Saints Row: Gat out of Hell is an open-world action game set in a hellish version of a city divided into five districts. Players take control of either Johnny Gat or Kinzie Kensington in a story that follows the events of Saints Row IV, focusing on a rescue mission through demonic territory filled with familiar characters and absurd encounters.
Gameplay
The core loop centers on free-roaming exploration across the districts of Hell while completing objectives that range from direct confrontations to opportunistic disruptions of local operations. Movement relies on supernatural abilities that allow flight via fallen angel wings, ground-based summons of imps for combat support, and an aura that compels nearby enemies to worship the player instead of attacking. These powers integrate with standard shooting and melee options to create varied approaches to each encounter.
Combat emphasizes a mix of conventional firearms and specialized underworld weapons. The arsenal includes items that launch swarms of locusts, fire exploding frogs, and even deploy attacks from a mobile armchair. Upgrades enhance these tools over time, encouraging repeated visits to different districts to test new combinations against arch-dukes and other threats. Side activities such as ally rescues and interference with soul processing facilities provide additional opportunities to experiment with the powers and weapons without following the main quest line.
Game Modes
The game supports both solo play and two-player online co-op, allowing a second participant to join as the alternate protagonist. Progression occurs through a shared open-world environment where objectives can be tackled in any order. Main story missions advance the central rescue plot, while optional tasks scattered throughout the districts offer variety in pacing and challenge.
Co-op sessions maintain the same objectives and powers available in single-player, with both characters able to coordinate abilities during fights or exploration. No separate competitive or team-based modes exist beyond this cooperative option in the shared world.
Story and Setting
The narrative places the player in Hell after the events of the previous title, with the goal of retrieving the soul of the Saints leader. Historical figures, recurring allies, and antagonists appear alongside new demonic elements. One notable sequence involves a full musical number, and the campaign includes a direct confrontation with a character named Dex that the story explicitly sets up as achievable.
The five districts each present distinct visual themes and enemy types, encouraging players to move between areas to complete different types of tasks. The setting blends the series' signature humor with supernatural twists on everyday activities, such as processing souls or dealing with arch-dukes who control portions of the territory.
Is It Worth Playing?
Saints Row: Gat out of Hell delivers the chaotic, humorous open-world action that defines the series in a compact standalone package. Its short length suits players seeking a focused experience rather than a lengthy campaign, and the co-op feature adds replay value for those who enjoy shared sessions. The supernatural powers and themed weapons provide satisfying variety in combat, though some activities echo mechanics from earlier entries in the franchise.
Reception has been mixed among critics and players, with praise for the premise and freedom of approach balanced against criticisms of limited innovation and occasional repetition. On PC it remains available as a complete title with no ongoing seasonal content or major updates. Fans of over-the-top action, irreverent storytelling, and the specific characters Johnny Gat and Kinzie Kensington will find the most enjoyment, while those seeking deep customization or extensive post-launch support may prefer other options in the genre.
