When we last saw the Third Street Saints, they were (probably) making plans to take over the galaxy and/or finding a way out of Hell. Suffice it to say, things in the Saints Row series of open-world games had gotten weird and grandiose enough that the next entry has been confirmed to be a full reboot. Saints Row, which is set for a February 25 release date, is about a whole new cast of characters, and set in a brand-new city in the American southwest.
Developer Volition debuted the new Saints Row in a trailer that was part of the Gamescom Opening Night presentation, and in it we meet the young people who will become the new Saints. Along with Neenah, Kevin, and Eli, players will take on the role of the new Boss and set to work taking over the city of Santo Ileso. It’s a brightly coloured southwestern city filled with influences that range from Latin American culture to the UFO conspiracy theories that have centred on the region.
While the characters and setting are all new, Volition says there’s plenty in the next Saints Row that will be familiar to fans of the series. As you build your criminal empire, you’ll be able to engage in entertaining side rackets like insurance fraud, for example, in which you throw your own body into the paths of moving vehicles.
Here’s the trailer:
As usual, The Saints’ path to power won’t be an uncontested one. You’ll be up against gangs like Los Panteros, The Idols, and Marshall Defense Industries as you climb your way from street tough to criminal overlord. Santo Ileso is spread out across nine distinct districts, each with its own theme and feel.
Volition says this new Saints Row will be turning up the dial everywhere it counts. Santo Ileso is the biggest sandbox playground the team has ever built, and you’ll have more customisation options than ever before when creating your personal Boss character, as well as for tricking out your vehicles and weapons. The full campaign can be played in seamless drop-in/drop-out co-op, so you’ll be able to show off everything you create.
“This is the biggest, richest, and most ambitious Saints Row game we’ve ever created,” says Volition chief creative officer Jim Boone. “For the first time in the Saints Row series, players will build their game from scratch, and get to witness the birth of the Saints. This is only the start of the journey we’re taking players on, and we can’t wait to show you all the toys we’ve created in Saints Row.”
Saints Row is set for release February 25.
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