Review: Saints Row: The Third

Saints Row: The Third (SRTT) is an adult gaming experience that is exciting, funny and completely addictive.

Saints Row follows the exploits of the Third Street Saints gang. When a new Belgian crime boss moves into Stilwater, the gang is ousted to neighbouring Steelport.

To compound the lack of funds and weapons, there are already three rival gangs vying for control. As leader of the Saints, players have to eliminate the rival gangs and restore their gang to its former glory.

The look and feel of SRTT and the combat in the game are similar to Grand Theft Auto. However, Saints Row breaks the mould of typical sandbox gameplay by providing some of the strangest gaming moments. For example, players have to escort a live tiger in the front seat of a car; race in an S&M cart pulled by a dude in leather chaps; and beat people up with a baseball bat hidden in a giant pink phallus.

Yet, although borderline ridiculous, these are still not the craziest moments in the game. The dialogue is witty and the cringe-worthy moments are relatively few and far between. This is one of the funniest games I've ever played.

SRTT has an excellent customisation engine, giving players the ability to change every aspect of the character's look and personality, including gender, clothing and even the size of their package. At one point, my character was a man in an evening gown, with rollers in his hair and a pink Hitler moustache. Players can also customise their character's car and crib, though I doubt many hardcore gamers will waste too much time on interior design.

Another great addition to SRTT is the character's use of the cellphone. When in a pinch, players can call their buddies for backup, ask for a car to be dropped off, or even have a jetfighter delivered. Players can also use the cellphone to purchase upgrades, which are earned by completing missions, or to collect rent from properties and businesses owned by the player.

One of the best additions to the game is the multiplayer. Players have the option of either drop-in/out campaigns, or “whored” mode, where players fight off waves of baddies/prostitutes. Unfortunately, there is a bit of lag, and the aiming and movement felt quite sluggish. Ultimately, though, it doesn't affect a great co-op experience.

SRTT is a great game. The humour, ridiculous gameplay and over-the-top combat was a welcome relief from the more serious gameplay I've engaged with over the past few months. If nothing else, this game thoroughly entertains.