The problem withSaints Row 2is that it’s always going to be compared toGrand Theft Auto IV. you’re able to hardly blame people for doing so, since the originalSaints Rowwas a shameless copy of theGTAseries in many respects, but the sequel looks to be taking open-world crime games in a very different direction from Rockstar, and THQwants people to be reminded.
“We have a very differentiated product in this open-world genre,” says THQ chief executive Brian Farrell. WhileGTA IVwent for deeper storylines and realistic city life, Saints Row 2 is all about “silly, over-the-top gameplay” and is promised to be very “tongue-in-cheek.”
Saints Row 2‘s promotion has certainly emphasized its focus on silliness and mindless fun, and I think it’s an excellent direction to take the series in. The originalSaints Row‘s attempts at serious storytelling fell flat on its face, so if that gets swapped out for senseless inanity, I think we’ll have a game that can hold its own against Rockstar’s more “serious”Grand Theft Auto IV.
This all depends, however, on whether the game can pull off comical stupidity well. I have my apprehensions, but remain quietly hopeful.
