta ripp but it also has its own unique flavor to it. Graphics are gorgeous gameplay and controls are awsome! Replay value is high. Its not as big as San Andreas but decent. The online needs some work especially when it comes to lag but hopefully it can be fixed and we hope it makes new downladable maps.
  44. JonD.
    Sep 22, 2006
    8
    Yes it may be a rip off of GTA genre, but games have been doing that for generations. FPS/RTS/Football games ect are all clones and copies with slight differences. Saints row, improves in a lot of area's over GTA. First off guns and other weapons in aiming are allot lot easier as is the responsiveness of the character and driving. HDTV is a must for the high resolution explosions and Yes it may be a rip off of GTA genre, but games have been doing that for generations. FPS/RTS/Football games ect are all clones and copies with slight differences. Saints row, improves in a lot of area's over GTA. First off guns and other weapons in aiming are allot lot easier as is the responsiveness of the character and driving. HDTV is a must for the high resolution explosions and effects which just put the icing on the cake for this game. GTA is not available on either xbox 360 or any other HDTV console so this is a good replacement.… Expand
  45. Matt
    Sep 4, 2006
    8
    Without a doubt, the best GTA clone I have seen yet. Make no mistake, this is undisputably ripped right out of the same ilk as GTA, however, a lot of the gameplay mechanics in Saints Row actually improve upon the foundations created by the Grand Theft Auto series, especially the shooting element. With that in mind, my expectations for GTA4 have risen significantly. This game may not get Without a doubt, the best GTA clone I have seen yet. Make no mistake, this is undisputably ripped right out of the same ilk as GTA, however, a lot of the gameplay mechanics in Saints Row actually improve upon the foundations created by the Grand Theft Auto series, especially the shooting element. With that in mind, my expectations for GTA4 have risen significantly. This game may not get any points for originality but the ability to customize your own character and the refined gameplay makes Saints Row well worth looking into. Did I mention it was fun?… Expand
  46. MattF.
    Dec 11, 2007
    7
    Fun to mess about with, cheats are a nice feature but the single player lacks something original. Lots of nice little things to do, but not really anything we havn't seen before. It should keep you going until GTA4.
  47. MikeT
    May 10, 2007
    10
    amazing, sure lots of people call it a gta clone, and well, it is. But who cares? why should gta own the whole freeroaming game world? saints row completely beats gta in every aspect, graphics are fantastic, anyone who has played gta knows that theyre graphics have always sucked, and only now, for gta 4 are they redesigning them. as for gameplay, its waaaay more fun, punching and kickingamazing, sure lots of people call it a gta clone, and well, it is. But who cares? why should gta own the whole freeroaming game world? saints row completely beats gta in every aspect, graphics are fantastic, anyone who has played gta knows that theyre graphics have always sucked, and only now, for gta 4 are they redesigning them. as for gameplay, its waaaay more fun, punching and kicking has never been so fun (except for godhand, but that has nothing to do with this) because the graphics and physics are so good, the first time you kick out an old womans shins and her walker falls on her, you will be in love with this game. unlike gta the characters actually seem like real people, in gta they walked, responded if you attacked them and very rarely fought each other, but saints row is great, people will go get a newspaper from those machines and read it at a bustop or walk with it, cops eat donuts occacionally lol, people talk to each other, and the dialoge is hillarious (such as when you punch a black guy and he goes "AHH N*GGAS GONE CRAZY")

    ok sure gta has bikes motorcycles and planes, but the cars and car customizing in saints row is waay better. I could go on about why saints row wupps gtas A*S but I wont, so ill just break it down.

    you can hold up any place you want

    there is no auto target which makes it more fun than holding L1 and repeatedly shooting.

    the special homies are awsome, and you can call em up with your cell, and they all are unique helpfull and funny as hell

    it has an mp3 player!!! now go buy music and listen to a wide variety of music whenever you want!

    you can create your own character and make him as pimped out or as fugly as you want.

    the cheats are way more origional and fun/funny

    the characters are unforgettable, as you play through the game you will love the characters, esspecialy the saints

    No one buckles up theyre seatbelt!! yay! hit someone hard enough and you or them/or both will fly right out the windsheild yay!

    lots of kick a*s activities to do when your bored of the story, such as insurance fraud, or stealing hoes from pimps

    the online is fun as f*ck and has downloadable content!

    gangs are not dumba*s g*y peices of crap anymore!, remember how in gta you would pimp out a new car and on your way to your home, no more than a 30 second drive, you would get shot up and have your car nowhere near perfect condition, well in saints row, the police work like gangs, piss them off and theyle beat you up, pull out a gun, they pull out a gun etc. So now you have some security if you just wanna screw around in the city without any lame interuptions.

    the inventory is well organized and you can choose any weapon almost instantly, in addition to that, theyre also are different types of food to eat and restore health, and in a different category than weapons, so you wont accidently eat when you mean to bust out your shotty

    ok now for the 2 bad things, now bad only means not as good as it could be,
    ok the first problem is not as big a place as you would hope, its more the size of about 2 gta islands or so, but deal with it this game is great!

    the second problem is that somewhat of a lack of weapons, but come on! gta has tons of machine guns and ak's etc, can you really tell the difference? so this is a problem and a good thing at the same time, 4 pistols, all with different speed and power, 2 uzis one stronger than the other 2 rifles 1 sniper, 3 shotguns, 2 are similar but the other is a riot shotgun, 1 rpg, 3 thrown weapons, pipe bombs moltov coctails and grenades, all very different types of explosisions so great variety.

    so that last one wasnt really a negative for me, but for some they might think so

    I found it funny how many people complained abiout the story HAHA as if gta actually has a good story (its there but its no halo) and the same goes for saints row, so basically SSDD.

    i decided to buy this after i played the demo, the demo is about 1/50 the size with very limited to do, and i played it for hours, so obviously the real game blew me away.

    no co-op like gta san andreas, but pft the gta one sucked so much theyre was no point anyway,.

    lets see what else... Oh the clothes, the clothes tattoos,the whole customizing idea is fantastic.

    10/10 no question, the best....ok maybe second best 360 game (dead rising is about on par with it)    … Expand
  48. julz
    Jul 25, 2007
    8
    Not as good as gta of course but still very very fun, if your not a game snob and just like to enjoy it's very fun, gameplay is more smoother and funner, gang wars are a blast and ur gangsters actually can fight if you lookin for some fun this game is right for you,
  49. JaceN.
    Oct 12, 2006
    8
    On its own its decent enough...as a GTA clone which it inescapably is it feels a little small! Id say it goes after GTA3 rather than Vice City or San Andreas due to the large scale of people and world objects and the relatively small landscape. Gameplay-wise it feels like merely a collection of minigames to earn enough respect to do the core missions and the inventory system drops a few On its own its decent enough...as a GTA clone which it inescapably is it feels a little small! Id say it goes after GTA3 rather than Vice City or San Andreas due to the large scale of people and world objects and the relatively small landscape. Gameplay-wise it feels like merely a collection of minigames to earn enough respect to do the core missions and the inventory system drops a few problems right in your path. Getting a free sniper rifle for a mission might have seemed like the developers were doing the player a favour but when youve just bought a few thousand dollars woth of assault rifle...and the sniper rifle OVERWRITES it into nothingness...you get more than a little mad! So id say give it a shot ifyou both "dont own a Playstation" and "Want a GTA game"...but I see this game being forgotten as soon as GTA4 hits store shelves! A shame really...as some of the games aspects are...where attempted...done far better than any of the GTA games...getting to keep forever the car youve sunk so much money into modifying rather than lose it to a bad T-Boning the first busy intersection out of the garage is the biggest blessing ever!… Expand
  50. Alex
    Sep 25, 2006
    8
    a GTA clone in almost every way, except that its actually FUN. the controls are actually intuitive. the graphics are actually good. the missions are actually interesting. the voice acting is actually good. AND IT HAS ONLINE MULTIPLAYER. it figures, the only GTA game worth playing isn't even a GTA game. 8.5 out of 10
  51. ShannonH.
    Jan 14, 2007
    10
    This game is the best game you can do so much more on saint row this is the best game ever.
  52. Manmade3
    Dec 23, 2011
    8
    I don't know why, but I always preferred this game over GTA. The general story is much more believable than that of GTA's and the characters are more evolved. Overall id say this game is a stellar starter to a successful line of GTA clones who yet have just enough originality not to be labeled and filed in the generic GTA clone category. Honestly, it seems more to me like just a shift ofI don't know why, but I always preferred this game over GTA. The general story is much more believable than that of GTA's and the characters are more evolved. Overall id say this game is a stellar starter to a successful line of GTA clones who yet have just enough originality not to be labeled and filed in the generic GTA clone category. Honestly, it seems more to me like just a shift of views in the world, not so much a different game (Russian immigrant vs. impoverished common man turned gang member).… Expand
  53. CaptainAwesomer
    May 17, 2012
    9
    Imagine a version of Grand Theft Auto that doesn't look as good, but is ten times more fun to play, and you'll have Saints Row. I probably spent a third of my time in the game customizing the cars in my garage with new paint and wheels and other modifications.
  54. tonto
    Jul 12, 2021
    9
    Ah, I'll always have fond memories of playing Saints Row, a more hip hop version of grand theft auto. It takes place in the fictional city of Stillwater, based on Detroit, New York City, and Chicago, and allows you to create your own player to roam the crime-ridden urban concrete jungle. The game's plot revolves around rival gangs competing over territory, and you join the 3rd StreetAh, I'll always have fond memories of playing Saints Row, a more hip hop version of grand theft auto. It takes place in the fictional city of Stillwater, based on Detroit, New York City, and Chicago, and allows you to create your own player to roam the crime-ridden urban concrete jungle. The game's plot revolves around rival gangs competing over territory, and you join the 3rd Street Saints. You reclaim the Saint's Row district from their rivals. Owing to the increasing violence, Saints leader Julius Little assigns you to work under his top lieutenants, Dexter "Dex" Jackson, Johnny Gat, and Lin, in wiping out each rival gang. One of these gangs is the Vice Kings, an African American gang that primarily earns revenue from strip clubs and record labels. Then there is the Los Carnales, a Hispanic drug cartel that dominates the narcotics trade and gun-running. Then there are the Westside Rollerz, who operate the lucrative underground racing club. The game is a sandbox game like GTA, allowing you to roam around the steets of Stillwater completing side-missions, street racing, pimping, and just wreaking havoc in general. You can get drunk off liquor and 40's or get high off drugs in the game. The main story in the game is engaging enough, and the game has a good soundtrack with a pretty good song selection on the radio for when you are driving around, with a lot of hip hop. There are a lot of references to hip hop/gangsta rap culture in the game which is cool.… Expand
  55. VideoGameCritic
    Aug 6, 2013
    7
    This was what made me get hooked to Xbox 360, Saints Row is one of my favorite games on the Xbox. It was very similar to GTA but the one reason that I tried this game is there customization and there very different story. I call it different because there are not many games that start that way but it all makes the sequels a hell of a lot better because of how the whole series starts. It isThis was what made me get hooked to Xbox 360, Saints Row is one of my favorite games on the Xbox. It was very similar to GTA but the one reason that I tried this game is there customization and there very different story. I call it different because there are not many games that start that way but it all makes the sequels a hell of a lot better because of how the whole series starts. It is a FPS sandbox game, and I know that this game sounds very similar to GTA but trust me this game is a hundred times better. This game will take about fifty hours to beat not including all the DLC. This is a must and i recommend that if you want to plat this game that you buy the double pack that comes with a copy of Saints Row 2. There is nothing more to say, go get this game.… Expand
  56. beanstar
    Oct 12, 2013
    8
    Despite being marred by its lack of originality and technical glitches, Saints Row is still a fun experience. Six years from the past on that 360, the flawed piece is still fun to play. There are glorious story missions many are crazy and-that-type-of-summer blockbuster and there are many fun activities to play for ex.: Escorting drug dealers to their deals as the police and the gangsDespite being marred by its lack of originality and technical glitches, Saints Row is still a fun experience. Six years from the past on that 360, the flawed piece is still fun to play. There are glorious story missions many are crazy and-that-type-of-summer blockbuster and there are many fun activities to play for ex.: Escorting drug dealers to their deals as the police and the gangs tried to take you both down, and another involves something a bit "inappropriate" and a bit "seductive". Anyone could imagine having to experience the world of Stellwater, accompanied by its trademark humor and its lot of mayhem throughout this game. It may be outdated back a while ago, but these elements, mentioned in Saints Row, explains why it shall not be missed.… Expand
  57. ethanvenzin
    Nov 8, 2014
    9
    so the story is interesting,the characters are memorable,and the game play ooh the game play it is very awesome i don't get it why the devs removed many systems in the game like the wheel woman,it's great if you're feeling lazy enough.
    So the game is great if you can find it go and get it
  58. VERNAISDEAD
    Sep 9, 2014
    10
    this is one of the best Saints Row games and personally I am surprised how this has such a low rating compared to some crappy games like Perfect dark zero and nba 2k8??!! If you are rating this game you have to remember that this came out over when the 360 first came out and graphics aren't what they were today so rate based on games that existed at that time. This game is way better thanthis is one of the best Saints Row games and personally I am surprised how this has such a low rating compared to some crappy games like Perfect dark zero and nba 2k8??!! If you are rating this game you have to remember that this came out over when the 360 first came out and graphics aren't what they were today so rate based on games that existed at that time. This game is way better than GTA IMO. You can customize your characters and cars in Saints Row and it has better activities. Graphically saints row 3 is better and it also has some new activities and cool upgrades but for it;s time, this game was awesome. There are some glitches but no game breaker ones. This game has the nickname " the poor man's GTA" but this game is similar in type only to me. Everything else is different and better than GTA IV. And might I add that the music is way better too!… Expand
  59. FlamingBear
    Feb 9, 2016
    8
    The game and the campaign is cool and entertaining, and I am not going to lie but it kind of like Gta with this gang violence and language and all of the feature but mostly white people Gta Sandreas if you think about it.
  60. TheSnitchfather
    Sep 9, 2020
    10
    10/10 and I don't give a f*cking sh*t how late I am to review this dirty bastard of a masterpiece.

    Best game in the gangsta/crime genre you'll ever play, while the graphics are kinda dated on this game, but the ragdoll engine that SR had was leagues above any other open world crime shooter. GTA SA doesn't have f*ck all on Saints Row in any way. People, including me, calling it a GTA    10/10 and I don't give a f*cking sh*t how late I am to review this dirty bastard of a masterpiece.

    Best game in the gangsta/crime genre you'll ever play, while the graphics are kinda dated on this game, but the ragdoll engine that SR had was leagues above any other open world crime shooter. GTA SA doesn't have f*ck all on Saints Row in any way. People, including me, calling it a GTA clone, though I never meant that in a negative way. SR did everything that GTA did 100 times better, the gangs, the story, the clothes, the jewellery the guns, the cars etc. I wish I could play it again, but I sold my 360 about 9 years ago, so there's no way. But to anybody who's interested and owns a 360 and is into crime games, this is a f*cking must.    … Expand
  61. brendo214
    May 22, 2019
    8
    Saints Row 1 was a pretty great start to series that would go on to produce some of my favorite games.
  62. Flashyboy89
    Jun 29, 2023
    9
    I remember playing Saints Row back in 2006. It was awesome. A lot of enjoyment had
  63. Icelandic19
    Oct 22, 2019
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Awesome game. All Saints row's games are pretty good but this is the best without any doubt. I wish they make a new version of this game or a Saints Row V that i'm waiting for so badly.… Expand
  64. Thejodjeremie
    Apr 26, 2020
    9
    The gameplay is very fun. The city Stillwater is great and fun to explore. The story is awesome.
  65. Toz123
    Jul 6, 2021
    9
    I give a nine 9 because because the graphic are horrible I think because it's the first game in Xbox 360 and love it
  66. CloudStrife05
    Aug 20, 2021
    8
    Saints Row was a way to wet your pallet until the new GTA arrived and did a decent job doing so.
  67. funnymystical
    Aug 30, 2022
    7
    review:
    story: 7/10
    characters: 8/10
    driving: 5/10
    combat: 5/10
    laughs: 0/10
    animations: 8/10
    ragdoll: better than sr3
  68. BudongoKing
    Feb 26, 2022
    8
    This game is a great start to the series. You get introduced to a great cast of characters and a great story. The game has good gameplay for the time that it came out. The car customization is great for the time for this game, I spent a lot of money customizing my car. Speaking of customization, I Loved being able to layer clothing, being able to have a shirt and a hoodie with big goldenThis game is a great start to the series. You get introduced to a great cast of characters and a great story. The game has good gameplay for the time that it came out. The car customization is great for the time for this game, I spent a lot of money customizing my car. Speaking of customization, I Loved being able to layer clothing, being able to have a shirt and a hoodie with big golden chains was great for me to immerse myself in this world. I personally believe that they should remake this game. Though the hope for that is low with the new Saints Row coming out and the developers not really liking this style of Saints Row anymore as from interviews it seems it does not align with their current views, though this game would still be great as it does represent many neighborhood gangs today in America with how they feel and interact with the world they are in whether that be 2006 or 2022. I recommend that if you are bored and have a couple of dollars to spend on a game that you try this game out and see how the series all started!… Expand
  69. neomoonsevin
    Sep 10, 2023
    8
    I like it one of the best games I have played I laughed at things in this game aswell
  70. maintitle
    May 31, 2022
    8
    In a game where the main character has about five lines of dialogue, I appreciate that one of the few they allowed was rightfully pointing out a character's shoe crimes.
  71. LittleSticker
    Aug 26, 2022
    9
    this game is great
    if you want a full gangster game this is the game for you
    ''It's not THE Los Carnales''
  72. Tayebgat73
    Nov 13, 2022
    10
    This game, this game , an amazing start for a beautiful series , it is NOT a GTA clone , the gangs , customizations , the details, damn , They Got Everything right, Definitely a 10/10
  73. DavixAries
    Aug 12, 2023
    8
    In general, I liked the game, the graphics, the model of driving vehicles, shooting, everything is ok. The plot is also cool, it's more laid back, I recommend you try it if you have Xbox 360
  74. VLG
    Aug 23, 2023
    4
    Boring, repetitive, shallow and below average in every way possible. I played it out of boredom.

Awards & Rankings

20
#20 Best Xbox 360 Game of 2006
9
#9 Most Discussed Xbox 360 Game of 2006
14
#14 Most Shared Xbox 360 Game of 2006

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
81

Generally favorable reviews - based on 74 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 63 out of 74
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 74
  3. Negative: 1 out of 74
  1. Official Xbox Magazine UK
    80
    Solid - but lacks the intelligence of "GTA"... Without a doubt, Saints Row's biggest contribution to the genre is multiplayer. This also happens to be the most fun part of the game. [Sept 2006, p.8]
  2. Official Xbox Magazine
    80
    Though it might sound like a backhanded compliment, Saint's Row manages to climb atop the huge pile of GTA wannabes as the most well-excuted and enjoyable of the bunch. [Oct. 2006, p.71]
  3. Game Informer
    88
    The one area where Saints Row really goes outside of anything that "GTA" has to offer is through its amazingly diverse and highly enthralling online. [Sept. 2006, p.95]
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