Yesterday morning a Jiffy Bag, bearing the Play.com logo dropped through my letterbox. The package contained the highly rated Xbox 360 game, Saints Row.

I haven’t played the 360 for a few months now, mainly due to the fact that there have not been any decent games available. However, after seeing an advert on TV for Saints Row, I decided that I just had to own the game.

I was a little sceptical about this title. I am a big fan of the Grand Theft Auto series and there have been maybe titles over the years which have tried to copy the excellent game play, all have failed, until now.

While the game bears many similarities to GTA, it certainly feels different. For one thing, the handling of the vehicles is more realistic. The explosions are jaw dropping. Blowing up a car will see the vehicle throw into the air, spewing flames and debris everywhere. If you are to take up a role of an arsonist, you had better run for cover!

Saints Row should not however be looked upon as a “Killing Spree Sim” as there are some unrealistic aspects to the game. For example, mowing down pedestrians at speed will see them “comically” flung 30 feet down the road, falling like a rag doll in a heap of broken bones and limbs.

If any game in the shooting/racing genre was to give GTA a run for its money, it is Saints Row. I am sure that GTA4 (which is released in late 2007) will be bigger, better and make more use of the 360’s power. But in he meantime, Saint’s Row will certainly suffice and what with the online multiplayer option (which I am yet to try out), I can see myself playing this title for months to come. Maybe I should cancel my order for Fifa 07.

Below are some screenshots of the game.
Note: These are in game footage and not FMV,