saints row games best to worst

3 min read 28-10-2024

Saints Row: From Gangster Paradise to... Something Else? Ranking the Series From Best to Worst

The Saints Row series has had a wild ride. From its humble beginnings as a Grand Theft Auto clone to its outlandish, over-the-top antics, the franchise has seen it all. But with every new entry, the series shifted its identity, leaving fans wondering what the future held for the Saints.

This list ranks the Saints Row games from best to worst, taking into account gameplay, story, and overall impact on the franchise.

Note: This list excludes the upcoming Saints Row reboot, as we haven't had a chance to experience it yet.

1. Saints Row: The Third (2011)

The Peak: Saints Row: The Third perfected the formula. It ditched the serious crime drama of its predecessors, embracing a ludicrous, over-the-top style that became synonymous with the series. From ridiculous superpowers and insane weapons to the hilarious writing and unforgettable characters, The Third delivered a truly unforgettable experience.

Why it's the best:

Unmatched character and world: The game's vibrant, neon-soaked world of Steelport felt alive and engaging, brimming with personality. The main characters, especially the iconic Johnny Gat, cemented their status as gaming legends.
Gameplay perfection: The Third honed the series' combat and driving mechanics, providing a smooth, satisfying experience with a wide variety of weapons and vehicles.
Hilarious and memorable moments: The Third was packed with memorable moments and sequences, from the epic final battle to the unforgettable "Genki Girl" mission.

2. Saints Row 2 (2008)

The Evolution: Saints Row 2 refined the series' formula, adding depth and substance to the world and characters. It offered a more serious tone, with a darker narrative and compelling characters.

Why it's so good:

Story depth: Saints Row 2 featured a compelling narrative that delved into the complex world of organized crime, exploring themes of betrayal, revenge, and redemption.
Character development: The characters, particularly the player character, were fleshed out with more backstory and depth, creating a more engaging and relatable experience.
Increased customization: The character customization options were greatly expanded, offering players more freedom to create their ideal Saints member.

3. Saints Row (2006)

The Beginning: Saints Row laid the groundwork for the series' success, offering a fun, open-world experience that borrowed elements from Grand Theft Auto but injected a unique personality.

Why it's worth playing:

A strong foundation: The original Saints Row established the core mechanics that would define the series: gang wars, open-world exploration, and a focus on character customization.
Early ambition: While not as polished as its successors, Saints Row showcased the series' ambition and potential for a unique blend of action and humor.
The birth of a legend: The original Saints Row introduced the world to the memorable characters like Johnny Gat and the unique gangs of Stilwater, setting the stage for the franchise's future.

4. Saints Row IV (2013)

The Space Odyssey: Saints Row IV went full-on absurd, taking the series' over-the-top nature to another level. The game transported players to a bizarre, satirical world, where superpowers and aliens became the norm.

Why it's not as good as The Third:

Story inconsistency: The game's story, though entertaining, lacked the emotional depth and impact of its predecessors, feeling more like a loose collection of absurd moments.
Superpowers are fun, but…: While the superpowers were fun to play with, they sometimes overshadowed the traditional gameplay and character development.
Over-the-top is good, but not too much: The game's constant barrage of ridiculousness sometimes felt overwhelming and lost its charm.

5. Saints Row: Gat out of Hell (2015)

The Devil's Playground: This standalone expansion for Saints Row IV took players to the underworld, where they fought demons and angels. The game brought some fresh ideas, but ultimately felt more like a standalone DLC than a full-fledged entry.

Why it's at the bottom:

Repetitive gameplay: The game's gameplay felt repetitive and lacked the depth and variety of previous entries.
Short and sweet: The game's story and campaign were relatively short, leaving players wanting more.
Missing the charm: Gat out of Hell lacked the charm and humor that made Saints Row so popular, failing to capture the series' unique spirit.

The Future of the Saints:

With the upcoming reboot, Saints Row is attempting to reintroduce itself to a new generation. Only time will tell if the reboot can recapture the magic of The Third or if it will fall short of the series' legacy. Regardless, the Saints Row series has a rich history filled with memorable characters, insane moments, and a commitment to delivering an outrageous, fun, and unforgettable experience.