‘Saints Row IV’ is a beast of chaos right from its explosive start
With the latest release of the shoot-’em-up series “Saints Row,” we don’t have to worry all too much if it’s still trying to replicate the enormous success of the “Grant Theft Auto” franchise. In fact, I’m not sure what we’re playing anymore.
Always silly and purposely crude, the newest addition, “Saints Row IV,” doesn’t work too hard to break that mold. It embraces its complete ridiculousness to the point of hilarity and more or less decides this is how it will for the long term. That’s OK. We can only deal with so many gut-wrenching decisions in video games. (I’m looking at you, “The Last of Us.”)
A few hours into “IV,” we realize this is not your grandparents’ “Saints Row.” So much for urban warfare; we’re going galactic this time around. Merging some cyber- and steampunk styles and neon-infused gradient splashed everywhere, “IV” returns to its roots, casting players as the heretofore nameless boss of the Third Street Saints gang. This time, though, after the events on streets of Steelport in “Saints Row: The Third,” the hero/roguish puck has been elected U.S. president. Quite the turnaround, right?
It gets better.
We hardly into the first few scenes when chaos rains down from the heavens in the form of the Zin, an alien race that blows up the planet and captures the president in a virtual, twisted form of Steelport.
Have you played any “Saints Row” game before? Yes? Then you’ll feel right at home here. Well, you may have to get used to futuristic weaponry and cyber races, but you get the gist.
Several issues present themselves right off the bat. Primary would be how glitchy this game is. Yeah, it’s set in a digital world representing destabilizing computer simulation, but that effect isn’t enough to cover the constant glitches. And for those with no prior knowledge of the “Saints Row” history, you’ll find yourself a bit out of the loop here. Our adventure for the most part deals with us reuniting the gang.
Still, despite the present flaws, I’m only closing in on a dozen hours in the game, and I’m having myself a time. “IV” is vulgar and crude, offensive and childish. (Please don’t buy this for your children.) But it’s addictive, simple fun. Here’s to finding out we defeat the Zin. And maybe finding some clothes.
Three dubstep gun stars out of five.
“Saints Row IV” is chaotic and flashy from the very start. (Photo credit: Deep Silver Volition)
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