System: Xbox 360
Publisher: THQ
Developer: Volition, Inc.

When you think about performing random acts of violence, terrorizing innocent citizens, taking out a couple of cops and stealing cars; one game comes to mind: GRAND THEFT AUTO. Rockstar has long been the sole proprietor of sandbox video gaming mixed with mindless violence. However, all that has changed with THQ and Volition, Inc.’s entry into the genre: SAINTS ROW. Ladies and gentlemen, let me be the first to welcome you to Stillwater. SAINTS ROW has the prestigious honor of being the first sandbox video game on the next generation of consoles.

Dan Cermak of Volition dishes all the dirt in this video interview on how this GTA-esque title will evolve the open ended genre on the next generation.

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Take GRAND THEF AUTO’s game play, DEF JAM FIGHT FOR NY’s player customization; MIDNIGHT CLUB 3 DUB EDITION’s automobile graphics, customization, and physics; FREEDOM FIGHTER’s combat; and THE GODFATHER’s “business venture” mini-games. Roll all of these into one, and you get SAINTS ROW.

SAINTS ROW looks great. Its obvious Volition didn’t go for a totally realistic look but rather selected a cross between cartoon-ish and realistic that’s a good fit for the characters. Player models look surprisingly crisp with customization that closely resembles DEF JAM FIGHT FOR NY. Buying the entire clothing store inventory in each location will allow for an endless combination of outfits.

The detail present in the vehicles is amazing. The customization options available are surprisingly deep considering it’s only a side portion of the game. Hint: Look at rival gang member’s cars to get some ideas.

Neighborhoods are beautifully designed and reflect the class of the area. For example, graffiti covered buildings mark the low-budget housing project areas while skyscrapers and high-end retail stores mark the downtown section of the map.

Game play of course is where SAINTS ROW truly shines. Some areas where SAINTS ROW is lacking are in the gun-fight combat system. The absence of a lock-on mechanic really hurts the targeting system. However, this adds a bit more of a challenge to action sequences. Like FREEDOM FIGHTERS, you have the ability to recruit homies. The advanced homie AI really shows in battles when they take cover and upgrade weapons from fallen foes. Another cool feature that is really original is the dial-up cell phone. Anytime you can clearly see a phone number on the screen, try dialing it on your cell phone in the game. Usually it works.

One area that saw major improvement over previous games in the genre is the driving. Different cars obviously have differing controls and behaviors. Steal a sports car and you’ll get better handling and acceleration. Less expensive cars are the complete opposite.

Volition did an excellent job on sound as they’ve included plenty of dialogue both in cut-scenes and in game play. This keeps the game comical and the story moving along at a reasonable pace. We are now starting to see more big name actors portraying main characters in videogames. However, my only gripe is we have the “silent anti-hero” again (can’t call him a hero because he’s smoking cops).

Another interesting aspect of SAINTS ROW is the inclusion of the mini games or “activities” which are used to earn money and respect throughout the game. You can perform such lucrative and rewarding businesses as drug trafficking, hijacking, car jacking, insurance fraud, being a hit man and more. These games are somewhat similar to the mini games seen in THE GODFATHER.

Multiplayer mode gives you the opportunity to take your thug online and pit him against hordes of other gangstas. You can join forces with other players, play against cops, pimp out rides, and steal chains just to name a few. Online multiplayer is sure to be a big hit for the upcoming months.

While not totally original, SAINTS ROW has successfully improved upon a proven formula. Volition obviously had the gamers in mind when creating this game because many strengths from different video games have been combined to make one truly magnificent product. Rockstar should be very concerned. Only time will tell if their stay on the top continues.