Exploring the Controversial History of Saints Row through Game Informer

Exploring the Controversial History of Saints Row through Game Informer

Saints Row has been a source of controversy since its inception in 2006. The open-world crime game offers players the chance to create their gang, steal cars, and engage in all sorts of nefarious activities. Some gamers have praised the game’s sense of humor and its willingness to push boundaries, while others have criticized it for being too violent and vulgar. In this article, we’ll take a look at the history of the Saints Row franchise through the lens of gaming magazine Game Informer.

The Original Saints Row

The first Saints Row game was released in 2006 for the Xbox 360. Game Informer gave the game a solid review, praising its open-world sandbox gameplay and character customization options. However, the magazine also noted that the game was “extremely violent” and that some players might be turned off by its graphic content.

Despite the controversy, the game was a commercial success and spawned two sequels. Game Informer reviewed both of these games, offering more praise for the series’ strong gameplay mechanics but also criticizing its over-the-top violence.

Saints Row: The Third

Saints Row: The Third was released in 2011 and marked a turning point for the series. The game was even more over-the-top than its predecessors, featuring absurd weapons like the “Dubstep Gun” and a storyline that took players to space.

Game Informer’s review of the game was mixed, noting that the game was “ridiculous” but also praising its sense of humor and fun gameplay. However, some reviewers questioned whether the game’s constant stream of violence and juvenile humor was crossing a line.

Saints Row IV

Saints Row IV took the series to even crazier heights in 2013. The game’s story revolved around a gang member who becomes the President of the United States and must fend off an alien invasion. The game was praised for its over-the-top humor and gameplay, but some critics questioned whether the series had gone too far.

Game Informer gave the game a positive review, praising its “hilarious” storyline and the sheer amount of content available. However, the magazine also acknowledged that the game’s constant violence and crude humor might not be for everyone.

The Future of Saints Row

With the release of Saints Row V on the horizon, it remains to be seen how the franchise will continue to evolve. Will it continue to push boundaries and court controversy, or will it dial things back and try to appeal to a broader audience?

Regardless of where the series goes from here, it’s clear that Saints Row has always been a divisive franchise. While some players love its irreverent tone and over-the-top gameplay, others find it too violent and vulgar. Regardless of where you fall on this spectrum, the history of Saints Row through the eyes of Game Informer is a fascinating one.