Saints Row 2 Reviews

A unstable port that is apparently known to crash regularly and has other issues including performance problems and NPCs in cutscenes, even the opening cutscenes, walking through walls and stuff while they're talking. For me it was fine for the first maybe 40 minutes of play, then crashed twice in the next hour or so, which is about where I draw the line these days (given what I'd also read about this being a constant issue). Apparently you can make the game more stable (but still not *stable*) by installing a sequence of 3rd party patches and a different executable, but I wasn't willing to jump through those hoops or risk getting a virus over it. As it is, this game should not be for sale and should be removed from Steam.

While the game itself is great fun, its practically unplayable without community patches and even with them its still a buggy mess.

playing this game on an RX 580 and 7600 (two DDR5 ram) - the optimization is bad, but it's good enough to satisfy me and some other users could probably not run on a toaster because of the optimization :( also: if you're gonna play the game at 1440p or something, be aware of the fact that you will need a mod that allows you to do that, the game has clearly aged and so has the graphics, settings, etc

Is it as good as the 360 version? No. There are many cutscene issues, and I've had it crash more often. And that's saying something, since the 360 version already isn't the most stable game out there. But at the end of the day, it's still Saints Row 2. It still has the same awesome features, awesome story, awesome everything :)

if the game keep crashing for you, refund and buy it on GOG. it works flawlessly there. i got it for only 2 USD.

while the game itself is fantastic, this port is HORRIDif you can emulate xbox360, run that version instead its somehow more stable

I spent like two weeks fixing the game up enough to play it without crashing (it would crash every 15 hours but i didn't play for that long so it didn't matter), I wish that the steam copies would have the more modern stabler version of this game like the GOG version (an majority of the random crashes and flaws come from the fact that the steam version is an incredibly outdated version of saints row 2 and I cannot stress how much I recommend that people purchase this game from GOG/download the gog files and replace the steam versions in its directory and then mod it to work as even with that version it still has errors and random crashes) other than that I loved the game and I think that it was peak for its time and that there most likely will never be an game like the first and second saints row...

Still a great game after all these years, after installing Juiced and Gentlemen to actually be able to play of course, and to top it off with a HQ radio mod.

certified classic. legacy. i definitely love this game, despite the terrible port. if you're experiencing fps drops or crashes try to install a Juiced Patch. it fixed a lot of issues with game for me

Rating: 9/10 Overview: Saints Row 2, developed by Volition, is the follow-up to the first installment in the Saints Row series, released in 2008. It's an open-world action-adventure game that allows players to take on the role of the leader of the 3rd Street Saints gang, who has returned from the dead (literally) after surviving an assassination attempt in the first game. Set in the fictional city of Stilwater, Saints Row 2 introduces a more refined and expansive world compared to its predecessor, with deeper customization, a greater focus on gang warfare, and a blend of serious themes and over-the-top gameplay. Unlike other open-world titles like Grand Theft Auto, Saints Row 2 embraces its chaotic, over-the-top action and doesn't shy away from being wild, fun, and absurd. The game strikes a perfect balance between providing a serious narrative and allowing players to indulge in the kind of wacky activities that made the series famous. Story: The story picks up with the protagonist, known as "The Boss," emerging from a coma after a failed assassination attempt. The Boss returns to Stilwater, which has been taken over by rival gangs and corrupt corporations. The goal is to reclaim the city and restore the 3rd Street Saints to their former glory. The narrative is filled with memorable characters, twists, and a great sense of humor. As the story unfolds, players will clash with rival gangs, make alliances, and engage in wild and often absurd missions that involve everything from bank heists to demolishing rival gang hideouts. The storyline mixes moments of genuine drama with outlandish, comedic elements, ensuring players are engaged from start to finish. One of the key features is the ability to customize the protagonist, which includes changing their appearance, outfits, voice, and even their personality. This allows players to feel more connected to the story and their role in it. The game’s storyline is not overly complex, but it is full of action-packed missions and quirky side plots that provide plenty of entertainment. Gameplay: Saints Row 2 offers an extensive open-world experience with a variety of activities, missions, and side quests. The main campaign centers around completing story missions to take down rival gangs, reclaim territory, and ultimately dominate Stilwater. The core gameplay consists of third-person shooting, driving, and combat, with an emphasis on fun and destruction. Players can engage in shootouts with rival gang members, participate in car chases, or simply wreak havoc in the city. One of the standout features is the ability to hijack vehicles and engage in over-the-top action, such as riding around in tanks, helicopters, or even driving a hovercraft. The game also introduces a lot of customization options. Players can modify their character’s appearance, from clothing to tattoos, as well as customize vehicles with different paint jobs and accessories. This level of personalization adds a unique touch to the game, making it feel more tailored to the player’s preferences. Saints Row 2 features a variety of side activities that are just as entertaining as the main missions. Activities like "Insurance Fraud," where you throw yourself in front of moving cars to earn money, or "Snatch," which involves kidnapping enemies, provide hilarious diversions from the main story. The game also includes multiplayer modes where players can team up with friends to tackle challenges and wreak havoc together. Graphics and Performance: The graphics of Saints Row 2 are decent, though they show their age compared to modern open-world games. The environments are colorful and varied, with downtown areas, residential zones, and industrial districts that make the world feel alive. While the character models and textures aren’t the most detailed, the game compensates for this with its art style, which is more cartoonish and exaggerated. Despite its age, Saints Row 2 runs smoothly on most systems. There can be occasional performance dips during chaotic moments with lots of explosions or vehicles on screen, but overall, the game performs well on modern PCs. Some technical issues, such as occasional glitches or outdated animations, may persist, but they don’t detract too much from the overall experience. Audio Design: The audio in Saints Row 2 is an integral part of the game’s charm. The soundtrack is diverse and full of energy, with radio stations playing everything from hip-hop to rock and pop. The music fits well with the game’s tone, making driving and missions even more immersive. Voice acting is top-notch, with a large cast of eccentric characters that bring the story to life. The Boss can be voiced in various ways, with different options available for players to choose from, adding another layer of customization. The dialogue is witty, and there are plenty of humorous moments throughout the game. The sound design for the gameplay is equally strong. Gunfire, explosions, car engines, and ambient sounds in the city all help create a dynamic and lively world. The game's sound effects are satisfying, and the voiceovers bring the game's world to life with distinct personalities for each gang member and character. Challenges: Saints Row 2 offers a balanced level of difficulty. The game doesn't hold the player's hand, but it’s generally not too punishing either. The challenge comes from managing your territory, completing complex missions, and dealing with powerful enemies. However, players can approach challenges in a variety of ways, from brute force to tactical strategies. Some players may find that the game’s side activities can become repetitive over time, especially when focusing on objectives like clearing gang strongholds or collecting collectibles. However, the variety of these activities ensures that there’s always something fun to do between main missions. Final Thoughts: Saints Row 2 remains a standout title in the open-world genre. It offers a mix of engaging storylines, chaotic gameplay, and tons of customization, making it a blast to play. The game manages to balance serious gang drama with over-the-top antics, giving players the freedom to explore, cause chaos, and indulge in a wide variety of activities. Pros: Fun, open-world action with plenty of freedom Large variety of missions and side activities Deep customization options for the character and vehicles Engaging story with memorable characters Humor-filled and wacky gameplay that doesn’t take itself too seriously Good balance of challenge and accessible gameplay Cons: Graphics are somewhat dated by modern standards Some repetitive side activities Occasional technical glitches or outdated animations Saints Row 2 is a must-play for fans of chaotic open-world games. It’s a thrilling ride from start to finish, offering plenty of action, humor, and customization. Whether you're tackling the story or just driving around causing chaos, Saints Row 2 remains a fun and memorable experience.