Saints Row 2 On Xbox 360: A Look Back At This Classic Open-World Game
The Xbox 360 era was a landmark time for expansive, sandbox-style open world games. One of the most memorable titles from this generation was Saints Row 2 – an action-packed, humor-filled crime adventure that built upon the strengths of the original Saints Row.
If you’re wondering how Saints Row 2 holds up on Xbox 360 today, here’s a quick take: over a decade later, the absurd action, extensive customization, and sprawling city still make Saints Row 2 a must-play open world game on Xbox 360.
However, it does show its age in certain areas like graphics and mechanics.
Revisiting the Story, Setting, and Missions
Humorous criminal story campaign
Saints Row 2 on Xbox 360 is well-known for its humorous and engaging criminal story campaign. Players take on the role of the leader of the Third Street Saints gang, navigating through the treacherous streets of Stilwater.
The game’s storyline is filled with unexpected twists and turns, keeping players on the edge of their seats. From hijacking cars to engaging in intense shootouts, the story campaign offers an immersive experience that will leave players entertained and wanting more.
Vast open world of Stilwater to explore
One of the standout features of Saints Row 2 is its vast open world of Stilwater. With its detailed and realistic design, the city feels alive and bustling with activity. Players have the freedom to explore every nook and cranny of Stilwater, discovering hidden gems, secret areas, and engaging in random encounters.
Whether it’s cruising through the streets in a flashy sports car or causing mayhem with over-the-top weapons, the open world of Saints Row 2 offers endless possibilities for players to enjoy.
Fun mix of main quests and side activities
In addition to the main story missions, Saints Row 2 offers a wide array of side activities to keep players entertained. From participating in street races to engaging in gang wars, there is always something exciting to do in Stilwater.
The game strikes a perfect balance between main quests and side activities, ensuring that players never get bored or feel overwhelmed. Whether you’re a completionist aiming to 100% the game or just looking for some casual fun, Saints Row 2 has something for everyone.
In-Depth Customization System
Saints Row 2 on Xbox 360 offers players an in-depth customization system that allows them to truly make the game their own. From the appearance of your character to the vehicles you drive and even the safehouses you call home, the customization options are extensive and diverse.
Deep appearance and vehicle customization
One of the standout features of Saints Row 2’s customization system is the ability to fully customize your character’s appearance. From head to toe, players can choose from a wide range of options to create a character that is unique and personal to them.
Whether you want to create a suave, sophisticated gangster or a wild and outrageous punk, the possibilities are endless.
Not only can you customize your character’s appearance, but you can also customize the vehicles you use to traverse the open-world city of Stilwater. With a wide variety of cars, motorcycles, boats, and even helicopters to choose from, players can fully personalize their ride.
From flashy paint jobs and decals to performance upgrades and nitrous boosters, you can create the ultimate vehicle that suits your style and preferences.
Wide variety of weapons and upgrades
In addition to appearance and vehicle customization, Saints Row 2 also offers a wide variety of weapons and upgrades for players to choose from. From pistols and shotguns to rocket launchers and flamethrowers, there is a weapon to suit every playstyle.
Players can also customize their weapons with different attachments and upgrades, allowing for even more personalization and strategic gameplay.
Upgrades are not limited to just weapons. Players can also upgrade their character’s abilities, such as increasing their health, stamina, and combat skills. These upgrades can be earned by completing missions and activities throughout the game, providing a sense of progression and reward for the player.
Cribs/safehouses to customize
Another aspect of Saints Row 2’s customization system is the ability to customize your cribs or safehouses. These locations serve as your base of operations and can be upgraded and personalized to your liking.
From adding new features like a gym or a helipad to decorating the interiors with different themes and furnishings, you can create a unique and luxurious hideout that reflects your character’s personality and style.
The customization options in Saints Row 2 are not just cosmetic – they also have an impact on gameplay. Upgraded vehicles and weapons can give you an edge in combat, while customized cribs can provide additional bonuses and benefits.
This level of customization adds depth and immersion to the game, allowing players to truly make their mark on the world of Saints Row 2.
To learn more about the customization system in Saints Row 2, you can visit the official game website at www.saintsrow.com.
Xbox 360-Specific Features and Graphics
When it comes to the Xbox 360 version of Saints Row 2, players can expect decent graphics with occasional hiccups. The game was released in 2008, so it’s important to keep in mind that the visuals may not be as polished as some of the more recent titles.
However, the developers did a commendable job in creating an immersive open-world environment that captures the essence of the game’s over-the-top action and humor.
Decent graphics with occasional hiccups
The graphics in Saints Row 2 on Xbox 360 are certainly not groundbreaking, but they still hold up reasonably well even today. The game features a vast open-world setting with detailed character models and environments.
While there may be occasional frame rate drops and minor graphical glitches, they do not significantly detract from the overall gameplay experience.
It’s worth noting that the Xbox 360 version of Saints Row 2 does not have the same level of graphical fidelity as the PC or current-generation console versions. However, for gamers who experienced the game on Xbox 360 back when it was first released, the graphics were more than satisfactory and did not hinder their enjoyment of the game.
Local multiplayer and Xbox Live co-op
One of the standout features of the Xbox 360 version of Saints Row 2 is its local multiplayer and Xbox Live co-op support. Players have the option to team up with a friend and wreak havoc together in the game’s open-world environment.
Whether you’re engaging in intense firefights or exploring the city, having a companion by your side adds a whole new level of fun and excitement to the gameplay experience.
Additionally, the Xbox Live co-op feature allows players to join forces with friends online, even if they are not sitting in the same room. This feature was well-received by the gaming community, as it provided an opportunity to connect with friends and engage in cooperative gameplay in the vast and chaotic world of Saints Row 2.
DLC expansions add extra content
In addition to the base game, Saints Row 2 on Xbox 360 offers several downloadable content (DLC) expansions that add extra content and extend the gameplay experience. These expansions introduce new missions, weapons, vehicles, and customization options, allowing players to further immerse themselves in the world of Saints Row.
Some notable DLC expansions for Saints Row 2 on Xbox 360 include “Ultor Exposed” and “Corporate Warfare.” These expansions not only expand the narrative of the game but also introduce new gameplay mechanics and challenges.
The DLC content adds significant value to the overall package, giving players more reasons to revisit the game and continue their adventures in the sprawling city of Stilwater.
Gameplay and Mechanics
Saints Row 2 on Xbox 360 offers a diverse and engaging gameplay experience, with solid shooting and driving mechanics that keep players hooked for hours on end. The game allows players to explore a vast open-world environment, complete with various missions, side activities, and a wide range of weapons and vehicles to choose from.
Whether you’re engaging in intense shootouts or high-speed chases, the gameplay in Saints Row 2 delivers an adrenaline-fueled experience that keeps players on the edge of their seats.
Solid shooting and driving gameplay
One of the standout features of Saints Row 2 is its solid shooting and driving mechanics. The gunplay is tight and responsive, allowing players to take down enemies with precision and style. Additionally, the driving mechanics are smooth and intuitive, making it a joy to navigate through the sprawling cityscape.
Whether you’re engaging in intense firefights or pulling off breathtaking stunts behind the wheel, Saints Row 2 excels in providing a satisfying gameplay experience.
Occasional glitches and framerate issues
While Saints Row 2 offers an immersive and enjoyable gameplay experience, it is not without its flaws. Some players have reported occasional glitches and framerate issues, which can momentarily disrupt the flow of the game.
However, it’s worth noting that these issues are relatively minor and do not significantly detract from the overall experience. Despite these occasional hiccups, Saints Row 2 remains a highly enjoyable and memorable game.
Fairly outdated elements and controls
As a game released over a decade ago, Saints Row 2 does have some fairly outdated elements and controls. The graphics, while impressive for its time, may not stand up to the standards of modern gaming.
Additionally, the controls can feel a bit clunky and unrefined compared to more recent titles in the genre. However, it’s important to consider the game’s release date and the advancements made in gaming technology since then.
Despite these outdated elements, Saints Row 2 still manages to captivate players with its engaging gameplay and memorable storyline.
Standout Mods and Cheats
One of the reasons why Saints Row 2 on Xbox 360 remains a beloved open-world game is due to its extensive modding and cheat options. Players have found ways to enhance their gaming experience by utilizing various mods and cheats that offer exciting new features and opportunities.
Let’s take a look at some of the standout mods and cheats that have made a lasting impact on the game.
Cheats for infinite health/ammo
For those who want to unleash their inner unstoppable force, cheats for infinite health and ammo are a godsend. These cheats allow players to roam the streets of Stilwater without any fear of getting hurt or running out of ammunition.
Whether you’re engaging in intense shootouts or indulging in chaotic mayhem, having infinite health and ammo can make the gameplay experience both thrilling and hilarious. Just imagine wreaking havoc on your enemies without a care in the world!
Mods to improve graphics/bug fixes
While Saints Row 2 was released over a decade ago, its graphics can still be improved to match the visual standards of today’s games. Thanks to talented modders, there are mods available that enhance the game’s graphics, making it look more stunning and immersive.
These mods can breathe new life into the game by improving the textures, lighting, and overall visual quality. Additionally, there are mods that address bugs and glitches, ensuring a smoother and more enjoyable gameplay experience for players.
Fun mods like superpowers
If you’re looking to spice up your time in Stilwater with some over-the-top, superhero-like abilities, then fun mods like superpowers are a must-try. These mods introduce a whole new level of craziness to the game, allowing players to soar through the city skies, unleash devastating attacks, and perform incredible stunts.
Transforming into a superhuman being adds an element of fantasy and excitement to the gameplay, giving players the chance to experience Saints Row 2 in an entirely different way.
It’s important to note that mods and cheats can alter the game’s intended experience and may not be supported or endorsed by the game developers. Before downloading and installing any mods or using cheats, it’s recommended to do thorough research and ensure that they are from reliable sources.
Additionally, it’s always a good idea to back up your game files before making any modifications to avoid any potential issues.
So, whether you’re looking to become an unstoppable force, enhance the game’s visuals, or have a blast with superhuman abilities, the standout mods and cheats available for Saints Row 2 on Xbox 360 offer a plethora of exciting options for players to explore.
Embrace the creativity and innovation that the modding community has brought to this classic open-world game and take your gaming experience to new heights!
Conclusion
As one of the defining open-world crime games of its era, Saints Row 2 remains an incredibly fun and amusing Xbox 360 experience even today. The sheer customization, explosive action, and absurd humor make it absolutely worth revisiting.
While its age shows in certain areas, the sheer personality and mayhem of Stilwater paired with deep customization make Saints Row 2 a classic open world game on Xbox 360 that still holds up remarkably well. For a truly outrageous crime adventure, it’s hard to beat Saints Row 2.
