Saints Row 2 encyclopedia topics

Gameplay

Saints Row 2 incorporates many new gameplay and AI features not seen in Saints Row, made possible with a completely rebooted game engine. The game will include realistic weather effects. Clouds, rain, and sun were all as seen in Saints Row, however, weather effects have improved and become more realistic.

The graphics in Saints Row 2 are said to have improved from Saints Row. Textures and shadows have been reworked, so the city itself feels more realistic and better to look at. It is also notable that Saints Row 2 is more 'gory' than Saints Row, with excessive blood and violence. Explosions and visual effects have also been dramatically recreated to feel even more realistic.

AI has been stated to be greatly improved in Saints Row 2. Pedestrians have said to come more 'alive', engaging in conversations, smoking cigarettes, opening up umbrellas at the chance of rain etc. Also, pedestrians have been remodeled to behave more realistically to player’s actions ie crowding around a person who has been shot, running from the area if the player opens fire, etc.

The car physics in Saints Row were criticized as being noticeably unrealistic. Braking and turning in a vehicle is said to have been redeveloped, creating a realistic environment the player can drive through. Also, a cruise control system has been introduced, which is said to make drive-by shootings far easier. The in-game car physics have been redeveloped, with more realistic damage done to cars that crash. Additionally, a car will no longer explode if rolled over onto its back.

Mid-mission checkpoints are introduced in Saints Row 2; in Saints Row, if the player died or failed an objective the mission would be immediately restarted. However, when playing through missions in Saints Row 2, as the player progresses further in a mission, their progress will be saved at mission checkpoints.

It has been revealed that the entire map in Stilwater is visible and explorable. However, shops will simply be displayed as a question mark until the player discovers them. Additionally, as the player progresses in the game, they can buy shops. Buying an entire chain of departments will mean that the protagonist’s face appears on in-game billboard adverstisements.

Combat and police response

Combat in Saints Row 2 offers many unique features that were not seen in Saints Row. As in Saints Row, the player can walk, run, climb, jump, swim, drive, engage in hand-to-hand combat and fire weapons. However, in Saints Row 2, the player can take human shields which can be used as cover in outdoor areas. When the player finds no more use for the human shield, they can either push them away or take their life with a quick headshot. If the player has an explosive weapon equipped, they will not fire at risk of self-harm, but instead kill their shield by snapping their neck. Also, an execution/ finisher system is introduced in Saints Row 2. When an enemy has taken enough damage or fallen on the ground, the player can deal a finishing move by pressing certain button combinations when prompted to. This feature is said to be particularly useful in an underground fight club activity.

Many old weapons from Saints Row will be appearing in the game, however several new weapons will be included in Saints Row 2. Dual-wielding has also been introduced on submachine guns and handguns. Some new weapons in Saints Row 2 are chainsaws, flamethrowers, katanas, stun guns and shock pads. Satchel charges are introduced, and can stick to walls, vehicles and even people The player can now pick up and use objects from the environment as melee weapons.

Police are alerted when the player commits crimes, dispatched to the scene of the crime in order to deal with the perpetrator. As in Saints Row, there are five notoriety levels, which are gained gradually as the player commits more and more crimes. Notoriety levels are represented by an allotted amount of stars. At a one star level, police rely on non-lethal means to deal with law abiders, using standard nightsticks, tazers and pepper spray. However, at two stars, the cops are actively searching for the offender, dispatching standard squad cars, and also police boats and helicopters if the chase leads to the sea or sky. Though still relying on non-lethal means, if the player opens fire on the police, they will respond appropriately. From three stars onwards, negotiation and arrest are no longer options. Human shields, even if they are police, will not be spared, as the police are now desperately trying to rid the player. At three stars, roadblocks are established, and police helicopters dispatch SWAT officers to help deal with the perpetrator. At four and five stars, the Tornado helicopter is introduced into the battle, unleashing torrents of firepower. The FBI are called in at five stars, using any means necessary to deal with the criminal. Police force will no longer use spike strips, even if the player is at a high notoriety level.

Customization

Customization was a notable feature in Saints Row, and has expanded even further in Saints Row 2. The player may now customize themselves, their house, gang and vehicle.

Character customization has expanded upon the already in-depth customization in Saints Row. New customization options give the player complete control over their character. Saints Row 2 sees the player given the option of playing as a female, unlike in Saints Row, where the player was forced to play as a male. The player can customize the character's appearance even further then the player could in Saints Row. The player is now given the option of customizing the character's age, height and weight. Additionally, the player may customize his personality. Voice, walk style, fighting style, taunts and weapon holding can be customized fully.

Clothing and apparel customization has also been modified to become more in-depth. In Saints Row, the player could customize the character's hats, glasses, tops, bottoms, shoes, belts and jewellery. All these have been expanded upon: the player is given a wide variety of clothing to wear eg ninja suits, SWAT uniforms, hot dog outfits etc. Also, makeup may be applied to the character. Regardless of gender, the character can wear any item in the game. Men can wear makeup and female clothes eg bras as dresses, and females can do the same vice-versa. Also, tattoos and jewellery can be customized. The player can move tattoos around the character's body, even on their face, and is given more variety in how he or she wears jewellery.

Crib and gang customization were not seen in Saints Row, but have been introduced as new features in Saints Row 2. The player can customize the 3rd Street Saints and the nine cribs they can dwell in. Cribs cannot be simply bought, but are unlocked at certain points in the game . The player can choose from three pre-set styles; cheap (rundown and dilapidated), classy (well furbished with basic walls and floors) and ultra-modern (stylishly decorated interior design). Additionally, the player can fully furnish the crib, with a wide array of items, such as pool tables, strip poles, minibars, pianos, lounges, TVs and more. Cribs serve as locations to hang out with fellow Saints, save the game, change clothes, access a weapon stash and customize the 3rd Street Saints. The player can choose from a variety 'styles'; behaviours gang members take on in the world. Also, the player can customize the gang's sign and tag. A crib also serves as a basic garage, where the player can store land-based vehicles.

Vehicles

Saints Row 2 offers many new vehicle types. Originally, these were planned for Saints Row, but developers stated that they did not add these to the game because of lack of time. Boats and jet-skis can be driven around the water. Helicopters and planes are also introduced into the game. Additionally, these helicopters and planes are equipped with parachutes. Many new land-based vehicles are introduced, as well. Monster trucks and motorcycles can be driven through the streets of Stilwater. Also included are quad bike and skateboards . Vehicle customization will remain the same, except perhaps with slightly more detail. It has been confirmed that the player has the ability to tune the performance of their car. A special edition offer from GameStop introduces the D-Stroy UFO and PeeWee Mini Bike. These unique vehicles are only available if ordered exclusively from GameStop.

Respect

Saints Row 2 will feature two different gameplay modes aside from the main storyline; activities and diversions, and a point system that ties in with Respect.

Activities were first seen in Saints Row, illegal actions like street racing, drug trafficking etc for earning money, and also Respect, in-game currency used to progress through the storyline. Saints Row 2 includes a number of new activities, and also previous activities which appeared in Saints Row. However, original activities have been touched slightly, making them different then they originally were in Saints Row. Activities will now span out over six levels, instead of the eight that were seen in the first game, and can also only be found twice in the game, instead of three. Developers did not want the players to think activities as a treadmill in progressing in the game, and thus activities have apparently been toned down.

Diversions are mini-activities in the Saints Row world, which can be performed any time, any where. Diversions involve the player carry out small actions eg pulling stunts in vehicles, BASE jumping, racing and killing people in unique ways. Minor criminal misbehaviours also count as diversions, taking hostages, hijacking vehicles, theft etc.

The point system has been updated in Saints Row 2. The player can earn points through customisation which can increase the percentage of respect in Saints Row 2. James Tsai, Volition Inc lead designer, stated in an interview with the United People of Saints Row: Players can earn respect by completing activities. This method was present in SR1 as well. In SR2, players can also earn respect by discovering and successfully executing diversions. Diversions are a special type of gameplay - they are cool things to do that are hidden in the world, left for the player to discover. We have also tied-in a "points" system to respect. As you upgrade your vehicles, clothes, and cribs during the game, you can earn "points". These points act as a respect modifier and will increase the % of respect you earn. Similarly, you will be able to recruit more powerful homies as your overall respect level increases.

Multiplayer

Saints Row 2 includes the addition of a co-op mode, allowing players to converse in the storyline from beginning to end over either Online play or through a system link. Not much information has been released about Saints Row 2 in regards to multiplayer, but it is said from designers that it will be similar to the old game, GameSpot reported that in regards to the multiplayer aspects of the game, Volition and THQ have "learned a lot from the first game and won't be making any of the same mistakes again".

Synopsis

Plot

The game is set five years after the events of Saints Row . The protagonist was betrayed by former 3rd Street Saints, who detonated a bomb aboard a yacht he was also on. Then-mayoral candidate Alderman Hughes was killed, along with his personal servants in the explosion, however, the protagonist suffered severe injuries and slipped into a trauma-induced coma, only to be taken away and put into a dingy prison hospital ward.

Meanwhile, the 3rd Street Saints, who had conquered Stilwater in Saints Row, have fallen apart. Former leader of the Saints, Julius Little, has abandoned his crew and slipped into the shadows. Johnny Gat has been captured by police and awaits the electric chair, after being convicted of more than three-hundred murders. Lin Gat, Johnny’s sister, was ruthlessly killed in Saints Row. Dex has a confirmed but unspecified role. Carlos sent himself to the prison island simply to rescue the protagonist from the prison and return to Stilwater. Undercover police officer Troy Bradshaw, who was tasked with undermining the Saints, has risen through the ranks and has been promoted to Chief of Police, after the demise of former Police Chief Monroe.

After five years, the protagonist has unexpectedly awoken from his trauma-induced coma. With the help of a fellow inmate, Carlos, the protagonist successfully escapes from the prison island that he was being held at. Hell-bent on revenge, the protagonist forms together a new crew of Saints, which includes Johnny, who the protagonist rescues from a courtroom precession. Carlos soon introduces Shaundi and Phil, who hang out in an abandoned hotel basement, and are more than willing to work for the protagonist. With a new crew, the protagonist must march on and eliminate the three rival gangs in Stilwater, and reclaim what is rightfully his.

Characters

With the Saints in shambles, several new factions have stepped in and taken control of Stilwater.

Ultor Unlimited is a business industry-turned franchise which has spent millions on rebuilding the poverty-stricken and rundown Stilwater from Saints Row. Originally owning subsidiaries in an indoor multi-purpose stadium and chain of designer sunglasses, Ultor has overhauled the city and tackled crime in an attempt to bring Stilwater to its former glory. Founder and Chief Executive Officer Dane Vogel seems more determined to making sure that the 3rd Street Saints never rise to power again, and has connections with the three new gangs inhabiting Stilwater.

The Brotherhood of Stilwater are one of three new gangs inhabiting Stilwater. Recognised by the gang’s colour of red, the Brotherhood are a biker gang. They have been described as being the most aggressive and violent gang in Stilwater, relying on brute force and firepower to deal with their enemies. They have also been rumoured to have connections with former members of the now-extinct Columbian drug gang, the Carnales, which were first seen in Saints Row. The Brotherhood is headed by Maero, a ferocious tattooed body-builder. Matt is Maero’s personal assistant and Brotherhood lieutenant. Former Westside Roller Donnie has joined the Brotherhood, serving as the gang’s second lieutenant.

The Sons of Samedi are one of three new gangs inhabiting Stilwater. Primarily wearing green and black clothing, and accessorised with all manner of jewellery, the Sons of Samedi are primarily a Haitian Vodou-influenced gang, with many members of Caribbean or Jamaican descent. The Sons of Samedi gain profit from drug pushing, in particular the Lower Dust drug, a special formulation manufactured in their trailer park drug factory. The Sons of Samedi are named after Baron Samedi, the Vodou Loa of death.

The Ronin are one of three new gangs inhabiting Stilwater. Identified by their traditionally designed yellow clothing, the Ronin are essentially a Japanese gang. The Ronin specialise in the entertainment industry, with a continual cash flow from the many casinos they operate around Stilwater. They also gain profits from prostitution rings. In Japanese, ronin translates as a samurai whose daimyo (master) has been either banished or killed.

Setting

Over the years, Stilwater has grown rapidly. Ultor Unlimited has supposedly helped clean the streets of Stilwater, and has expanded the city at its own expense. Stilwater, according to Ultor, has been turned into an "urban utopia", with many dilapidated sections of the city rebuilt. The Saints Row area, for example, was reconstructed and a booming commercial industry now stands there. Six new above-ground, and four new below-ground districts will be seen in the new Stilwater, and some new projects located around the city include a graveyard, trailer park, university, marina and a nuclear power plant. The land also features many underground segments- enormous caves, which attract tourists from all around. A prison island has also surfaced off the coast of Stilwater, completely isolated from the world, very similar to Alcatraz Island. A hidden sex cave has been rumoured to inhabit in Stilwater, and it is stated that the player may find a sex doll there and use it for a weapon. Expansion is seen in the far-west of Stilwater, which includes a trailer park, and an expansion to the Suburbs district. The new Stilwater is said to be 150% of the size it was in Saints Row.

Soundtrack

The soundtrack of Saints Row 2 will feature a new line-up of songs for the in-game radio and audio player. Also, some new radio stations are available on the in-game radio, such as a radio station playing funk, giving the player more song choice than there was in Saints Row. It is rumored that Aisha will be singing again but that is not confirmed.

Development

THQ has stated that with Grand Theft Auto IV due out prior to the release of Saints Row 2, they plan to allow Volition enough time to completely finish the game in order to obtain the best quality game possible. Additionally, the streaming engine has been improved to reduce the amount of "pop-in" due to spawning distances that were criticized in the first game. New weapons will also be available for playable characters in the game.

On May 28 2008, THQ announced that Saints Row 2's release would be pushed back by about two months, from August to October 2008, for "product quality and marketing considerations".

On July 15 2008, the Saints Row 2 Community was launched. The original forums were shut down on July 12, and were relaunched with a layout based upon the actual website's. Passwords, signatures and avatars were reset, and new posts and account were removed in the process.

Collector's Edition

A Collector's Edition of the game has been confirmed for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 consoles, but it is not known if there will be a Collector's Edition for PC users. The Collector's Edition for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 will include the Saints Row 2 game, embossed metal collector's tin, exclusive poster, exclusive art book, metal money clip, and a bullet-shaped 512 MB USB drive (gold for PS3, silver for Xbox 360) containing wallpaper, videos and more.

Marketing

Marketing has begun on the game, with numerous trailers/skits circulating on the Internet.

In the early stages of the game, a short forty second teaser was released to help promote the game.

Online movies starring Gary Busey, titled 'Street Lessons With Uncle Gary', are short, 30-second mock educational videos on street life in Stilwater. So far, eight have been released.

Heavy Weapons
Motorcycles/Airplanes/Helicopters/Boats
Nut Shots
Police Abuse
Satchel Civilians
Taunting
Throwing People
Wieldable Props

Four full-length trailers have also been released. The first details the Ultor Corporation, the faction behind the rebuilding of the city. In the trailer, numerous vehicles and weapons appearing in Saints Row 2 are also seen. The second trailer attacks Grand Theft Auto IV for its limited side-quest play, and shows some of the new activities in Saints Row 2. The video gained some notoriety, with an unnamed entertainment analyst describing it as 'unusually pompous'. The third trailer was simply a movie-style trailer for the game, revealing several key plot elements, as well as short introductions to the new gangs in power over Stilwater. The fourth, titled Trick My Life is a parody of popular MTV show, Pimp My Ride. It details some of the new customisation in Saints Row 2 in a parody style video.