Republished on Wednesday, thirteenth July, 2022: We’re bringing this overview again from the archives following the announcement of July’s PS Plus Further, Premium lineup. The unique textual content follows.
You would be forgiven for pondering that Saints Row: Gat Out of Hell is not truly a PlayStation 4 sport. Proper from the phrase go, the now-zany franchise’s newest romp seems to be unashamedly last-gen, and whereas everyone knows that graphics aren’t every thing, even we needed to test twice to ensure that we hadn’t someway lowered our tv’s decision. Textures are muddy, clipping points are plentiful, and general, the underworld outing is downright ugly.
Fortuitously, the probabilities are that you just will not care an excessive amount of about visible constancy if you’re inflicting absolute, unadulterated chaos. In truth, you might even be inspired to extend every homicide spree purely out of pity on your poor eyes, which can in all probability nonetheless be reeling from a sandbox world that someway sports activities extra greys and browns than Watch Canine’ decidedly drab model of Chicago.
In case you’re new to Saints Row, all that you actually need to know is that this standalone enlargement carries on the collection’ love for the ridiculous. Since Saints Row: The Third, developer Volition’s creation has nosedived into complete insanity, and there is nonetheless nothing fairly prefer it on at the moment’s market. With a map plagued by non-compulsory goals and a storyline that’ll typically have you ever staring on the display screen in near-disbelief, it is the definitive sandbox choice for anybody who desires a title that does not take itself severely, and loves nothing greater than being showered in customisation choices, weird weaponry, and preposterous tremendous powers.
As the journey’s identify suggests, the enlargement focuses on fan favorite Johnny Gat as he journeys into Hell to save lots of the Boss. The story’s arguably even sillier than Saints Row IV’s – and that was totally bonkers to start with – however there’s nothing significantly mistaken with this, purely as a result of it is so self-aware. There’s some genuinely humorous writing scattered all through, and proceedings by no means overstay their welcome because the enlargement solely lasts roughly six hours.
Over these six hours, you may be following what is basically the identical formulation that is discovered within the Saints’ final outing. You will pace across the map in a automobile or by way of your satisfying flight capability, crossing off non-compulsory actions like time trials, assassinations, and survival challenges, all whereas sometimes dropping into brief stints of storyline that preserve issues transferring at a brisk tempo. You’ll be able to take your time and discover the underworld to your coronary heart’s content material, in fact, however not like different open world video games, Gat Out of Hell is constructed purely to accommodate the over-the-top mayhem that you just trigger. Put merely, if you happen to’re not booting each single damned soul that you just come throughout squarely within the rump, then you definately’re in all probability not enjoying this proper.
Returning briefly to the matter of facet actions, the choice that is on provide right here is not too totally different to what’s present in Saints Row IV, however every thing’s simply as enjoyable. Adopting the type of a decrepit ghoul whereas throwing your self into oncoming visitors within the insurance coverage fraud missions may be hysterical due to good ragdoll physics, and plain outdated survival battles are made entertaining by the unending stream of tremendous powers and armaments that you just’re gifted.
Certainly, the weapon selection is unbelievable, starting from comparatively customary rifles and pistols to weird shooters which are based mostly upon the seven lethal sins. Very similar to its father or mother title, the enlargement is at its finest if you’re casually switching between talents and firearms to mutilate your foes, and pondering up your personal ridiculous and overpowered combos may be lots of enjoyable.
That stated, there is a particular air of familiarity about Gat Out of Hell. In some ways, that is only a re-skinned model of Saints Row IV, with a number of new animations and cutscenes thrown in. Hell is not as massive as Steelport, and would not present pretty much as good a sandbox atmosphere, so if you happen to’re not up for extra of the identical on a smaller scale, then you might need to assume twice about entering into the hearth.
Those that love the franchise’s insanity will little question discover loads to love right here, although, particularly when the discharge introduces its personal model of William Shakespeare – who now DJs at Hell’s solely nightclub – and there is sufficient narrative exposition to maintain the enlargement tied in properly with Saints Row IV’s preposterous plot.
Talking of which, genius lady Kinzie can be alongside for the experience, and also you’re in a position to change between her and Gat at your base of operations. It is not an enormous deal as there aren’t too many cutscenes to start with, however if you happen to develop uninterested in Johnny making jokes about collectibles nearly each time that you just decide one up, switching him out for his feminine confederate might alleviate the annoyance. Then once more, repetitive strains apart, the voice performing is high notch – particularly when the sport decides to take a musical flip, and every character is belting out their dialogue to a sometimes corny tune.
Conclusion
Gat Out of Hell gives a number of extra hours of enjoyable for individuals who adored Saints Row IV, but it surely’ll rapidly outstay its welcome if you happen to aren’t down with the gang. It’s going to additionally show to be a complicated and bogus journey for newcomers, so we suggest grabbing the complete bundle on the PS4 if you happen to’re not even positive who Johnny Gat is. With entertaining powers and a few nice new weapons, the standalone enlargement holds its personal – however do not count on your otherworldly trip to be something greater than a fast and acquainted break.
