Capping off the original trilogy, the Saints have risen from the streets to become a marketing entity with sponsorships and branding. Literally the through-line between the over-the-top superheroics of Saints Row IV and the more grounded approach of Saints Row 2, Saints Row: The Thirdis best remembered for its intro sequence, which has the player skydiving into a penthouse party while Kanye West’s “Power” blasts through the speakers. But any game that stars actor Keith David as himself (and your villainous Vice President) knows what it's about, and for that alone Saints Row IV deserves props. Over the top and loaded with pop culture sendups, Saints Row IV cobbles elements from the aforementioned Crackdown, The Matrix, Mass Effect, Prototype, Metal Gear Solid and many more in a zany, willfully ridiculous brew that while entertaining, can certainly overstay its welcome. How does a gangster acquire superpowers you ask? Oh you know, the usual way - become President of the United States after subverting a terrorist attack, suffer an alien invasion that results in the destruction of the planet, and become trapped in a virtual reality simulation of Steelport, the city from Saints Row: The Third.
After all, who’s the Boss now.Somebody at Volition clearly loved 2007’s Crackdown, Microsoft’s superhero-powered take on sandbox open-world action, because Saints Row IV apes the mechanics, right down to the addictive orb-collecting to upgrade abilities. Play nice together, or play all new pranks on your team mate. Seamless Co-Op – Experience everything on offer with a friend at any time, via fully untethered drop-in / drop out co-op, skipping the need to take either of you out of the outlandish action.Unprecedented Customization – Create the Boss of your dreams, with the most extensive character customization suite ever seen in the series, then complete the look with incredible options for weapons and vehicles.Take to the Streets and the Skies – Blast through urban and desert environments in any one of the cars, bikes, planes, helicopters, VTOLs, hoverbikes, hoverboards, go-karts or equip your wingsuit to swoop around.A vast variety of familiar and exotic weapons, all customizable, and all deadly fun. LOTS of Guns – Shoot revolvers from the hip, fire and forget with a rocket launcher, or obliterate up close using melee heavyweights, complete with brutal takedowns. Build Your Criminal Empire – Take over the city block by block, wage war against enemy factions and tighten your grip on the streets with ingenious criminal ventures.Discover the Weird, Wild, West – Dive in to Santo Ileso, the biggest and best Saints Row playground ever, spread across nine unique districts surrounded by the vast, majestic beauty of the Southwest Desert.