Saints Row: The Third stands out as an open-world action-adventure game that throws players into a chaotic urban playground full of absurd missions and customizable chaos. Released originally in 2011, it follows the Third Street Saints as they battle for control in the city of Steelport against powerful criminal syndicates. With its emphasis on over-the-top action, vehicle stunts, and wild weaponry, this title appeals to those seeking a blend of third-person shooting, driving, and gang warfare without taking itself too seriously.
Gameplay
In Saints Row: The Third, core mechanics revolve around navigating the open world of Steelport, engaging in turf wars, and completing missions that escalate in absurdity. Players control a customizable character leading the Saints, using a weapon wheel to switch between pistols, submachine guns, shotguns, rocket launchers, and unconventional items like the Penetrator dildo bat or fart-in-a-jar grenades. Combat includes melee options with running attacks, and an "awesome button" that amplifies actions, such as diving through a car windshield to hijack it.
Vehicle handling plays a big role, with options ranging from standard cars to hover jets like the F-69 VTOL or pixelated tanks. Once unlocked, vehicles can be delivered instantly via an in-game phone menu. Customization extends to characters, vehicles, and even home properties, allowing for shared designs in the community. Players earn respect through actions like near-miss collisions, streaking, or targeting specific enemies, which unlocks upgrades such as infinite sprint or enhanced gang support.
The notoriety system builds as you cause havoc, attracting police or rival responses, while property purchases generate income and expand control. Ambient challenges and collectibles, including hidden sex dolls and money caches, encourage exploration. The physics engine supports drifting and aerial stunts, making every chase or escape feel dynamic and unpredictable.
Game Modes
The main experience centers on a single-player campaign that can be tackled solo or in cooperative play, supporting up to two players online or via system link. This co-op mode integrates seamlessly, letting friends join for missions with added interactions.
Beyond the story, Whored Mode offers wave-based survival where players fend off endless enemies, again limited to two participants. Diversions provide replayable side activities, such as Insurance Fraud, where you maximize personal injury in traffic for payouts, or Mayhem, focused on causing maximum property destruction. Flashpoint gang operations appear as repeatable challenges to disrupt rivals and gain respect.
Activities tie into the plot but remain accessible afterward, with no dedicated competitive multiplayer. Instead, the focus stays on free-roaming havoc and cooperative antics within the open world.
Factions and Story
The narrative pits the Third Street Saints against the Syndicate, a global crime network controlling Steelport through subgroups like the sophisticated Morningstar, cyber-focused Deckers, and wrestler-themed Luchadores. Each faction brings unique enemies and mission styles, from hacking challenges to wrestling brawls.
Later, the government-backed S.T.A.G. unit intervenes with advanced military tech, escalating the conflict. Story decisions influence outcomes, blending gang empire-building with outlandish scenarios like tank skydiving or airstrikes on wrestling gangs. The plot evolves the Saints from street thugs to celebrity icons, refusing tribute to the Syndicate and igniting a city-wide war.
Is It Worth Playing?
With a remastered version released in 2020 that includes all DLC and enhanced graphics, Saints Row: The Third remains accessible on modern platforms like PC, offering improved visuals and performance. Player reception has been generally favorable, highlighted by a 94% positive rating from over 18,000 Steam reviews and Metacritic scores in the "generally favorable" range.
Critics and players praise the customization depth and zany missions, though some note the setting feels underdeveloped and the humor occasionally repetitive. If you enjoy open-world action with cooperative elements and absurd weaponry, this game delivers lasting appeal, especially in co-op. For those preferring serious narratives or innovative mechanics, it might not stand out, but its chaotic freedom makes it a solid pick for lighthearted gang warfare sessions.
