Saints Row

Snackbar-Games.com (5 out of 5)

In all, Saints Row is teeming with life and activity. The end result is not on the same scale as its veteran competition, but for Volition's first attempt, Saints Row is a solid, well-crafted title. It also doesn't offer the length of a typical Grand Theft Auto title. At the time of this writing, I had managed to clear the main story in 28 hours or so with 74 percent of everything completed. However, the game does bring enough multiplayer content to keep the disc spinning in your console long after the single player campaign is completed. The game does suffer from a number of glitches, however, most notably the rather blatant pop up and inconsistent AI, that can at times detract from the enjoyment to be had by this otherwise terrific game. That said, Saints Row is still incredibly polished, unmistakably fun, and is absolutely one of the best games for the Xbox 360.

Game Shark (A+)

Saints Row is a good-looking game that you can tear up, drive around in, and inhabit nine ways to Sunday. Like Oblivion and Dead Rising, it’s another free-form living world that demonstrates next-gen tech at its best. Consider this yet another feather in the Xbox 360’s increasingly crowded cap.

GamePro (US) (4.8 out of 5)

We can only hope that the developers of Grand Theft Auto IV are taking careful notes on Saints Row, the next generation of the "open world"-style games popularized by Grand Theft Auto III, Vice City, and San Andreas. At first glance, Saints Row looks like little more than an Xbox 360-fortified version of San Andreas: from the mission design to the basic play mechanics to the tongue-in-cheek spirit, it's abundantly clear that Saints Row is firmly grounded in Rockstar Games' groundbreaking series.

Game Over Online (94 out of 100)

Saints Row is worth your money, plain and simple. Its Grand Theft Auto inspired gameplay is not only very well done here, but through many refinements and advances in the feature set, Volition has delivered a game that is... dare it be said... better in some respects. Although it would be impossible for any title like this to have the same impact GTA III did back in 2001, Saints Row succeeds in raising the next-gen bar for this genre not only for themselves, but for the series that inspired them as well.

XboxAddict (9.4 out of 10)

Compared directly to the Grand Theft Auto series, and in particular to the scope of San Andreas, Saints Row comes off as second best, but it's far from a second rate product. In fact, it's one of the few next-gen games that truly warrants a next-gen price tag, with a lengthy single-player campaign and a fun online component to extend the experience. Originality is great, but with that illusive new idea becoming harder and harder to find, well made imitators (especially in a genre that rarely gets it right) can't be sniffed at. Saints Row even manages to show GTA a thing or two, and deserves a place in the collection of anyone old enough to play it.

DarkZero (9.2 out of 10)

This is the beginning of a great franchise for THQ. If this title sells well (and we see no reason why it won’t) there will be Saints Row II and Saints Row III. If they keep up with the quality they brought to us the first game then Rockstar finally has some real competition. Is Saints Row original? No. Is it fun? You’re damn right it is!

PGNx Media (9.2 out of 10)

THQ delivers quite a fine Grand Theft Auto rip-off. There is absolutely no question in anyone’s mind that Saints Row was inspired by Grand Theft Auto to the point where the two are basically the same game. While other GTA clones tried to change the GTA formula just a bit to distinguish themselves, Saints Row sticks to the “if it ain’t broke don’t fix it mentality.” Thankfully, the underlying gameplay is so good—and small yet valuable features have been added— that you can forgive the game’s lack of originality.

Wonderwallweb.com (9.1 out of 10)

Saints Row is a very good game and If you love Grand Theft Auto then you will love this, Violation have done a very good job in capturing the feel of the streets and there is a huge area to explore, although it doesn’t have the same pull for me as Grand Theft Auto, it does have some originality to it in some of the missions offered and the graphics and sound also show what the Xbox 360 is capable of, the game is great value for money and it will take you a long time to complete and even then the online modes provide more reason to go back to it, so my advise would be to get your cash out and start capping some gangsters.

Xboxdynasty (XD) (9.1 out of 10)

Saints Row hat mich von der ersten Sekunden an den Pad gefesselt. GTA und RAP Fans werden mit diesem Titel sicher für eine lange Zeit sehr glücklich sein. Der gelungene und vollgepackte Xbox-Live Modus mit bis zu 12 Spielern runden den überwältigten Gesamteindruck ab. Nach so viel Spielfreude verzeihen wir dem Spiel kleinere Schwächen locker.

Gaming Age (A-)

It's clear that the game design borrowed heavily from the fundamentals of the Grand Theft Auto games, but I feel like Volition brings so much more to the table. It's almost as if Saint's Row is a parody of the GTA games, with its over the top raunchiness, obvious innuendo and complete departure from reality. I never got that into the GTA games, but I can't seem to get enough of Saint's Row. Maybe I'm just high on Gamer Points, but had I been forced to buy the game, I'd have felt that I'd gotten more than my money's worth in gaming.

XboxZone (Australia) (9.1 out of 10)

Whilst it won't win awards for its originality, Saints Row is a top shelf game. Whilst laden with quite a few problems at release, the single player issues don't really affect gameplay too much. You're still going to have a ball getting involved in all types of mayhem, and there's easily upwards of fifty hours of gameplay here if you want to take your time doing everything. Multiplayer seems to be a victim of its own ambitiousness, but if Volition can sort out a patch which eliminates the issues, the online portion of the game should keep you going until the November hail storm of titles. Whether it's better than the series it aspires to, Grand Theft Auto, is really a matter of opinion, but I personally have never had this much fun playing an open world game. There are dozens of other things about this gem worth mentioning, but if you’re not half way to the shop right now there’s something wrong with you.

Lawrence (9.1 out of 10)

If THQ had slapped “Grand Theft Auto IV” on the front of this box, I don’t think anyone would even notice that it wasn’t the real deal. It takes everything that was fun about the Rockstar series, and simply polishes all of the important gameplay elements. While it may not be perfect, it’s a truly impressive title that any fan of open-ended gameplay is sure to enjoy.

GamingTrend (542 out of 600)

Saint’s Row is really something that any 360 gamer should check out. Grand Theft Auto fans will be pleasantly surprised, and people who don’t like Grand Theft Auto may even create an attachment to this game for its variety and pure fun. This is something you will play, possibly play again, play online, and tell all your friends to play. Bottom line, it’s damn enjoyable.

Fragland.net (90 out of 100)

I can continue filling pages on this game but in the end you just want to know whether or not you have to buy this game and the answer is simple: Yes! Saint's Row is a fantastic game, just like it's a city that will become your second home, an experience that will make your X360 blow until late at night for one hell of a virtual ride. For lovers of GTA, this is a must; a clone of course (radiostations anyone?) but one filled with hormones and testosteron, with guns and bazooka's that continue to spill fire through every broken window, and sweat puberal fun out of each smelly pore. This, my friends, is life in Saint's Row and THQ and Volition have just set a new standard for free-form gaming!

MS Xbox World (9 out of 10)

Overall Saints Row is a cracking game and at the end of the day is extremely fun and rewarding which is what counts. It doesn’t take itself too seriously, what with all the sexual orientated gags and the stereotypical look at gangster life. The only thing missing from this game is your character getting a record contract at the end to become a Hip Hop artist! Well, ok that might be taking things too far but I guess your character is certainly qualified to comment. If you love free roaming games that offer hours of entertainment then Saints Row is most certainly the game for you. I recommend a purchase over a rental as it offers plenty more hours of play than most games. I can see myself continually playing from time to time to progress further in completing all activities in Stilwater to become the ultimate “blinged” out gangster

Video Game Talk ( )

Saints Row shouldn't be missed by any breathing Xbox 360 owner, regardless of preferences in genre. It's a wonderful romp that will take about 15 hours to knock out the single player storyline, 10 to 20 hours to fully complete the side missions, and another investment of time if you wrap yourself up in the multiplayer. Feel safe in picking up Saints Row as a purchase, even at the full retail price.

Totally Gaming Network (9 out of 10)

A massive and expansive game that takes what Grand Theft Auto had made and takes it one step further bringing the open world genre into the next generation.

Kombo.com (9 out of 10)

A lot of games have tried to copy the success of Grand Theft Auto. There have been some who have been close, but most companies get the idea right, but the execution horribly horribly wrong (I am looking at you, True Crime). Now along comes Saint's Row. If those games are trying to mimic Grand Theft Auto, Saint's Row has gone much further. It has essentially clubbed GTA over the head, stolen its clothes, and tried to pass itself off as its long lost brother. However, if that's the worst criticism you can level at a game, you know you have a great time in your hands.

Play Magazine (9 out of 10)

In some capacity we all dream of ruling the streets, be them urban or metropolitan—of being an invincible force immune to the consequences of our actions. If only life had a reset button. I suppose we owe a debt of gratitude to Rockstar for opening that door. Although not a huge fan of the GTA series, I find myself a huge fan of the archetype. With Mercenaries, Jak 2 and 3, Assassins Creed, Just Cause, Crackdown, and now Saint’s Row, open-world gaming has quickly become my go-to category after platforming, although Saint’s Row is an especially unorthodox entrée for my gaming palate. As a card-carrying anti-thug advocate it’s the last game I expected to fall in love with yet here I am one hundred percent immersed in my own private struggle to clean up the streets, pretty much however I see fit.

Game Freaks 365 (9 out of 10)

Overall, Saint’s Row isn’t without its problems–frustrating missions, choppy online play, and a few graphical glitches show that Saint’s Row is human. Add those to the familiar ground tread in the game’s storyline, and the lack of some of GTA’s newer features, and you’ve got a game that is a few years behind the competition. But does that mean that Saint’s Row is bad? No! Far from it! Saint’s Row is a fantastic game that had me glued to my seat. I was so glued, in fact, that I played it for more than ten hours after putting it into my Xbox 360 for the first time, completing more than 30% of the game in a single sitting. Then the next day came and went. And the next day. And the next day. Saint’s Row’s got the great graphics, excellent presentation, control style, online gameplay, and entertainment value to make it more than worthy of your $60.

Deeko (9 out of 10)

I hope your gat is cocked and your gameface is on, playah, because we ‘bout to bounce into a whole new world. The Third Street Saints are coming back, and we gonna take this town back: from the Row to the Regals. Now if we can just clip those kids who keep saying "GTA Clone".

Gameplanet ( )

Saints Row proves you don't need to be Rockstar to create a decent free roaming GTA-style game, and in some aspects this title even outshines the legendary series itself.

PlayDevil ( )

In the end, Saints Row is an all around great game. Excellent controls, great visuals, a million different things to do, and an interesting story make this game a must have for any Xbox 360 owner. With a great game like this there are few drawbacks like the online multiplayer which truly bogs down the overall accomplishment of this game. Though with the patch coming soon these issues should be addressed to truly make this game as close to perfect as it can get. Hopefully Volition will continue with more installments of Saint Row, and who knows it just might prove to be more popular than Grand Theft Auto in the long run.

Game Vortex (89 out of 100)

Saints Row is all about the approach. If you come into the game with a San Andreas-sized chip on your shoulder, you’re going to be disappointed no matter what. Instead, Saints Row is better approached as its own game that is trying to build something for itself while using Grand Theft Auto as a basic blueprint. Without question, Saints Row is one of the best games currently available on the 360 and well worth your time and money.

TalkXbox (89 out of 100)

Saints Row is everything it was cracked up to be. Volition put forth an excellent online component that is competent and entertaining all at the same time. The controls don’t put a strangle hold on the gameplay, the graphics only have a few hiccups, and the audio is near perfection. While some may disagree with the score, there’s nothing else like it on the Xbox 360 right now, and not too many others feature such a robust online experience. The final results for Saints Row is an overall positive one, it flat out delivered what it promised from the beginning.

Atomic Gamer (89 out of 100)

Overall, though, Saint’s Row is quite a fulfilling experience. An interesting story, good graphics and fun gameplay make for a worthy 360 purchase. Sure, there are a few bugs that can be attributed to a rushed game, but they don’t ruin the experience. Without them, though, Saint’s Row could easily be a classic. As it is, it’ll definitely give Grand Theft auto 4 a run for its money when it does release.

Planet Xbox 360 (8.8 out of 10)

Saints Row lived up to all the hype it was receiving for the past year and a half or more. Volition put forth a game worthy of challenging GTA of its crown for king of the sandbox. With a sequel, I am sure Volition and THQ will be able to do even more with the title and expand on what they have already created. This is the fall title you need to pick up before you become heavily addicted to Gears of War.

VGPub (8.8 out of 10)

Overall, Saints Row surprised me and from what I am gathering from the online community, nearly everyone else at how good it replicated GTA. No other game has gotten the GTA formula down so well before. While the online play may only walk off with a “thank you for participating” ribbon, the main single player experience is one that should be enjoyed by all and has a lot to offer to keep you playing for well over 30 hours.

Gaming Target (8.7 out of 10)

Saints Row, the open world gangster sandbox by developer Volition, is a complete rip-off of GTA. Of course, it's also a fantastic game, presented extremely well, with good looks and big improvements to the Rockstar formula to boot. Despite the fact that every last aspect of it is lifted wholesale from Take-Two's baby, right down to the HUD and car-jacking mechanics, Saints Row succeeds in most everything it does and any fan of open-world games in general would do well to look past any prejudices and give it a whirl.

GamingExcellence (8.7 out of 10)

From every angle you take, Saints Row is golden. You'll drive around and conquer Stilwater for hours to come and enjoy every minute of it I'm sure, as it's just too solid in the main functionality to induce any less. Saints Row not only is a new addition to the sub-genre of free roaming action games, but it is the new leader, and for all the right reasons.

Gamers.at (87 out of 100)

Grand Theft Auto 4 kommt erst 2007? Im Oktober? Wenn Sie die nächsten 12 Monate nicht ohne Automobilklau auskommen wollen, ist Saints Row eine interessante Alternative. Ob es Volition Inc. aber gelungen ist, dem Genrekönig GTA den Thron unter dem Hintern wegzuklauen, können Sie in unserem Review nachlesen.

GameZone (8.7 out of 10)

Aping all of the things we love about the Grand Theft Auto series, Saint’s Row is an Xbox 360 game that is definitely not very original but is still one hell of a fun ride.

NZGamer (8.6 out of 10)

Saints Row is the best GTA rip-off to date – well put-together, and immensely fun. I’d call it an investment, even just for the joyriding and random mayhem. And it’s in stores now.

ZTGameDomain (8.5 out of 10)

At the end of the day Saints Row is exactly what Volition set out to do and yet another outstanding addition to the Xbox 360 library. This is the first game to actually challenge GTA for the throne among these types of games and it actually surpasses it on many levels. If Volition can add some of the newer features that GTA has spawned over its three incarnations they certainly have a hit on their hands. Add that to the fact that they already have a solid online component and you have a sure-fire hit that 360 gamers are sure to enjoy for months to come. If you are searching for something new and fun to enjoy on your Xbox 360 look no further than the streets of Stilwater; grab a copy of Saints Row today and become the virtual gangsta you were born to be!

IGN (8.5 out of 10)

Over the past five years, Rockstar North (once known as DMA) has created -- and set -- the standard for games in a genre that, for lack of a better term, are "Grand Theft Auto" or "GTA" games. Some might call the genre "urban mayhem," but whatever you call it, Grand Theft Auto III created a genre, the same way Castle Wolfenstein 3-D and Doom did with first-person shooters. Thus, at least right now, every game that competes in this genre competes directly with any one of the GTA games, all of which have raised the bar in videogame production, theme maturity and language, open-world design, and lastly, production cost (they're expensive games to make). That is, until another developer does it better than Rockstar.

Gameslave UK (8.5 out of 10)

For anyone taking their first look at this game, you'll immediately draw similarities to Grand Theft Auto and to be fair the developers have 'borrowed' a lot of the game-play style from the GTA games. Of course, there's no Xbox 360 GTA game yet so we can't compare directly.

Extreme Gamer (8.5 out of 10)

Saints Row isn't going to be crowned the new Grand Theft Auto, but it doesn't have to be. The overall production and core gameplay make Saints a fun and engaging. From start to finish I was pretty addicted and had a great time rolling around the streets of Stillwater , pimped out and causing trouble. Saints Row has lived up to its expectations and proves that someone besides Rockstar can make a decent open world gangster game.

360 LIVE (8.5 out of 10)

Trotzdem schreddert »Saints Row« haarscharf in den Hitbereich hinein. Denn die Missionen sind abwechslungsreich, die Charaktere irgendwie witzig und die Nebenaufgaben herrlich durchgeknallt. Dass das Spiel bei der Größe nicht ganz mit einem »San Andreas« mithalten kann, scheint weniger dramatisch - auch so ist der Spieler von Anfang bis Ende rund 35 Stunden beschäftigt. Zumal danach noch einige interessante Mehrspieler-Varianten auf Xbox-Live den Spielwert weiter steigern. Wer also nicht bis Oktober 2007 auf »Grand Theft Auto 4« warten möchte, kann sich hier perfekt die Zeit vertreiben.

Gamesmania.de (85 out of 100)

Mit Saints Row schafft das Gangsterspiel Genre den Sprung in die nächste Generation. Eine technisch hervorragende Präsentation gepaart mit den bewährten Spielelementen eines GTA resultieren in einem völlig frischen Spielerlebnis, das einem dennoch vertraut vorkommt und daher kaum Einarbeitungszeit erfordert. Dass ihr in Stilwater noch nicht ganz soviele Möglichkeiten habt wie in der über Jahre gereiften GTA Serie, sollte man den Entwicklern nicht anlasten - dafür wurden andere gute Ideen umgesetzt. Das was ihr letztlich in Saints Row geboten bekommt ist großartig und wird jeden Fan des Genres begeistern!

Worth Playing (8.5 out of 10)

Saints Row borrows from the GTA series to a fault, but luckily, it seems to be the first game to do that right. As long as you go into the game expecting Grand Theft Auto 3.5, you'll really enjoy it. At the very least, it's the best-looking and -playing open-world game this side of Oblivion on the X360 right now, so how can you go wrong, really?

XboxAchievements (84 out of 100)

A solid story line that offers a good 30 hours of gameplay and a number or side missions to extend the experience, plus online multiplayer and some limited co-op options and you've got a game you can keep coming back to. Plus blowing crap up never gets old. Between the story missions, side missions and the multiplayer (more on that later), the game has some great lasting appeal. Single player took me about 60 hours to knock out and that is pretty much grinding through the missions nonstop.

games xtreme (8.4 out of 10)

Saints Row sports some great design, gets let down by some horrible graphics glitches but manages to hold its own against tough competition. It features some good MP that needs a little fixing and is a lot of fun. Get it!

Gamer 2.0 (8.4 out of 10)

Saints Row isn’t exactly original, but it succeeds in being the first to take the GTA gameplay formula and create a well-executed gaming experience. If you are fan of the GTA series, or simply an Xbox 360 owner looking for the next best pick up and play title, then Saints Row won’t let you down.

Gamernode (8.4 out of 10)

Despite its shortcomings, Saints Row is a fantastic addition to the Xbox 360. It contains a long singleplayer experience, and has the potential to be an extremely rewarding online one as well. With the promised fix for the online lag, this may become one of the best games on the console. Simply put, this is a solid sandbox experience with plenty to do, fun achievements and a greatly refined experience over other titles in the genre. Technical issues or not, as things stand, fans of GTA who aren't tired of the overall formula and gangster world from San Andreas should definitely look to pick this one up.

Gamers' Temple, The (84 out of 100)

Saints Row is a fun game that certainly copies GTA but also adds just enough to make it stand on its own.

4Players.de (84 out of 100)

Ja: Volition hat sich in mehr als einem Punkt im großen weiten GTA-Universum bedient. Und auch wenn es dem Nachahmer nicht vollends gelingt, aus dem Schatten des großen Idols zu treten, liefert der Ausflug nach Stilwater einen unterhaltsamen und gelungenen Vorgeschmack, welches Potenzial die so genannten „Open World“-Spiele im Zusammenspiel mit NextGen-Systemen bieten. Das bekannte Spielprinzip wurde an den genau richtigen Stellen aufgebohrt, kleine Details ergänzt und zu einem actionlastigen Gangsta-Ausflug vermischt, der durchweg gute Unterhaltung bietet. Und letztlich ist das knappe Verpassen des Awards in erster Linie auch nicht grundlegenden spielerischen Defiziten zuzuschreiben, sondern eher dem draufgestülpt scheinenden Online-Modus sowie technischen Patzern, die man auf einer Konsole der nächsten Generation so nicht erwartet hätte.

GameSpot (8.3 out of 10)

If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, then Rockstar North, the developer of the Grand Theft Auto series, should be very, very flattered by Saints Row. After all, developer Volition's take on an open-ended criminal action game is almost criminally similar to GTA on first impression. Like GTA, Saints Row offers much the same combination of driving and shooting action; it's set in a fictitious, modern American city; it lets you run or drive pretty much wherever you want to right from the start; it's got a ton of licensed music on the soundtrack; and it's got a sense of humor that ranges from dirty to dark.

Console Monster (83 out of 100)

Overall the game is unbelievable fun, the story mode is immense and immersive and will have you playing until the sun has set and risen again. The side missions also add to the lastability of this game with great activities like Hijacking and Hitman, it is truly awesome. It looks like a next-gen game and considering I hated the GTA series I was surprised by just how much better Saints Row was. Despite the screen slowdown, online lag and a couple of other missing features this is a damn good game and is definitely worth its £50 price tag.

UGO (UnderGroundOnline) (B+)

It's clear as day that Saints Row wouldn't exist without Grand Theft Auto, but unlike other clones (True Crime, for example), Saints Row manages to improve on many of the aspects that made GTA frustrating. Plus, with an enjoyable multiplayer portion, there's definitely plenty to do once you it 100% on your own. All you have to do is swallow your street pride and endure a few too many "wuz up, bitches," 'cause you'll find a great game beyond the crap.

Play.tm (82 out of 100)

At its heart Saints Row may be little more than a GTA copy, but where many others have failed, Saints Row succeeds. Sure, it's never better than GTA itself and isn't going to win any awards for originality, but Saints Row does measure up to 2001's GTA III pretty well. Saints Row is a very accomplished game, but sadly falls short on truly excelling simply due to the nature of the game being based so strongly on another. However, in its own right Saints Row is a memorable play-through and without doubt deserves a look from anyone wanting a next generation GTA-type experience.

XBox Front (81 out of 100)

GTA, diese drei Buchstaben kennen ‚Hobby-Gangster’ nur allzu gut. Die Serie von Rockstar Games, die einst als 2D-Actiontitel begann, hat das Genre mittlerweile revolutioniert und viele Fans gefunden. Dass nicht nur in San Diego gute Spiele programmiert werden, wissen wir. Nun hat Entwickler ‚Volition Inc.’ das bekannte Spielprinzip aufgegriffen und schickt mit ‚Saints Row’ den erste NextGen-Titel des Genres ins Rennen. Neben einer riesigen frei begeh- und befahrbaren Umgebung verspricht der Entwickler vier unterschiedliche Storylines, dutzende von Missionen, freie Charaktererstellung und –anpassung, sowie einen motivierenden Xbox Live-Multiplayermodus. Um herauszufinden, ob ‚Saints Row’ den hohen Erwartungen gerecht wird und ob dies zudem reicht, um das Konkurrenzprodukt aus dem Hause ‚Rockstar’ Paroli zu bieten, haben wir den Titel genauer unter die Lupe genommen.

Jeuxvideo.com (16 out of 20)

Quelque part, on aurait tout de même souhaité que Saint's Row en fasse plus, plus sur le contenu afin d'égaler ou de dépasser les autres jeux du genre (superficie, nombre d'activités, présence des deux roues etc.), plus aussi sur la technique car s'il reste fort esthétique, on sait que la console aurait pu aller un peu plus loin et surtout se départir du clipping. Nonobstant, Saint's Row est addictif, souple, et même séduisant. Alors que les amateurs du GTA-Like ne se posent pas trop de questions, ils tiennent un bon représentant.

Defunct Games (80 out of 100)

While it's hard to call Saints Row original, this is the best Grand Theft Auto-type game I've played in a long time. It has great controls, a cool story and enough extra stuff to keep you busy for a good twenty to thirty hours. If this is the start of a franchise then THQ has a good foundation to work from. Unfortunately I found myself feeling like I had been here before. But with Grand Theft Auto IV a full year away, Saints Row is a solid action game that will keep you going from beginning to end.

Gamezine (16 out of 20)

Saints Row est donc un jeu sympathique, et même le mode online est de qualité. Ce n’est pas encore le GTA next-gen tant attendu, mais on s’en rapproche tout doucement. Encore un peu de patience pour jouer à la tuerie ultime, mais en attendant vous pouvez vous procurer ce jeu qui, malgré ses défauts (notamment les personnages qui n’ont aucun charisme, avec des visages super mal faits au point que ça en devient comique), reste très bon.

DreamStation.cc (8 out of 10)

Despite some of its flaws, Saints Row is one of the most complete packages available for the X-Box 360. Not only is the gameplay deep (yet simplistic at the same time), but it is just downright fun, which is something that you don't see with a lot of games these days. Sometimes it is just fun to throw in the game and run around the city without performing any of the required tasks or missions, and the game encourages and allows you to do just that. There is also some fun to be had online if you have friends to run with as a group. If you are an individual that enjoys the sandbox genre of games and you own a 360, Saints Row is definitely a game that you should consider picking up.

GamesFirst! ( )

Small complaints aside, Saint's Row is worth the $60 it costs. The story and gameplay are phenomenal and everything else works to add to the package. Pick it up now.

Gamigo (8 out of 10)

Saints Row macht zweifelsohne viel Spaß und verkürzt die noch lange Wartezeit auf GTA IV exzellent. Dennoch bin ich schon etwas enttäuscht, vor allem die Technik hätte man auf der Xbox360 doch noch ein gutes Stückchen besser hinbekommen können. Auch die Story spricht mich mit dem Gangstersetting wie schon in San Andreas so gar nicht an. Ein dickes Lob gibt es dafür aber für die komfortable Steuerung, in diesem Punkt hat Rockstar noch viel Nachholbedarf. Letztlich ist Saints Row ein spaßiger GTA-Klon, dem aber ein paar weitere eigene Ideen gut getan hätten. Wen das nicht weiter stört, wird in Stilwater etliche vergnügliche Stunden verbringen.

UOL Jogos ( )

"Saints Row" visivelmente imita "Grand Theft Auto", mas não se acomodou e promoveu melhorias. O resultado disso são controles excelentes e missões empolgantes, além de criar facilidades como um navegador no mapa, tornando o game mais amigável e menos frustrante. Isso não compromete o equilíbrio, sem ser fácil demais, e, acima de tudo, é muito divertido. O conteúdo é extenso, suficiente para dezenas de horas, sem contar as modalidades multiplayer, a principal contribuição do título ao gênero. A experiência de jogo é menos completa que o clássico da Rockstar, mas ganha de seus imitadores com boa margem. "Saints Row" é a prova que, para alguns games, o crime compensa.

Electronic Gaming Monthly (EGM) (8 out of 10)

For wannabe thugs in upper-middleclass houses countrywide, Saints Row will seem like a sleek glock from the gods. This game delivers what any fan of the genre that Grand Theft Auto built (open-world, mission-based driving/ shooter hybrid) could hope for in a next-gen entry--provided that doesn't include innovation.

Gamer.nl (8 out of 10)

Het succes van Grand Theft Auto III is iets waar vele ontwikkelaars maar van kunnen dromen. De verslavende gameplay, de uitstekende soundtrack en de voor die tijd goede graphics waren de perfecte ingrediënten voor een klassieker die menig gamer nog lang bij zal bleven. Velen hebben geprobeerd om in de buurt te komen van de geliefde GTA-reeks, maar allen faalden zij jammerlijk. Je zou bijna medelijden met de ontwikkelaars krijgen. Ook ontwikkelaar Volition doet een duit in het zakje met het vandaag verschenen Saints Row, hun debuutgame voor de Xbox 360. Onmiddellijk rijst er één vraag op: Wordt dit de zoveelste rip-off, of biedt deze game toch iets meer dan de zoveelste bende-oorlog tussen een stel drugsverslaafden, pooiers, gangsters en ander low-life scum?

TeamXbox (8 out of 10)

Before we start in on the long and rigorous process of reviewing Saints Row, it’s important that we first look at the building blocks that lead us here… The original Nintendo Entertainment System brought us the world’s first side-scrollers, the games that would define their generation. The following generation introduced three-dimensional graphics to the mix, and while nowhere near the level of graphical acuity we see in today’s visual dynamos, they were still a window into the future of our industry.

GameDaily ( )

For the past two years, Saints Row has looked like big, hairy ass. The visuals were disgusting, the frame rate was slower than Snuffaluffagus, and the game crashed every time I looked at it crooked. It was an abysmal mess, but I can't say the same thing about the retail copy sitting on my desk. Someone at THQ must've really believed in this project or smacked Volition upside its collective head, because this game, this wildly entertaining crime simulator is one of the best things to happen to the Xbox 360.

GamesRadar (8 out of 10)

Aside from the formula for Coca-Cola, no pop culture secret has been more difficult to replicate than Grand Theft Auto's recipe for open-ended videogaming thuggery. A few have had moderate RC Cola-level acceptance, but most have been Crystal Pepsi-sized failures. Finally, however, we have a winner. Saints Row is the Pepsi to GTA's Coke.

PAL Gaming Network (PALGN) (8 out of 10)

Saints Row doesn’t pretend to be original, and it isn’t without problems, but it does provide enough high quality gaming for players to overlook the game’s few shortcomings. It introduces a lot of cool little features while providing enough entertaining gameplay to keep players coming back for months to come.

AceGamez (8 out of 10)

Saints Row is easily the best GTA clone out there, and that could have something to do with the unhidden fact that it blatantly takes a lot from GTA. It's even superior to the larger-than-life franchise in a lot of ways, but many redeeming qualities are lost because of the short and completely un-involving storyline, boring lead character (you can combine customization with an actual character, just look at San Andreas), and lack of features found as standard in the later incarnations of the Grand Theft Auto franchise. Still, Saints Row is a solid new franchise and a great title to pick up for your 360, yet you can't help but feel that it only has certain advantages over GTA because of the enhanced hardware. We shall see, come the release of GTA4...

Console Obsession (8 out of 10)

Saints Row is one of the better sandbox games currently on the shelves and even beats the biggest at its own game in some vital aspects. It’s certainly big competition for next years GTA4. But for now Saints Row deserves the utmost respect for refining the uglier mechanics of Rockstars crime caper.

Boomtown (8 out of 10)

Saints Row isn't particularly clever or original, at times it seems like bait to anti-games campaigners, yet at the same time there's no denying there's an awful lot of fun to be had in the game. The simple addition of a useful targeting systems opens up so much gameplay that felt tedious in GTA. Whether tackling the story mode, engaging in the many varied activities or just playing around with the great physics system you're bound to be entertained for quite a while. Saints Row is not a classic by any means but it's fun enough to just about justify its own place in our memory away from talk of being a mere GTA clone. And a sequel will be most welcome.

GameSpy ( )

It's impossible not to compare Saints Row to the Grand Theft Auto games (just go back and try to count how many times I did it), but this is one of those cases in which it feels like there's room for both of them. Volition has succeeded in crafting a game that plays very solidly, looks and sounds great, and manages to introduce some welcome improvements to the sandbox genre. It's a successful first effort, and it gives us high hopes for the inevitable sequels. Watch out Tommy and CJ, there's a new gangster on the block.

Thunderbolt Games (8 out of 10)

Better than Grand Theft Auto? From what I’ve experienced, both games focus on entirely different concepts of crime, so much so it’s almost a treat to flick backwards and forwards between each series. GTA is far more high flying, with huge drug raids and mafia troubles and I found Saints Row to be more down to earth, focusing on petty crimes and taking over gang turf. Perhaps I’m just avoiding answering the question - there’s no denying that these are two incredibly similar games - but I’m far more happy owning two games that show the contrasting lives of crime than one title in a genre in which no-one is bold enough to try something a little different. You have to give Volition credit for that.

videogamer.com (8 out of 10)

Compared directly to the Grand Theft Auto series, and in particular to the scope of San Andreas, Saints Row comes off as second best, but it's far from a second rate product. In fact, it's one of the few next-gen games that truly warrants a next-gen price tag, with a lengthy single-player campaign and a fun online component to extend the experience. Originality is great, but with that illusive new idea becoming harder and harder to find, well made imitators (especially in a genre that rarely gets it right) can't be sniffed at. Saints Row even manages to show GTA a thing or two, and deserves a place in the collection of anyone old enough to play it.

Cheat Code Central (4 out of 5)

Saint’s Row has surprised many gamers with its fun factor. If players can get beyond the fact that the game has obviously made a trip through San Andreas before arriving on the 360, they’ll find a game that is both fun and fulfilling even if it’s a clone.

Good Game (8 out of 10)

Graphics, movement mechanics, aim, have all been improved. But then again that's probably what you'd expect from a game coming out on a next-gen console. The two areas where this game excels is the character customisation and the multiplayer. When you create your character, you've got like five different settings for the shape of your forehead and you've got HEAPS of customisation options.

Xboxygen ( )

Les gunfights ne sont pas du tout ennuyants et on se croit vraiment en pleine guerre de rue. Ajoutez à ça une sensation de liberté qui fait plaisir avec la possibilité de faire les missions du boss ou d’aller gagner quelques points de réputation en faisant les nombreuses activités annexes qui sont proposées, les personnalisations du personnage et des véhicules poussées, un mode de jeu en ligne solide et fun, une très bonne réalisation et vous voilà avec un très bon GTA-like next-gen !

GNT - Generation Nouvelles Technologies (8 out of 10)

Saints Row est une valeur sûre de la logitech Xbox 360. Déjà disponible depuis septembre 2006, le titre vieillit très bien et reste à ce jour le seul GTA-like de la console. Aussi bien en solo qu'en multijoueurs, le jeu est très bien réalisé et dispose d'une excellente durée de vie. A conseiller à tous ceux qui ne l'on pas déjà essayé.

Games Finder (8 out of 10)

Saints Row is a very much Grand Theft Auto inspired experience but it has more than enough of its own unique content to be more than just a simple clone. Fans of the open world genre would be silly to not play the first instalment of this successful series.

FZ ( )

Saints Row är ett spel som gör många saker bra men utan det där sista lilla extra som kan få det att glänsa. Är Saints Row en lika omvälvande upplevelse som Grand Theft Auto 3 var när det kom? Inte på långa vägar men det är inte långt ifrån när det kommer till rent underhållningsvärde. Har du svårt för hela gangsterattityden med dess bilar, snacket, musiken och manéren är Saints Row nog inget för dig. Gillar du däremot densamma är det svårt att inte rekommendera Volitions första titeln till Xbox 360.

Xbox Exclusive (7.9 out of 10)

An attempt to “Pimp My GTA” that has mixed results. On the one hand, it’s a fresh adaptation on the genre GTA had pioneered so many years ago. It’s innovative, inspired, and easy to lose yourself in. On the other hand, you will spend the entire game (much like I spent the entire review) comparing this game to other games in the genre.

Jolt (UK) (7.6 out of 10)

Saints Row sets a high benchmark for the new generation – one that is sure to entertain those who overlook its shortcomings. Come the inevitable sequel, GTA may have a real contender to square-off with.

Game Revolution (B)

Life is full of imitators. The harmless scarlet king snake mimics the deadly eastern coral snake, The Monkees aped the Beatles, Fred Flintstone is no Jackie Gleason, and David Hasselhoff is just the poor man’s William Shatner, who somehow managed to sell a lot of albums despite having (astonishingly) less musical talent. But to say that Saint’s Row is just an imitation of Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas is a disservice to Xerox machines everywhere. GTA imitators like The Getaway and True Crime tried to create their own variations on Rockstar’s successful theme, but Saint’s Row flat out copies it. Although the result is not as sharp as the original, it’s the best clone yet, proving that old Grand Theft axiom: If it ain’t broke, steal it.

Video Games Daily (7.5 out of 10)

Saints Row is the game Grand Theft Auto fans have been waiting for while they wait for the next Grand Theft Auto.

411mania.com (7.5 out of 10)

In a growing virtual sea of Grand Theft Auto imitators, Saints Row is probably one of the better offering in the genre-blend GTA made famous. It’s definitely a look into the future of this sort of game, and it’s a lot of fun in both the short and long term. Sadly, the game’s derivative nature and nearly gratuitous level of focus on the thug-life motif may turn off gamers who’ve done this so many times before, and parents wanting to screen their kids’ game choices will definitely place this on their no-chance-in-hell list. Still, Saints Row is as addictive and guilty-as-sin fun as the game it imitates, and this is one case where imitation is the best form of flattery.

Computer Bild Spiele (2.3 out of 6)

Ganz klar, dieses Spiel ist nur für Erwachsene! Doch alle mit viel schwarzem Humor und einer Schwäche für Mafia-Geschichten dürften an diesem Spiel Ihre helle Freude haben. In der riesigen Stadt Stilwater genießen Sie größtmögliche Bewegungsfreiheit und können Ihrer kriminellen Energie nach Lust und Laune freien Lauf lassen. Die Aufträge sind abwechslungsreich, die Umgebungen und Akteure wirken realistisch. „Saints Row“ gleicht inhaltlich sehr der Spielserie „Grand Theft Auto“ (GTA), verliert aber dadurch nicht an Reiz. Und das ist doch „gut“.

Mygamer.com (7.2 out of 10)

While I really enjoyed the look and feel of the graphics and controls, there is still a nagging feeling that the game is just too much of a clone. It would normally seem unfair to compare a game so much to another title, but since Saints Row unabashedly shows off its similarities, I would have to say the comparisons are merited and necessary. While Saints Row does a lot of things real well, it does not do anything really new, and though Stillwater is a cool sandbox in which to play in its own right, considering the fun I have had in Liberty City, Vice City and San Andreas, it ends up increasing my desire to see what a next-gen GTA can do.

1UP (7 out of 10)

There are a lot of names to throw at a game like Saints Row: rip-off, clone, knockoff...take your pick. Honestly, it probably deserves them all. Everything about it apes Grand Theft Auto to such a degree that we'll never again be able to call anything else a "GTA clone," just because it's not really possible that anything else will ever so brazenly imitate the thing.

TotalVideoGames (TVG) (7 out of 10)

Saint's Row is a game of little steps as opposed to giant strides; it's a game that ultimately fails to push open-world, free-roaming games onto the next-generation, but is, nonetheless entertaining and worthwhile.

Gamestyle (7 out of 10)

It is difficult to review Saints Row without mentioning GTA, as the game is almost identical in every sense without hitting the same barometer of quality. The influence is everywhere, but if you're going to make a video game, then you might as well take note of the best product on the market. The enjoyment factor, online support and escapism will ensure that Saints Row keeps fans of Rockstar's franchise occupied for many months to come.

Eurogamer.net (UK) (7 out of 10)

Despite the predictably provocative strap line, we're not going to bang on too much about the ridiculous number of similarities between Saints Row and Grand Theft Auto (and it is astonishing). Rather than get steamed up at the death of creativity and end up ranting incredulously "and they even stole this bit!", we're in the 'talent borrows, genius steals' camp today. We're also interested in how we managed to glean so much enjoyment from such dead-eyed creative bankruptcy. In some senses it's a terrible game that you want to take an AK47 to, yet there you are, 25 hours into it, 3AM in the morning, still enjoying it.

Good Game (7 out of 10)

Is it enough to go out and buy a 360? Nah, probably not. But if you're gunna get a 360 anyway, and GTA tickled your fancy, you WILL have fun with this game.

Press Start Online (14 out of 20)

So, predictably, Saints Row has become an imperfect contender to the sandbox crown. It has just about enough going for it to offset both its technical issues and the inevitable accusations of plagiarism that will surely abound. At best it can be seen as a respectable - if flawed- venture into a monopolised genre, at worst it should at least give the boys at Rockstar some ideas, but at no point should it be written off on the basis of its similarity to the competition.

X-Power (7 out of 10)

Fundamenteel gezien schort er absoluut niets aan Saints Row, ook al zal het voor een eeuwigheid synoniem staan als een schaamteloze kopie van San Andreas. Niettemin verwijdert het spel de meeste problemen van de eerder vermelde crimesim, en paarde Volition de verbeteringen met haar eigen frisse ideeën. Maar! Technisch gezien is het spel véél te vroeg in de winkelrekken terecht gekomen (grappig als je in de credits leest dat ze circa honderd testers te werk hebben gesteld), en schaadt de ontbrekende polish van zowel de graphics als de multiplayer het spel. Zij het door onkunde of door onervarenheid, de Xbox 360 is tot meer in staat – neem Just Cause of Crackdown onder de loep – en Volition faalde om de hardware ten volle te benutten. Hadden de ontwikkelaars het gros aan plooien kunnen neerstrijken door de game uit te stellen tot het eerste kwartaal van 2007, en kozen ze voor een meer humoristische aanpak van de setting, dan pas kon Saints Row alle verwachtingen inlossen.

Factornews (7 out of 10)

Saints Row est un bon jeu. Relativement long, présentant un challenge suffisamment bien dosé pour ne rebuter personne, bien réalisé, il réussit haut la main là où d'autres ont échoué avant lui : copier le gameplay de GTA, en y rajoutant au passage une réalisation digne d'un jeu next gen et en retirant un bon paquet de défauts du jeu de Rockstar. Le revers de la médaille, c'est qu'à force de copier, Saints Row a complètement oublié de se forger une véritable identité. Ce point ne sera pas forcément pénalisant pour tout le monde, mais il vaut mieux être prévenu : malgré ses qualités, Saints Row risque de sentir très rapidement le déjà-vu déjà-joué.

Games TM (7 out of 10)

In attempting to fine tune all of GTA's foibles, Saints Row has invited unfavourable comparison on itself. It is a dangerous game to play, particularly when the quality of the competition places expectation so dauntingly high, and while it's difficult to think of a single area that Saints Row is significantly worse than GTA, it's just as testing to find enough ways that it's significantly better. There was a major jump in scope and ambition between each instalment of the GTA franchise, but the world of Saints Row feels, if anything, smaller and less detailed than that of San Andreas. Rather than the huge leap forward expected from the next-gen's first real foray into the pen-world, this feels too much like a step to the side - polished, involving and a great deal of fun, but current-gen in all but the smallest details. If Saints Row were handed to us as Grand Theft Auto IV we'd almost certainly believe it, but we'd also be disappointed. A huge compliment, but a backhanded one.

Gaming Nexus (B-)

While it's hard to call Saints Row original, this is the best Grand Theft Auto-type game I've played in a long time. It has great controls, a cool story and enough extra stuff to keep you busy for a good twenty to thirty hours. If this is the start of a franchise then THQ has a good foundation to work from. Unfortunately I found myself feeling like I had been here before. But with Grand Theft Auto IV a full year away, Saints Row is a solid action game that will keep you going from beginning to end.

EL33TONLINE ( )

If you’re desperate for some next-gen gang-banging this will work for now, but with GTAIV just a few months away I would hold out. At the end there is nothing really wrong with the game and in the same breath nothing really right about it either. It just lacks hugely in the “atmosphere” department unfortunately.

G4 TV: X-Play ( )

Saints Row knows where its bread is buttered. The game owes its existence to Rockstar Games’ gritty Grand Theft Autos, and no one either at developer Volition or publisher THQ games would dare to claim otherwise. Yet Row does something wholly unexpected; it manages to be more than a Grand Theft Auto clone dreamed up by men with only dollar signs in their eyes.

Games TM (5 out of 10)

[Online review] Saint's Row's multi-player is incredibly tough to score. As it stands, for UK players it's laggy to the point of being entirely unplayable. (...) So, brimming with potential but currently unplayable. Volition is hard at work on a patch, and if and when it comes, Saint Row's multi-player will be a solid 8. Until then, though...

GameCell UK (5 out of 10)

SR saves itself from total gaming hell with its good looks and levels of detail (just doing side missions and customizing cars can occupy you for countless hours), but the oh-too-common Xbox 360 game lack of quality control, and visual horrors like horizontal tearing and texture glitches are far too frequent. After a couple of weeks of play I still find myself enjoying it, and then having a hair-tearing moment as it crashes and I lose hours of play.

Netjak (2.2 out of 10)

Saints Row tempted me from the beginning with an immersive experience by showing off the wonders of the Havok engine. Volition then decided to violently rip that experience away from me by frequently demonstrating that Saint's Row was just a knock-off game, and a poorly built one at that. I don't want to see anyone play this badly built junk even once, let alone own it for the "joy" of multiple playthroughs. The single player experience was so bad I refused to even try the online mode. I don't want to see anyone else go through the pain of being tempted with such an immersive experience just to have it ripped away by the shortcomings of whoever was responsible for these game-breaking glitches.

Background N/A

Croyez-le ou non, ça choque de voir un GTA-like réussi techniquement. Les visages sont très bien modélisés, la ville fourmille de détails et les passants semblent presque réels. Le jeu utilise le moteur Havok, devenu la nouvelle norme pour ce qui est de la gestion physique des modèles 3D : réalisme garanti ! En ce qui concerne le gameplay, bien que le jeu conserve les bases de GTA, quelques améliorations ont été apportées, comme la visée avec le stick droit, à la manière d'un FPS. Il faut s'y faire dans un jeu à la troisième personne, mais on y gagne en précision. On regrettera en revanche de ne pouvoir conduire autre chose que des voitures, mais Saint's Row a déjà largement de quoi satisfaire les fans du genre, et s'imposera sans nul doute comme la nouvelle référence du genre - en attendant un certain GTA IV, prévu pour octobre 2007...