Another interesting Sandbox.
Needless to say, every game has their own formula. And Saint's Row certainly has it's own. The ability to customize your own character is a great addition in its own right, and the complexity is worthy of Mass Effect. (Yes, I purchased this game pretty late). Though their are arguable flaws in Saint's Row, it certainly doesn't refrain from the replay value, which is as any open world game should be, very high. You go through this game, joining Saint's Row, a gang group with a mission to take back the city, territory after territory. You begin at a pretty rundown house, but end up getting places later in the game as you complete the story. The activities are fun and addicting, and I think THQ did a good job kind of forcing the player to have a go at them in order to earn enough respect to do a mission. My most favorite thing about the game is the customizing, which brings in a lot of options on the appearance of not only your character, but also your vehicles. And although "special" cars earned throughout gameplay can't be customized. That doesn't mean you can't find and steal the same one that gives you the ability to.
All in all this is a crisp and fun game. Even people who are Die Hard GTA fans, can't deny this game has spark and has it's own style. And now with the sequel on the way. I think Saint's Row 2 may have more spunk than GTA4, especially with THQ boasting cooperative play. The race is on, but in the mean time, I give Saints Row a solid 9.0.
Graphics: 8
Sound: 9
Replay Value: 9
Difficulty: 8