Saints Row IV

Saints Row IV is, from start to finish, a pleasure. It’s a pure pleasure to play. I was cynical, given my feeling let down by The Third, but Volition has worked hard to address almost everything wrong with its last outing, and provide something that delivers over and above expectations. What I love most about IV is how it puts the player first — absolutely every new feature and ability gifted to the player seems designed purely to make the game more convenient to enjoy, and more fun to play.

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It is over-the-top, wacky and downright nonsensical.  There isn’t much that makes a heck of a lot of sense.  There are many WTF moments and other instances where I am questioning the path the developers are taking me on. There are even some occasions where I say to myself: “that sh*t was f$cked up”. There just doesn’t seem to be any rhyme or reason to the bizarro world that is Saints Row IV.  But you know what kids? That is what makes Saints Row IV so f$cking fun! As I sit back and reflect on the incessant anal probing of aliens over the course of the 20+ hours I put into the game, I must say ...

““Saint’s Row IV is an important game, because it ignores convention in order to be insanely fun – emphasis on the “insane”””

At one point in Saints Row IV, your character, the Boss, tells series veteran Shaundi that it’s been “one helluva ride”, perhaps inadvertently summarising developer Volition’s latest title. What started out as little more than a franchise looking to piggyback on the success of Grand Theft Auto has travelled an awful long way to realise the parody-filled guise that it represents today. And although the Saints’ latest outing often shamelessly borrows gameplay mechanics from numerous other titles, it finally feels like something that it can call its own.

I have to stop playing Saints Row IV and write a review? That doesn't seem fair to me, but Volition's latest is certainly worth a few words.

With its recycled map and wildly overpowered abilities, playing Saints Row IV feels like a lot like enabling god-like cheat codes in Saints Row The Third and going nuts. Its ridiculous story, goofy characters, self-aware humor, and amazing character editor make it all work, especially for those of us who’ve played the previous games and can appreciate its in-jokes. But its appeal is shortened by the ludicrous speed at which we can zip across it and grow tired of its lack of challenge.

Saints Row 4 is some serious fun despite some serious flaws.

For those of you who are picking up the Australian copy of the game, rest assured that you are truly not missing out on anything. With all the hype and attention the Alien Narcotics mission received, it’s over in a flash and happens in the simulation. There is an argument to be had about how the mission was completely contextual in its “Drug Use” but for now, Blow people up with a guitar case shaped rocket launcher and run away up as wall dressed as a toilet.