Saints Row 2

I'm a huge GTA fan and have not played the previous Saints Row game, but it was recommended that I try this one. And I'm so glad I did :) I really didn't know what to expect, but straight away it was clear it's in the same vein as GTA, but it has SO much more to offer. From the start you get to choose how your character looks, so you can base it fairly close to yourself. Everything from skin colour, to age, weight, facial features and voice. Great fun :) From there on, you get to begin free roaming, and this is where GTA 4 loses out. Whereas the graphics in GTA 4 are unrivalled, the game-play was fixed and VERY short lived. But S R 2 is the opposite - there's SO much to do and everywhere to go! On top of which you can customise your look, your cars, your cribs and your crew and partake of loads of missions, side activities and diversions (like ambulance driver, taxi, police woman/man, insurance fraud (so much fun), races, hit-man and more!). It's a truly great game and very underrated and under appreciated. If these guys were to combine this game (or their next one) with more advanced graphics (which are already very good) then they would sure as heck give Rockstar a run for their money. Go get it and have yourself some fun!

If you're playing it for the first time in 2023, don't mind the graphics. The game has this weird glow or blur filter on that makes your screen look dirty. The story has a good balance between fun and a serious tone. The radio/song selection, Yes, you can drive to a music shop and curate your playlist, has to be one of the best things in gaming history. Having been released a couple of years before we were graced with GTA: V's radio stations. I never understood why they removed the aspect of crib customization with almost every installment after this release. I liked having a luxury penthouse downtown and the option to live in a lighthouse. That brings me to the map too. For a game that came out a while ago, Stillwater has to be one of the most interesting. You could explore museums, find secret entrances to military bases in said mountain, raid an Alcatraz-type prison, grab some burgers, gamble, and even pretend to be on the show 'Cops.' I could go on, but I'd rather save it for anyone who hasn't taken a trip to Stillwater.

So, play this game.

A good sequel it suffers from similar issues to its predecessor yet is again perfectly enjoyable fun. A good story and character there's not much to dislike

Phenomenal entry in the open-world crime genre. I played this game over and over, getting every achievement with my buddies in co-op and even enjoyed some of the competitive multiplayer. The story is pulpy and incredibly engaging.

Unfortunately, after this game, the series would go right down the toilet. But this one is still worth your time! AMAZING!

Nothing else quite like it. Supremely unique experience. Writing, Characters & Story are top notch. Gameplay is outstanding.

For a 2008 title, this game was way ahead of it's time. It's up there for me.