The key to this mode's success is in the teamwork. At first I didn't see the strategy behind playing as a team, but I quickly realized that in order to win you're going to have to come up with plans and work as a single unit. Here's an example that I witnessed firsthand: both teams were tasked with racing through a series of gates (Midnight Club-style), however it wasn't important that everybody finish the race. So, to help get my team through, I raced way ahead not worrying at all about the gates. I picked up some heavy artillery and started to shoot at all of the cars on the other team. After blowing those up this allowed my team to finish first and get the prize money. And then seconds later everybody moved on to a competitive mode of protect the “Ho”.
And that's not it, this mode also allows you to earn various rankings and awards based on your performance. I'm not talking about just earning a better rank from winning, but the ability to earn various badges for simply playing the way you play. For example, if you are the type of person that will shoot at just about anything (good guys, bad guys, animals, etc.), you earn an award for that. The same thing is true if you are good at sniping or any other skill. These badges are actually displayed next to your name when you're waiting in the lobby, so you can brag about your accomplishments and try to avoid those who are good at sniping. I have yet to see what all of these different awards are or how they will ultimately affect gameplay and balance, but I'm a fan of having achievements that have in-game value.
Most of the game's other improvements are nothing more than minor tweaks and fixes to the original game's concept. The gameplay has been slightly refined and the there is finally a lobby system that is easy to find. On top of that are the obvious things, such as improved graphics, better radio stations, more customizable options and more vehicles. And did I mention that the game finally has airplanes and skydiving? Well, you can't use those in the multiplayer mode, but it's nice to see one of the sandbox games giving you fun things to do.
Unfortunately I did come away from Saints Row 2 with a few concerns. I noticed that in the multiplayer mode you do not have access to the full map; instead you are locked in one small area. I also noticed that a lot of the modes reminded me of things found in other games, including Grand Theft Auto IV. My other complaint is the city itself. Stillwater wasn't a terrible location in the first game, but it also wasn't as full of live and energy as Vice City, San Andreas or even Liberty City. The fact that we're going back to this city instead of someplace completely original is a tad disappointing. Hopefully I won't feel that way when I finally get my hands on the finished product and play through the single-player mode.
So there I was, drunk off of a few very strong drinks and fighting for my life in Stillwater. But something was missing? I knew it wasn't the guy in the hot dog costume handing out milkshakes; he had walked past me more than a few times. What could it be? Oh, that's right, it's the nakedness. Where was the nudity? The game does allow the main character to be completely naked, however everything is blurred out. Surely that couldn't be what they were talking about. And then I found it, the nudity they must have been talking about. It was on my way to the bathroom when I discovered a picture of a young woman from the 1920s, completely topless posing for the camera. Considering the motif of the club this picture fit perfectly, however considering that porn star Tera Patrick is connected to the game this one picture was a little disappointing. Either way, we were there for the game and not the nudity. Right?
On the way out of the club I managed to snag the Saints Row 2 press kit, which was on a flash drive that was molded in the shape of a bullet. Yes, this USB flash drive is definitely unique. And yes, it's certainly fitting. However, I quickly learned that the airport security doesn't think a fake plastic bullet is a joke. Thankfully the TSA let me through, but not before having to answer some tough questions and prove my identity.
Saints Row 2 will be out October 14 for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. Look for more coverage and a full review closer to the game's launch.
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