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 considering that Saints Row: Gat Out of Hell is not really a PlayStation 4 recreation. Proper from the phrase go, the now-zany franchise’s newest romp appears to be like unashamedly last-gen, and whereas everyone knows that graphics aren’t every part, even we needed to examine twice to ensure that we hadn’t one way or the other lowered our tv’s decision. Textures are muddy, clipping points are considerable, and total, the underworld outing is downright ugly.
Fortuitously, the probabilities are that you simply will not care an excessive amount of about visible constancy while you’re inflicting absolute, unadulterated chaos. In actual fact, chances are you’ll even be inspired to delay every homicide spree purely out of pity to your poor eyes, which is able to most likely nonetheless be reeling from a sandbox world that one way or the other sports activities extra greys and browns than Watch Canines’ decidedly drab model of Chicago.
When you’re new to Saints Row, all that you actually need to know is that this standalone growth carries on the sequence’ love for the ridiculous. Since Saints Row: The Third, developer Volition’s creation has nosedived into whole insanity, and there is nonetheless nothing fairly prefer it on right now’s market. With a map affected by non-obligatory goals and a storyline that’ll typically have you ever staring on the display in near-disbelief, it is the definitive sandbox possibility for anybody who desires a title that does not take itself significantly, and loves nothing greater than being showered in customisation choices, weird weaponry, and preposterous tremendous powers.
As the journey’s title suggests, the growth focuses on fan favorite Johnny Gat as he journeys into Hell to avoid wasting the Boss. The story’s arguably even sillier than Saints Row IV’s – and that was completely bonkers to start with – however there’s nothing notably 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 growth solely lasts roughly six hours.
Over these six hours, you will be following what is basically the identical system that is discovered within the Saints’ final outing. You may pace across the map in a automobile or by way of your satisfying flight means, crossing off non-obligatory actions like time trials, assassinations, and survival challenges, all whereas sometimes dropping into brief stints of storyline that maintain issues transferring at a brisk tempo. You possibly can 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 deal with the over-the-top mayhem that you simply trigger. Put merely, for those who’re not booting each single damned soul that you simply come throughout squarely within the rump, then you definitely’re most likely not taking part in this proper.
Returning briefly to the matter of aspect actions, the choice that is on supply right here is not too completely different to what’s present in Saints Row IV, however every part’s simply as enjoyable. Adopting the type of a decrepit ghoul whereas throwing your self into oncoming visitors within the insurance coverage fraud missions could be hysterical due to sensible ragdoll physics, and plain previous survival battles are made entertaining by the unending stream of tremendous powers and armaments that you simply’re gifted.
Certainly, the weapon selection is implausible, starting from comparatively normal rifles and pistols to weird shooters which can be primarily based upon the seven lethal sins. Very similar to its dad or mum title, the growth is at its greatest while you’re casually switching between talents and firearms to mutilate your foes, and considering up your individual ridiculous and overpowered combos could be loads of enjoyable.
That mentioned, 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 nearly as good a sandbox surroundings, so for those who’re not up for extra of the identical on a smaller scale, then chances are you’ll wish to suppose twice about moving into the fireplace.
Those that love the franchise’s insanity will little doubt discover rather a lot 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 growth tied in properly with Saints Row IV’s preposterous plot.
Talking of which, genius woman Kinzie can be alongside for the journey, and also you’re in a position to swap between her and Gat at your base of operations. It isn’t an enormous deal as there aren’t too many cutscenes to start with, however for those who develop bored with Johnny making jokes about collectibles virtually each time that you simply choose one up, switching him out for his feminine confederate might alleviate the annoyance. Then once more, repetitive traces 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 many who adored Saints Row IV, but it surely’ll rapidly outstay its welcome for those who aren’t down with the gang. It will additionally show to be a complicated and bogus journey for newcomers, so we advocate grabbing the total package deal on the PS4 for those who’re not even certain who Johnny Gat is. With entertaining powers and a few nice new weapons, the standalone growth holds its personal – however do not count on your otherworldly trip to be something greater than a fast and acquainted break.
