Saints Row: The Third Review

Published By: THQ
Developed By: Volition
Genre: Action
Release Date: 
- NA - Nov 15, '11
- AU - Nov 15, '11
- JP - Nov 17, '11
- EU - Nov 18, '11
PEGI: 18+
Available On: Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PC
Also Known As: Saints Row 3



What is it?
A sandbox crime game starring the Saints who are going to take over Steelport.
What's it like?
GTA's more fun and crude cousin.
Who's it for?
Anyone without a sense of morals and needs a hell of a good time.

CG Trailer

The Saints Row series has always been a known for its outrageous over-the-top story and game play. Expect no different in the world of Saints Row: The Third.

                Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No it's... Awesome!

Heeeeeere's Johnny!

Within minutes you are put into a bank robbery (dressed as Johnny Gat). This ultimately goes sour due to your new acquaintance's incompetence, setting off a silent alarm.
A shoot out occurs and survival means you are eventually thrown in jail.


Shortly after this intro mission you are pitted into the customisation screen. From here on you have practically limitless creativity. The tools supplied will be 
able to make 

No, I do not want a hug.

near accurate representations of you or whatever your creativity 
takes you (possibly a naked ogre).


You are released soon after by an international crime organisation known as The Syndicate. The Syndicate simply ask for the Saints to release a two-thirds of their income (in Stillwater) to live, and we all know the Third Street Saints never back down.

Is this the Mile High club?

Soon after the decline of the generous offer the game goes 
haywire. You end up shooting it out on an aeroplane, diving out 
of the aeroplane, and then having to avoid falling debris; while 
shooting falling enemies.
It's events like this that make you look forward to what
Saints Row: The Third has to offer.

"over the top, hilarious,
fun, and not for the light-hearted"

I'm a bird!

DID YOU KNOW: Titus Andronicus had to be removed from the game for going "too far". 
Yes... I can see why! It is one of the most notorious plays by Shakespeare.


The video below will demonstrate the early madness of the game. It does contain SPOILERS.

After all the previous madness of jumping from the plane, you soon realise that Saints Row: The Third is no longer in Stillwater (the original city of the first two games). You land into the depths of Steelport. Steelport is somewhat smaller then Stillwater, it also lacks any personality (I am also comparing to Stillwater here, as each district had something unique about it). Then again, it is meant to be a run-down post-industrial city. You will most likely not complain (or realise) considering you are always doing something to keep you occupied.

The city centre is the most visually appealing.

The story in Saints Row: The Third is unique to the point that it makes as much sense as a drunken night. Speaking of drink, don't get drunk playing this game - probably more worse for your mental state. This game's story is arched with 3 dominate gangs of Steelport (the Morning Star, the Deckers, and the Luchadores). Like previous games in the series, you will need to eradicate all the gangs and claim Steelport as your own.


The story may not be strong or 'realistic' like GTA or compelling like an epic RPG but that is not what Saints Row is about. Its beauty remains in the fact that it's fun and not trying to do anything else but be a highly entertaining and enjoyable game (an understatement).


The gameplay is fully action packed right off the bat. You will not have much of a chance to take a breather. If you do, why are you just standing around for? Get out there and be a Saint!

"Usually, we save cats from trees - not bins"

One thing saints row has improved on tenfold (depends on how you look at it) is the humour and jokes about current pop-culture. I won't spoil the fun so you will have to play to understand - trust me, it's clever and this sort of stuff doesn't usually work within video games.  

"D'you want a Rim Job?"

Driving around in cars is much improved, no more skidding around or feeling like a 90's arcade driving game. The car physics is nowhere near the likes of Forza but it is far more bearable to drive then in Saints Row 2. You can actually grip the road!
Oh, did I mention you can customise your vehicles? Yes, like previous titles but more. Sadly, not enough. This time however, you can increase the vehicles performance - ranging from torque to grip. And no, you cannot customise your flying vehicles!

Check it out!

Tigers hate cinnamon

Like previous games, activities have made another glorious return, with also some new activities to entertain your self with.

One of the best new activities is Professor Genki's Super Ethical Reality Climax. It puts you in a Japanese style TV show.

The return of the Ghost Rider!

Your task is to get from point A to B trying to kill ( at least) everyone and shoot point boards. Each kill and board earns you money and you need a certain amount of it to open the exit door. It's better than Takeshi's Castle.                        

If you are looking for a quick laugh and the story/activities are not enough, then you can always go streaking. It is one of the challenges anyway!

Overall this game is one of the most fun and memorable games I have played this year. With an extra mode like Whored Mode (COD anybody?), the crude humour, return of zombies, the ability to slay everyone in your path with an astonishing array of weaponry and stupidity...  it is over the top, hilarious, fun and not for the light-hearted.

Like every game, it does have its flaws. When waiting for your homie(s) to get in a vehicle, they can take their sure time getting into it. This becomes infuriating during a tense fire-fight (especially when you are near death). On a good note, it is not a regular error so all is well.
Visually it has surpassed Saints Row 2 but it doesn't quite feel up-to-date like most titles but the insane gameplay experience over rules that.
Multiplayer has not been implemented (co-op is still there) which is an odd move by Volition considering previous titles have used online multi-player. I personally am not quite bothered as I am a single-player guy myself, but it would have been nice to play against other gamers from time to time. 

The last annoying thing is calling your homies to deliver a flying vehicle (helicopter or VTOL) and they take way too long to land.

The pros outweigh the cons by tenfold as the game is just too fun to put your controller down. 

Yes it has is issues but what game does not? People will also debate about it being a GTA clone, however Saints Row has managed to lay down its own path and become a totally different game altogether.

This game is for the people who want a non-serious and enjoyable time. It is NOT for the easily offended. It will keep you entertained for hours and it frequently dishes out bonuses to add something new each time.

Pimps and Gimps Trailer

YJB Score

9.0/10.0

The Good:
A great selection of weaponry and vehicles - A massive variety of customisation options - Outrageous story and addictive activities - Constant amount of goodies received frequently

The Bad:

The odd glitch - Not visually appealing as I hoped.