New games seem to be focused on one thing only nowadays and that is making the company money regardless of the fact if they’re good or not. Most companies go for online titles because that’s popular these days as younger and younger gamers are focused on enjoying games like Fortnite and PUBG.
There are those few development studios that produce quality single-player games, but there are also those that put another nail in the coffin of single-player games. One game that proves the latter point is the new Saints Row title. The game is ultimately a cash grab looking to profit on popularity due to successful past titles.
It brings nothing new to the franchise and there are lots of missed opportunities that could have made it into a great game.
Going for the Current Trend
Some companies seem to be keeping track of current gaming trends and implementing them for the sake of keeping the company alive. There’s nothing wrong with this, but if it’s the only thing the company focuses on then its next release is doomed to fail.
RPGs have been popular for decades, but only if you do them right. Saints Row doesn’t ignore the current state of society, but the new release doesn’t quite reflect the traditionally good setting of previous games. Games should be fun to play. It’s a universal rule in the world of gaming.
It Doesn’t Let Players Visit Casinos
To make things more interesting developers will throw in some mini games in the game. In Saints Row 2 these were casino games. In other words, you can play poker and blackjack with your character. The new one doesn’t come with casinos or casino games while there is no shortage of places to play online, the developers simply didn’t explore that option. But that doesn’t have to mean that the rest of the game is bad right? So, the developers took their time with making a game that looks good, has amazing mechanics, and offers a gripping story, right?
The Story Is a Mess
A game can look terrible and still be a good game. If the story is great, you’ll enjoy it from start to finish. Sometimes it’s good to set a game in current times, but other times it’s better if you set it a couple of years back or set it in the future. But the Saints Row franchise has been all about the current day, which is why the new title is set in modern times.
The story is made up of several characters and the one you create when you start the game. These are all young people and they are struggling with rent and paying their student loans. They can’t seem to earn enough which is why they turn to crime. That’s the whole story of the game.
The developers could have used this premise and talked about the way things are in the States and send a stronger message to players and through then to society, but no. The protagonists move the “plot” forward by ransacking gang headquarters and killing lots of different gang members. They are shown as violent individuals that like doing crime for the thrill of it. Sure, they earn some money, but do they put it to good use?
There are some relaxed moments, such as brunch sessions, peppered throughout the story, but these are just like the quiet before the storm. The story doesn’t engage the player which is why some cool mechanics might make players reconsider the entire game.
Visuals and Gameplay Are Appalling
The mechanics would have been good if time and effort were put into them. The game is buggy and many players have been complaining about it. Players would get into vehicles and the character would fall out, performing the movements needed to drive a car or truck. When it comes to the mechanics, the fighting in the game is basic as enemies absorb bullets like sponges. Stealth pretty much doesn’t exist and the finishers you can perform will get stale after a few times.
To top this off, the visuals aren’t great either. This is one of the first things players notice and complain about when they play the new Saints Row game. They stay the same even if you have a better GPU and the environment seems bland. Top it off with unexpressive characters, lame dialogue, and NPCs that are just there to fill the space and you’ll see why the game has gotten too many bad reviews.
Conclusion
Saints Row may be fixed by introducing a patch or two if the developers are looking to make amends for their terrible game. At its current stage, it’s clear that the game was rushed and wasn’t ready for release. The company behind it has some serious decisions to make if they’re looking to turn the game into a successful one.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of Geek Vibes Nation.
Robert Griffith is a content and essay writer. He is collaborating with local magazines and newspapers. Robert is interested in topics such as marketing and history.
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