Developed by Volition and High Voltage Software, Saints Row IV: Re-Elected is a current-gen port of 2013’s open world action game Saints Row IV. If you’ve never taken a trip to the virtual reality representation of the fictional city of Steelport, then you’re in for one of the most surreal gaming experiences in years.
At first glance, it’s not uncommon for those unfamiliar with the Saints Row series to just call this another Grand Theft Auto sandbox knock-off. The thing is, after just the prologue, you’ll realize this game is overflowing with personality (and a kick-butt soundtrack). Whereas GTA tries its hardest to present a cohesive story based on identifiable real-world experiences, Saints Row throws all that out the window in favor of fun. Straight-up, ridiculous, self-aware fun.
As the Boss of the Third Street Saints gang, and the newly elected President of the United States, it’s up to you to save your cabinet after they’ve been abducted by Zinyak and his alien troops. To do so, you must enter a virtual world where you can gain powers that turn you from a foul-mouthed sociopath (or puckish rogue, as debated throughout the story) into a foul-mouth super powered being literally able to leap tall buildings in a single bound. It’s worth noting that these cabinet members, who become your allies after being rescued, include former members of the Saints, rivals-turned-friends, and Emmy Award-winning actor Keith David of The Chronicles of Riddick, Gargoyles, and numerous other insanely cool works. Like I mentioned before, this game is ridiculous.
Even though Saints Row IV: Re-Elected is a port of Saints Row IV, albeit with slightly improved graphics, enough DLC is included to warrant another playthrough. Nearly 30 pieces of content are come with Re-Elected, including the standalone stories How the Saints Save Christmas, Enter the Dominatrix, and Saints Row: Gat out of Hell. Those who haven’t had the pleasure of flying around the underworld while trying to romance Satan’s daughter in Gat out of Hell should give it a go, musical number notwithstanding.
Despite all of those reasons to play Saints Row IV: Re-Elected, the game does suffer from a handful of drawbacks. The main storyline itself is rather short in length, and the visuals themselves could have used a bit more polish. On top of that, you may grow tired of repeating the same types of side quests over and over to increase your character level, which is necessary to unlock crazier upgrades for all your superpowers (including telekinesis and blast) damage buffs, and improved stats for the homies you can call to fight along your side.
Saints Row IV: Re-Elected is one of the most manic adventure games you are likely to ever enjoy. Like The Matrix meets Mystery Science Theater 3000, this game has action, humor, and cool moments that you will remember for years to come.
Saints Row IV: Re-Elected is now available on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.