Saints Row in reverse...
Saints Row: The Third threw me for a loop. When you consider the zaniness of the second game it would naturally be expected for the third entry in the series to kick things up a notch. But, honestly, I think Saints Row 3 actually lost a bit of the zany charm of the second game, in favor of an out-right nuttier take with less substance. Saints Row 2 sees you breaking out of prison to become the leader of the --then in shambles--third street saints. The story had more substance in Saints Row 2, it was interesting relative to its successor, Saints Row 3. There was death and drama in both games--but, for example,* SPOILER ALERT FOR SAINTS ROW 2*:Johnny Gat's girlfriend Aiysha dies at the hands of the Ronin gang in Saints Row 2.
This moment is handled with proper accord and, as such, it drives home the dramatic side of the plot. Thus, there was time given in the second game to moments that could help balance the over-the-top, raucousness of the game. Saints Row 3, on the other hand, is a flash over substance--with repetition I hope to hammer home my point--, don't give 'em time to question a thing, kind of game. That's fine, too. But, for me, I found its narrative and gameplay, lacking. I get that there were a bunch of side-distractions; you could buy up land, you could embellish your cars, you could have a bit of fun with road rage, there was that professor Genki game show as well. But, all-in-all, I couldn't tell you I enjoyed them very much. They felt tacked in there, even the oft fun, oft-putting insurance fraud mini game felt cheaper and hollow. I can say that I finished the game and that I enjoyed the experience for the most part. Though, it was the hope of a new customization option that kept me playing Saints Row 3 and not necessarily what mission I could flex the new options in.Also, it may just be me, but man are those animations in Saints Row 3 a bit clunky looking, nah, might just be me. I mean they seem to be moving through an environment of air and little resistance, but, hey, I guess if the same movements looked good in the second title, then why not reuse them, right?
