I hope many of you guys will buy Saints Row 2. Just played 8 hours in a row (get it ? :P ) and it's my favourite game of the year so far. You heard it right: Saints Row 2 has beaten GTA IV !!! (in my opinion of course ;) )
The enhanced "Respect system" improves the whole gameplay, because you are not longer forced to do the "activities" if you don't like them or when there are getting too hard after some levels. (This was the reason I've never finished Saints Row)
Just kill some bad guys and shoot them in the face or in the nuts and you will
recieve pretty fast some respect, which gives you the opportunity to play the missions.
My impressions in numbers:
8.5/10 Graphics
Not much improvements here, but your character looks really good; some effects (water, flashbang, pepper spray) and the explosions look fantastic
9/10 Controls
Pretty solid. Not much to complain here
10/10 Gameplay
A sandbox game at it's best. Diversified missions (much better than GTA IV), the driving is arcade style and the customization possibilities are huge. But here's maybe the biggest advantage: A sandbox game where you can save wherever you want !!!
10/10 Lasting appeal
Online Multiplayer (Which I haven't tested until now), addicting missions and activities + the whole game is playable in co-op mode. What more could you ask for ?
9.5/10 Overall
Bottom line: If you look for a true sequel to GTA III, then don't bother with GTA IV probably Saints Row 2 would be the better choice ;)
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Please give me some feedback on my little review here (I know it's short, but keep in mind it's very late here in Germany [2:00am] and 2nd I've played the game 8 hours without any breaks until now). Are there some more things you want to know ?
( I might do a more detailed review in the next days.)