Saints Row 2: Hands-on

Grand Theft Auto what? Could Saints Row 2 be the better game?

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Now don't get your panties in a bunch, all you GTA fans. I'm not saying that Saints Row 2 is the better game; that will have to wait until the review. All I'm saying is that what I recently saw and played of Saints Row 2 definitely opened my eyes to what could be a more fulfilling experience. There appears to be more content, more mission variety, and more of that sandbox-style gameplay action gamers crave.

The game demo started off with the Volition team pointing out that "this is the first time we've shown Saint's Row 2 on the PS3," just to prove that the game is actually running equally as good as the Xbox 360 version. I was apathetic, especially since Saints Row 1 was initially scheduled to release on the PS3, but was ultimately canceled. As for Saints Row 2 on the PS3, the game is coming along nicely, with only minor framerate hiccups which I'm sure will be ironed out before release, and features Sixaxis motion controls on all vehicles for the gimmicky gamer.

Drive watercraft, cars, helicopters and airplanes in Saints Row 2.

Drive watercraft, cars, helicopters and airplanes in Saints Row 2.

I played three missions that showcased the mission variety and play style. The first was a basic checkpoint race on a jet ski where I got to test out the Sixaxis motion controls. The controls were tight, but I still find Sixaxis awkward. Volition added that Saints Row 2 will have watercraft vehicles, cars, helicopters and airplanes that can be driven. The second mission was a helicopter rail shooter. The objective was to blow up propane tanks and trucks on an enemy drug farm while an NPC helicopter pilot circled the field. Even though it was a rail shooter, the mission was rather fun yet challenging with enemy foot soldiers firing rockets at my helicopter. The third and final mission was an on-foot shootout for an airport stronghold. This is where I got to play with all the weapons, including a samurai sword and explosive satchel charges. The mission ends after you secure the hanger and blow up all the drug planes attempting to take off -- I failed when I ran out of rockets for the last plane.

In addition to the three missions, Volition showed me the new gang customization mode where you get to choose your posse's street apparel, graffiti tag, gang sign, and pimped out vehicles. With all this content, including cooperative play and multiplayer, Volition has a true GTA competitor on their hands. Saints Row 2 shoots up your PS3, Xbox 360, and PC on October 14th.

Seriously? Customize your gang to look like wiener dawgs.

Seriously? Customize your gang to look like wiener dawgs.

Even customize a gang of ninjas.

Even customize a gang of ninjas.

Saints Row 2 begins in the Stillwater Correctional Facility.

Saints Row 2 begins in the Stillwater Correctional Facility.

FAIL.

FAIL.

Comments [73]

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neogigames

It doesn't matter if part two is better tan GTA because part one, already is.

juncle93

I can't wait for this game. I bet the graffics won't be as good as GTA IV, but the gameplay will be better overall. Saint Row 1 was awesome!

scottmb74

Saints Row will not be better than GTA4. Its just a cheap imitation of a great game. Keep playing catch up Saints Row, some loser game has to.

codizzle587

this game has the potential 2 be better than gta 4 we will have to wait and see

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