Why Saints Row Is Better Than GTA

Being an unestablished franchise, it’s understandable why the first outing from the Third Street Saints was so reminiscent of GTA’s already-established formula. Being able to drive around a city, tackle a variety of missions in whichever order you like, and purchase weapons and clothes from shops was familiar enough for players who’ve played GTA that they could pick up and play Saints Row, knowing what to expect.

Crucially, though, it was different enough by improving on the formula in small but nevertheless significant ways.

A simple aim and shoot combat system gave gunfights a fun, arcade-like quality that never felt unfair no matter how hectic they became. Players could create radio playlist from their own music to make the game that little more personal. And the introduction of a Respect system encouraged players to take part in the activity side missions that have since become an integral part of the series to gain enough respect to unlock the next mission.

From this point onwards, the series only got more insane with each new entry.

Embracing its cartoonish silliness to the fullest, the next three entries would see the Third Street Saints gain access to even more outrageous weapons and vehicles, fight even more off-the-wall gangs (including aliens), and even make their way through hell itself complete with a Disney-esque musical number – and the series was all the better for it. It didn’t take itself seriously in the slightest and encouraged us to come along for the ride, no matter how bizarre it got.

Despite the Saints Row series being an absolute blast to play, it has never hit the popularity of GTA.

Cont.