"Compared to its predecessor, Saints Row IV has identity. This time it's the gameplay that shines."
Saints Row IV understands that certain rule. It does not want to be swept away in a flood of gimmicky trends and twists that slowly poisons a franchise plummeting lowly patronizers to video game goodbyes. No, Saints Row IV wants to survive and perhaps, excel in its genre. Despite being consistently called a Grand Theft Auto clone, it continues to make new ways in which amidst the thick mud of stereotyping, it could emerge anew and different. A quick look at the beginning and one would see the strides of this game in its attempt to break the chains of "derivative titles". At once you'll see that Saints Row IV isn't a serious game. It is funny, a bit offensive, and, a parody of everything. From films to video games Saints Row IV isn't shy of references to characters, events and the like. A climb at the side of a rocket as it approach space? Hilarious. Romancing Keith David? Bollocks. These are the kinds of little touches which slowly define what Saints Row IV would like to be. A collector of humor and a conduit for it. But writing aside, Saints Row IV's gameplay is the main attraction this time. As we've known, this franchise tried to go toe to toe with Grand Theft Auto in the past but now, it seems to have decided to turn things around. This time, it wants to straddle the superhero design. Yep, that is right. From blasting gangsters with shotguns and SMGs to powerbomb-ing aliens on midair. This one got it right. Add to it a structure so free form in structure with no constraints on how to complete an objective with a mix of improved mechanics and addicting activities for leisure work and you've got one of the most complete, polished, and comprehensive superhero slash crime simulator. The way you're introduced to the new system is also worth noting. You start with the basics while slowly being accustomed to new weapons and eventually, super powers. This way it feels striking and empowering, having all these special powers as this time you ditch the old pop and shoot strategy, just jumping up high and raining hell down upon landing. It is a smartly handled compromise considering vehicles become notably disposable once you could sprint twice or thrice as fast. However, challenge still exists. While enemies doesn't excel in logic or intelligence, they overwhelm in number. A non-regrettable fact in which you will feel satisfaction in every encounter with the baddies. You've got a lot of options too. Whether you prefer the shooting, grounded vigilante or just decide to be an always-in-the-air Alex Mercer. Saints Row IV has got the tools, you just decide on how to play with it. Story-wise, it becomes more focused as there exist an influence in which the string of events hangs on. Without spoiling anything, it is interesting and always, in Saints Row style, shockingly hilarious. With numerous references not just to Mass Effect but to other "gamey" elements such as visuals and mechanics, the writing becomes more and more apparent with a consistent style that begins to surface as you spend hours into the story. It's a good thing to know that the franchise continues to experiment this way. And while it may be risky, they settled down with the change in tone by remaining in place in which their own signature absurdity and implausibility still intact. Saints Row IV is impressive. In terms of gameplay, it succeeds. The narrative is well done. Overall, this is what Saints Row should be. A familiar yet different version of fun, humor and over-the-top Saints Row action.