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
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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]
See all critic reviews »