Saints Row 2: Difference between revisions
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{{Short description|2008 action-adventure game}} |
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{{Infobox VG |
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{{Infobox video game |
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| title = Saints Row 2 |
| title = Saints Row 2 |
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| image = |
| image = Saints Row 2 Game Cover.jpg |
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| developer = [[Volition (company)|Volition]]{{efn|Ported to Windows by [[CD Projekt|CD Projekt Localisation Centre]]}} |
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| caption = "''Saints Row 2''" box art |
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| publisher = [[THQ]]<br />[[Deep Silver]] (Linux) |
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| resolution = |
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| series = ''[[Saints Row]]'' |
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| engine = |
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| platforms = [[Microsoft Windows]]<ref name = "sr2 pc"/><br />[[PlayStation 3]]<ref name="ps3ign"/><br />[[Xbox 360]]<br/>[[Linux]] |
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| designer = [[Volition, Inc.]] |
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| released = '''PlayStation 3''', '''Xbox 360'''<ref name= sr2aus/><ref name="pushback"/><br />{{Video game release|NA|October 14, 2008|AU|October 16, 2008|EU|October 17, 2008}}'''Windows'''<br />{{Video game release|NA|January 5, 2009|EU|January 23, 2009|AU|February 5, 2009}}'''Linux'''<ref name="sr2-linux-sp"/><br/>{{Video game release|WW|April 15, 2016}} |
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| series = [[Saints Row (series)|Saints Row]] |
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| genre = [[Action-adventure game|Action-adventure]] |
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| engine = Custom, [[Havok (software)|Havok]] |
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| modes = [[Single-player video game|Single-player]], [[multiplayer video game|multiplayer]] |
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| ratings = {{vgratings|ESRB=M <ref>{{cite web | url=http://community.saintsrow.com/viewtopic.php?f=21&t=17532&p=298490 | title=Official ESRB Rating | author="V-Singular" | date=2008-07-16}}</ref>|PEGI=18+|OFLCA=MA15+ <ref name=sr2aus>{{cite web|url=http://pc.ign.com/articles/892/892958p1.html|title=Saint's Row 2 - MA15+ and Uncut for Australia|date=July 22, 2008|publisher=IGN|accessdate=2008-07-23}}</ref>}} |
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| producer = Greg Donovan<ref name="behind scenes" /><ref name="sr2qa"/> |
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| platforms = [[Microsoft Windows]],<ref name="sr2pc">{{cite web | url = http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/02/dont-trip-dawg-saints-row-2-be-comin-2-pc/ | title = Don't trip dawg, Saints Row 2 be comin' 2 PC | publisher = [[Joystiq]] | author = Alexander Sliwinski | date = 2008-06-02 | accessdate = 2008-06-02}}</ref> [[PlayStation 3]], [[Xbox 360]] |
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| designer = Scott Philips<ref name="msxbox interview"/><br />James Tsai<ref name="q&a feature"/><ref name="afterthoughts"/> |
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| released = '''PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360'''<br />{{vgrelease|NA=October 14, 2008}}{{vgrelease|AUS=October 16, 2008}}{{vgrelease|EU=October 17, 2008}} |
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| artist = Frank Marquart |
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'''Microsoft Windows''' <ref name="sr2pcrele-ign">{{cite web|url=http://pc.ign.com/articles/925/925276p1.html?RSSwhen2008-10-29_153100&RSSid=925276|title=Saints Row 2 PC Delayed to 2009|last=Thang|first=Jimmy |date=October 29, 2008|publisher=IGN|language=English|accessdate=2008-10-30}}</ref> <br />{{vgrelease|NA=January 6, 2009}} {{vgrelease|EU=January 23, 2009}}{{vgrelease|AUS=February 5, 2009}} |
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| writer = Steve Jaros<br />Drew Holmes |
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| genre = [[Nonlinear gameplay|Sandbox]], [[third-person shooter]], [[Action-adventure game|action-adventure]] |
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| director = Clint Ourso |
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| modes = [[Single-player]], [[Multiplayer video game|multiplayer]] |
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| programmer = Nicholas Lee<br />Jeff Thompson |
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| media = [[Blu-ray Disc]], [[DVD-DL]], download by [[Steam (content delivery)|Steam]] |
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}} |
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| requirements = |
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| input = [[Keyboard (computing)|Keyboard]] and [[Mouse (computing)|mouse]], [[Gamepad]] |
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}} |
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'''''Saints Row 2''''' (abbreviated to '''''SR2''''') is a [[Nonlinear gameplay|sandbox-style]] [[action-adventure game|action-adventure]] [[video game]] developed by [[Volition, Inc.|Volition Inc]] and published by [[THQ]]. It is the sequel to ''[[Saints Row (video game)|Saints Row]]'' and is the second title in the [[Saints Row (series)|''Saints Row'' series]]. ''Saints Row 2'' was released in North America on October 14, 2008, in Australia on October 16, 2008, and in Europe on October 17, 2008, for the [[Xbox 360]] and [[PlayStation 3]]. A [[Microsoft Windows|PC]] version of the game was released in North America on January 6, 2009 and will be released in Europe on January 23, 2009 and in Australia on February 5, 2009. <ref name="sr2pcrele-ign">{{cite web|url=http://pc.ign.com/articles/925/925276p1.html?RSSwhen2008-10-29_153100&RSSid=925276|title=Saints Row 2 PC Delayed to 2009|last=Thang|first=Jimmy |date=October 29, 2008|publisher=IGN|language=English|accessdate=2008-10-30}}</ref> A smaller variant of the game has also been published for [[mobile phone|mobiles]]. |
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Set in [[Saints Row (series)#Setting|Stilwater]], a fictional city based heavily on the likes of [[Detroit]] and [[Chicago]], the game begins with the protagonist (referred to as male in this article) waking up from a trauma-induced coma in a water-locked prison hospital, two years after being blown up aboard a yacht at the end of ''Saints Row''. <ref name=overview>{{cite web | url=http://www.saintsrow.com/overview.php | title=Overview | publisher=[[THQ]] | accessdate=2008-10-28}}</ref> After successfully escaping the prison with the help of a fellow inmate, he returns to Stilwater to find that it has been heavily expanded due to the work of business corporation Ultor. The protagonist then resurrects the 3rd Street Saints, an urban crime gang to which he served in ''Saints Row'', in a quest to reconquer the city, eliminate the three rival gangs who now control the streets of Stilwater, and to give retribution to those who betrayed him. |
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Since its release, ''Saints Row 2'' has been generally praised by critics and fans alike and has received generally positive reviews. There are, however, common complaints of technical issues; the game does contain a large number of bugs and glitches, and has been known to freeze in some instances on both the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. ''Saints Row 2'' has had more than two million copies shipped worldwide since November 5, 2008.<ref>[http://kotaku.com/5077878/saints-row-2-two-million-served-well-shipped Kotaku sales report (November 5, 2008)]</ref> |
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==Gameplay== |
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''Saints Row 2'' has gameplay structured similarly to its predecessor ''Saints Row''. The core gameplay consists of elements of a third-person shooter and a driving game, affording the player a large, open environment in which to move around. On foot, the player's character is capable of walking, running, swimming, climbing and jumping, as well as utilising weapons and basic hand-to-hand combat. Players can steal and drive a variety of vehicles, including [[automobile]]s, [[boat]]s, [[jet ski]]s, [[helicopter]]s, [[fixed-wing aircraft]] and [[motorcycle]]s. |
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'''''Saints Row 2''''' is a 2008 [[action-adventure game]] developed by [[Volition (company)|Volition]] and published by [[THQ]]. It is the sequel to 2006's ''[[Saints Row (2006 video game)|Saints Row]]'' and the second installment in the [[Saints Row|''Saints Row'' series]]. The game was released in October 2008 for the [[PlayStation 3]] and [[Xbox 360]], January 2009 for [[Microsoft Windows]], and April 2016 for [[Linux]]. [[Saints Row 2 (mobile)|A mobile tie-in game]] was developed by G5 Entertainment and also released in October 2008. ''Saints Row 2'' directly follows from the events of the first game, as the player's [[Character creation|custom character]] awakens from a [[coma]] after five years<ref name="5years" /> to find that their gang, the 3rd Street Saints, has been disbanded, and their former territories taken over by newly-formed criminal syndicates and a corrupt corporation. With the help of new and old allies, the player attempts to rebuild the Saints and take back Stilwater from their rivals. |
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The open, non-linear environment allows players to explore and choose how they wish to play the game. After the player completes a tutorial mission the entire environment is fully explorable to every detail. Although storyline missions are necessary as they are part of in-game progress, players can complete them at their own leisure, after filling up a bar full of respect, in-game currency which is used for missions. These missions can be completed at the player's own leisure and when not taking on a storyline mission, players can free-roam and explore the environment, spend money on various shops and participate in mini-games called activities which earn the player more money and respect. However, creating havoc can attract unwanted and potentially fatal attention from the authorities and rival gangs. However, gangs only respond to the player attacking their members and vehicles whereas the Police will respond to the player attacking anyone as long as there is a witness. |
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Story missions are unlocked by trading in "Respect" points, currency earned by completing [[minigame]]s and side-missions. Outside of the main story, players can freely roam Stilwater, which has been expanded with new locations and consists of two main islands. The game is played from a [[Third-person view|third-person perspective]] and its world is navigated on-foot or by vehicle. Players can fight enemies using a variety of [[firearm]]s, and call in non-playable gang members to assist them. An [[online multiplayer]] mode allows two players to explore Stilwater together while completing missions and activities, or multiple players to engage in a variety of [[Cooperative video game|cooperative]] and competitive game modes. |
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===Customization=== |
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Customization has been described as one of the ''Saints Row'' series' strongest features. Although ''Saints Row'' incorporated elements of player and vehicle customization, ''Saints Row 2'' has further expanded this feature. |
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''Saints Row 2''<nowiki/>'s developers opted for a more comedic tone to set the game apart from the ''[[Grand Theft Auto]]'' series, with which the original game was compared by most reviewers for their similar premise and gameplay elements. The game's promotional effort included various public showings, [[special edition]]s and [[downloadable content]] including the ''[[Saints Row 2: Ultor Exposed|Ultor Exposed]]'' and ''[[Saints Row 2: Corporate Warfare|Corporate Warfare]]'' mission packages. Reviews were largely favorable, praising the action and straightforward gameplay, while criticizing technical issues and a lack of innovation. The Windows port in particular was heavily criticized for technical issues not present in any of the other versions. The game had sold around 400,000 units by November 2008, and 3.4 million units by September 2010. A sequel, ''[[Saints Row: The Third]]'', was released in November 2011. |
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Character customization is a heavily expanded feature in ''Saints Row 2''. From the "presets" menu, the player can change numerous preset options for their character, including whether the character is male or female, a new option introduced in ''Saints Row 2''. In the "body" menu, the player can modify the body shape, muscle, fat, age and skin color of their character. A new feature is the make-up menu, which allows the player to apply a small selection of make-up to their character's face. The personality menu is one of the notable additions to character customization in ''Saints Row 2''. Here the player can choose three male |
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and three female voices, facial expressions, movement styles, combat styles, taunts and compliments. Height modification was originally planned as a feature for ''Saints Row 2'' and existed in the development stage, but was later cut due to bugs and syncronisation issues. |
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== Gameplay == |
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Clothing and apparel customization allows the player to change what their character wears on their body. A large variety of clothes, tattoos and jewelry can be purchased for the character from thirteen different companies. Hats, glasses, shirts, pants, bras, underwear, shoes, socks, piercings and tattoos can all be bought for the player's body and can all be coloured and worn in certain fashions. The player can buy and save outfits at their crib and reload for later use. |
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''Saints Row 2'' is an [[Action-adventure game|action-adventure]] video game set in an [[open world]] environment, offering the player a large open environment in which to move around. The player's character is capable of maneuvering through the environment, utilizing weaponry and engaging in [[melee]] combat warfare.<ref name="sr2aus"/><ref name="donovan"/> After successfully completing the first game mission, the player meets the Third Street Saints and begin their devious schemes with the gang. Missions are unlocked by earning 'Respect' points from [[minigame]]s and side-missions<ref name="kotaku impressions"/> and although completing missions is necessary for game progression, players can complete them at their own leisure. The player is granted the option of instantly retrying the missions should they fail an attempt. Numerous [[Continue point|checkpoints]] save progress in each mission, and missions can be replayed from locations within the environment. Aside from attempting missions, the player can explore the environment, purchase items at shops and participate in the aforementioned mini-games and side-missions.<ref name="activities trailer"/>{{Unreliable source?|date=May 2014}} The player can also wreak havoc upon the city of Stilwater which can provoke potentially fatal attention from authoritative forces.<ref name="busey sr2"/> The player can recruit members from a friendly gang and use a mobile phone to contact friends and/or businesses, as well as to input cheat codes.<ref name="ukhandson"/> Entering cheats will disable Xbox 360 achievements. |
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Players drive vehicles that are stolen, bought or unlocked. Aside from automobiles, players can use boats and [[Personal water craft|water craft]],<ref name="kotaku details"/> helicopters,<ref name="gary preview"/> [[fixed-wing aircraft]],<ref name="impressions"/> and motorcycles.<ref name="busey sr2"/><ref name="ign first look"/> A [[cruise control]] system can be activated while using land or sea vehicles.<ref name="Auto97-3"/> [[Waypoint]]s can be placed on the pause-screen map, leaving a [[Global Positioning System|GPS]] route between the player character's location and the set destination. Players can hail [[taxicab]] services and pay a fee to quickly navigate the city. By taking land vehicles to [[Mechanic]]s, players can apply paint schemes, [[Car tuning|body mods]], [[hydraulics]] and [[nitrous oxide]]. |
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In-game cribs are provided for the player, and are used to view cutscenes, replay missions, access a weapon stash, withdraw daily earnings and modify the player's clothing. The player can purchase six cribs from various points around the map. The Saints' hideout serves as a crib as well, and an underground loft is given to the player. These cribs can also be customized (except for the Saints' hideout, which is upgraded through game progress), which is a new feature in ''Saints Row 2''. The overall style of the cribs can be changed; the walls, floors and furnishings are upgraded through this. The player can also apply and change pool tables, minibars, pianos, lounges, and televisions. Additionally, two docks can be bought to store boats, as well as an airport hangar which is used to store fixed-wing aircraft. |
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Players create their own character through a system that allows them to modify gender, ethnicity, fitness, voice, face and hairstyle.<ref name="gamespot first look"/><ref name="kotaku on sr2"/><ref name="ign details"/> Walk and fighting styles, and personality traits can be assigned.<ref name = ukhandson/><ref name = "ign first look"/><ref name="ign details"/> Players purchase clothes, tattoos and piercings, and set outfits can be bought or created and saved to the player character's wardrobe.<ref name = "gary preview"/><ref name="sr2 impressions"/> "Cribs" ([[safe house]]s) allow players to withdraw earnings, change outfits, replay missions and save the game.<ref name="gamespot first look"/> Cribs can be customized by applying themes and purchasing objects like TVs and pool tables.<ref name = "ign first look"/> Boats and fixed-wing aircraft can be stored at purchased [[dock (maritime)|docks]] and [[hangar]]s. Players select the outfits, vehicles, gestures and graffiti styles used by street members of the Third Street Saints.<ref name="tera preview"/> |
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The player can modify the 3rd Street Saints' behaviour, fashion and more at their hideout. The player can choose from a selection of gang styles; this affects the way gang members dress and talk. The player can also change the gang's sign and tag. Three vehicle slots have a large list of most land-based vehicles, and these can be changed for free; this affects what the player's gang drives around in. |
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The combat systems from ''Saints Row'' have been updated but many of the basics remain unchanged.<ref name="donovan"/> While engaging in melee-based combat, the player character will perform [[combo (gaming)|combos]] and charge up attacks,<ref name="sr2 impressions"/> and can execute a [[finishing move]] if three consecutive hits are dealt.<ref name = ukhandson/> With a gun equipped, the player can perform a groin attack, and can zoom in for a finer aim [[reticle]].<ref name = "ign details"/> The player can also employ the use of human shields,<ref name = ukhandson/> and can use makeshift weapons pulled from the environment e.g. fire hydrants, cement blocks.<ref name="gamespot first look"/> Should the player either commit illegal activities or incite rival gang members, they will provoke potentially fatal attention from authoritative figures or rival gangs. The notoriety bar is a visual representation of the proactivity of the opposing figures' response and continual inciting of these groups will bring about a more powerful response, such as [[SWAT]] teams from the police. The player will continue to be chased by these groups until captured or killed and must reduce the notoriety bar by either hiding from the police or gang and wait for it to "cool off", or by seeking out a drive-through confessional which will clear the notoriety bar for a small fee.<ref name="busey sr2"/> Should the player character be apprehended or killed, a small percentage of the player's earnings will be removed and the player will [[respawn]] at law or healthcare institutions. The game contains over forty different weapons, many of which have been recycled from ''Saints Row''. The game allows the player to utilise new weapon types, examples of which include [[satchel charge]]s, [[laser guidance|laser-guided]] rocket launchers, chainsaws and more.<ref name="weaponsvehicles trailer"/><ref name="Auto97-4"/> The player has the ability to [[dual wield]] handguns and submachine guns. Weaponry can be purchased by the player from specific stores or unlocked throughout in-game progress.<ref name = impressions/> |
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===Combat and police response=== |
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[[Image:Bank vault under attack- SR2.jpg|thumb|200px|right|The player escaping from Stilwater Prison.]] |
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Combat in ''Saints Row 2'' is a notable improvement in the series. Though the basics of hand-to-hand combat and 360-degree free aim weapon firing are still the same, the game offers numerous new features and an expanded list of weaponry the player can engage in. Hand-to-hand combat has been improved. The player can now charge up attacks for better power and if three consecutive hits are dealt to an enemy, the player performs a special move. Additionally, when the player has a gun equipped, they can perform a [[Groin attack|nut shot]]. To better improve accuracy for weaponry, a fine aim mode has been introduced which moves the camera behind the player character's shoulder with a more precise aiming reticule. Although the game incorporates no cover system (much to the disfavour of game aggregators), ''Saints Row 2'' does allow the player to take [[human shield]]s. When the player takes a human shield, they can run by holding RB and can still fire nearly every weapon available and can still use fine aim.When the player no longer needs a hostage, they can either perform a quick headshot or pick up and throw the hostage away. The player can now pick up and use objects from the environment as melee weapons such as [[garden gnomes]] and [[cement blocks]]. <ref name="gamespot first look">{{cite web | url = http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/action/saintsrow2/news.html?sid=6187214&om_act=convert&om_clk=newlyadded&tag=newlyadded;title;1 | title = Saints Row 2 First Look | publisher = Gamespot | first = Justin | last = Calvert | date = 2008-03-05 | accessdate = 2008-03-07 }}</ref> |
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=== Open world === |
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The game incorporates the use of a vast array of weaponry, greater so than its predecessor. The player is capable of firing over forty different weapons and most of the weapons from ''Saints Row'' have been recycled in the game, but many new types have been introduced as well. Dual-wielding has been introduced on [[submachine gun]]s and [[handgun]]s. ''Saints Row 2'' incorporates the use of a large amount of melee weapons, including a [[Balisong (knife)|butterfly knife]], [[chainsaw]], [[machete]], [[pepper spray]], [[Japanese sword|Samurai sword]], [[Defibrillation|shock paddles]], a [[sledgehammer]] and [[Electroshock weapon|stun gun]]. The game also features an expanded list of pistols, submachine guns and shotguns. The player can now take control of an assault rifle with underslung grenade launcher and a [[light machine gun]]. Several new 'special' weapons have also been introduced; these are some of the most powerful weapons in the game. The player can use a [[Laser guidance|laser guided]] [[Rocket-propelled grenade|RPG]], [[flamethrower]] and a [[minigun]]. The player can also throw [[Hand grenade#Stun grenades|flashbangs]] and [[satchel charge]]s; which can stick to walls, cars and people. <ref name="weaponsvehicles trailer">{{cite web | url = http://www.gametrailers.com/player/32962.html | title = Gametrailers.com - Saints Row 2 - Vehicles and Weapons Trailer | publisher = [[Gametrailers]] | author = | date = 2008-06-05 | access date = 2008-06-05 }}</ref> Many weapons can be bought from weapon stores across the city however some need to be unlocked throughout the game. |
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Players navigate the [[open world]], fictional city of [[Stilwater]]. The city consists of forty-five neighborhoods divided between twenty districts. It is expanded from ''Saints Row''<nowiki />'s version of Stilwater, roughly one-and-a-half times as big and featuring new districts such as the prison, nuclear power plant, and expanded airport among others.<ref name="ign details" /> Game developers stated that the city has very much been redeveloped and each individual neighborhood has been touched up in one way or another.<ref name="wp interview"/> According to the storyline, the in-game corporation Ultor spent more than 300 million dollars redeveloping the city,<ref name="ign details" /> funding the police force and, as it states, turning the "once crime-ridden third-tier city" into an "urban utopia". The Saint's Row district is a more notable change within the city, having been completely redesigned and serving as the location of Ultor's headquarters; a towering [[skyscraper]] referred to as the Phillips Building.<ref name="ge interview"/> Many old districts from the earlier revision of Stilwater have also seen changes. Examples include the expansion taken place on the Suburbs district, which is double the size of its depiction in ''Saints Row'' and the Museum district, which features the Eramenos [[Ancient Greece|Ancient Greek]] museum exhibit, complete with models of the [[Acropolis of Athens]] and [[Theatre of Dionysus]].<ref name="saints row 2"/> There are also several completely new districts, such as the Marina and the University.<ref name="wp interview" /> |
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From the beginning of the game, the map of Stilwater is fully visible. However, shops and activities will simply be displayed as a question mark until the player discovers them. By completing missions and wiping out enemy strongholds the player gains control of the various neighborhoods the city is split into. There are over 130 interiors within the city, and hidden events can be triggered by some,<ref name="kotaku details" /> including over ninety shops which can be purchased when the player controls each shops' associated territory.<ref name="tera preview" /> The player gets a 10% discount at owned stores and buying an entire chain of departments will mean that the protagonist's face appears on in-game billboard advertisements.<ref name="tera preview" /> The game shares technology with that of ''[[Red Faction: Guerrilla]]'', another Volition-developed game and so certain elements of the environment are fully destructible.<ref name="ukhandson" /> A number of [[Easter egg (media)|Easter eggs]] are placed within the sandbox, including the pop-out [[Easter Bunny]] which won "Top Easter Egg of 2008".<ref name="Auto97-5"/> |
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Committing certain crimes can attract unwanted attention from the police. Some citizens of Stilwater will even call police to the scene of a crime they have just witnessed. As in ''Saints Row'', there are five notoriety levels, which are gained gradually as the player commits additional crimes. Notoriety levels are represented by the number of "stars" shown in blue. It is only possible to be arrested if the player has low health and is subdued with a Taser or pepper spray. When arrested, the player will respawn outisde a police station with a small bounty collected from their earnings. Police will use non-lethal means of submission in response to minor crimes such as assault and theft. If the player draws a non-melee weapon, police will retalliate with pistols and shotguns. Police are automatically dispatched to the scene from two stars onwards and will use standard weaponry to deal with the perpetrator. At three stars, roadblocks are established, and police helicopters dispatch [[SWAT]] officers to the fight. At four and five stars, the Tornado helicopter is introduced into the battle, unleashing torrents of firepower. The [[Federal Bureau of Investigation|FBI]] are called in at five stars, using any means necessary to deal with the criminal. |
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===Respect system=== |
===Respect system=== |
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The Respect system is a [[Score (game)#Video games|scoring]] system where the player earns Respect points to unlock missions and progress through the storyline. The player can partake in storyline and stronghold missions only after filling up at least one bar of Respect, and Respect points are removed when the player starts a mission. The 'style rank' is a modifier of how much Respect the player can earn; this is increased by purchasing items for the player character. Respect points can be earned in two ways; by progressing through side-missions called Activities and by completing mini-games and stunts called Diversions.<ref name = "kotaku impressions"/> |
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{{Shorten|sub-section is too long. It|date=December 2008}} |
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The respect system is a recurring element in the ''Saints Row'' series to date. Respect is in-game currency used to unlock missions and progress through the storyline. Respect can be unlocked by completing activities and diversions. The overall respect modifier (amount of respect earned) can be increased through increasing the player's style rank, by upgrading cars, cribs and clothes. |
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There are a broad range of Activities and Diversions available for the player to progress through. Many of the game's Activities made appearance in ''Saints Row'' and a variety of new Activities have also been introduced in the game.<ref name="activities trailer"/> Examples include an underground fight club, a parody of the ''[[Cops (TV series)|Cops]]'' television show known as FUZZ and numerous others.<ref name="sr2 impressions"/><ref name="actdiv"/> Each Activity can be initiated from various locations and plays out over six levels of increasing difficulty. The Activities have been designed to suit solo and co-operative play.<ref name="Auto97-6"/> Most Diversions do not have specific start points. There are numerous Diversions playable in the game, such as acts of [[indecent exposure]], combat and driving stunts, [[car surfing]] and a [[survival horror]] minigame called Zombie Uprising.<ref name=sr2aus/><ref name="actdiv"/><ref name="Auto97-7"/><ref name="Auto97-8"/> |
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Activities were first seen in ''Saints Row'', where the protagonist would perform various tasks to earn money and respect, in-game currency used to unlock missions and progress through the storyline. In addition, numerous items and "homies" could be unlocked by carrying out such activities. ''Saints Row 2'' includes nine of the activities from ''Saints Row'', including racing, snatch, escort, drug trafficking, hitman, insurance fraud, demolition derby, chop shop, and mayhem. Loan shark has been dropped, and hijacking is now categorized as a diversion. All returning activities have been touched up slightly, and feel slightly different as compared to their original incarnations. In ''Saints Row'', activities spanned out over eight progressing difficulty levels; however, in ''Saints Row 2'', activities span out over six. The protagonist also gains unlockables like health and stamina enhancement, weapon enhancements, etc., for completing every three levels of each activity. <ref>{{cite web | url = http://gamespot.com/pages/unions/forums/show_msgs.php?topic_id=26506739&union_id=2286 | title = James Tsai interviewing the United People of Saints Row (Letter 4 of 4) }}</ref> Each activity only appears in two locations around the city, instead of three as in ''Saints Row''. |
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===Multiplayer=== |
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In addition to the activities returning from ''Saints Row'', six new activities are available for the player to participate in. <ref name="activities trailer">{{cite web | url = http://gamersyde.com/news_6599_en.html | title = Saint's Row 2: Activities - Gamersyde | publisher = Gamersyde | author = | date = 2008-06-05 | access date = 2008-06-05 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://community.saintsrow.com/blogs/?p=148#more-100 | title = "Activities and Diversions" Developer Blog}}</ref> Each activity has also been designed to suit co-operative play. |
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''Saints Row 2'' has various [[multiplayer video game|multiplayer]] components implemented throughout the game. Through an online network or through [[System Link]]ing, the player can progress through the game with a [[Cooperative video game|cooperative]] partner.<ref name="Auto97-9"/><ref name="gamespot co-op"/> While in co-op mode, both players can explore the city and progress through the game's storyline missions and minigames.<ref name="gamespot co-op"/><ref name="destructoid mp"/><ref name="Auto97-10"/> Both players are rewarded and credited for completion of such activities,<ref name="gamespot co-op"/><ref name="Auto97-11"/> and the players can furthermore play against each other in competitive [[metagaming|metagames]].<ref name="Auto97-12"/><ref name="ultor ign"/><ref name="Auto97-13"/> The co-op mode is "drop-in/drop-out" and there is no limit as to how far the players can be away from each other.<ref name="kotaku details"/><ref name="gamespot co-op"/><ref name="Auto97-14"/> |
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The game contains [[multiplayer video game|competitive multiplayer]] modes, supporting between four and twelve players in a match.<ref name="gamespot mp"/><ref name="Auto97-15"/> There are two standard [[Deathmatch (gaming)|deathmatch]] modes; the free-for-all "Gangsta Brawl" mode and its team-based variant, "Team Gangsta Brawl".<ref name="vg mp"/> Another mode, known as "Strong Arm", puts two teams against each other fighting for control over the neighborhood.<ref name="destructoid mp"/><ref name="Auto97-16"/> In "Strong Arm", the first team to earn $100,000,000 wins and money is earned by competing head-to-head in activities, controlling "[[Graffiti|tag]] spots" which serve as bonus modifiers or by eliminating members of the opposing team.<ref name="Auto97-18"/> While in a party, players are free to roam around a lobby.<ref name="vg mp"/><ref name="kotaku mp"/> The player can rank up in multiplayer and displays this by earning various "badges" which are displayed next to the player's name.<ref name="kotaku mp"/><ref name="Auto97-19"/> By ranking up, the player can unlock more expensive clothing for their multiplayer character.{{Citation needed|date=August 2014}} |
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New activities include: |
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The multiplayer mode on PC and PlayStation 3 was discontinued in May 2014 when [[GameSpy]]'s servers were shut down.<ref name="RPS: closure"/> However, the PC version's multiplayer can still be played via LAN tunneling software such as Evolve or Tunngle and the PS3 version's multiplayer can still be played using [[XLink Kai]]. The Xbox 360 versions of the game were unaffected as they use the [[Xbox network]] for matchmaking.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.saintsrow.com/community/go/thread/view/136773/30254829/Gamespy_shutdown_and_Saints_Row_2 |title=Saints Row IV & Saints Row: The Third |access-date=February 17, 2016 |archive-date=September 26, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140926060825/http://saintsrow.com/community/go/thread/view/136773/30254829/Gamespy_shutdown_and_Saints_Row_2 |url-status=dead }}</ref> |
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* '''Crowd Control''' sees the player acting as a security guard for a celebrity as they go about their daily business at various events. Crazed fans will harass and even attack the celebrity, and so the player must fend off these fans by means of throwing them into oncoming trains, helicopter rotor blades and anything else in the world. |
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==Plot== |
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* '''Fight Club''' is a fighting-based activity where the player signs up to fight in underground arenas. The player must eliminate opponents using the melee system and also any items that can be found littered on the ground. Once an opponent has been successfully knocked down, the player must approach the opponent and begin a button-tapping showdown where the player aims to break the opponent's neck. |
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Four years after the [[Saints Row (2006 video game)#Plot|explosion]] on Richard Hughes' [[yacht]], the player character ([[Charles Shaughnessy]], [[Kenny Blank|Kenn Michael]], Alex Mendoza, Katie Semine, [[G. K. Bowes]], or Rebecca Sanabria), who was the sole survivor, awakens from a coma within the infirmary of Stilwater's maximum security prison after undergoing extensive plastic surgery. They escape to Stilwater with the help of Carlos Mendoza (Joe Camareno), the brother of a former 3rd Street Saints member. |
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Carlos explains that the Saints have since disbanded, with most members being arrested by Troy Bradshaw ([[Michael Rapaport]]), an undercover cop who had infiltrated the gang as a lieutenant and has since become [[chief of police]], using his influence to protect the imprisoned Saints. In the gang's absence, three new gangs have taken over the city: the Brotherhood, a [[heavy metal music|metalhead]] gang who conduct gun-running operations; the Sons of Samedi, a [[Haitian Vodou]] gang who run drugs operations; and the Ronin, a Japanese ''[[bosozoku]]'' gang who conduct gambling and porn operations. Also, the Saints' former base of operations, the Saint's Row district, has been redeveloped into a pristine commercial and residential area by the Ultor Corporation, who have further plans for Stilwater. |
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* '''FUZZ''', a parody of the show ''[[COPS (TV series)|COPS]]'', is an activity in which the player, disguised as a police officer, is followed around with a camera crew and must deal with criminals. More creativity in dealing with the perpetrator (such as breaking up a non-violent protest with a flamethrower) earns the player more points. |
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The player works to rebuild the Saints, rescuing former lieutenant [[Johnny Gat]] ([[Daniel Dae Kim]]) from his trial. The pair then recruit new members, including Carlos and Gat's acquaintances, Pierce Washington (Arif S. Kinchen) and Shaundi ([[Eliza Dushku]]), as lieutenants, and set up a new headquarters in a hotel destroyed by an [[earthquake]]. Afterwards, the player steps up as the Saints' new leader, now going under the moniker of "The Boss", and declares war on the rival gangs, assigning the Saints lieutenants to discover more about each. |
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* '''Heli Assault''' sees the dealing with enemy aircraft and vehicles to protect gang lieutenants as they deliver drugs around the city. The player is given the Tornado attack helicopter and must stop interferences with deals, using missiles, that you are able to target lock onto cars, boats, even other helicopters. |
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Carlos researches the Brotherhood, led by Maero ([[Michael Dorn]]). After the Boss rejects Maero's deal to join forces and split their profits (80% to the Brotherhood and 20% to the Saints), a series of rebound retaliations result in the deaths of Carlos (who is dragged by a speeding truck and forcibly [[Euthanasia|mercy killed]] by the Boss) and Maero's girlfriend Jessica ([[Jaime Pressly]]) (who the Boss locks in her car to be inadvertently crushed by Maero with his [[monster truck]]). After assaulting the Brotherhood's base and forcing Maero to flee, the Boss kills him during a [[demolition derby]] to end the Brotherhood. |
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* '''Septic Avenger''' is a task in which the player must devalue property and its owners using a Stilwater Municipal septic truck and spraying human waste on buildings and people. |
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Shaundi investigates the Sons of Samedi, led by "The General" ([[Greg Eagles]]) and his right-hand, Mr. Sunshine ([[Phil LaMarr]]). After the Saints disrupt the Samedi's operations and steal most of their customers, Samedi lieutenant and one of Shaundi's exes, [[Disc jockey|DJ]] Veteran Child ([[Neil Patrick Harris]]), is forced by the gang to kidnap Shaundi. After the Boss kills Veteran Child to rescue Shaundi, the Saints continue their war on the Samedi by destroying their drug factories and killing Mr. Sunshine. Since the General runs his gang from an armored limo that is constantly on the move, the Boss and Shaundi hack the city's police street camera system to track it. Afterwards, they set up an ambush as the limo drives past the city mall and manage to take out the General, ending the Sons of Samedi. |
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* '''Trail Blazing''' is an activity where the player must drive checkpoint races around the city in the Toad quad bike, while wearing a flame-retardant suit that ignites people and blows up cars that come into contact with the player, which earns the player more time to complete the courses. |
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Pierce focuses on the Ronin, led by Shogo Akuji ([[Yuri Lowenthal]]) and his second-in-command, Jyunichi ([[Brian Tee]]) – on behalf of Shogo's father, Kazuo, who leads international operations. After the Saints rob their casino, the Ronin retaliate by infiltrating the home of Gat's girlfriend Aisha ([[Sy Smith]]), killing her and severely wounding Gat, after which the Boss kills Jyunichi (who was sold out by Shogo out of envy for Jyunichi's closer bond with Kazuo). Once Gat recovers, he and the Boss retaliate by burying Shogo alive after he ambushes them at Aisha's funeral, and ultimately killing Kazuo, ending the Ronin. |
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* '''Diversions''' are mini-activities in the ''Saints Row'' world. Unlike activities, diversions do not have specific starting points listed on the city map. Many are voluntarily initiated by the player under specific conditions rather than at a specific location. Almost all diversions provide respect as a reward, but rewards beyond that--if any--more often than not are simply novelties, such as unique clothing items added to the player's wardrobe, unique songs added to the custom playlist, or vehicles with unique appearances (but unexceptional performance) added to the garage. The majority of diversions are less ideal for co-op play than activities, as they only provide the player who initiated the diversion with the waypoints, directions, and equipment necessary to perform the diversion. |
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After defeating the rival gangs, the Saints find themselves targeted by Ultor's power-hungry [[Chief executive officer|CEO]], Dane Vogel ([[Jay Mohr]]), who was playing the gangs against each other to [[Gentrification|lower real estate throughout Stilwater]] and allow Ultor to purchase it and redevelop. After fending off several attacks by Ultor's private security forces, the Saints retaliate by destroying one of the company's labs and killing its board of directors. Taking advantage of this to assume full control of Ultor, Vogel decides to personally deal with the Saints, but is ambushed by the Boss at a press conference. The Boss fights a way to Vogel's office and kills him, allowing the Saints to return ruling over Stilwater undisputed. |
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Although the term "diversion" is new to the sequel, several elements from the original game are now classified as diversions--namely, hijacking, mugging, store holdup, tagging, and the collection of CDs and stunt jumps. New diversions include: |
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[[Image:Saints Row 2 BASE jumping.jpg|thumb|200px|right|[[BASE jumping]], one of the many new diversions]] |
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At any point during the game, the Boss can listen to [[Telephone tapping|wiretap conversations]] at the police station, which reveal that after being arrested and asked to disband the Saints by Troy, former Saints leader Julius Little ([[Keith David]]) planted the bomb on Hughes' yacht to kill the Boss, knowing there would be a refusal to quit, then retired. The Boss calls former Saints lieutenant Dexter "Dex" Jackson, who left the gang to work for Ultor, to discuss the findings, only to confront Julius instead at the Saints' old church. Realizing Dex led them to a trap, the pair fend off an attack by Ultor's security forces. Afterwards, the Boss shoots and injures Julius, who calls his former friend out for straying away from the Saints ideals. Unmoved, the Boss finishes Julius off. |
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* '''[[BASE jumping]]''' is available when falling from an extreme height (such as when jumping off the top of a skyscraper or bailing out of an aircraft), at which time the game will offer the option of activating a parachute and then offer the option to begin the base jumping diversion. Once the diversion is initiated, a circle will appear on the mini-map. A rating is awarded based on how close the player lands to the center of the circle. |
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== Development == |
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*There are four ''jobs'' that can become available by getting into the driver seat of a certain vehicle: the ambulance, fire truck, taxi, or tow truck each offer their own mini-game. Each job has ten levels, with the difficulty scaling correspondingly. |
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[[Volition (company)|Volition]] began work on ''Saints Row 2'' in 2005, about a year before ''Saints Row'' was released.<ref name="wp interview"/><ref name="ge interview"/> The sequel was first announced by [[THQ]]'s CEO Brian Farrell in a February 2007 conference call, alongside another six franchise continuations for the 2008 fiscal year.<ref name="Auto97-22" /> Game details began to surface in May 2008 after the first teaser trailer was released and sites like [[IGN]] and ''[[GameSpot]]'' reported on an early version of the game.<ref name="Auto97-24" /> |
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* '''Casual sex''', referred to as "''Ho'ing''", is available at certain appropriate locations, such as strip clubs or gas station restrooms. No actual sexual content is displayed; rather, the player is shown the positions the analog joysticks must be moved to in order successfully execute the requisite sexual act (designated with a randomly-generated nonsense name, such as the "swirling dragon"). The voices of the player's character and his partner can be heard making humorous commentary based on the player's performance. |
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One of the development team's core goals was to develop an identity for the ''Saints Row'' franchise within the open world genre.<ref name="behind scenes" /> The series was known as a "[[Grand Theft Auto clone|''Grand Theft Auto'' clone]]" based on its first release's similarities to the open world sandbox game ''[[Grand Theft Auto III]]''.<ref name="Polygon: Volition"/> Accordingly, ''Saints Row 2'' was compared to the ''[[Grand Theft Auto]] ''series' own upcoming sequel, ''[[Grand Theft Auto IV]]''.<ref name="Auto97-31" /><ref name="Auto97-32" /> When questioned about the two sequels' close release dates, lead producer Greg Donovan responded that they thought their game could compete, that he saw the ''Grand Theft Auto'' sequel moving "in a more realistic direction",<ref name="Auto97-33" /> and that there was "room for more than just one game" in the open world genre as "a very different experience than what ... other games are looking to do".<ref name="donovan" /> The team took an "over-the-top" design approach, with cartoonish pastiche and "wild and outrageous" gameplay.<ref name="afterthoughts" /> Many early game elements were considered too crass to be included in the final release.<ref name="afterthoughts" /> |
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* '''[[Drive-by]]''' becomes available after killing multiple gang members with a gun while within a vehicle. Waypoints will direct the player to locations with more gang members to mow down until all ten levels have been completed. |
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Many of the original ''Saints Row'' developers continued onto the sequel's team. Thus, the team worked from their lessons learned rather than starting anew. The two games were consequently similar in design.<ref name="q&a feature" /> They overhauled the game engine to enhance the sequel's graphics,<ref name="sr2qa" /> and added contrast and higher-quality textures to make the city setting of Stilwater more realistic.<ref name="tera preview" /> Visual enhancements were also applied to people, cars, explosions, lighting, shadows, and the weather system.<ref name="sr2qa" /><ref name="tera preview" /> A central design goal was to "create a world that exists independent of the player" that featured more realistic [[non-player character]]s (NPCs)<ref name="Auto97-30" /> that would smoke cigarettes, use cellphones, drink coffee, open umbrellas when it rained, and physically interact. The original game's engine could not support proximity NPC interaction like sitting together or cuddling.<ref name="lifedev" /> As the city design finalized late in development, the team laboriously hand-placed 20,000 nodes throughout the game world that trigger NPC actions.<ref name="lifedev" /> |
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* '''Combat Tricks''' are a passive form of diversion, awarding respect whenever a player executes special actions in combat, such as landing head shots, "nutshots", or one-hit-kills. For each successful combat trick, the player is rated with anywhere from one bronze to three gold stars. To earn more than one bronze star, the player will typically need to execute it against different targets in rapid succession. |
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The ''Saints Row'' series narrative was conceived as a three-part story, with ''Saints Row 2'' as the second of the three.<ref name="sr3interview" /> While the developers continued the story of the original game, they sought to accommodate newcomers to the series.<ref name="wp interview" /> The final script had roughly 80,000 lines of dialogue, twice that of ''Saints Row''<nowiki/>'s.<ref name="lifedev" /> The story drew strong cinematic influence from [[Quentin Tarantino]] films ''[[Pulp Fiction (film)|Pulp Fiction]]''<ref name="sr2qa" /> and ''[[Kill Bill]]''.<ref name="sr2story" /> While the script was written to follow "a path of betrayal, revenge and redemption", the game retains ''Saints Row''{{'}}s light humor,<ref name="sr2story-gamespot" /> with the "over-the-top, socially distorted" narrative juxtaposed with dark, gritty moments.<ref name="sr2story" /> ''Saints Row''<nowiki/>'s silent protagonist speaks in ''Saints Row 2'', granting the protagonist more personality and improving the storytelling, according to James Tsai, one of the lead designers.<ref name="sr2story" /> They sought to heavily stylize the game's characters and assign them unique personality traits.<ref name="msxbox interview" /><ref name="wp interview" /> The basic character designs followed naturally from the story Volition wanted to tell, but the characters' personalities and mannerisms were mainly a product of the voice acting performances, where the actors had freedom to interpret and develop their characters.<ref name="wp interview" /> The game's voice actors include film and television stars such as [[Neil Patrick Harris]], [[Michael Dorn]], [[Mila Kunis]], [[Jay Mohr]], [[Keith David]], and [[Eliza Dushku]].<ref name="Auto97-34" /> |
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* '''Driving Stunts''' function similarly to combat tricks, employing the same star-rating system, but are awarded for performing a driving maneuver, such as a [[powerslide]], a [[wheelie]], [[car surfing]], or driving into oncoming traffic. |
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While the first game was released as an [[Xbox 360]] exclusive, Volition expanded the sequel's initial development to the [[PlayStation 3]] platform.<ref name="ps3ign" /> The platform was successful in Europe, where Volition wished to expand. The [[Video game porting|port]] was developed in-house by a team that previously worked on Xbox 360 development. They struggled with the PlayStation 3's [[Cell (microprocessor)|Cell]] architecture.<ref name="Auto97-21" /> The game was particularly unstable during development, and would crash after several hours of play.<ref name="behind scenes" /> Lead producer Greg Donovan blamed their "failing to take systems and features to completion" as programmers fought last-minute bugs, artists lacked time to finalize designs, and consequently, [[playtest]] versions were not ready until late in the development cycle.<ref name="behind scenes" /><nowiki /><nowiki /><nowiki /><nowiki /><nowiki /><nowiki /><nowiki /> |
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* '''Zombie Uprising''' is a video game within a video game. It can be played at arcades and televisions throughout the city. The mini-game sees the player in Old Stilwater in a [[zombie]] apocalypse setting, and must eliminate these zombies in waves using a limited number of weapons. Fellow survivors also aid the player in the fight. If a zombie manages to latch on to the protagonist, a [[quick time event]] is initiated, where the protagonist knocks back the attacker if the correct button(s) are pressed in succession. <ref>[http://gamespot.com/xbox360/action/saintsrow2/news.html?sid=6197587&mode=news GameSpot on Zombie Uprising]</ref> |
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=== Soundtrack and audio === |
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* '''[[Poker]]''' and '''[[Blackjack]]''' are simple mini-games available in arcades and casinos that allow the player to gamble for cash. These two diversions do not award respect. |
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The game's soundtrack features about 170 licensed tracks accessible across twelve in-game radio stations while driving or at home. Station genres include [[pop music|pop]], [[rock music|rock]], [[hip-hop music|hip-hop]], [[R&B]], [[funk]], [[soul music|soul]], [[alternative rock|alternative]], [[indie music|indie]], [[heavy metal music|metal]], [[easy listening]], [[world music|world]], [[classical music|classical]], [[reggae]], and [[electronic music|electronic]] with artists such as [[As I Lay Dying (band)|As I Lay Dying]], [[Opeth]], [[Duran Duran]], [[Lamb of God (band)|Lamb of God]], [[The Used]], [[My Chemical Romance]], [[Avenged Sevenfold]], [[Paramore]], [[Panic! at the Disco]] and [[Run-D.M.C.]]<ref name="ign music" /><ref name="music revealed" /> The player can create a custom playlist of the licensed tracks to play on a separate station.<ref name="music revealed" /> Lead audio designer Frank Petreikis's budget for licensed music was double that of the previous game so as to secure more prominent tracks.<ref name="Auto97-35"/> |
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* '''[[Flashing]]''' and ''[[streaking]]'' are separate but functionally similar diversions that involve committing acts of [[indecent exposure]] in view of as many people as possible before a timer runs out (breasts, buttocks, and genitalia are concealed through [[pixelization]]). An added challenge comes in the form of some outraged onlookers attacking the player, who is unarmed for the diversion's duration. |
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Volition extended the game's over-the-top atmosphere and humor into the radio stations via [[radio advertisements|commercials]].<ref name="q&a feature" /> For example, commercials that promoted Ultor Corporation products served to enhance the player's sense of the corporation's omnipresence in Stilwater.<ref name="pump up the volume"/> The radio commercials were recorded with voice actors in the same room, rather than apart, so as to maximize their group dynamism.<ref name="pump up the volume"/> Many of the in-game commercials went through several drafts and the developers found this writing process to be challenging.<ref name="pump up the volume"/> |
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Races are something of a hybrid of activity and diversion. Like an activity, they have starting points identified on the map by blue diamond-shaped icons. However, the pause-activated menu lists it amongst diversions. Races do not have the six-level structure common to activities or a commensurate reward system, and they are never marked as completed. Rather, races have a unique structure where successful completion is rewarded with a bronze, silver, or gold medal based on performance. There are twenty-seven races available throughout the city. Some are time trials that require the player to beat the clock by racing through glowing, spherical checkpoints, while others pit the player against AI-driven vehicles. There are races for cars, motorcycles, watercraft, helicopters, and planes. If the player is driving a vehicle of the appropriate type when he starts the race, he will be driving it in the race. Otherwise, the game will provide a vehicle of the appropriate type. Racing also provides many vehicles to keep afterwards. |
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== |
== Marketing == |
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[[Image:Flying in Saints Row 2.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Flying a fighter plane through the city]] |
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A new streaming system has allowed for numerous new vehicle types, as well as an expanded list of land-based vehicles. Many vehicles from ''Saints Row'' have been recycled, but many have been disincluded, as some newer models are similar in design but are named differently. With over 108 vehicles types, ''Saints Row 2'' offers a large number of accessible vehicles, many of them completely redesigned. In ''Saints Row 2'', eight [[motorcycle]]s can be driven around the city. Numerous other land-based vehicles such as a [[all-terrain vehicle|quad bike]] and even a [[monster truck]] can be driven through the city. In addition to the expanded list of land-based vehicles, [[boat]]s and [[water craft]] can be driven through the seas and rivers of the city. Vehicles and boats utilize the [[PlayStation 3]]'s [[PlayStation 3 accessories#Sixaxis|SIXAXIS]] wireless controller mechanism. Also, [[fixed-wing aircraft]] and [[helicopter]]s can be flown around the city, both equipped with parachutes. The Gyro-Daddy in-game [[helicopter]] (or a [[UFO]]) and PeeWee [[minibike|Mini Bike]]) are included as additional in-game content to players who buy ''Saints Row 2'' from GameStop in the United States and Play.com. People who register their game at thq-games.com will receive a code to receive a UFO in the game called the D-Stroy. Additionally, NPCs will ride various vehicles that the player cannot, <ref>{{cite web | url=http://community.saintsrow.com/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=19702&p=341979&hilit=skateboards#p341979| title= Saints Row 2- The Row Community FAQ}}</ref> such as skateboards and rollerblades. |
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Prior to its release, ''Saints Row 2'' was heavily marketed and promoted through Internet and television trailers. Volition also ran several fan contests with series-related paraphernalia as prizes. The game's original release date was delayed for marketing considerations.<ref name="anniello"/> The game's first trailer, in March 2008, was presented as a tourism promotion about the Ultor Corporation's role in rebuilding Stilwater.<ref name="Auto97-36" /> A full marketing campaign featuring American [[film actor]] [[Gary Busey]] began the next month.<ref name="Auto97-37" /><ref name="Auto97-38" /> The ''Street Lessons with Uncle Gary'' video series demonstrated particular aspects of gameplay.<ref name="Auto97-39" /><ref name="Auto97-40" /><ref name="Auto97-41" /><ref name="Auto97-42" /><ref name="Auto97-43" /><ref name="Auto97-48" /><ref name="Auto97-49" /> Subsequent trailers over the next several months also highlighted gameplay elements,<ref name="Auto97-44" /><ref name="Auto97-45" /><ref name="Auto97-46" /><ref name="Auto97-47" /> but one made light of ''Grand Theft Auto IV''<nowiki/>'s lack of [[replay value]],<ref name="would you rather" /> and another demonstrated the cooperative mode using characters modeled on the candidates from the [[2008 United States presidential election]].<ref name="Auto97-65" /> A redesigned official website and community network was launched in July 2008,<ref name="Auto97-27" /> and American [[pornographic actor|pornographic actress]] [[Tera Patrick]] was featured in her own marketing campaign for the game.<ref name="tera preview" /><ref name="Auto97-50" /> |
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A [[cruise control]] system has been introduced on all vehicles in the game, which has been stated to make drive-bys and car chases much easier. Waypoints can be placed on destinations on the map, leaving a green trail on the map between the player and the destination. The ability to hail a taxi cab has been introduced, which allows the player to travel to destinations without having to manually drive. However, the player can no longer ride a train nor do they have a homie which will drive for them. |
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Promotional contests throughout mid-2008 included "Pimp Your Crib"<ref name="Auto97-69" /> and "Summer of Bling".<ref name="Auto97-70" /><ref name="Auto97-71" /> Another competition from THQ and ''WorthPlaying'' gave the winner a trip to a San Francisco ''Saints Row 2'' multiplayer event and published their thoughts online.<ref name="Auto97-72" /><ref name="Auto97-73" /> British fashion label Joystick Junkies ran a [[T-shirt]] design competition in September 2008, and the top entry was featured in the game's first downloadable content pack.<ref name="Auto97-74" /><ref name="dlc 1 items" /> Another round of "Summer of Bling" awarded the shirts as prizes.<ref name="Auto97-75" /><ref name="Auto97-76" /> The "Trick Your Pack" tool launched in September let the player create their own game box art.<ref name="Auto97-77" /><ref name="Auto97-78" /> There were also other promotions and give-aways.<ref name="Auto97-80" /><ref name="Auto97-81" /> At conventions, ''Saints Row 2'' appeared at the 2008 [[Electronic Entertainment Expo|E3]], [[THQ]] Gamer's Day, [[San Diego Comic-Con]],<ref name="Auto97-82" /> [[Penny Arcade Expo|PAX]], [[GameStop]] Expo,<ref name="Auto97-83" /> and [[Games Convention|Leipzig Games Conventions]]. The game also promoted itself in the [[Myspace]] Music Tour<ref name="Auto97-84" /> and [[Movember|November 2008]], an Australian fundraiser for men's health.<ref name="Auto97-85" /> In November, THQ signed a deal with [[Massive Incorporated]] to include in-game advertisements on their Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 products.<ref name="Auto97-86" /> In-game and online, players can also find movie posters throughout the city that promote upcoming releases.<ref name="Auto97-87" /> |
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Every land-based vehicle can be taken to a garage and modified. Vehicle customization has been expanded upon in ''Saints Row 2''. Numerous upgrades improve the durbaility and performance of the vehicle including tire upgrades, torque increases and even [[hydraulic]]s, kneecappers and [[nitrous oxide]]. [[Car tuning|Body mods]] can be applied to the car which includes the modification of wheels, bumpers, fender skirts and more. The car can then have details customized and the body, trims, rims, window tint and interior of the car can all be coloured individually. |
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== |
== Release == |
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The game was originally scheduled for release in North America on August 26, 2008,<ref name="Auto97-25" /> but was delayed to October 14<ref name="pushback" /><ref name="Auto97-26" /> both to add final touches and to launch in a more advantageous release window.<ref name="anniello" /> The game released in three different "Collectors Editions", each with a copy of the game, a poster, a limited edition art book, and several extras. The ''Saints Row 2'' "Initiation Pack", exclusive to Australia and New Zealand, included promotional items such as a pizza box and bullet-shaped [[USB flash drive|USB memory stick]].<ref name="Auto97-88" /> The Russia-exclusive "Gift - Buka Edition" also included the bullet-shaped USB stick,<ref name="Auto97-91" /> and the "Gun Pack" included a gun-shaped USB stick.<ref name="Auto97-89" /><ref name="Auto97-90" /> A month before the game's release, ''Saints Row 2'' producer Dan Sutton stated in an interview that they "definitely" planned to make downloadable content.<ref name="sr2 dlc">{{cite web | url= http://play.tm/interview/21547/dan-sutton-on-saints-row-2/ | title= Saints Row 3 Already in Development | author= Luke Guttridge | access-date= September 28, 2008 | publisher= Play.tm | url-status= dead | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080928090330/http://play.tm/interview/21547/dan-sutton-on-saints-row-2/ | archive-date= September 28, 2008 | df= mdy-all }}</ref> |
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''Saints Row 2'' now features online co-operative play for two players. When in co-op mode, each player can go to either end of the city simultaneously because of the game's streaming system. Both players can participate in activities and missions together, as well as access all the single player features. While playing co-operatively, the enemy NPCs will have more health to compensate for the decreased difficulty. |
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=== PC releases === |
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The competitive online games mode consist of "Gangsta Brawl" (a basic deathmatch), "Team Gangsta Brawl" (a team version of the same), and a unique mode entitled "Strong Arm". In the "Strong Arm" mode, two teams of players compete to be the first to earn $100,000. This is done by fulfilling various objectives that are featured in single-player play, such as winning races or committing insurance fraud. Each activity has a time limit associated with it, and whichever team succeeds in "winning" the activity during the time period earns a $10,000 bonus, after which the next event starts. In an added twist, each team can interfere with the other during the challenges, e.g. by killing players trying to throw themselves in front of vehicles during insurance fraud. |
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In June 2008, THQ confirmed that a [[Microsoft Windows]] port of the game was in development.<ref name="sr2 pc" /><ref name="Auto97-93" /> It was developed by the localization team at [[CD Projekt]], the CD Projekt Localisation Centre.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gamespot.com/gallery/the-worst-pc-ports-at-launch/2900-1517/ |title=The Worst PC Ports At Launch |first=Jimmy |last=Thang |date=October 4, 2017 |website=[[GameSpot]] |access-date=June 20, 2019 |archive-date=June 20, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190620115016/https://www.gamespot.com/gallery/the-worst-pc-ports-at-launch/2900-1517/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The studio later became known as Porting House,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.shacknews.com/article/70896/saints-row-the-third-pc-version-not-a-port |title=Saints Row: The Third PC version 'not a port' |first=Alice |last=O'Connor |date=November 2, 2011 |website=[[Shacknews]] |access-date=June 20, 2019 |archive-date=June 20, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190620123559/https://www.shacknews.com/article/70896/saints-row-the-third-pc-version-not-a-port |url-status=live }}</ref> and has been referred to by Volition as "CD Projekt Black" (in parallel to [[CD Projekt Red]]).<ref>{{cite web |url=https://steamcommunity.com/app/9480/discussions/0/34095684652866331/#c613936673342907125 |title=Re: I got a question for the makers. |first=Michael |last=Watson |date=September 18, 2014 |website=[[Steam Community]] |access-date=June 8, 2017 |archive-date=February 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210226191252/https://steamcommunity.com/app/9480/discussions/0/34095684652866331/#c613936673342907125 |url-status=live }}</ref><!-- Michael Watson a.k.a. IdolNinja was the community manager for Volition as of the time they posted the response, so this can be considered a primary source. --> The port was released in North America on January 5, 2009,<ref name="sr2pcrele-ign" /> in Europe on January 23, and in Australia on February 5.<ref name="pc release" /> In April 2016, Volition released a [[Linux]] port of the Windows version.<ref name="sr2-linux-sp">{{cite web |url=http://news.softpedia.com/news/saints-row-2-and-saints-row-the-third-games-now-available-on-steam-for-linux-502969.shtml |title=Saints Row 2 and Saints Row: The Third Games Now Available on Steam for Linux |author=Marius Nestor |date=April 14, 2016 |access-date=April 15, 2016 |publisher=Softpedia |archive-date=November 16, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181116033526/https://news.softpedia.com/news/saints-row-2-and-saints-row-the-third-games-now-available-on-steam-for-linux-502969.shtml |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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In the aftermath of the auctioning of THQ's assets following its [[bankruptcy]] in 2013, the [[source code]] for the PC port of ''Saints Row 2'' was believed to be lost.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://twitter.com/SaintsRow/status/1007271469112578049 |title=Saints Row on Twitter: "The Saints Row 2 PC port was done by another studio. As far as we know, this is the only source that was lost in the bankruptcy auction." |author=Saints Row |date=June 14, 2018 |website=[[Twitter]] |access-date=June 20, 2019 |archive-date=September 9, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200909042504/https://twitter.com/SaintsRow/status/1007271469112578049 |url-status=live }}</ref> In the interim, the game has become highly unplayable, with no multiplayer support following the shutdown of the [[GameSpy]] service. In October 2019, Volition announced it had found the source code and that it would begin work to rebuild the game for modern systems, including replacing GameSpy with [[Steam (service)|Steam]] matchmaking support, along with allowing for user [[mod (video gaming)|mods]]. Additionally, when the update is released it will contain the two DLCs, "Ultor Exposed" and "Corporate Warfare" which had not been previously released for personal computers.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.polygon.com/2019/10/14/20914451/volition-saints-row-2-steam-pc-version-source-code-finally-fixed-mod | title = Volition is finally fixing Saints Row 2 for PC | first = Ryan | last = Gilliam | date = October 14, 2019 | access-date = October 14, 2019 | work = [[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] | archive-date = October 14, 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20191014213301/https://www.polygon.com/2019/10/14/20914451/volition-saints-row-2-steam-pc-version-source-code-finally-fixed-mod | url-status = live }}</ref> The community manager that had led the effort, Mike Watson (also known as "IdolNinja"), died from cancer on August 5, 2021, but he was aware his condition had been deteriorating in the prior year and ensured that the work was moved to a small team with Volition's and Deep Silver's support to continue on without his lead.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://kotaku.com/developer-fixing-saints-row-2s-long-lost-pc-version-has-1847559526 | title = Developer Fixing Saints Row 2's Long-Lost PC Version Has Died | first = Luke | last = Plunkett | date = August 25, 2021 | accessdate = August 25, 2021 | work = [[Kotaku]] | archive-date = August 25, 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210825235141/https://kotaku.com/developer-fixing-saints-row-2s-long-lost-pc-version-has-1847559526 | url-status = live }}</ref> |
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Unlike several recent titles which feature multiplayer levels or ranks, ''Saints Row 2'' uses a "badge" system, where players earn badges for performing various actions in multiplayer games. For example, a player can earn the "Road Rage" badge for killing 30 players with a vehicular impact. Players can then choose which of these earned badges to display next to their name in the multiplayer lobby. Badges also unlock buyable clothing for the player's wardrobe on online play, and allow players to display their accomplishments. |
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=== Downloadable content === |
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Multiplayer mode has been criticized by users of the THQ message board for ''Saints Row 2''. Many players often complain of glitches or bugs that cause the game to freeze. <ref>[http://community.saintsrow.com/viewtopic.php?f=35&t=22925 PS3 Major Freeze]</ref><ref>[http://community.saintsrow.com/viewtopic.php?f=35&t=22737 Cant Load after freeze?]</ref><ref>[http://community.saintsrow.com/viewtopic.php?f=35&t=22175 Freezing]</ref> Another common complaint is that "random strangers" will join a single-player game in progress, then immediately disconnect; this typically leaves affected player with a message that the departing player had cheats enabled and that new save games will be flagged as utilizing cheats. THQ moderators and other players have suggested simply reverting back to the most recent save game to avoid this flagging. |
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''Saints Row 2'' received several [[downloadable content]] (DLC) releases, including two [[Episodic video game|episodic expansion packs]]: ''Ultor Exposed'' and ''Corporate Warfare''. |
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==Synopsis== |
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===Plot=== |
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[[Image:Saints Row 2 battle.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Fighting the Sons of Samedi]] |
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After being caught in the explosion of a private yacht at the end of ''Saints Row'', the protagonist ended up in a coma and was kept in a prison hospital ward. After five years and extensive plastic surgery, the protagonist wakes up from the coma. A fellow inmate, Carlos, a brother of one of the 3rd Street Saints, helps the protagonist to escape and make his way back to Stilwater, rebuilt from a devastating earthquake. The protagonist is able to free former Saint Jonnny Gat just before the end of his trial, and with his help, enlists the help of three others — Pierce, Shaundi, and Carlos — to help rebuild the Saints and to reclaim Stilwater from three new gangs that have taken over after the fall of the Saints. |
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''Ultor Exposed'' adds character customization<ref name="Auto97-111"/> and vehicle options, including ''[[Red Faction: Guerrilla]]''-themed content.<ref name="vehicles" /> The Saints attempt to destroy Ultor and they get help from an Ultor worker, Tera, to expose Ultor's darker side. It also adds multiplayer content,<ref name="ign dlc">{{cite web | url = http://xboxlive.ign.com/articles/967/967780p1.html | title = Saints Row 2: Ultor Exposed | publisher = [[IGN]] | date = March 30, 2009 | access-date = April 10, 2009 | first = Eric | last = Brudvig | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090402151620/http://xboxlive.ign.com/articles/967/967780p1.html | archive-date = April 2, 2009 | df = mdy-all }}</ref> including four online multiplayer maps<ref name="Auto97-111"/> and a [[Cooperative video game|cooperative mode]] [[Metagaming|metagame]]<ref name="ign dlc" /> wherein players compete for a cash bonus during story missions by accumulating points from special kill bonuses and property damage.<ref name="Auto97-103" /> The pack's missions feature American pornographic actress [[Tera Patrick]],<ref name="ign dlc" /> who plays a [[whistleblower]] and former [[microbiologist]] for the Ultor Corporation.<ref name="shacknews dlc" /> Originally slated for release on April 16, 2009,<ref name="details">{{cite web | url = http://community.saintsrow.com/blogs/?p=475 | archive-url = https://archive.today/20130111132409/http://community.saintsrow.com/blogs/?p=475 | url-status = dead | archive-date = January 11, 2013 | title = DLC Pack #1 Official Details | publisher = The Row Community | date = March 31, 2009 | author = V-Singular }}</ref> the pack was delayed a week to April 23 so it could be released alongside the [[Game demo|demo]] for Volition-developed game ''Red Faction: Guerrilla''.<ref name="ign delay" /><ref name="dlc delay" /> It was released on April 23, 2009.<ref name="ign release">{{cite web | url = http://xboxlive.ign.com/articles/975/975931p1.html | title = Ultor Now Exposed | publisher = IGN | date = April 23, 2009 | last = Hatfield | first = Daemon | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090427103448/http://xboxlive.ign.com/articles/975/975931p1.html | archive-date = April 27, 2009 | df = mdy-all }}</ref><ref name="release">{{cite web | url = http://community.saintsrow.com/blogs/?p=523 | archive-url = https://archive.today/20130104185433/http://community.saintsrow.com/blogs/?p=523 | url-status = dead | archive-date = January 4, 2013 | title = SR2 DLC Pack #1 Out Now! | publisher = The Row Community | date = April 23, 2009 | author = V-Singular }}</ref> [[IGN]] praised the game's new co-op metagame but criticized its relatively short missions.<ref name="Auto97-106" /> ''[[Eurogamer]]'' gave a negative review and criticized its value proposition.<ref name="Auto97-108" /> |
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As the plot is centered around the 3rd Street Saints' quest in taking down three rival gangs that have now conquered Stilwater, most of the storyline is divided into three separate mission arcs, which can be completed in any order, or even at the same time. |
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''Corporate Warfare'' focuses on the struggle between the 3rd Street Saints and the Ultor Corporation.<ref name="dlc 2" /> The pack adds character costume,<ref name="scavenger hunt" /><ref name="first screenshots" /><ref name="item list" /> facial hair,<ref name="item list" /><ref name="Auto97-110" /> and vehicle options.<ref name="Auto97-111" /><ref name="dlc 2" /><ref name="scavenger hunt" /> It also includes three multiplayer maps<ref name="item list" /> and another cooperative mode metagame wherein players compete in ranking by performing vehicle stunts.<ref name="item list" /> ''Corporate Warfare'' was released via digital download on May 28, 2009.<ref name="dlc 2 released" /> |
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One of the story arcs involves the Saints' quest to eliminate the '''Brotherhood''' of Stilwater is a gang formed from the outcasts of society and are generally aggressive, asking questions after the fact. Maero, the leader of the Brotherhood, offers to split Stilwater with the Saints, but only offering the Saints twenty percent of the profit. The protagonist, outraged at the offer, replaces Maero's tattoo ink with radioactive waste, causing the left half of Maeros face to be badly scarred. This begins a war of attrition, the Brotherhood responding to the Saints' threats with more damaging results; the Saints' Member Carlos Mendoza and Maero's girlfriend Jessica are killed in the process, and the Brotherhood nearly burns Stilwater to the ground. The protagonist learns that the Brotherhood is overseeing weapons deliveries by boat, and captures a large stash, crippling the Brotherhood. Maero challenges the protagonist to a final face-off, but the protagonist is able to get the better of him. |
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==Reception== |
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One of the story arcs involves the Saints' quest to eliminate the '''Sons of Samedi''' while distributing "Loa Dust", a potent drug, to the citizens of Stilwater. Through tips from Shaundi, the Saints discover that the Sons' drug smuggling is interfering with their plans to clean up the city, and begin to go after the various assets that the Sons use to make Dust, including their farms and laboratories. The General, the leader of the Sons of Samedi in Stilwater, along with his right-hand man Mr. Sunshine, order their agent DJ Veteran Child to stop the Saints. Veteran Child attempts to kidnap his former girlfriend Shaundi, but the protagonist is able to save her and kill him. The Sons also kidnap the Protagonist and inject him or her with a great deal of Loa Dust during an all-out assault on the Saints headquarters, but are thwarted. The General cuts one of Mr. Sunshine's Ears off after the helicopter drug distribution task fails and the protagonist later kills Mr. Sunshine (Who managed to take several shots and the protagonist cuts his head off to make sure he's dead). Later, the Saints ambush the General's convoy and the General retreats into the Ultor Shopping Mall where he is killed by the protagonist. |
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{{Video game reviews | title = ''Saints Row 2'' reviews |
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One of the story arcs involves the Saints' quest to eliminate the '''Ronin''', a Japanese biker gang who have taken over much of the high-end entertainment in Stilwater, and are led by Shogo Akuji and funded by his father, Kazuo Akuji. Gat identifies various targets of the Ronin that the Saints can hit to recover their territory, but their efforts do not go unnoticed. Shogo orders an attack on Gat and his girlfriend, former R&B singer Aisha; carried out by top Ronin henchman Jyunichi. Aisha is sliced across the throat by Jyunichi and Gat is stabbed in the stomach, but survives. The protagonist proceeds to attack various Ronin strongholds to protect Gat until a Saints Car arrives to take him to hospital, and eventually faces off against Jyunichi in a swordfight, killing him. Shogo Akuji later attempts to ambush Gat and the protagonist at Aisha's funeral; he is defeated and given a [[premature burial|Texas funeral]] by Johnny. Kazuo Akuji declares war on the 3rd Street Saints, threatens the gangs' friends in the International District, but the protagonist finishes him in a swordfight after shooting him in the chest with a pistol, and phones his pained screams to his assassin friend Mr. Wong. The Protagonist then leaves Kazuo to die aboard the burning boat they were on at the time. |
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<!-- Aggregators --> |
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| GR = (PS3) 83%<!-- Please only use two digits of precision, per [[Template:Video game reviews/doc#Guidelines]] --> (44 reviews)<ref name="GameRankings: PS3"/><br />(X360) 83% (66 reviews)<ref name="GameRankings: X360"/><br />(PC) 71% (11 reviews)<ref name="GameRankings: PC"/> |
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| MC = PC: 72/100<ref name="Metacritic: PC"/><br/>PS3: 82/100<ref name="Metacritic: PS3"/><br/>X360: 81/100<ref name="Metacritic: 360"/> |
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<!-- Reviewers --> |
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| 1UP = B<ref name="1up review"/> |
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| Edge = 5/10<ref name="Auto97-114"/> |
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| EuroG = 9/10<ref name="eurog review"/> |
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| GI = 8.75/10<ref name="gi review"/> |
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| GSpot = 8/10<ref name="gspot review"/> |
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| GSpy = {{Rating|4.5|5}}<ref name="gspy review"/> |
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| IGN = (US) 8.2/10<ref name="ign-us review"/><br />(AU) 8/10<ref name="ign-au review"/><br />(UK) 7.5/10<ref name="ign-uk review"/> |
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| OXM = 9/10<ref name="OXM-USReview"/> |
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}} |
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The PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 releases of the game received "generally favorable" reviews, according to video game [[review score aggregator]] [[Metacritic]], and the Windows release received "mixed or average" reviews.<ref name="Metacritic: PS3"/><ref name="Metacritic: 360"/> |
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A side mission can also be unlocked at any time throughout the game, and reveals that one of the original Saints, Dex, was offered a job at Ultor to sow seeds of discontent in the Saints. Julius, the former leader of the Saints, did not like what the gang was becoming and planted the bomb on the yacht five years ago, hoping to get rid of the protagonist and let the Saints dissolve. The protagonist hears a series of wiretap conversations and receives Dex's phone number. After contacting him, Dex tells the player to meet him at the old Saints church, but upon arriving there, Julius is found instead. After discovering that each was told by Dex to meet him there, Dex (Although he is not seen), quickly stops his car by the church and throws a smoke grenade through a window, then speeds off. They realize they are being setup and are immediately ambushed by the Ultor Masako Team. Julius and the protagonist escape, but the protagonist later kills Julius in a cutscene as revenge for losing five years of his/her life. |
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[[Yahtzee Croshaw]] of ''[[The Escapist (magazine)|The Escapist]]''{{'s}} ''[[Zero Punctuation]]'' named ''Saints Row 2'' his 2008 [[game of the year]].<ref name="Kotaku: 2008 GOTYs"/><ref name="Zero Punctuation award"/> It was a runner-up for [[GameShark]]'s overall and Xbox 360 games of the year.<ref name="GameShark GOTY"/><ref name="GameShark GOTY X360"/> ''[[Game Developer (magazine)|Game Developer]]'' named Volition in their top 50 developers of the year for their work on the game,<ref name="GDM: 2009 JuneJuly"/> and THQ in their top 20 publishers.<ref name="GDM: 2009 Oct"/> |
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====Finale==== |
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In each case, the gang reports its troubled cases to the Ultor Corporation, but Dane Vogel, who has been overseeing Ultor's redevelopment of the city, refuses to help or severs its ties to the group. Vogel uses the Saints' overthrow of the city to stage a coup within Ultor, indirectly convincing the protagonist to kill the rest of the board. However, when Vogel attempts to take control of Ultor, the Saints stage an assassination attempt, the protagonist killing Vogel by shooting the still-talking Vogel in the mouth, sending him out the window of the Philips Building. With the city in the Saints' control, Pierce asks what they should do now. As he or she enters the waiting helicopter back to their hideout, the protagonist simply replies, ''"This is our city, we do whatever the fuck we wanna do.''" |
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The console version of ''Saints Row 2'' garnered generally positive reviews. The PC version was relatively less well received due to frame rate issues and visual pop-in. ''[[1UP.com]]'' gave the game a B, stating that it "relishes the hedonistic aspects of the open-world genre", that it has "plenty of innovation" and that the "excellence in the presentation makes the world of Saints [Row] 2 a great introduction for newcomers to open world games".<ref name="1up review" /> |
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===Setting=== |
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[[Image:939458 20080212 screen003-1-.jpg|200px|thumb|right|The prison island in Stilwater]] |
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''Saints Row 2'' takes place in a redesigned version of Stilwater, based upon the real-life cities of [[Chicago]] and [[Detroit]]. The city consists of twenty-one districts and is 145% of the size of what it was in ''Saints Row''. Although the game is set five years after the original, at least fifteen years would have been required realistically for the redevelopment of the city. Developers at Volition stated that the city has very much been redeveloped and each individual neighbourhood has been touched up in one way or another. As the plot follows, in-game faction Ultor Corporation is largely responsible for the expansion that has take place and it is claimed that Ultor spent well over three-hundred million dollars redeveloping Stilwater, turning the "once crime-ridden third-tier city" into an "urban utopia". The district with the most notable change taken place is the Saints Row district, the former home ground of the 3rd Street Saints, now a thriving [[Central business district|business district]], serving as the location of the Philips Building [[skyscraper]], in which Ultor's headquarters are based. The Museum district has also been expanded and features the Eramenos Museum, a realistic [[Ancient Greece|Ancient Greek]] museum exhibit, complete with a model of the [[Colosseum]] and [[Mount Olympus]]. The Suburbs district has also been expanded and in addition to the old suburbs neighbourhoods from the original, three new neighbourhoods have been built to the west, including Quinbecca, New Hannequet and the Mourning Woods Cemetery. Situated below the Suburbs expansion is the Elysian Fields trailer park. Numerous other new installments include the Phantom Caves, Stilwater Science Centre, Marshall Winslow Recreation Centre, Ultor Dome, University Stadium and Observatory and the Saints Row Memorial Church, to name a few. |
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''[[Eurogamer]]'' gave the game a 9/10, stating that it "is one of the most ridiculous and enjoyable games of the year".<ref name="eurog review"/> ''[[Game Informer]]'' gave the game an 8.75/10, stating that "in its own silly, b-movie way, it's a damn fun game" and a "profately good time".<ref name="gi review"/> ''[[GameSpot]]'' gave the game an 8.0/10, stating that "from beginning to end, this is one of the most fun urban chaos games out there" and that it will "keep you happily creating havoc for a long time".<ref name="gspot review"/> ''[[GameSpy]]'' gave the game four and a half stars out of five, stating that it "offers up a shooting and driving experience that is plenty of fun" and that it is "self-consciously funny in its irreverence" and "will definitely appeal to much of its audience".<ref name="gspy review"/> |
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Stilwater is situated on five islands: the two mainland islands; [[Nuclear power|Stilwater Nuclear]]; Stilwater Penitentiary and Hangman's Wharf, a massive prison island based upon [[Alcatraz Island]]; and Wardill [[Airport]]. Separating the new university and the mainland island is Mount Claflin, a tall mountain with dirt roads and radio receiving towers situated at the top. Built beneath the mountain is the Pyramid, Ultor's secret underground military base. Ultor also installed the Rounds Square Shopping Mall, a massive underground mall built on five levels, with a large selection of stores the player can purchase items from. Throughout the city countless easter eggs can be found, with pop culture references and references to other Volition-developed games. In fact, the Secret Island Easter Bunny easter egg won Xbox360Achievements.org's first place in it's "Top 5 Easter Eggs of 2008", making it the most notable easter egg featured in a game for 2008. <ref name="Xbox360EasterEgg">[http://www.xbox360achievements.org/news.php?id=1043 Xbox360Achievments.org Top 5 Easter Eggs of 2008]</ref> The player must discover a secrect island with an arrow pointing out where to travel to and after being led down numerous islands, a large pink Easter Bunny will literally pop out of the water. |
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''[[IGN]] U.S.'' gave the game an 8.2/10, stating that "the core gameplay experience is extremely enjoyable".<ref name="ign-us review"/> ''IGN AU'' gave the game an 8/10, stating that it is "big, dumb fun".<ref name="ign-au review"/> IGN UK gave the game a 7.5/10, stating that it "demonstrates that there is still plenty of mileage to be eked out of open-world games" and that "there's certainly enough here to keep any fans of sandbox violence entertained".<ref name="ign-uk review"/> |
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From the beginning of the game, the map of Stilwater is fully visible. However, shops and activities will simply be displayed as a question mark until the player discovers them. By completing missions and wiping out enemy strongholds the player gains control of the various neighboorhoods the city is split into - stores that are located in player-controlled territory can be purchased. The player gets a 15% discount at owned stores. Buying an entire chain of departments will mean that the protagonist’s face appears on in-game billboard advertisements. Over the years, many new in-game companies and businesses have been established. The existing shops from the original game return in ''Saints Row 2''. However, many others have been introduced. The map features ninety shops, scattered throughout the map, including plastic surgeons, gun stores, clothes departments, tattoo parlors, vehicle dealers, garages and more. Unlike in Saints Row, where after 10:00pm the shops were closed until 6:00am, the shops are always open. On the ''Phantom Caves'' advertisement, it is revealed that the underground [[caves]] with seemingly naturally formed [[stalagmite]]s and [[stalactite]]s were actually created by blasts of [[dynamite]] to get material to build the [[freeways]]. |
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Among positive acclaim, some publishers gave the game generally negative reviews. UK magazine ''[[Edge (magazine)|Edge]]'' gave the game a 5/10, stating that "few of the game's details will stick in your mind for long, and its pranky focus means it rarely gives you anything interesting to do with the toys on offer".<ref name="Auto97-117"/> |
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===Characters=== |
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{{main|List of characters in Saints Row 2|}} |
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The characters that appear in ''Saints Row 2'' are diverse and relative to the neighbourhoods of Stilwater they are based in, belonging to various street gangs and organizations. The player controls the nameless leader of fictional hip-hop gang 3rd Street Saints, who has resurrected the gang which disbanded during the time period between ''Saints Row'' and ''Saints Row 2''. Many old characters return from ''Saints Row'', including Saints' lieutenant Johnny Gat, former Saints' leader Julius Little, Julius's ally Troy (now the police chief) and aging Chinese businessman Wong Sheng Tai. |
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''[[Entertainment Weekly]]'' flagged the game as "racist, misogynistic, crude, cynical, humorless and stupid" and labelled it the worst game of 2008,<ref name="Auto97-119"/> despite previously giving the game a B and calling it "a larcenous good time".<ref name="Auto97-120"/> |
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Like ''Saints Row'', the voice actors of ''Saints Row 2'' include a variety of notable celebrities, including [[Daniel Dae Kim]], [[Eliza Dushku]], [[Sy Smith]], [[Michael Dorn]] and [[Neil Patrick Harris]]. |
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The game did not gain a favourable response from New York City officials and police. City spokespersons requested that the game be pulled from shelves upon its release; [[New York City Police Department|NYPD]] [[trade union|union]] boss Patrick Lynch criticized the game, stating that "these horrible and violent video games desensitize young people to violence while encouraging depravity, immorality while glorifying criminal behavior".<ref name="cbs"/> |
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==Soundtrack== |
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{{main|Saints Row 2 soundtrack}} |
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[[Jack Thompson (activist)|Jack Thompson]], a former lawyer and longtime critic of violent video games, called ''Saints Row 2'' a "[[Grand Theft Auto clone|''Grand Theft Auto'' ripoff]]", and said that "as is true with pornography, as is true with violence, the subsequent products tend to push the envelope even more".<ref name="ny daily"/> On Tuesday, October 14, 2008, the game's US release date, candidate [[Leslie Crocker Snyder]] and others spoke out against the game, surrounded by police union members who support her bid.<ref name="cbs"/> |
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Like its previous title, ''Saints Row 2'' features a soundtrack that can be heard through radio stations while the player is in a vehicle or at one of their cribs. Stilwater is serviced by eleven radio stations, playing a wide array of music. Talk-back radio stations are no longer included. The stations feature music from a range of genres, spanning different decades and also taken from modern day music. Notable inclusions to the game's soundtrack include [[Avenged Sevenfold]], [[Big Pun]], [[Duran Duran]], [[Jet (band)|Jet]], [[Joss Stone]], [[Kasabian]], [[Lamb of God (band)|Lamb of God]], [[Loverboy]], [[Mastodon (band)|Mastodon]], [[MSTRKRFT]], [[My Chemical Romance]], [[Ne-Yo]], [[Panic at the Disco]], [[Paramore]], [[Plain White T's]], [[Run-D.M.C.]], [[The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus]], [[The Used]] and [[Wolfmother]] <!-- If your favourite band isn't listed here don't add them. Only very famous bands with notability have been listed, do not add anymore -->. The theme song of ''Saints Row 2'' is "[[Hands Up (Lloyd Banks song)|Hands Up]]" performed by [[Lloyd Banks]] and [[50 Cent]]. A custom radio station, ''My Radio 85.5'', allows players to listen to in-game songs from the ''Scratch That'' music store and rearrange them in a custom playlist. |
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[[David Paterson|Governor David Paterson]] signed a bill in July 2008 requiring prominent display of age ratings on video games and mandating parental control on game consoles by 2010.<ref name="ny daily"/> |
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The game uses a similar music system to that of ''Saints Row''. As with the radio stations in ''Saints Row'', each sound file is held separately, and "mixed" randomly, allowing songs to be played in different orders, announcements to songs to be different each time, and plot events to be mentioned on the stations. |
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In 2021, ''[[PC Gamer]]'' listed ''Saints Row 2'' as one of the worst PC ports.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Elliott |first1=Matt |title=The worst PC ports ever |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/the-worst-pc-ports-ever/ |website=[[PC Gamer]] |publisher=[[Future plc]] |access-date=20 February 2023 |date=23 April 2021 |archive-date=August 15, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190815215843/https://www.pcgamer.com/the-worst-pc-ports-ever/ |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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==Development== |
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Work began on ''Saints Row 2'' months before the release of ''Saints Row'', in mid-2006. A large team of game developers worked on ''Saints Row 2'', some of whom had worked on ''Saints Row'' as well. The game uses the [[Havok (software)|Havok]] [[game engine|physics engine]], which allows interaction between objects or other characters in real-time and by giving objects physics-based qualities in three dimensions. <ref>[http://www.gamingtrend.com/Reviews/review/review.php?ReviewID=1105 Gaming Trend reviews Saints Row 2]</ref> Volition, the game's developer, also uses a custom physics engine. Foliage in the game is produced through [[SpeedTree]]. {{Fact|date=December 2008}} THQ stated that with ''[[Grand Theft Auto IV]]'' due out prior to the release of ''Saints Row 2'', this allowed [[Volition, Inc.|Volition]] enough time to completely finish the game. <ref>[http://www.stuff.co.nz/blogs/gamejunkie/2008/11/25/game-junkie-reviews-saints-row-2/ Game Junkie reviews Saints Row 2]</ref> |
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===Sales=== |
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''Saints Row 2'' draws similarities with ''Saints Row'', however it has also seen a minor shift in the series as the game pays more attention to style and tone. ''Saints Row 2'' is considered an "[[Wiktionary:over the top|over-the-top]]" game, meaning it is comprised of deliberately unrealistic gameplay. However, notable improvements have been made to the game in comparison with ''Saints Row'' in the fact that it offers a far more immersive world with improved visuals. During the development phase of the game, the custom-written game engine was rebooted to allow noticeable quality improvements to the game. Textures and dynamics have been reworked so the city looks more realistically detailed and colourful. A more vast amount of detail in the game means people, cars and explosions look and feel noticeably better. Lighting and shadows have been improved as well as additional sky and weather effects can be seen; the weather has a dramatic effect on the landscape. Character artists spent a lot of time creating special character types. Dozens of character types were created but the game was not able to load all of these at once, so certain character types appear at different times of day and at different places. Volition employed only one prop artist whose job it was to design the objects NPCs hold. The citizens of Stilwater carry a large array of objects, including umbrellas, laundry baskets, bike helmets, cigarettes, [[jackhammer]]s, guitars, [[laptop]]s, [[metal detector]]s, sketch pads and more. <ref name =lifedev> {{citeweb | url = http://community.saintsrow.com/blogs/?p=176 | title = Developer Blog - “Creating Life in a Sandbox” | date = 2008-09-09 | publisher = V-Singular}}</ref> |
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''Saints Row 2'' sold approximately 365,000 copies in its first month, outselling ''[[Dead Space (video game)|Dead Space]]'', which was released the same day.<ref name="Auto97-121"/> The Xbox 360 version comprised the majority of these sales.<ref name="Auto97-122"/> The game shipped over two million units by the end of 2008.<ref name="Auto97-123"/> Still, analyst Doug Creutz reported that the game's sales to this point were well below expectations.<ref name="creutz report"/><ref name="Auto97-124"/><ref name="Auto97-125"/> Following ''Saints Row 2''<nowiki/>'s January 2009 Windows release, the game had shipped over 2.6 million copies by the next month.<ref name="Auto97-126"/><ref name="Auto97-127"/> In May 2009, THQ reported a $431 million loss in revenue, but ''Saints Row 2'' sales totaled 2.8 million.<ref name="Auto97-128"/><ref name="Auto97-129"/> Combined with the original release, the series had worldwide sales in excess of six million, making it one of the [[List of best-selling video game franchises|best-selling video game franchises]].<ref name="Auto97-130"/><nowiki /> |
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As of September 2010, ''Saints Row 2'' has sold over 3.4 million units worldwide.<ref name="Auto97-132"/> The game's success led THQ to shift its focus to large franchises.<ref name="GDM: 2009 Oct"/> |
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The city of Stillwater itself has become more "alive" and has added layers of depth in it. Each district in Stilwater feels different and the city has been expanded and redeveloped so it does appear brighter and more interesting. <ref name = swdev> {{citeweb | url = http://community.saintsrow.com/blogs/?p=245 | title = Developer Blog - “Creating the Dynamic City of Stilwater” | date = 2008-10-07 | publisher = V-Singular}}</ref> The city is fully explorable without any interferences; load screens only exist between missions and cutscenes. A notable added touch to the city is the vast amount of buildings the player can explore and the expanded city has seen the addition of many new landmarks unique to Stilwater (although some are based upon real-world landmarks). ''Saints Row 2'' also features underground segments of the city providing a large city full of depth. The game's streaming engine was completely rewritten during the development phase of the game. Major improvements have been made to provide a smooth, interactive world, with significant decreases in terms of [[glitch]]es, bugs and pop-ins. |
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== Notes == |
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A noticeable improvement in ''Saints Row 2'' is the game's [[artificial intelligence]]. <ref name =lifedev/> [[Non-player character|NPCs]] undertake more realistic actions and respond to the player's actions in the world. NPCs perform such actions like smoking, talking on cellphones, drinking coffee, opening umbrellas at the chance of rain and sitting on benches and cuddling, which would not have been possible in ''Saints Row'' because the physics, animation and action node systems could not support two people interacting that closely. The driving engine was also retooled. Numerous NPCs can be seen around Stilwater e.g. barber shop quartets, fire eaters, mimes, skydivers and yoga. There are over 20,000 hand-placed nodes all over the city. <ref name =lifedev/> According to developers, placing these did take a very long time, and it only happened very late in the game's development, once most of the action node types working, and the city art was more finalized. Even so, there are far more than 20,000 nodes in the final product. Those are only the ones the designers placed by hand. It is estimated that there would be three to four times as many nodes were automatically created and attached to objects in the level, such as park benches, chairs, stools, bus stops, blackjack tables, and stripper poles. The true number could be much higher, but it is very difficult to count them. |
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{{Notelist}} |
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==References== |
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The story of ''Saints Row 2'' was put together by three of Volition's script writers. By the time the script was finished, the game had roughly 80,000 lines of dialog, which was twice the amount of dialogue used in ''Saints Row'', which itself was much a much larger amount than any previous project Volition had created. <ref name =lifedev/> The story has a strong cultural and cinematic influence. Each character is vibrant and unique, and are sometimes even based upon real-life characters. Developers have stated that the game's story was influenced by [[Quentin Tarantino]]'s critically acclaimed 1994 film, [[Pulp Fiction (film)|Pulp Fiction]]. <ref name = sr2qa>{{citeweb | url = http://www.totalvideogames.com/Saints-Row-2/feature-13055.html | title = Saints Row 2 Q&A - Part 2 Feature | date = 2008-04-08 | publisher = Jon Wilcox}}</ref> The story blends black comedy and gritty realism to illustrate the vibrant narrative. Lead producer Greg Donovan commented that "Saints Row 2 has a much darker and more sinister story that leads your character down a path of betrayal, revenge and redemption against the city that has left him for dead, although we've blended that with the same light-hearted humor from the original". <ref name=sr2story>{{cite web | url = http://gamespot.com/news/6179769.html | title = THQs Saints Row 2 Set to Revolutionize Player Freedom | date = 2007-9-24 | publisher = [[GameSpot]]}}</ref> The script to both titles, and also a third, had been written during the development of ''Saints Row'' and beyond. <ref name = "sr3interview"> {{citeweb | url = http://nextgn.com/2008/10/27/saints-row-3-announced/ | title = Saint’s Row 3 Announced | date = 2008-10-27 | publisher = Next Gen News}}</ref> |
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{{Reflist|30em|refs= |
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''Saints Row 2'' was first announced by [[THQ]]'s CFO Edward K. Zinser on May 14, 2007 at a conference call, nine months into the game's development. <ref>{{cite web | url= http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/787/787621p1.html| title= Saints Row 2 Announced }}</ref> On April 3, 2008, ''Saints Row 2'' had a confirmed release date of August 28, 2008, <ref>{{cite web | url = http://axbox360.ign.com/articles/864/864405p1.html | title = IGN "Saints Row 2 Coming in August" | publisher = [[IGN]] | date = 2008-04-03}}</ref> however on May 28, THQ announced that ''Saints Row 2'''s release would be pushed back by about two months, from August 28 to October 14, 2008, <ref>{{cite web | url= http://au.xbox360.ign.com/articles/877/877595p1.html| title= IGN Announces Saints Row 2 has been pushed back }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url= http://au.gamespot.com/xbox360/action/saintsrow2/news.html?sid=6191742&mode=news| title= GameSpot announces Saints Row 2 has been pushed back}}</ref> in [[United States|the USA]] for "product quality and marketing considerations". <ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.reuters.com/article/rbssTechMediaTelecomNews/idUSN2844790320080528?pageNumber=1&virtualBrandChannel=0 | title = THQ delays key game by nearly two months | publisher = [[Reuters]] | date = 2008-05-28 | accessdate = 2008-08-26}}</ref> |
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<!-- <ref name="Auto97-2">{{cite web| url = http://www.havok.com/index.php?page=available-games | title = Titles that use Havok products}}</ref> --> |
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To coincide with the heavy promotion and sponsorship of the game, the official website and community page were launched on July 15, 2008. <ref>[http://community.saintsrow.com/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=17414 New community site launched]</ref> This was the third website redesign since it was first announced, and the old forums site (developer.saintsrow.com) was redirected and renamed "The Row Community". |
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<!-- <ref name="tvgreview">{{cite web| url= http://www.totalvideogames.com/Saints-Row-2/review-13308.html| title= TVG ''Saints Row 2'' review| page= 1|date= October 10, 2008| access-date= October 10, 2008| work=TVG| publisher=[[British Sky Broadcasting]]}}</ref> --> |
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<ref name = "sr2 pc">{{cite web | url= http://news.bigdownload.com/2008/06/02/confirmed-saints-row-2-coming-to-the-pc/ | title= Confirmed: Saints Row 2 coming to the PC | last= Callaham | first= John | date= June 2, 2008 | publisher= Big Download | access-date= June 2, 2008 | archive-date= November 16, 2018 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20181116090938/http://news.bigdownload.com/2008/06/02/confirmed-saints-row-2-coming-to-the-pc/ | url-status= dead }}</ref> |
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<ref name="ps3ign">{{cite web | url = http://ps3.ign.com/articles/787/787609p1.html | title = Saints Row 2 Confirmed by THQ | publisher = IGN | author = Rob Burman | date = May 11, 2007 | access-date = May 11, 2007 | archive-date = October 16, 2007 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071016121119/http://ps3.ign.com/articles/787/787609p1.html | url-status = live }}</ref> |
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<ref name=sr2aus>{{cite web| url= http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/892/892958p1.html | title= Saint's Row 2 - MA15+ and Uncut for Australia | author= IGN AU Staff | date= July 22, 2008 | publisher=IGN | access-date=July 23, 2008}}{{dead link|date=August 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> |
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<ref name="pushback">{{cite web | url = http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/877/877595p1.html | title = IGN Announces Saints Row 2 has been pushed back | date = May 29, 2008 | last = Brudvig | first = Erik | publisher = IGN | access-date = May 29, 2008 | archive-date = January 21, 2012 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120121164927/http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/877/877595p1.html | url-status = live }}</ref> |
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<ref name="sr2pcrele-ign">{{cite web|url=http://pc.ign.com/articles/925/925276p1.html?RSSwhen2008-10-29_153100&RSSid=925276|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090101022212/http://pc.ign.com/articles/925/925276p1.html?RSSwhen2008-10-29_153100&RSSid=925276|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 1, 2009|title=Saints Row 2 PC Delayed to 2009|last=Thang|first=Jimmy |date=October 29, 2008|publisher=IGN|access-date=October 30, 2008}}</ref> |
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On July 23, 2008, ''Saints Row 2'''s Australian release date details were finally revealed. <ref name=sr2aus>{{cite web|url=http://pc.ign.com/articles/892/892958p1.html|title=Saint's Row 2 - MA15+ and Uncut for Australia|date=July 22, 2008|publisher=IGN|accessdate=2008-07-23}}</ref> The game managed to pass the [[Office of Film and Literature Classification (Australia)|OFLC]] classification body with a rating of MA15+, without any in-game content needing to be cut. Also, the Australian release date surfaced, for October 16, just two days after the American release. As the OFLC system is much tougher than [[Entertainment Software Rating Board|ESRB]], this came as a surprise to many who feared the game could be edited for Australian release. |
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<ref name="donovan">{{cite web | url= http://xbox360.ign.com/dor/objects/882586/saints-row-2/videos/saints2.html | title= Saints Row 2 Xbox 360 Interview | last= Donovan | first= Greg | date= April 5, 2008 | publisher= IGN | access-date= April 5, 2008 | url-status= dead | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080409222428/http://xbox360.ign.com/dor/objects/882586/saints-row-2/videos/saints2.html | archive-date= April 9, 2008 | df= mdy-all }}</ref> |
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<ref name="kotaku impressions">{{cite web | url= http://kotaku.com/368501/feeding-your-id-in-saints-row-2 | title= Feeding your ID in Saints' Row 2 | last= Wilson | first= Mark | date= March 17, 2008 | publisher= Kotaku | access-date= March 17, 2008 | url-status= dead | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080318194755/http://kotaku.com/368501/feeding-your-id-in-saints-row-2 | archive-date= March 18, 2008 | df= mdy-all }}</ref> |
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<ref name="activities trailer">{{cite web | url= http://gamersyde.com/news_6599_en.html | title= Saint's Row 2: Activities - Gamersyde | publisher= Gamersyde | date= June 5, 2008 | access-date= June 5, 2008 | archive-date= June 7, 2008 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080607001736/http://www.gamersyde.com/news_6599_en.html | url-status= live }}</ref> |
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<ref name="busey sr2">{{cite web | url= http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/869/869531p1.html | title= Busey Explains Saints Row 2 | author= Saints Row 2 Staff | date= April 25, 2008 | publisher= IGN | access-date= April 25, 2008 | archive-date= May 1, 2008 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080501110347/http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/869/869531p1.html | url-status= live }}</ref> |
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<ref name = ukhandson>{{cite web | url= http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/895/895367p1.html | title= Saints Row 2 UK Hands-on | last= Robinson | first= Martin | date= July 31, 2008 | publisher= IGN | access-date= July 31, 2008 | archive-date= August 5, 2008 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080805213900/http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/895/895367p1.html | url-status= live }}</ref> |
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<ref name="kotaku details">{{cite web | url= http://kotaku.com/335223/saints-row-2-gets-details | title= Saint's Row 2 Gets Details | last= Wilson | first= Mark | date= December 18, 2007 | publisher= Kotaku | access-date= December 18, 2007 | url-status= dead | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090409092206/http://kotaku.com/335223/saints-row-2-gets-details | archive-date= April 9, 2009 | df= mdy-all }}</ref> |
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<ref name = "gary preview">{{cite web | url= http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/906/906293p1.html | title= Saints Row 2: Plains, Pains and Total Madness | last= Roper | first= Chris | date= August 28, 2008 | publisher= IGN | access-date= July 28, 2008 | archive-date= August 31, 2008 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080831001406/http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/906/906293p1.html | url-status= live }}</ref> |
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<ref name="impressions">{{cite web | url= http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/909/909166p1.html | title= Saints Row 2 Final Campaign Impressions | last= Ahearn | first= Nate | date= September 10, 2008 | publisher= IGN | access-date= September 10, 2008 | archive-date= September 15, 2008 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080915042304/http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/909/909166p1.html | url-status= live }}</ref> |
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<ref name="ign first look">{{cite web | url= http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/856/856491p1.html | title= Saints Row 2 First Look | last= Ahearn | first= Nate | date= March 23, 2008 | publisher= IGN | access-date= March 23, 2008 | archive-date= April 3, 2008 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080403091124/http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/856/856491p1.html | url-status= live }}</ref> |
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<ref name="Auto97-3">{{cite web| url= http://community.saintsrow.com/blogs/?p=278 | archive-url= https://archive.today/20130201183855/http://community.saintsrow.com/blogs/?p=278 | url-status= dead | archive-date= February 1, 2013 | title= Cruise Control and You | last= Goldberg | first= J | date= October 16, 2008 | publisher= The Row Community | access-date= July 25, 2009}}</ref> |
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<ref name="gamespot first look">{{cite web| url = http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/action/saintsrow2/news.html?sid=6187214&om_act=convert&om_clk=newlyadded&tag=newlyadded;title;1 | title = Saints Row 2 First Look | publisher = Gamespot | first = Justin | last = Calvert | date = March 5, 2008 | access-date = March 7, 2008}}</ref> |
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<ref name = "kotaku on sr2">{{cite web | url= http://kotaku.com/376209/down-and-dirty-with-saints-row-2s-new-features | title= Down And Dirty With Saints Row 2's New Features | last= De Marco | first= Flynn | date= April 4, 2008 | publisher= Kotaku | access-date= April 4, 2008 | archive-date= April 6, 2008 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080406161125/http://kotaku.com/376209/down-and-dirty-with-saints-row-2s-new-features | url-status= live }}</ref> |
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<ref name="ign details">{{cite web | url= http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/863/863027p1.html | title= Saints Row 2 Details | last= Ahearn | first= Nate | date= March 28, 2008 | publisher= IGN | access-date= March 28, 2008 | archive-date= March 31, 2008 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080331150420/http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/863/863027p1.html | url-status= live }}</ref> |
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<ref name="sr2 impressions">{{cite web | url= http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/890/890664p1.html | title= E3 2008: Saints Row 2 Updated Impressions | last= Ahearn | first= Nate | date= July 16, 2008 | publisher= IGN | access-date= June 16, 2008 | archive-date= July 19, 2008 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080719065914/http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/890/890664p1.html | url-status= live }}</ref> |
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<ref name="tera preview">{{cite web | url= http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/895/895228p1.html | title= Saints Row 2 and Tera Patrick Preview | last= Ahearn | first= Nate | date= July 30, 2008 | publisher= IGN | access-date= June 30, 2008 | archive-date= August 5, 2008 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080805045945/http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/895/895228p1.html | url-status= live }}</ref> |
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<ref name="weaponsvehicles trailer">{{cite web | url = http://www.gametrailers.com/video/vehicles-and-saints-row-2/32962 | title = GameTrailers.com - Saints Row 2 - Vehicles and Weapons Trailer | publisher = [[GameTrailers]] | date = June 5, 2008 | access-date = June 5, 2008 | archive-date = June 11, 2009 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090611164521/http://www.gametrailers.com/video/vehicles-and-saints-row-2/32962 | url-status = live }}</ref> |
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<ref name="Auto97-4">{{cite web | url= http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/866/866940p1.html | title= The Weapons of Saints Row 2 | last= Ahearn | first= Nate | date= April 16, 2008 | publisher= IGN | access-date= May 16, 2008 | archive-date= April 20, 2008 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080420081925/http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/866/866940p1.html | url-status= live }}</ref> |
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<ref name="wp interview">{{cite web | url= http://worthplaying.com/article/2008/9/29/interviews/55274/ | title= 'Saints Row 2' (PS3/X360/PC) - Developer Interview | last= Pavlacka | first= Adam | date= September 29, 2008 | publisher= WorthPlaying | access-date= September 24, 2009 | archive-date= October 4, 2013 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131004232650/http://worthplaying.com/article/2008/9/29/interviews/55274/ | url-status= live }}</ref> |
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<ref name="ge interview">{{cite web | url= http://www.gamingexcellence.com/xbox360/features/21.shtml | title= Saints Row 2 Q&A with Volition's James Tsai | last= Snider | first= Shawn | date= October 9, 2008 | publisher= Gaming Excellence | access-date= September 24, 2009 | archive-date= November 20, 2008 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081120024707/http://www.gamingexcellence.com/xbox360/features/21.shtml | url-status= live }}</ref> |
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<ref name="saints row 2">{{cite video game | title = Saints Row 2 | developer = [[Volition (company)|Volition]] | publisher = [[THQ]] | date = October 14, 2008 | platform = [[Xbox 360]] | version = 1.30 }}</ref> |
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<ref name="Auto97-5">{{cite web | url= http://www.xbox360achievements.org/news.php?id=1043 | title= Top 5 Easter Eggs of 2008 | last= Webb | first= Dan | date= December 18, 2008 | publisher= Xbox360 Achievements.org | access-date= December 18, 2008 | archive-date= September 6, 2009 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090906073705/http://www.xbox360achievements.org/news.php?id=1043 | url-status= dead }}</ref> |
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<ref name="actdiv">{{cite web | url= http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/879/879252p1.html | title= Saints Row 2: Activities and Respect | author= Saints Row 2 Staff | date= June 4, 2008 | publisher= IGN | access-date= June 4, 2008 | archive-date= June 6, 2008 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080606102102/http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/879/879252p1.html | url-status= live }}</ref> |
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<ref name="Auto97-6">{{cite web | url= http://community.saintsrow.com/blogs/?p=148#more-100 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080906191158/http://community.saintsrow.com/blogs/?p=148#more-100 | url-status= dead | archive-date= September 6, 2008 | title= Developer Blog - "Activities and Diversions" | last= Phillips | first= Scott | date= August 26, 2008 | publisher= Volition | access-date= July 26, 2008 | df= mdy-all }}</ref> |
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<ref name="Auto97-7">{{cite web | url= http://kotaku.com/354048/car-surfing-comes-to-saints-row-2 | title= Car Surfing Comes to Saints Row 2 | last= Ashcraft | first= Brian | date= February 8, 2008 | publisher= Kotaku | access-date= February 8, 2008 | archive-date= February 9, 2008 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080209102215/http://kotaku.com/354048/car-surfing-comes-to-saints-row-2 | url-status= live }}</ref> |
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<ref name="Auto97-8">{{cite web| url= http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/action/saintsrow2/news.html?sid=6197587&mode=previews | title= Saints Row 2 Hands-On - Story, Co-op and Zombies | last= McInnis | first= Shaun | date= September 11, 2008 | publisher= GameSpot | access-date= September 11, 2008}}</ref> |
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<ref name="Auto97-9">{{cite web| url= http://www.co-optimus.com/interview/75/page/1/Saints_Row_2_Co-Op_Interview_-_Freedom_is_the_Name_of_the_Game.html | title= Saint's Row 2 Co-Op Interview - Freedom is the Name of the Game | last= Puleo | first= Nicholas | date= September 22, 2008 | publisher= Co-Optimus | access-date= September 24, 2009}}</ref> |
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<ref name="gamespot co-op">{{cite web | url= http://gamespot.com/xbox360/action/saintsrow2/news.html?sid=6188684&mode=previews | title= Saints Row 2 Co-op Hands-On | last= Calvert | first= Justin | date= April 2, 2008 | publisher= GameSpot | access-date= September 6, 2009 | archive-date= September 16, 2011 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110916153431/http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/action/saintsrow2/news.html?sid=6188684&mode=previews | url-status= live }}</ref> |
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<ref name="destructoid mp">{{cite web|url=http://www.destructoid.com/hands-on-saint-s-row-2-multiplayer-cooperative-and-the-new-strongarm-mode-105026.phtml |title=Hands-on: Saint's Row 2 multiplayer cooperative and the new 'Strongarm' mode |last=Chester |first=Nick |date=November 25, 2008 |publisher=Destructoid |access-date=September 23, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100421113825/http://www.destructoid.com/hands-on-saint-s-row-2-multiplayer-cooperative-and-the-new-strongarm-mode-105026.phtml |archive-date=April 21, 2010 }}</ref> |
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<ref name="Auto97-10">{{cite web| url= http://gamespot.com/xbox360/action/saintsrow2/news.html?sid=6197587&mode=previews | title= Saints Row 2 Hands-On - Story, Co-op, and Zombies | last= McInnis | first= Shaun | date= September 11, 2008 | publisher= GameSpot | access-date= September 6, 2009}}</ref> |
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<ref name="Auto97-11">{{cite web | url= http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/914/914574p1.html | title= Saints Row 2 - A Co-Op Conversation | author1= Cam Shea | author2= Patrick Kolan | name-list-style= amp | date= September 30, 2008 | publisher= IGN AU | access-date= September 6, 2009 | archive-date= December 5, 2008 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081205081236/http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/914/914574p1.html | url-status= live }}</ref> |
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<ref name="Auto97-12">{{cite web | url= http://www.next-gen.biz/opinion/making-co-op-work-open-world | archive-url= https://archive.today/20120910211615/http://www.next-gen.biz/opinion/making-co-op-work-open-world | url-status= dead | archive-date= September 10, 2012 | title= Making Co-op Work in an Open World | last= Phillips | first= Scott | date= October 16, 2008 | publisher= Edge-Online | access-date= September 24, 2009 }}</ref> |
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<ref name="ultor ign">{{cite web | url = http://xboxlive.ign.com/articles/967/967780p1.html | title = Saints Row 2: Ultor Exposed | publisher = IGN | date = March 30, 2009 | access-date = September 6, 2009 | first = Eric | last = Brudvig | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090402151620/http://xboxlive.ign.com/articles/967/967780p1.html | archive-date = April 2, 2009 | df = mdy-all }}</ref> |
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<ref name="Auto97-13">{{cite web|url=http://community.saintsrow.com/blogs/?p=554 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130111082357/http://community.saintsrow.com/blogs/?p=554 |url-status=dead |archive-date=January 11, 2013 |title=Full Item List for DLC Pack #2 |author=V-Singular |date=May 26, 2009 |publisher=The Row Community |access-date=September 6, 2009 }}</ref> |
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<ref name="Auto97-14">{{cite web | url = http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/864/864477p1.html | title = Saints Row 2 Co-Op Hands-On | publisher = IGN | last = Ahearn | first = Nate | date = April 3, 2008 | access-date = April 3, 2008 | archive-date = April 8, 2008 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080408035134/http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/864/864477p1.html | url-status = live }}</ref> |
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<ref name="gamespot mp">{{cite web | url= http://gamespot.com/xbox360/action/saintsrow2/news.html?sid=6198329&mode=previews | title= Saints Row 2 Multiplayer Hands-On | last= McInnis | first= Shaun | date= September 29, 2008 | publisher= GameSpot | access-date= September 6, 2009 | archive-date= December 11, 2008 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081211002800/http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/action/saintsrow2/news.html?sid=6198329&mode=previews | url-status= live }}</ref> |
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<ref name="Auto97-15">{{cite web | url = http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/913/913259p1.html | title = Saints Row 2 Multiplayer Hands-On | publisher = IGN | last = Ahearn | first = Nate | date = September 25, 2008 | access-date = September 25, 2008 | archive-date = September 28, 2008 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080928075203/http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/913/913259p1.html | url-status = live }}</ref> |
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<ref name="vg mp">{{cite web | url= http://www.videogamer.com/xbox360/saints_row_2/preview-1277.html | title= Saints Row 2 Hands-on Preview | last= Kelly | first= Neon | date= September 25, 2008 | publisher= VideoGamer.com | access-date= September 23, 2009 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131004221920/http://www.videogamer.com/xbox360/saints_row_2/preview-1277.html | archive-date= October 4, 2013 | url-status= dead | df= mdy-all }}</ref> |
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<ref name="Auto97-16">{{cite web |url=http://www.gameinformer.com/News/Story/200809/N08.0925.1126.10744.htm |title=Hands On With Saints Row 2's New Strong Arm Mode |last=Cork |first=Jeff |date=September 25, 2008 |publisher=GameInformer |access-date=September 23, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090605174617/http://gameinformer.com/News/Story/200809/N08.0925.1126.10744.htm |archive-date=June 5, 2009 }}</ref> |
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<ref name="Auto97-18">{{cite web | url= http://multiplayerblog.mtv.com/2008/09/29/saints-row-2-multiplayer/ | title= 'Saints Row 2' New Multiplayer Mode To Address 'GTA IV' Flaw | last= Klepek | first= Patrick | date= September 29, 2008 | publisher= MTV | access-date= September 23, 2009 | archive-date= December 2, 2008 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081202075047/http://multiplayerblog.mtv.com/2008/09/29/saints-row-2-multiplayer/ | url-status= dead }}</ref> |
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<ref name="kotaku mp">{{cite web | url= http://kotaku.com/5055044/saints-row-2-multiplayer--the-perfect-girlfriend-game | title= Saints Row 2 Multiplayer - The Perfect Girlfriend Game? | last= Glasser | first= AJ | date= September 25, 2008 | publisher= Kotaku | access-date= September 23, 2009 | archive-date= September 26, 2009 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090926035544/http://kotaku.com/5055044/saints-row-2-multiplayer--the-perfect-girlfriend-game | url-status= live }}</ref> |
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<ref name="Auto97-19">{{cite web | url= http://ps3.gamespy.com/playstation-3/saints-row-2/913719p1.html | title= GameSpy: Saints Row 2 Preview | last= Graziani | first= Gabe | date= September 25, 2008 | publisher= GameSpy | access-date= September 23, 2009 | archive-date= May 9, 2009 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090509220746/http://ps3.gamespy.com/playstation-3/saints-row-2/913719p1.html | url-status= live }}</ref> |
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<ref name="RPS: closure">{{cite journal |url=http://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2014/04/04/gamespy-multiplayer-closure-battlefield/ |access-date=August 10, 2014 |journal=[[Rock, Paper, Shotgun]] |title=Powering Down: GameSpy Multiplayer Services Closing |last=O'Connor |first=Alice |date=April 4, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714191207/http://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2014/04/04/gamespy-multiplayer-closure-battlefield/ |archive-date=July 14, 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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<ref name="Auto97-21">{{cite web | url= http://www.videogamer.com/ps3/saints_row_2/preview-1128-2.html | title= Saints Row 2 Interview for PS3 | last= Yin-Poole | first= Wesley | date= April 8, 2008 | page= 2 | publisher= VideoGamer.Com | access-date= August 31, 2009 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090109183658/http://www.videogamer.com/ps3/saints_row_2/preview-1128-2.html | archive-date= January 9, 2009 | url-status= dead | df= mdy-all }}</ref> |
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<ref name="Auto97-22">{{cite web | url= http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/761/761035p1.html | title= THQ lists six franchises for its fiscal future | last= Goldstein | first= Hilary | date= February 2, 2007 | publisher= IGN | access-date= February 2, 2007 | archive-date= February 4, 2007 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20070204162551/http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/761/761035p1.html | url-status= live }}</ref> |
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<ref name="Auto97-24">{{cite web | url= http://xbox360.ign.com/dor/objects/882586/saints-row-2/videos/sr2_teaser_032808.html | title= Saints Row 2 Teaser Trailer | date= March 28, 2008 | publisher= IGN | access-date= March 28, 2008 | url-status= dead | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080401205906/http://xbox360.ign.com/dor/objects/882586/saints-row-2/videos/sr2_teaser_032808.html | archive-date= April 1, 2008 | df= mdy-all }}</ref> |
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<ref name="Auto97-25">{{cite web | url = http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/864/864405p1.html | title = Saints Row 2 Coming in August | last = Ahearn | first = Nate | date = April 3, 2008 | publisher = IGN | access-date = April 3, 2008 | archive-date = April 7, 2008 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080407095945/http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/864/864405p1.html | url-status = live }}</ref> |
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<ref name="Auto97-26">{{cite web| url= http://gamespot.com/xbox360/action/saintsrow2/news.html?sid=6191742&mode=news | title= Saints Row 2 delayed | last= Boyes | first = Emma | date= May 29, 2008 | publisher= GameSpot | access-date= May 29, 2008}}</ref> |
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<ref name="anniello">{{cite web | url = https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSN2844790320080528?pageNumber=1&virtualBrandChannel=0 | title = THQ delays key game by nearly two months | publisher = Reuters | last = Hillis | first = Scott | date = May 28, 2008 | access-date = August 26, 2008 | archive-date = March 8, 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210308182111/https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSN2844790320080528?pageNumber=1&virtualBrandChannel=0 | url-status = live }}</ref> |
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<ref name="Auto97-27">{{cite web|url=http://community.saintsrow.com/viewtopic.php?p=296829#p296829 |title=Welcome to the new forums! |last=Goldberg |first=J |date=July 15, 2008 |publisher=The Row Community |access-date=June 15, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305123542/http://community.saintsrow.com/viewtopic.php?p=296829 |archive-date=March 5, 2016 }}</ref> |
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<ref name="q&a feature">{{cite web | url= http://www.totalvideogames.com/Saints-Row-2/feature-12517.html | title= Saints Row 2 Q&A - THQ Gamers Day 08 Feature | last= Wilcox | first= Jon | date= April 10, 2008 | publisher= TotalVideoGames | access-date= August 31, 2009 | url-status= dead | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090726024930/http://www.totalvideogames.com/Saints-Row-2/feature-12517.html | archive-date= July 26, 2009 | df= mdy-all }}</ref> |
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===Promotion=== |
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<ref name="behind scenes">{{cite web | url= http://www.gamesetwatch.com/2009/04/indepth_behind_the_scenes_of_s.php | title= In-Depth: Behind the Scenes of Saints Row 2 | last= Carless | first= Simon | date= April 24, 2009 | publisher= GameSetWatch | access-date= September 24, 2009 | archive-date= February 25, 2021 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210225070450/http://www.gamesetwatch.com/2009/04/indepth_behind_the_scenes_of_s.php | url-status= dead }}</ref> |
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[[Image:Tera Patrick.jpg|thumb|150px|right|[[Tera Patrick]]]] |
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<!-- Image with unknown copyright status removed: [[File:Buser2.jpg|thumb|150px|left|Gary Busey]] --> |
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''Saints Row 2'' has been marketed heavily since it was first announced, including numerous trailers and contests found across the Internet and in certain places across the world. In fact, the original date for the game, August 28 was not only pushed back for development purposes, but also for marketing considerations. |
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<ref name="sr2qa">{{cite web | url = http://www.totalvideogames.com/Saints-Row-2/feature-13055.html | title = Saints Row 2 Q&A - Part 2 Feature | date = April 8, 2008 | publisher = Jon Wilcox | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20081227011156/http://www.totalvideogames.com/Saints-Row-2/feature-13055.html | archive-date = December 27, 2008 | df = mdy-all }}</ref> |
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Since ''Saints Row 2'' was first announced, full-length [[Film trailer|trailers]] have been released to help promote the game. The first trailer was released in March 2008 and gave a brief insight into how the fictional Ultor Corporation has helped to clean-up the streets of Stilwater. The trailer also details some of the new weapons and vehicles in the game. |
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<ref name="msxbox interview">{{cite web | url= http://www.msxbox-world.com/xbox360/features/article/332/Saints-Row-2---QA-with-Scott-Phillips-lead-designer.html | title= Saints Row 2 - Q&A with Scott Phillips, lead designer | last= Strickland | first= Scott | date= October 15, 2008 | publisher= MSXbox-World | access-date= September 24, 2009 | archive-date= July 14, 2011 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110714130132/http://www.msxbox-world.com/xbox360/features/article/332/Saints-Row-2---QA-with-Scott-Phillips-lead-designer.html | url-status= dead }}</ref> |
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<ref name="afterthoughts">{{cite web | url= http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/940/940466p1.html | title= Saints Row 2 Afterthoughts | last= Ahearn | first= Nate | date= December 22, 2008 | publisher= IGN | access-date= December 22, 2008 | archive-date= January 21, 2012 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120121150343/http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/940/940466p1.html | url-status= live }}</ref> |
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<ref name="lifedev">{{cite web|url=http://community.saintsrow.com/blogs/?p=176 |title=Developer Blog - "Creating Life in a Sandbox" |date=September 9, 2008 |last=Goldberg |first=J |publisher=The Row Community |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080914001847/http://community.saintsrow.com/blogs/?p=176 |archive-date=September 14, 2008 }}</ref> |
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<ref name="Auto97-30">{{cite web| url= http://gamespot.com/pages/unions/forums/show_msgs.php?topic_id=26106400&union_id=2286 | title= GameSpot Forums - United People of Saints Row (union board) Interview #2 with James Tsai | last= Tsai | first = James | date= December 17, 2007 | publisher= GameSpot | access-date= December 17, 2007}}</ref> |
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<ref name="Auto97-31">{{cite web | url= http://www.thatvideogameblog.com/2008/06/03/can-saints-row-2-challenge-gta-iv/ | title= Can Saints Row 2 challenge GTA IV? | last= Sandberg | first= Adam | date= June 3, 2008 | publisher= That VideoGame Blog | access-date= August 31, 2009 | archive-date= February 4, 2010 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100204094807/http://www.thatvideogameblog.com/2008/06/03/can-saints-row-2-challenge-gta-iv/ | url-status= live }}</ref> |
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<ref name="Auto97-32">{{cite web|url=http://www.destructoid.com/ten-reasons-why-saints-row-2-is-better-than-grand-theft-auto-iv-109687.phtml |title=Ten reasons why Saints Row 2 is better than Grand Theft Auto IV |last=Sterling |first=Jim |date=October 30, 2008 |publisher=Destructoid |access-date=August 31, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090819231027/http://www.destructoid.com/ten-reasons-why-saints-row-2-is-better-than-grand-theft-auto-iv-109687.phtml |archive-date=August 19, 2009 }}</ref> |
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<ref name="Auto97-33">{{cite web | url= http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=183940 | title= Saints Row 2: 'We will compete with GTA' | last= Robinson | first= Andy | date= March 5, 2008 | publisher= [[Computer and Video Games]] | access-date= March 5, 2008 | archive-date= March 6, 2008 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080306222151/http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=183940 | url-status= live }}</ref> |
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<ref name = "sr2story">{{cite web | url= http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/884/884621p1.html | title= The Story of Saints Row 2 | last= Ahearn | first= Nate | date= June 26, 2008 | publisher= IGN | access-date= June 26, 2008 | archive-date= June 30, 2008 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080630072438/http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/884/884621p1.html | url-status= live }}</ref> |
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<ref name= sr2story-gamespot>{{cite web | url = http://gamespot.com/news/6179769.html | title = THQ's Saints Row 2 Set to Revolutionize Player Freedom | date = September 24, 2007 | publisher = [[GameSpot]] | access-date = December 17, 2008 | archive-date = January 23, 2013 | archive-url = https://archive.today/20130123211552/http://gamespot.com/news/6179769.html | url-status = live }}</ref> |
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<ref name = "sr3interview">{{cite web | url = http://nextgn.com/2008/10/27/saints-row-3-announced/ | title = Saint's Row 3 Announced | date = October 27, 2008 | publisher = Next Gen News | access-date = December 17, 2008 | archive-date = December 27, 2008 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20081227033733/http://nextgn.com/2008/10/27/saints-row-3-announced/ | url-status = live }}</ref> |
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<ref name="Auto97-34">{{cite web | url= http://stars.ign.com/articles/918/918226p1.html | title= Cast of Characters: Saints Row 2 | last= Schedeen | first= Jesse | date= October 9, 2008 | publisher= IGN | access-date= September 24, 2009 | archive-date= February 21, 2009 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090221152130/http://stars.ign.com/articles/918/918226p1.html | url-status= live }}</ref> |
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<ref name="ign music">{{cite web | url= http://music.ign.com/articles/916/916679p1.html | title= Saints Row 2 Music | author= IGN Music | date= October 6, 2008 | publisher= IGN | access-date= October 6, 2008 | url-status= dead | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081008185649/http://music.ign.com/articles/916/916679p1.html | archive-date= October 8, 2008 | df= mdy-all }}</ref> |
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<ref name="music revealed">{{cite web|url=http://community.saintsrow.com/blogs/?p=246 |title=Saints Row 2 Soundtrack Revealed! |last=Goldberg |first=J |date=October 7, 2008 |publisher=The Row Community |access-date=September 12, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081011033932/http://community.saintsrow.com/blogs/?p=246 |archive-date=October 11, 2008 }}</ref> |
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<ref name="Auto97-35">{{cite web|url=http://community.saintsrow.com/blogs/?p=159 |title=Saints Row 2 in Billboard Magazine |last=Goldberg |first=J |date=August 27, 2008 |publisher=The Row Community |access-date=September 24, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080912045128/http://community.saintsrow.com/blogs/?p=159 |archive-date=September 12, 2008 }}</ref> |
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<ref name="pump up the volume">{{cite web|url=http://community.saintsrow.com/blogs/?p=5 |title=Pump up the Volume |last=Jaros |first=Steve |date=June 30, 2008 |publisher=The Row Community |access-date=September 13, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080820012024/http://community.saintsrow.com/blogs/?p=5 |archive-date=August 20, 2008 }}</ref> |
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<ref name="Auto97-36">{{cite web | url= http://www.gametrailers.com/video/vehicles-and-saints-row-2/32961 | title= Saints Rows 2: Vehicles and Weapons Trailer HD | date= April 7, 2008 | publisher= GameTrailers | access-date= March 7, 2008 | archive-date= May 19, 2009 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090519153220/http://www.gametrailers.com/video/vehicles-and-saints-row-2/32961 | url-status= live }}</ref> |
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<ref name="Auto97-37">{{cite web | url= http://kotaku.com/376879/saints-row-2-hijacked-by-gary-busey | title= Saint's Row 2, Hijacked by Gary Busey | last= Wilson | first= Mark | date= April 7, 2008 | publisher= Kotaku | access-date= April 7, 2008 | url-status= dead | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080411044519/http://kotaku.com/376879/saints-row-2-hijacked-by-gary-busey | archive-date= April 11, 2008 | df= mdy-all }}</ref> |
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<ref name="Auto97-38">{{cite web | url = http://www.shacknews.com/onearticle.x/52086 | title = Gary Busey Presents Saints Row 2 | publisher = [[Shacknews]] | date = April 4, 2008 | access-date = April 5, 2008 | first = Maarten | last = Goldstein | archive-date = April 6, 2008 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080406200915/http://www.shacknews.com/onearticle.x/52086 | url-status = live }}</ref> |
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<ref name="Auto97-39">{{cite web| url= http://www.gametrailers.com/video/thq-gamers-saints-row-2/32552 | title= THQ Gamer's Day 08: Satchel Charges | date= April 4, 2008 | publisher= GameTrailers | access-date= April 4, 2008}}</ref> |
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<ref name="Auto97-40">{{cite web | url= http://www.gametrailers.com/video/thq-gamers-saints-row-2/32556 | title= THQ Gamer's Day 08: Taunting | date= April 4, 2008 | publisher= GameTrailers | access-date= April 4, 2008 | archive-date= October 20, 2009 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20091020091924/http://www.gametrailers.com/video/thq-gamers-saints-row-2/32556 | url-status= live }}</ref> |
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<ref name="Auto97-41">{{cite web | url= http://www.gametrailers.com/video/thq-gamers-saints-row-2/32554 | title= THQ Gamer's Day 08: Throwing People | date= April 4, 2008 | publisher= GameTrailers | access-date= April 4, 2008 | archive-date= October 19, 2009 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20091019104407/http://www.gametrailers.com/video/thq-gamers-saints-row-2/32554 | url-status= live }}</ref> |
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<ref name="Auto97-42">{{cite web| url= http://www.gametrailers.com/video/combat-heavy-saints-row-2/33381 | title= Combat: Heavy Weapons | date= April 28, 2008 | publisher= GameTrailers | access-date= April 28, 2008}}</ref> |
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<ref name="Auto97-43">{{cite web| url= http://www.gametrailers.com/video/the-police-saints-row-2/33383 | title= The Police: Protect and Serve HD | date= April 29, 2008 | publisher= GameTrailers | access-date= April 29, 2008}}</ref> |
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<ref name="would you rather">{{cite web | url= http://www.gametrailers.com/video/activities-trailer-saints-row-2/34872 | title= Saints Row 2 Video Game, Activities Trailer HD | date= June 5, 2008 | publisher= GameTrailers | access-date= June 5, 2008 | archive-date= June 8, 2009 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090608172745/http://www.gametrailers.com/video/activities-trailer-saints-row-2/34872 | url-status= live }}</ref> |
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<ref name="Auto97-44">{{cite web | url= http://www.gametrailers.com/video/story-trailer-saints-row-2/35605 | title= Story Trailer HD | date= June 27, 2008 | publisher= GameTrailers | access-date= June 27, 2008 | archive-date= June 9, 2009 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090609200440/http://www.gametrailers.com/video/story-trailer-saints-row-2/35605 | url-status= live }}</ref> |
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<ref name="Auto97-45">{{cite web | url= http://community.saintsrow.com/blogs/?p=3 | title= New Cinematic Trailer! | last= Goldberg | first= J | date= June 26, 2008 | publisher= The Row Community | access-date= September 13, 2009 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080803025501/http://community.saintsrow.com/blogs/?p=3 | archive-date= August 3, 2008 | url-status= dead | df= mdy-all }}</ref> |
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<ref name="Auto97-46">{{cite web | url= http://www.gametrailers.com/video/e3-2008-saints-row-2/36313 | title= E3 2008: Trick My Life Trailer HD | date= July 15, 2008 | publisher= GameTrailers | access-date= July 15, 2008 | archive-date= June 19, 2009 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090619202643/http://www.gametrailers.com/video/e3-2008-saints-row-2/36313 | url-status= live }}</ref> |
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<ref name="Auto97-47">{{cite web| url= http://community.saintsrow.com/blogs/?p=30 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080731104359/http://community.saintsrow.com/blogs/?p=30 | archive-date= July 31, 2008 | title= "Trick My Life" - New Customization Video | last= Goldberg | first= J | date= July 15, 2008 | publisher= The Row Community | access-date= September 13, 2009}}</ref> |
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<ref name="Auto97-48">{{cite web| url= http://community.saintsrow.com/blogs/?p=39 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080731102411/http://community.saintsrow.com/blogs/?p=39 | archive-date= July 31, 2008 | title= New Uncle Gary - "Nut Shots" | last= Goldberg | first= J | date= July 16, 2008 | publisher= The Row Community | access-date= September 13, 2009}}</ref> |
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<ref name="Auto97-49">{{cite web| url= http://community.saintsrow.com/blogs/?p=56 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080730023626/http://community.saintsrow.com/blogs/?p=56 | archive-date= July 30, 2008 | title= New Uncle Gary - "Wieldable Props" | last= Goldberg | first= J | date= July 16, 2008 | publisher= The Row Community | access-date= September 13, 2009}}</ref> |
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<ref name="Auto97-50">{{cite web| url= http://community.saintsrow.com/blogs/?p=72 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080822005521/http://community.saintsrow.com/blogs/?p=72 | archive-date= August 22, 2008 | title= Meet the Newest Saint: Tera Patrick | last= Goldberg | first= J | date= July 24, 2008 | publisher= The Row Community | access-date= September 13, 2009}}</ref> |
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<ref name="Auto97-65">{{cite web|url=http://community.saintsrow.com/blogs/?p=201 |title=Saints Row 2 Co-Op Trailer |last=Goldberg |first=J |date=September 10, 2008 |publisher=The Row Community |access-date=September 13, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080914001852/http://community.saintsrow.com/blogs/?p=201 |archive-date=September 14, 2008 }}</ref> |
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<ref name="Auto97-69">{{cite web| url= http://community.saintsrow.com/blogs/?p=60 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080730023636/http://community.saintsrow.com/blogs/?p=60 | archive-date= July 30, 2008 | title= "Pimp Your Crib" Contest | last= Goldberg | first= J | date= July 27, 2008 | publisher= The Row Community | access-date= September 19, 2009}}</ref> |
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<ref name="Auto97-70">{{cite web|url=http://community.saintsrow.com/blogs/?p=132 |title=Summer of Bling Contest |last=Goldberg |first=J |date=August 21, 2008 |publisher=The Row Community |access-date=September 19, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080912202435/http://community.saintsrow.com/blogs/?p=132 |archive-date=September 12, 2008 }}</ref> |
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<ref name="Auto97-71">{{cite web|url=http://community.saintsrow.com/blogs/?p=177 |title=Summer of Bling - Part 2! |last=Goldberg |first=J |date=September 4, 2008 |publisher=The Row Community |access-date=September 19, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080914033211/http://community.saintsrow.com/blogs/?p=177 |archive-date=September 14, 2008 }}</ref> |
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<ref name="Auto97-72">{{cite web|url=http://community.saintsrow.com/blogs/?p=211 |title=Win a Trip to Play SR2 MP! |last=Goldberg |first=J |date=September 15, 2008 |publisher=The Row Community |access-date=September 19, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080921160655/http://community.saintsrow.com/blogs/?p=211 |archive-date=September 21, 2008 }}</ref> |
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<ref name="Auto97-73">{{cite web|url=http://community.saintsrow.com/blogs/?p=221 |title=Multiplayer Contest Winners Announced! |last=Goldberg |first=J |date=September 19, 2008 |publisher=The Row Community |access-date=September 19, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080921160715/http://community.saintsrow.com/blogs/?p=221 |archive-date=September 21, 2008 }}</ref> |
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<ref name="Auto97-74">{{cite web|url=http://community.saintsrow.com/blogs/?p=215 |title=Saints Row 2 Fashion Range Revealed + Contest! |last=Goldberg |first=J |date=September 19, 2008 |publisher=The Row Community |access-date=September 19, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080921160710/http://community.saintsrow.com/blogs/?p=215 |archive-date=September 21, 2008 }}</ref> |
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<ref name="dlc 1 items">{{cite web|url=http://community.saintsrow.com/blogs/?p=516 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130202033131/http://community.saintsrow.com/blogs/?p=516 |url-status=dead |archive-date=February 2, 2013 |title=Full Item List for DLC Pack #1 |publisher=The Row Community |date=April 21, 2009 |last=Goldberg |first=J |access-date=September 19, 2009 }}</ref> |
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<ref name="Auto97-75">{{cite web|url=http://community.saintsrow.com/blogs/?p=214 |title=Summer of Bling - Part 3! |last=Goldberg |first=J |date=September 19, 2008 |publisher=The Row Community |access-date=September 19, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080921160705/http://community.saintsrow.com/blogs/?p=214 |archive-date=September 21, 2008 }}</ref> |
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<ref name="Auto97-76">{{cite web|url=http://community.saintsrow.com/blogs/?p=323 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130202004434/http://community.saintsrow.com/blogs/?p=323 |url-status=dead |archive-date=February 2, 2013 |title=Joystick Junkies T-Shirt Contest Winner! |last=Goldberg |first=J |date=October 30, 2008 |publisher=The Row Community |access-date=September 19, 2009 }}</ref> |
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<ref name="Auto97-77">{{cite web|url=http://community.saintsrow.com/blogs/?p=227 |title=Customize Your Box Art! |last=Goldberg |first=J |date=September 23, 2008 |publisher=The Row Community |access-date=September 19, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080924093717/http://community.saintsrow.com/blogs/?p=227 |archive-date=September 24, 2008 }}</ref> |
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<ref name="Auto97-78">{{cite web | url= http://www.mysaintsrow.com/ | title= MySaintsRow | publisher= The Row Community | access-date= September 19, 2009 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20091017142011/http://www.mysaintsrow.com/ | archive-date= October 17, 2009 | url-status= dead | df= mdy-all }}</ref> |
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<ref name="Auto97-80">{{cite web|url=http://community.saintsrow.com/blogs/?p=266 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130201200950/http://community.saintsrow.com/blogs/?p=266 |url-status=dead |archive-date=February 1, 2013 |title=Gold 360 Contest! |last=Goldberg |first=J |date=October 10, 2008 |publisher=The Row Community |access-date=September 19, 2009 }}</ref> |
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<ref name="Auto97-81">{{cite web|url=http://community.saintsrow.com/blogs/?p=339 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130201175548/http://community.saintsrow.com/blogs/?p=339 |url-status=dead |archive-date=February 1, 2013 |title=PS3 60GB Giveaway! [AU] |last=Goldberg |first=J |date=November 6, 2008 |publisher=The Row Community |access-date=September 19, 2009 }}</ref> |
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<ref name="Auto97-82">{{cite web|url=http://community.saintsrow.com/blogs/?p=92 |title=Tera Patrick at Comic Con |last=Goldberg |first=J |date=August 2, 2008 |publisher=The Row Community |access-date=September 19, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080826075409/http://community.saintsrow.com/blogs/?p=92 |archive-date=August 26, 2008 }}</ref> |
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<ref name="Auto97-83">{{cite web|url=http://community.saintsrow.com/blogs/?p=207 |title=Behind the Scenes at GameStop Expo '08 |last=Goldberg |first=J |date=September 11, 2008 |publisher=The Row Community |access-date=September 19, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080914001902/http://community.saintsrow.com/blogs/?p=207 |archive-date=September 14, 2008 }}</ref> |
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<ref name="Auto97-84">{{cite web|url=http://community.saintsrow.com/blogs/?m=200808&paged=2 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130201153912/http://community.saintsrow.com/blogs/?m=200808&paged=2 |url-status=dead |archive-date=February 1, 2013 |title=Saints Row 2 + MySpace Music Tour |last=Goldberg |first=J |date=August 16, 2008 |publisher=The Row Community |access-date=September 19, 2009 }}</ref> |
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<ref name="Auto97-85">{{cite web|url=http://community.saintsrow.com/blogs/?p=346 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130201233107/http://community.saintsrow.com/blogs/?p=346 |url-status=dead |archive-date=February 1, 2013 |title=November 2008 and Saints Row 2 |last=Goldberg |first=J |date=November 7, 2008 |publisher=The Row Community |access-date=September 19, 2009 }}</ref> |
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<ref name="Auto97-86">{{cite web | url= http://www.shacknews.com/onearticle.x/56084 | title= THQ Signs In-game Ad Deal with Microsoft's Massive | last= Breckon | first= Nick | date= November 24, 2008 | publisher= Shack News | access-date= September 26, 2009 | archive-date= June 3, 2009 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090603161719/http://www.shacknews.com/onearticle.x/56084 | url-status= live }}</ref> |
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<ref name="Auto97-87">{{cite web | url= http://www.gamedaily.com/games/saints-row-2/xbox-360/game-news/thq-signs-massive-for-in-game-advertising/7033/21898/ | title= THQ Signs Massive for In-Game Advertising | last= Brightman | first= James | date= November 24, 2008 | publisher= GameDaily | access-date= September 26, 2009 | archive-date= November 16, 2018 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20181116004930/http://www.gamedaily.com/games/saints-row-2/xbox-360/game-news/thq-signs-massive-for-in-game-advertising/7033/21898/ | url-status= live }}</ref> |
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<ref name="Auto97-88">{{cite web | url= http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/905/905755p1.html | title= Saints Row 2 - Special Editions Unveiled | last= Shea | first= Cam | date= August 26, 2008 | publisher= IGN | access-date= July 26, 2008 | archive-date= August 30, 2008 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080830014919/http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/905/905755p1.html | url-status= live }}</ref> |
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<ref name="Auto97-89">{{cite web | url= http://www.thq-games.com/uk/news/show/4213 | title= Saints Row 2 - Collector's Edition Announced! | publisher= THQ | access-date= September 19, 2009 | url-status= dead | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081209040926/http://www.thq-games.com/uk/news/show/4213 | archive-date= December 9, 2008 | df= mdy-all }}</ref> |
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<ref name="Auto97-90">{{cite web|url=http://community.saintsrow.com/blogs/?p=163 |title=SR2 UK Collector's Edition Details |last=Goldberg |first=J |date=August 28, 2008 |publisher=The Row Community |access-date=September 19, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080912045138/http://community.saintsrow.com/blogs/?p=163 |archive-date=September 12, 2008 }}</ref> |
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<ref name="Auto97-91">{{cite web | url= http://www.ozon.ru/context/detail/id/4198117/ | title= Saints Row 2 Gift Edition | language= ru | access-date= February 10, 2009 | archive-date= February 10, 2009 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090210140320/http://www.ozon.ru/context/detail/id/4198117 | url-status= live }}</ref> |
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<ref name="Auto97-93">{{cite web | url = http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/02/dont-trip-dawg-saints-row-2-be-comin-2-pc/ | title = Don't trip dawg, Saints Row 2 be comin' 2 PC | publisher = Joystiq | last = Sliwinski | first = Alexander | date = June 2, 2008 | access-date = June 2, 2008 | archive-date = June 4, 2008 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080604032431/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/02/dont-trip-dawg-saints-row-2-be-comin-2-pc/ | url-status = live }}</ref> |
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<ref name = "pc release">{{cite web| url= http://pc.ign.com/articles/942/942469p1.html | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110613065350/http://pc.ign.com/articles/942/942469p1.html | url-status= dead | archive-date= June 13, 2011 | title= THQ Ships Saints Row 2 for Windows PC | date= January 7, 2009 | publisher= IGN | access-date= January 7, 2009}}</ref> |
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<ref name="ign delay">{{cite web | url = http://xboxlive.ign.com/articles/972/972979p1.html | title = Saints Row 2 DLC Delayed | publisher = IGN | date = April 15, 2009 | last = Robinson | first = Martin | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120125170048/http://xboxlive.ign.com/articles/972/972979p1.html | archive-date = January 25, 2012 | df = mdy-all }}</ref> |
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The second full-length trailer was released in early June 2008 and gained controversy as it poked fun at ''[[Grand Theft Auto IV]]'' for its lack of side-play in the game. The trailer shows four of many new activities playable in ''Saints Row 2'', including Septic Avenger, FUZZ, Fight Club and Trail Blazing. It also lists several of the game's many diversions, in-game actions which can be performed at any time to earn money and respect. |
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<ref name="dlc delay">{{cite web | url = http://community.saintsrow.com/blogs/?p=497 | archive-url = https://archive.today/20130201170303/http://community.saintsrow.com/blogs/?p=497 | url-status = dead | archive-date = February 1, 2013 | title = DLC Pack #1 Delayed One Week | publisher = The Row Community | date = April 14, 2009 | author = V-Singular }}</ref> |
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<ref name = "shacknews dlc">{{cite web | url = http://www.shacknews.com/onearticle.x/57950 | title = First Saints Row 2 DLC Revealed | first = Alice | last = O'Conner | publisher = [[Shacknews]] | date = March 31, 2009 | access-date = March 31, 2009 | archive-date = April 1, 2009 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090401214030/http://www.shacknews.com/onearticle.x/57950 | url-status = live }}</ref> |
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<ref name="Auto97-111">{{cite web | url = http://community.saintsrow.com/blogs/?p=516#more-516 | title = Full Item List for DLC Pack #1 | publisher = The Row Community | date = April 21, 2009 | author = V-Singular | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090428090952/http://community.saintsrow.com/blogs/?p=516#more-516 | archive-date = April 28, 2009 | df = mdy-all }}</ref> |
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<ref name="vehicles">{{cite web | url = http://community.saintsrow.com/blogs/?p=485 | archive-url = https://archive.today/20130111093743/http://community.saintsrow.com/blogs/?p=485 | url-status = dead | archive-date = January 11, 2013 | title = DLC Pack #1: Vehicular Mayhem | publisher = The Row Community | date = April 3, 2009 | author = V-Singular }}</ref> |
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<ref name="Auto97-103">{{cite web | url = http://community.saintsrow.com/blogs/?p=502 | archive-url = https://archive.today/20130111091709/http://community.saintsrow.com/blogs/?p=502 | url-status = dead | archive-date = January 11, 2013 | title = DLC Co-Op Metagame Details | publisher = The Row Community | date = April 17, 2009 | author = V-Singular }}</ref> |
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<ref name="Auto97-106">{{cite web | url = http://xboxlive.ign.com/articles/976/976423p1.html | title = Saints Row 2: Ultor Exposed Impressions | publisher = IGN | date = April 24, 2009 | last = Hatfield | first = Daemon | access-date = April 24, 2009 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090427012421/http://xboxlive.ign.com/articles/976/976423p1.html | archive-date = April 27, 2009 | df = mdy-all }}</ref> |
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The third full-length trailer was released in late June 2008 and gives gamers an introduction to the storyline and the new gangs in ''Saints Row 2''. The trailer details the protagonist busting out of prison with fellow in-mate Carlos, and riding a patrol boat back to Stilwater, where he gets a shock as he realizes just how much the city has changed in five years. The trailer gives insight to the storyline and missions in the game, and serves as a basic introduction to the Brotherhood of Stilwater, Sons of Samedi and Ronin, the three new gangs that inhabit Stilwater, and also an introduction to the Ultor Corporation, which serves as the main antagonist faction in the game. |
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<ref name="Auto97-108">{{cite web | url = http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/saints-row-2-ultor-exposed-review?page=1 | title = Saints Row 2: Ultor Exposed Review | publisher = EuroGamer | date = April 24, 2009 | last = Reed | first = Kristan | access-date = April 24, 2009 | archive-date = April 30, 2009 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090430032032/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/saints-row-2-ultor-exposed-review?page=1 | url-status = live }}</ref> |
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<ref name="dlc 2 released">{{cite web | url= http://xboxlive.ign.com/articles/987/987566p1.html | title= Saints Row 2 Corporate Warfare DLC Now Available | author= IGN Staff | date= May 28, 2009 | publisher= IGN | access-date= May 28, 2009 | url-status= dead | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090531122959/http://xboxlive.ign.com/articles/987/987566p1.html | archive-date= May 31, 2009 | df= mdy-all }}</ref> |
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<ref name="dlc 2">{{cite web | url= http://community.saintsrow.com/blogs/?p=541 | archive-url= https://archive.today/20130111085401/http://community.saintsrow.com/blogs/?p=541 | url-status= dead | archive-date= January 11, 2013 | title= Open Letter to Our Fats - Jim Torbit, DLC Producer | last= Torbit | first= Jim | date= May 20, 2009 | publisher= THQ | access-date= May 20, 2009 }}</ref> |
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<ref name = "scavenger hunt">{{cite web | url= http://community.saintsrow.com/blogs/?p=529 | title= DLC Pack #2 Weekend Scavenger Hunt | author= V-Singular | date= May 15, 2009 | publisher= THQ | access-date= May 15, 2009 | archive-url= https://archive.today/20130111090458/http://community.saintsrow.com/blogs/?p=529 | archive-date= January 11, 2013 | url-status= dead | df= mdy-all }}</ref> |
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<ref name = "first screenshots">{{cite web | url = http://community.saintsrow.com/blogs/?p=525 | title = First Screenshots of DLC Pack #2 | publisher = The Row Community | date = May 1, 2009 | author = V-Singular | access-date = May 2, 2009 | archive-url = https://archive.today/20130201175327/http://community.saintsrow.com/blogs/?p=525 | archive-date = February 1, 2013 | url-status = dead | df = mdy-all }}</ref> |
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<ref name="item list">{{cite web | url= http://community.saintsrow.com/blogs/?p=554 | title= Full Item List for DLC Pack #2 | author= V-Singular | date= May 26, 2009 | publisher= THQ | access-date= May 26, 2009 | url-status= dead | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090530103616/http://community.saintsrow.com/blogs/?p=554 | archive-date= May 30, 2009 | df= mdy-all }}</ref> |
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<ref name="Auto97-110">{{cite web | url = http://www.itwire.com/content/view/24634/532/ | title = Saints Row 2 DLC to feature Aussie moustaches | publisher = iTwire | date = April 24, 2009 | last = Bantick | first = Mike | access-date = April 25, 2009 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090426004904/http://www.itwire.com/content/view/24634/532/ | archive-date = April 26, 2009 | df = mdy-all }}</ref> |
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<ref name="GameRankings: PS3">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamerankings.com/ps3/939459-saints-row-2/index.html |access-date=May 15, 2014 |title=Saints Row 2 for PlayStation 3 |work=[[GameRankings]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140517132530/http://www.gamerankings.com/ps3/939459-saints-row-2/index.html |archive-date=May 17, 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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<ref name="GameRankings: X360">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamerankings.com/xbox360/939458-saints-row-2/index.html |access-date=May 15, 2014 |title=Saints Row 2 for Xbox 360 |work=[[GameRankings]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140710093828/http://www.gamerankings.com/xbox360/939458-saints-row-2/index.html |archive-date=July 10, 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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<ref name="GameRankings: PC">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamerankings.com/pc/946770-saints-row-2/index.html |access-date=May 15, 2014 |title=Saints Row 2 for PC |work=[[GameRankings]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140517120110/http://www.gamerankings.com/pc/946770-saints-row-2/index.html |archive-date=May 17, 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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<ref name="1up review">{{cite web | url= http://www.1up.com/do/reviewPage?cId=3170694&p=4&sec=REVIEWS | title= Saints Row 2 Review | last= Barber | first= Tyler | date= October 15, 2008 | publisher= 1UP | access-date= September 20, 2009 | url-status= dead | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100105080107/http://www.1up.com/do/reviewPage?cId=3170694&p=4&sec=REVIEWS | archive-date= January 5, 2010 | df= mdy-all }}</ref> |
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<ref name="Auto97-114">{{cite web |url=http://www.next-gen.biz/reviews/review-saints-row-2 |title=Next-gen.biz |access-date=September 22, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150615134813/http://www.next-gen.biz/reviews/review-saints-row-2 |archive-date=June 15, 2015 }}</ref> |
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<ref name="eurog review">{{cite web | url= http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/saints-row-2-review | title= Saints Row 2 Review | last= Fahley | first= Rob | date= October 14, 2008 | publisher= [[Eurogamer]] | access-date= September 22, 2009 | archive-date= December 7, 2009 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20091207151935/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/saints-row-2-review | url-status= live }}</ref> |
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<ref name="gi review">{{cite web|url=http://www.gameinformer.com/NR/exeres/99E86413-CFF4-4119-B288-1C620BBD96A1.htm?CS_pid=200486 |title=Game Informer Online - Saints Row 2 Review |last=Helgeson |first=Matt |publisher=Game Informer Online |access-date=September 22, 2009 }}{{dead link|date=August 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> |
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<ref name="gspot review">{{cite web | url= http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/action/saintsrow2/review.html | title= Saints Row 2 Review for Xbox 360 | last= McShea | first= Tom | date= October 14, 2008 | publisher= GameSpot | access-date= September 22, 2009 | archive-date= July 14, 2009 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090714103732/http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/action/saintsrow2/review.html | url-status= live }}</ref> |
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<ref name="gspy review">{{cite web | url= http://xbox360.gamespy.com/xbox-360/saints-row-2/920069p3.html | title= GameSpy: Saints Row 2 | last= Villoria | first= Gerald | date= October 14, 2008 | publisher= [[GameSpy]] | access-date= September 22, 2009 | archive-date= April 17, 2009 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090417235530/http://xbox360.gamespy.com/xbox-360/saints-row-2/920069p3.html | url-status= live }}</ref> |
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<ref name="ign-us review">{{cite web | url= http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/918/918374p1.html | title= Saints Row 2 Review | last= Ahearn | first= Nate | date= October 10, 2008 | access-date= September 22, 2009 | page= 3 | publisher= IGN | archive-date= July 19, 2012 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120719024649/http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/918/918374p1.html | url-status= live }}</ref> |
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<ref name="ign-au review">{{cite web | url= http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/917/917951p1.html | title= Saints Row 2 AU Review | date= October 9, 2008 | access-date= September 22, 2009 | page= 3 | last= Kolan | first= Patrick | publisher= IGN | archive-date= January 21, 2012 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120121174042/http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/917/917951p1.html | url-status= live }}</ref> |
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<ref name="ign-uk review">{{cite web | url= http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/919/919118p1.html | title= Saints Row 2 UK Review | author1= McCarthy, Dave | author2= Sterling, Jim | name-list-style= amp | date= October 14, 2008 | publisher= IGN | access-date= September 22, 2009 | archive-date= January 21, 2012 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120121145152/http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/919/919118p1.html | url-status= live }}</ref> |
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<ref name=OXM-USReview>{{cite web|last=Cohen|first=Corey|title=Saints Row2|url=http://www.oxmonline.com/article/reviews/xbox-360/s-z/saints-row-2|publisher=Official Xbox Magazine|access-date=July 29, 2011|archive-date=August 22, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110822155112/http://www.oxmonline.com/article/reviews/xbox-360/s-z/saints-row-2|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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<ref name="Kotaku: 2008 GOTYs">{{cite web |url=http://kotaku.com/5125410/the-2008-goty-gotys-the-best-of-the-best |access-date=May 15, 2014 |title=The 2008 GOTY GOTYs: The Best of the Best |last1=Crecente |first1=Brian |author-link=Brian Crecente |date=January 7, 2009 |work=[[Kotaku]] |publisher=[[Gawker Media]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140517115421/http://kotaku.com/5125410/the-2008-goty-gotys-the-best-of-the-best |archive-date=May 17, 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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<ref name="Zero Punctuation award">{{cite web |url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/videos/view/zero-punctuation/486-Awards-for-2008 |access-date=May 15, 2014 |title=Zero Punctuation: Awards for 2008 |last1=Croshaw |first1=Ben |author-link=Ben Croshaw |date=May 15, 2014 |work=[[The Escapist (magazine)|The Escapist]] |publisher=[[Alloy Digital]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140724105121/http://www.escapistmagazine.com/videos/view/zero-punctuation/486-Awards-for-2008 |archive-date=July 24, 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref> |
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<ref name="GameShark GOTY">{{cite web |url=http://gameshark.com/goty2008/goty.asp |access-date=May 15, 2014 |title=GameShark Game of the Year 2008 |publisher=[[GameShark]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090129073040/http://gameshark.com/goty2008/goty.asp |archive-date=January 29, 2009 |url-status=dead }}</ref> |
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<ref name="GameShark GOTY X360">{{cite web |url=http://gameshark.com/goty2008/xbox360.asp |access-date=May 15, 2014 |title=GameShark Game of the Year 2008 (Xbox 360) |publisher=[[GameShark]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090129061214/http://gameshark.com/goty2008/xbox360.asp |archive-date=January 29, 2009 |url-status=dead }}</ref> |
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<ref name="GDM: 2009 JuneJuly">{{cite journal |title=2009 Top 50 Developers Report |page=9 |last=Wilson |first=Trevor |date=June–July 2009 |journal=[[Game Developer (magazine)|Game Developer]] |publisher=[[UBM TechWeb]] |url=http://www.gdcvault.com/gdmag |access-date=May 26, 2014 |archive-date=August 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210811025637/https://ubm-twvideo01.s3.amazonaws.com/o1/vault/GD_Mag_Archives/GDM_August_2012.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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<ref name="GDM: 2009 Oct">{{cite journal |title=Top 20 Publishers |page=24 |last=Wilson |first=Trevor |date=October 2009 |journal=[[Game Developer (magazine)|Game Developer]] |publisher=[[UBM TechWeb]] |url=http://www.gdcvault.com/gdmag |access-date=May 26, 2014 |archive-date=August 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210811025637/https://ubm-twvideo01.s3.amazonaws.com/o1/vault/GD_Mag_Archives/GDM_August_2012.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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<ref name="Auto97-117">{{cite web | url= http://www.next-gen.biz/reviews/review-saints-row-2 | title= Review: Saints Row 2 | author= Edge Staff | date= November 5, 2008 | publisher= [[Edge Magazine]] | access-date= September 22, 2009 | url-status= dead | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150615134813/http://www.next-gen.biz/reviews/review-saints-row-2 | archive-date= June 15, 2015 | df= mdy-all }}</ref> |
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The fourth full-length trailer was released during the [[E3|E3 Media and Business Summit]] in July 2008, and details the new customization options in ''Saints Row 2''. The trailer is set out as a fictional TV show titled ''Trick My Life'' and follows Randy the Trandy, a poorly dressed mid-30s man whose life is also the subject of the trailer, showing him being dressed up as a woman. The trailer also demonstrates the crib and gang customization in ''Saints Row 2'', showing numerous features available to the player that can be modified or changed to their liking. |
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<ref name="Auto97-119">{{cite magazine | url= http://www.ew.com/ew/gallery/0,,20162677_20164091_20248081_12,00.html | title= The Best & Worst of 2008 | magazine= Entertainment Weekly | access-date= September 22, 2009 | archive-date= February 4, 2009 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090204060504/http://www.ew.com/ew/gallery/0,,20162677_20164091_20248081_12,00.html | url-status= dead }}</ref> |
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<ref name="Auto97-120">{{cite magazine | url= https://ew.com/article/2008/10/21/saints-row-2/ | title= Videogame Review: Saints Row 2 | last= Bernardin | first= Marc | date= October 20, 2008 | magazine= [[Entertainment Weekly]] | access-date= September 22, 2009 | archive-date= April 21, 2009 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090421222936/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20234660,00.html | url-status= live }}</ref> |
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<ref name="cbs">{{cite web | url= http://www.cbs12.com/news/game-4710099-police-union.html | title= New York Police Union Wants Video Game Pulled from Shelves | date= October 15, 2008 | publisher= [[KHSL-TV|CBS 12 News]] | access-date= October 15, 2008 | url-status= dead | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110708125917/http://www.cbs12.com/news/game-4710099-police-union.html | archive-date= July 8, 2011 | df= mdy-all }}</ref> |
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<ref name = "ny daily">{{cite web | url= http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/arts/2008/10/13/2008-10-13_letting_game_players_kill_cops_and_smoke.html | title= Letting game players kill cops and smoke drugs, 'Saints Row 2' is a sin | last= Yaniv | first= Oren | date= October 13, 2008 | work= [[Daily News (New York)|New York Daily News]] | access-date= October 13, 2008 | archive-date= October 15, 2008 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081015110101/http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/arts/2008/10/13/2008-10-13_letting_game_players_kill_cops_and_smoke.html | url-status= live }}</ref> |
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<ref name="Auto97-121">{{cite web| url= http://gamespot.com/xbox360/action/saintsrow2/news.html?sid=6201094&mode=all | title= NPD: October sales defy market plunge | last= Magrino | first= Tom | date= November 13, 2008 | publisher= GameSpot | access-date= October 26, 2009}}</ref> |
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<ref name="Auto97-122">{{cite web | url= http://www.gamedaily.com/articles/features/chart-toppers-saints-row-2-sends-thq-to-heaven/ | title= Chart Toppers: Saints Row 2 Sends THQ to Heaven | last= Radd | first= David | date= December 10, 2008 | publisher= Game Daily | access-date= September 24, 2009 | archive-date= November 16, 2018 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20181116005045/http://www.gamedaily.com/articles/features/chart-toppers-saints-row-2-sends-thq-to-heaven/ | url-status= live }}</ref> |
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<ref name="Auto97-123">{{cite web | url= http://kotaku.com/5077878/saints-row-2-two-million-served-well-shipped | title= Saints Row 2: Two Million Served (Well, Shipped) | last= Plunkett | first= Luke | date= November 5, 2008 | publisher= Kotaku | access-date= November 5, 2008 | archive-date= November 9, 2008 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081109060802/http://kotaku.com/5077878/saints-row-2-two-million-served-well-shipped | url-status= live }}</ref> |
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<ref name="creutz report">{{cite web | url= http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/thq-franchises-in-decline-saints-row-2-sales-below-expectations | title= THQ franchises in decline, Saints Row 2 sales below expectations | last= Martin | first= Matt | date= January 22, 2009 | publisher= Gamesindustry.biz | access-date= October 26, 2009 | archive-date= June 15, 2009 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090615161716/http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/thq-franchises-in-decline-saints-row-2-sales-below-expectations | url-status= live }}</ref> |
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<ref name="Auto97-124">{{cite web | url= http://paidcontent.org/article/419-gaming-roundup-ubisoft-more-ea-layoffs-trouble-at-thq/ | archive-url= https://archive.today/20120712102506/http://paidcontent.org/article/419-gaming-roundup-ubisoft-more-ea-layoffs-trouble-at-thq/ | url-status= dead | archive-date= July 12, 2012 | title= Gaming Roundup: Ubisoft's Earnings; More EA Layoffs; Trouble at THQ? | last= Kee | first= Tameka | date= January 22, 2009 | publisher= Paid Content | access-date= October 26, 2009 }}</ref> |
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<ref name="Auto97-125">{{cite web | url= http://www.videogamer.com/news/analyst_anticipates_substantial_loss_for_thq.html | title= Analyst anticipates substantial loss for THQ | last= Orry | first= James | date= January 22, 2009 | publisher= VideoGamer.com | access-date= October 26, 2009 | archive-date= November 16, 2018 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20181116031728/https://www.videogamer.com/news/analyst_anticipates_substantial_loss_for_thq.html | url-status= live }}</ref> |
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<ref name="Auto97-126">{{cite web | url = http://www.shacknews.com/laryn.x?story=57093 | archive-url = https://archive.today/20130202204952/http://www.shacknews.com/laryn.x?story=57093 | url-status = dead | archive-date = February 2, 2013 | title = THQ Announces Financial Results, Cuts More Staff | first = Marteen | last = Goldstein | publisher = [[Shacknews]] | date = February 4, 2009 | access-date = February 4, 2009 }}</ref> |
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<ref name="Auto97-127">{{cite web | url= http://news.softpedia.com/news/Saints-Row-2-Shifts-Over-2-6-Million-Units-103890.shtml | title= Saints Row 2 Shifts over 2.6 Million Units | last= Dobra | first= Andrei | date= February 6, 2009 | publisher= Softpedia | access-date= October 26, 2009 | archive-date= April 22, 2009 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090422032248/http://news.softpedia.com/news/Saints-Row-2-Shifts-Over-2-6-Million-Units-103890.shtml | url-status= live }}</ref> |
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<ref name="Auto97-128">{{cite web | url= http://www.vg247.com/2009/05/06/thq-posts-431-million-loss-for-fiscal-year/ | title= THQ posts $431 million loss for fiscal year | last= Garratt | first= Patrick | date= May 6, 2009 | publisher= VG247 | access-date= October 26, 2009 | archive-date= May 12, 2009 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090512215634/http://www.vg247.com/2009/05/06/thq-posts-431-million-loss-for-fiscal-year/ | url-status= live }}</ref> |
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<ref name="Auto97-129">{{cite web | url= http://www.vg247.com/2009/05/06/saints-row-2-ships-more-than-28-million-units/ | title= Saints Row 2 ships more than 2.8 million units | last= Nunneley | first= Stephany | date= May 6, 2009 | publisher= VG247 | access-date= July 18, 2009 | archive-date= May 9, 2009 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090509103653/http://www.vg247.com/2009/05/06/saints-row-2-ships-more-than-28-million-units/ | url-status= live }}</ref> |
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<ref name="Auto97-130">{{cite web | url= http://www.vg247.com/2009/05/06/saints-row-and-dawn-of-war-sequels-to-ship-for-many-years-to-come/ | title= Saints Row and Dawn of War sequels to ship for "many years to come" | last= Garratt | first= Patrick | date= May 6, 2009 | publisher= VG247 | access-date= October 26, 2009 | archive-date= May 28, 2009 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090528082038/http://www.vg247.com/2009/05/06/saints-row-and-dawn-of-war-sequels-to-ship-for-many-years-to-come/ | url-status= live }}</ref> |
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<ref name="Auto97-132">{{cite web |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/saints-row-warhammer-40k-series-sales-top-6-million/1100-6275972/ |title=Saints Row, Warhammer 40K series sales top 6 million |date=September 15, 2010 |author=Thorsen, Tor |publisher=GameSpot |access-date=January 12, 2019 |archive-date=April 15, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190415063909/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/saints-row-warhammer-40k-series-sales-top-6-million/1100-6275972/ |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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<ref name="Polygon: Volition">{{cite web |url=http://www.polygon.com/2013/4/12/4151624/saint-row-4-volition |access-date=March 14, 2015 |title=Agent of Mayhem: The Life and Near Death of Saints Row's Volition |last=Grant |first=Christopher |date=April 12, 2013 |work=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] |publisher=[[Vox Media]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150618004131/http://www.polygon.com/2013/4/12/4151624/saint-row-4-volition |archive-date=June 18, 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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The fifth full-length trailer was released in early September 2008 and shows the co-op gameplay available in the game. Numerous co-op features are shown in the game. The trailer gained popularity as it makes fun of two American presidential candidates, [[Barack Obama]] and [[John McCain]], showing two in-game characters that look like them walking through Stilwater causing death and destruction. |
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<ref name="Metacritic: 360">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/saints-row-2/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-360 |title=Saints Row 2 Critic Reviews for Xbox 360 |work=[[Metacritic]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |access-date=March 22, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150322122930/http://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-360/saints-row-2/critic-reviews |archive-date=March 22, 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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The sixth and final full-length trailer was released in early October 2008 as the ''Saints Row 2'' official launch trailer. The game takes a heavy look at the storyline, particularly the Ultor Corporation and what they have done for Stilwater. It features the song [[Real Muthaphukkin G's]] by [[rapper]] [[Eazy E]] prominently in the second half of the trailer. |
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<ref name="Metacritic: PC">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/saints-row-2/critic-reviews/?platform=pc |title=Saints Row 2 Critic Reviews for PC |work=[[Metacritic]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |access-date=March 22, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160120130751/http://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/saints-row-2/critic-reviews |archive-date=January 20, 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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Two campaigners for the game are [[Gary Busey]], an American actor, and [[Tera Patrick]]<ref>http://kotaku.com/5031245/porn-star-tera-patricks-saints-row-2-developer-commentary</ref>, American [[Pornographic actor|porn star]]. In addition to his more direct contributions to the game, Buesy starred in online movies for the game, <ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.shacknews.com/onearticle.x/52086 | title = Gary Busey Presents Saints Row 2 | publisher = [[Shacknews]] | date = 2008-04-04 | accessdate = 2008-04-05 | first =Maarten | last = Goldstein}}</ref> titled 'Street Lessons With Uncle Gary', which are short, 30-50 second mock educational videos on street life in Stilwater. So far, ten have been released: Costumes, Flying, Heavy Weapons, Motorcycles, Nut Shots, Police Abuse, Satchel Charges, Taunting, Throwing People and Wieldable Props. Patrick has also been involved with marketing and development for the game, and so far has released a Developer Diary preview into the development of ''Saints Row 2''. |
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<ref name="Metacritic: PS3">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/saints-row-2/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-3 |title=Saints Row 2 Critic Reviews for PlayStation 3 |work=[[Metacritic]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |access-date=March 22, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160120130751/http://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-3/saints-row-2/critic-reviews |archive-date=January 20, 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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''Saints Row 2'' has received heavy funding and sponsorship, and has appeared at game conventions with its own booth. ''Saints Row 2'' has appeared at [[E3]], [[THQ]] Gamer's Day, [[Comic-Con International|Comic Con]], [[Penny Arcade Expo|PAX '08]] and [[Games Convention|Leipzig Games Convention]]. In addition, ''Saints Row 2'' provides funding and markets itself with the [[Myspace]] Music Tour. Also, numerous competitions have been launched giving away merchandise etc for players who enter. Numerous competitions include ''Pimp Your Crib'', ''Summer of Bling'', a T-shirt design contest and a minigame giving players the chance to design their own box art for the game. ''Saints Row 2'' has also supported [[Movember|Movember 2008]], an [[Australia]]n fundraiser for men's health. A special November issue of the game is available to purchase containing exclusive downloadable content. <ref>[http://community.saintsrow.com/blogs/?p=346#more-100 Saints Row 2 Movember AU]</ref> In November, 2008, THQ signed a deal with [[Massive Incorporated]] to include in-game advertisements on their Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 products. ''Saints Row 2'' was the first game to follow through and players connected to Xbox Live or PSN will be able to find movie posters throughout the city promoting upcoming releases. |
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<ref name="5years">*{{cite web |last1=Thomsen |first1=Michael |title=Saints Row 2 Head-To-Head |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2009/01/08/saints-row-2-head-to-head |website=IGN |date=January 8, 2009 |quote=The sequel picks up five years after the end of the first game... |access-date=May 1, 2020 |archive-date=February 3, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150203145915/http://www.ign.com/articles/2009/01/08/saints-row-2-head-to-head |url-status=live }} |
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==Other versions== |
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*{{cite web |last1=Code |first1=Stacy |title=Staff Review of Saints Row 2 (Xbox 360) |url=http://xboxaddict.com/Staff-Review/Xbox-360/13078/Saints-Row-2.html |website=XboxAddict |date=October 15, 2008 |quote=The story of Saints Row 2 takes up five years after the conclusion of the first game... |access-date=May 1, 2020 |archive-date=September 26, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200926234152/http://www.xboxaddict.com/Staff-Review/Xbox-360/13078/Saints-Row-2.html |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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[[Image:Saintsrowgunpack.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Saints Row 2 Gun Pack]] |
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There are two separate "Collectors Editions" available. Both contain a copy of the game, along with several extras. |
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The ''Saints Row 2'' "Initiation Pack" is exclusive to Australia and New Zealand packaged in ''Freckle Bitch's'' pizza box and includes a poster, limited edition art book, metal [[money clip]], 1GB gold bullet [[USB flash drive|USB memory stick]] with buddy icons and wallpapers and content including a basketball singlet, videos, a Saints ID card, and a Saints Rule book. |
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The ''Saints Row 2'' "Gun Pack" comes packaged in a gun mould case and includes a poster, limited edition art book and a 1GB gold bullet USB memory stick with buddy icons and wallpapers. |
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===Windows version=== |
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{{VG Requirements |
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|useminandrec=yes |
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|caption=Minimum requirements |
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|platform1=Windows |
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|os1=Windows XP/ Vista |
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|cpu1=GHz Dual-Core Processor (Intel Core 2 Duo or AMD Athlon X2) |
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|memory1=1.0 GB |
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|gpu1=128 MB 3D Video Card w/Shader Model 3.0 Support (Nvidia GeForce 7600 / ATI Radeon X1300) |
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|hdspace1=15 GB Available Hard Drive Space |
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|network1=Broadband Internet connection required for activation and multiplayer |
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|sound1=DirectX 9.0c Compatible 16-bit Sound Card |
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}} |
}} |
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==External links== |
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A port for ''Saints Row 2'' has been confirmed and was released on January 5, 2009 in North America. The PAL region release date has been pushed back a month. {{Fact|date=January 2009}} On December 16, 2008, the official specifications for the Windows version were unveiled. |
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{{Wikiquote}} |
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*[http://www.saintsrow.com/age_gate.php Official website] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100216035622/http://www.saintsrow.com/age_gate.php |date=February 16, 2010 }} |
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===Downloadable content=== |
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* {{moby game|id=/saints-row-2|name=''Saints Row 2''}} |
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Dan Sutton of Volition has stated that they are working on [[downloadable content]] for ''Saints Row 2''.<ref name="sr2 dlc">{{cite web|url=http://play.tm/news/21583/saints-row-3-already-in-development/|title=Saints Row 3 Already in Development|accessdate=2008-09-28|publisher=Play.tm}}</ref> |
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* {{IMDb title|id=1024918}} |
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On December 23, 2008, a Saints Row 2 theme and picture pack was released via PSN and Xbox Live. |
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==Reception== |
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{{Expand|date=November 2008}} |
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===Critical reception=== |
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{{VG Reviews |
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|EuroG = 9/10 |
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|GI = 8.75/10 |
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|GamePro = 3.5/5 |
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|GSpot = 8/10 |
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|IGN = 8.2/10 <ref name="ignreview" /> |
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|OXMUK = 9/10 <ref name="oxmukrev" /> |
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|OXMAU = 9/10 |
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|IGN AU = 8/10 <ref name="ignreview" /> |
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|compilation = yes |
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|X-play = 3/5 |
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|GR = 83% <ref name="gamerankings">{{cite web| url=http://www.gamerankings.com/htmlpages2/939458.asp | title= GameRankings ''Saints Row 2'' page| work=[[GameRankings]]| date=2008-10-11}}</ref> |
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|MC = 81% <ref name="metacritic">{{cite web| url=http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/xbox360/saintsrow2 | title= MetaCritic ''Saints Row 2'' page| work=[[Metacritic]]| date=2008-10-11}}</ref> |
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}} |
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''Saints Row 2'' has received generally positive reviews. ''[[GameZone]]'' gave the PS3 version a 9 out of 10 and the 360 version a 8 out of 10. The UK edition of ''[[Official Xbox Magazine]]'' gave ''Saints Row 2'' an 8 out of 10 review, praising the game's sense of humor, "This is a truly entertaining game. There's no pretension - just enjoyable mayhem". <ref name="oxmukrev">[[Official Xbox Magazine#UK Edition|Official Xbox Magazine (UK)]] (November 2008, p. 67), ''Saints Row 2'' review. [[OXM]]. ''[[Future Publishing]]''.</ref> The Australian edition gave ''Saints Row 2'' a 9 of 10 review, praising the game's co-op and side-quest missions. ''[[IGN]]'' awarded it an 8.2 of 10, stating, "the core gameplay experience is extremely enjoyable", <ref name="ignreview">{{cite web| url=http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/918/918374p1.html |title= IGN ''Saints Row 2'' review| author= Nate Ahearn| date= 2008-10-10| accessdate= 2008-10-10| language= English| pages= 3|work= [[IGN]]| publisher= [[IGN]]}}</ref> while ''IGN''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s Australian site gave it an 8 of 10, calling it "big, dumb fun". <ref name="ignaureview">{{cite web| url= http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/917/917951p1.html| title= IGN (AU) ''Saints Row 2'' review| language= English| date=2008-10-10| accessdate= 2008-10-10| pages=3| author= Patrick Kolan| work=[[IGN]]| publisher= [[IGN]]}}</ref> ''Total Video Games'' raved in its 9 of 10 review, pointing out the game's co-op mode and calling it "brilliant". <ref name="tvgreview">{{cite web| url= http://www.totalvideogames.com/articles/UK_Online_Exclusive_Saints_Row_2_13858.htm| title= TVG ''Saints Row 2'' review|language= English| pages= 1|date= 2008-10-10| accessdate= 2008-10-10| work=TVG| publisher=[[British Sky Broadcasting]]}}</ref> Ben 'Yahtzee' Croshaw of The Escapist's [[Zero Punctuation]], gave ''Saints Row 2'' a favourable review, saying that it is better than ''[[Grand Theft Auto IV]]'' in the fact that it drops realism for mindless fun. Furthermore, he has also given the game his Game of the Year. <ref name="ZeroPunctuation">{{cite web| url= http://www.escapistmagazine.com/videos/view/zero-punctuation/312-Saints-Row-2| title= Zero Punctuation: Saints Row 2|language= English|date= 2008-10-29| accessdate= 2008-12-22| work=[[Zero Punctuation]]| publisher= [[The Escapist (magazine)|The Escapist]]}}</ref> However the PC version as of release has performance issues, and IGN PC only scored the game with 6.3/10, stating, "The technical shortcomings are the only truly bad part of Saints Row 2, and, sadly for PC gamers, it pretty much kills their experience unless they can play with the bulk of the visual settings turned down or off". |
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===Commercial success=== |
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''Saints Row 2'' has sold generally well since its release. The game shipped two million units within the first two weeks of its release, <ref>[http://kotaku.com/5077878/saints-row-2-two-million-served-well-shipped Kotaku sales report (November 5, 2008)]</ref> and it is estimated that around 1.5 million units for the Xbox 360 and 500, 000 units for the PlayStation 3 have been sold. |
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===Awards=== |
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Following the critical acclaim it received upon its release, ''Saints Row 2'' has received awards from various critics and publications, including several Game of the Year awards/nominations. The Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 versions are ranked as the second and third best games of all time on [[TopTenReviews]]. The following are examples of the game's awards (all of which are 2008 awards). |
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Just Press Play has given the game: '''Game of the Year''', <ref>[http://justpressplay.net/games/game-news/4586-2008-just-press-play-game-awards.html?task=view 2008 JustPressPlay Game of the Year</ref> '''[[Sex appeal|Vixen]] of the Year''' (Shaundi) <ref>[http://justpressplay.net/games/game-news/4586-2008-just-press-play-game-awards.html?start=3 2008 JustPressPlay Vixen of the Year]</ref> and third-place for '''Best Multiplayer Game'''. <ref>[http://justpressplay.net/games/game-news/4586-2008-just-press-play-game-awards.html?start=2 2008 JustPressPlay Best Multiplayer Game]</ref> |
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[[Zero Punctuation]] has given the game: '''Copulating Jelly Baby Award for Fucking Sweet Game''' (Game of the Year). <ref name="ZeroPunctuation"/> |
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[[GameFan|Diehard GameFAN]] has given the game: '''Best Gameplay'''. <ref>[http://diehardgamefan.com/2009/01/07/diehard-gamefans-2008-gaming-awards/ Dieheard GameFAN's 2008 Gaming Awards]</ref> |
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[[GameShark]] has given the game: Runner-up for '''Xbox 360 Game of the Year''' <ref>[http://www.gameshark.com/goty2008/xbox360.asp GameShark Best Xbox 360 Game of 2008]</ref> and runner-up for '''Overall Game of the Year'''. <ref>[http://www.gameshark.com/goty2008/goty.asp GameShark Best Overall Game of 2008]</ref> |
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Sore Thumbs Blog has given the game: '''Most Overshadowed Game of the Year'''. <ref>[http://sorethumbsblog.com/post/68176902/ex-egm-awards-overshadowed Sore Thumbs Most Overshadowed Game of the Year]</ref> |
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[[The Escapist (magazine)|The Escapist]] has given the game: one of the '''Five Faves of 2008'''. <ref>[http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/88235-The-Escapist-News-Five-Faves-of-2008-Keane The Escapist's Five Faves of 2008]</ref> |
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[[Official Xbox Magazine]] has given the game: '''Sandbox Game of the Year''' and runner-up for '''Multiplayer Game of the Year'''. |
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Thick Online's Scott Harvey has given the game: Third Place for '''Top 5 Video Games'''. <ref>[http://www.thickonline.com/noozwire/index.php?mod=cnt&act=cnt&id=3798 Thick Staff's 2008 Top 5 Lists]</ref> |
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Xbox360Achievements.org has given the game: '''Most Impressive Easter Egg 2008''' <ref name="Xbox360EasterEgg"/> and second place in the '''Top 5 Villains''' (Maero). <ref>[http://www.xbox360achievements.org/news-1041-Top-5-Villains-of-2008.html Xbox360Achievements.org Top 5 Villians of 2008]</ref> |
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PC Authority has given the game: first place for the '''Top 5 Console Games of 2008'''. <ref>[http://www.pcauthority.com.au/Feature/130307,top-five-console-games-of-2008.aspx PC Authority's Top Five Console Games of 2008]</ref> |
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Fidgit has given the game: second place for the '''Top 10 Games of 2008'''. <ref>[http://fidgit.com/archives/2008/12/the-top-10-games-of-2008.php Fidgit's Top 10 Games of 2008]</ref> |
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===Controversies=== |
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Since the release of ''Saints Row 2'', the game has been subject to some controversy. [[New York City]] figures including [[New York City Police Department|NYPD]] union boss Patrick Lynch, Governor of New York [[David Paterson]] and lawyer [[Leslie Crocker Snyder]] have expressed concern about the game. [[Disbarment|Disbarred]], anti-video game lawyer [[Jack Thompson (attorney)|Jack Thompson]] has criticized the game for its violent nature. |
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The game did not gain a favourable response from [[New York City]] officials and police. City spokespersons want to see the game pulled from its shelves, and [[NYPD]] [[Patrolmen's Benevolent Association of the City of New York|union]] boss Patrick Lynch has criticized the game, stating that "these horrible and violent video games desensitize young people to violence while encouraging depravity, immorality while glorifying criminal behavior". <ref>[http://www.cbs12.com/news/game_4710099___article.html/police_union.html New York Police Union Wants Video Game Pulled from Shelves]</ref> Jack Thompson, a former [[Florida]] lawyer and longtime critic of violent video games, called ''Saints Row 2'' a "[[Grand Theft Auto clone|Grand Theft Auto ripoff]]," and said that "as is true with pornography, as is true with violence, the subsequent products tend to push the envelope even more". <ref>[http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/arts/2008/10/13/2008-10-13_letting_game_players_kill_cops_and_smoke.html Letting game players kill cops and smoke drugs, 'Saints Row 2' is a sin]</ref> On Tuesday, October 14, 2008, the game's US release date, candidate Leslie Crocker Snyder and others spoke out against the game, surrounded by police union members who support her bid. [[David Paterson|Gov. Paterson]] signed a bill in July, 2008 requiring prominent display of age ratings on video games and mandating parental control on game consoles by [[2010]]. |
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The version of ''Saints Row 2'' released in [[Germany]] and [[Japan]] was edited to remove content to allow the game to meet their classification systems. However, much to the relief of [[Australia]]n gamers, the game did not have to be edited to meet the [[Office of Film and Literature Classification (Australia)|OFLC]] classification systems and was sold as an MA15+ game unedited. |
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===Technical issues=== |
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Almost immediately after ''Saints Row 2'' was released, complaints were made over issues concerning campaign freezing, multiplayer bugs and glitches. A patch is in development and will be released soon. |
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== See also == |
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* ''[[Saints Row (video game)]]'' |
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* ''[[Saints Row (series)]]'' |
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== References == |
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{{reflist|2}} |
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== External links == |
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* [http://www.saintsrow.com/ Official ''Saints Row 2'' site] |
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* [http://www.volition-inc.com/ Volition, Inc. home page] |
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Latest revision as of 11:52, 16 December 2024
Saints Row 2 | |
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Developer(s) | Volition[a] |
Publisher(s) | THQ Deep Silver (Linux) |
Director(s) | Clint Ourso |
Producer(s) | Greg Donovan[4][5] |
Designer(s) | Scott Philips[6] James Tsai[7][8] |
Programmer(s) | Nicholas Lee Jeff Thompson |
Artist(s) | Frank Marquart |
Writer(s) | Steve Jaros Drew Holmes |
Series | Saints Row |
Platform(s) | Microsoft Windows[9] PlayStation 3[10] Xbox 360 Linux |
Release | PlayStation 3, Xbox 360[1][2] Windows Linux[3]
|
Genre(s) | Action-adventure |
Mode(s) | Single-player, multiplayer |
Saints Row 2 is a 2008 action-adventure game developed by Volition and published by THQ. It is the sequel to 2006's Saints Row and the second installment in the Saints Row series. The game was released in October 2008 for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, January 2009 for Microsoft Windows, and April 2016 for Linux. A mobile tie-in game was developed by G5 Entertainment and also released in October 2008. Saints Row 2 directly follows from the events of the first game, as the player's custom character awakens from a coma after five years[11] to find that their gang, the 3rd Street Saints, has been disbanded, and their former territories taken over by newly-formed criminal syndicates and a corrupt corporation. With the help of new and old allies, the player attempts to rebuild the Saints and take back Stilwater from their rivals.
Story missions are unlocked by trading in "Respect" points, currency earned by completing minigames and side-missions. Outside of the main story, players can freely roam Stilwater, which has been expanded with new locations and consists of two main islands. The game is played from a third-person perspective and its world is navigated on-foot or by vehicle. Players can fight enemies using a variety of firearms, and call in non-playable gang members to assist them. An online multiplayer mode allows two players to explore Stilwater together while completing missions and activities, or multiple players to engage in a variety of cooperative and competitive game modes.
Saints Row 2's developers opted for a more comedic tone to set the game apart from the Grand Theft Auto series, with which the original game was compared by most reviewers for their similar premise and gameplay elements. The game's promotional effort included various public showings, special editions and downloadable content including the Ultor Exposed and Corporate Warfare mission packages. Reviews were largely favorable, praising the action and straightforward gameplay, while criticizing technical issues and a lack of innovation. The Windows port in particular was heavily criticized for technical issues not present in any of the other versions. The game had sold around 400,000 units by November 2008, and 3.4 million units by September 2010. A sequel, Saints Row: The Third, was released in November 2011.
Gameplay
[edit]Saints Row 2 is an action-adventure video game set in an open world environment, offering the player a large open environment in which to move around. The player's character is capable of maneuvering through the environment, utilizing weaponry and engaging in melee combat warfare.[1][12] After successfully completing the first game mission, the player meets the Third Street Saints and begin their devious schemes with the gang. Missions are unlocked by earning 'Respect' points from minigames and side-missions[13] and although completing missions is necessary for game progression, players can complete them at their own leisure. The player is granted the option of instantly retrying the missions should they fail an attempt. Numerous checkpoints save progress in each mission, and missions can be replayed from locations within the environment. Aside from attempting missions, the player can explore the environment, purchase items at shops and participate in the aforementioned mini-games and side-missions.[14][unreliable source?] The player can also wreak havoc upon the city of Stilwater which can provoke potentially fatal attention from authoritative forces.[15] The player can recruit members from a friendly gang and use a mobile phone to contact friends and/or businesses, as well as to input cheat codes.[16] Entering cheats will disable Xbox 360 achievements.
Players drive vehicles that are stolen, bought or unlocked. Aside from automobiles, players can use boats and water craft,[17] helicopters,[18] fixed-wing aircraft,[19] and motorcycles.[15][20] A cruise control system can be activated while using land or sea vehicles.[21] Waypoints can be placed on the pause-screen map, leaving a GPS route between the player character's location and the set destination. Players can hail taxicab services and pay a fee to quickly navigate the city. By taking land vehicles to Mechanics, players can apply paint schemes, body mods, hydraulics and nitrous oxide.
Players create their own character through a system that allows them to modify gender, ethnicity, fitness, voice, face and hairstyle.[22][23][24] Walk and fighting styles, and personality traits can be assigned.[16][20][24] Players purchase clothes, tattoos and piercings, and set outfits can be bought or created and saved to the player character's wardrobe.[18][25] "Cribs" (safe houses) allow players to withdraw earnings, change outfits, replay missions and save the game.[22] Cribs can be customized by applying themes and purchasing objects like TVs and pool tables.[20] Boats and fixed-wing aircraft can be stored at purchased docks and hangars. Players select the outfits, vehicles, gestures and graffiti styles used by street members of the Third Street Saints.[26]
The combat systems from Saints Row have been updated but many of the basics remain unchanged.[12] While engaging in melee-based combat, the player character will perform combos and charge up attacks,[25] and can execute a finishing move if three consecutive hits are dealt.[16] With a gun equipped, the player can perform a groin attack, and can zoom in for a finer aim reticle.[24] The player can also employ the use of human shields,[16] and can use makeshift weapons pulled from the environment e.g. fire hydrants, cement blocks.[22] Should the player either commit illegal activities or incite rival gang members, they will provoke potentially fatal attention from authoritative figures or rival gangs. The notoriety bar is a visual representation of the proactivity of the opposing figures' response and continual inciting of these groups will bring about a more powerful response, such as SWAT teams from the police. The player will continue to be chased by these groups until captured or killed and must reduce the notoriety bar by either hiding from the police or gang and wait for it to "cool off", or by seeking out a drive-through confessional which will clear the notoriety bar for a small fee.[15] Should the player character be apprehended or killed, a small percentage of the player's earnings will be removed and the player will respawn at law or healthcare institutions. The game contains over forty different weapons, many of which have been recycled from Saints Row. The game allows the player to utilise new weapon types, examples of which include satchel charges, laser-guided rocket launchers, chainsaws and more.[27][28] The player has the ability to dual wield handguns and submachine guns. Weaponry can be purchased by the player from specific stores or unlocked throughout in-game progress.[19]
Open world
[edit]Players navigate the open world, fictional city of Stilwater. The city consists of forty-five neighborhoods divided between twenty districts. It is expanded from Saints Row's version of Stilwater, roughly one-and-a-half times as big and featuring new districts such as the prison, nuclear power plant, and expanded airport among others.[24] Game developers stated that the city has very much been redeveloped and each individual neighborhood has been touched up in one way or another.[29] According to the storyline, the in-game corporation Ultor spent more than 300 million dollars redeveloping the city,[24] funding the police force and, as it states, turning the "once crime-ridden third-tier city" into an "urban utopia". The Saint's Row district is a more notable change within the city, having been completely redesigned and serving as the location of Ultor's headquarters; a towering skyscraper referred to as the Phillips Building.[30] Many old districts from the earlier revision of Stilwater have also seen changes. Examples include the expansion taken place on the Suburbs district, which is double the size of its depiction in Saints Row and the Museum district, which features the Eramenos Ancient Greek museum exhibit, complete with models of the Acropolis of Athens and Theatre of Dionysus.[31] There are also several completely new districts, such as the Marina and the University.[29]
From the beginning of the game, the map of Stilwater is fully visible. However, shops and activities will simply be displayed as a question mark until the player discovers them. By completing missions and wiping out enemy strongholds the player gains control of the various neighborhoods the city is split into. There are over 130 interiors within the city, and hidden events can be triggered by some,[17] including over ninety shops which can be purchased when the player controls each shops' associated territory.[26] The player gets a 10% discount at owned stores and buying an entire chain of departments will mean that the protagonist's face appears on in-game billboard advertisements.[26] The game shares technology with that of Red Faction: Guerrilla, another Volition-developed game and so certain elements of the environment are fully destructible.[16] A number of Easter eggs are placed within the sandbox, including the pop-out Easter Bunny which won "Top Easter Egg of 2008".[32]
Respect system
[edit]The Respect system is a scoring system where the player earns Respect points to unlock missions and progress through the storyline. The player can partake in storyline and stronghold missions only after filling up at least one bar of Respect, and Respect points are removed when the player starts a mission. The 'style rank' is a modifier of how much Respect the player can earn; this is increased by purchasing items for the player character. Respect points can be earned in two ways; by progressing through side-missions called Activities and by completing mini-games and stunts called Diversions.[13]
There are a broad range of Activities and Diversions available for the player to progress through. Many of the game's Activities made appearance in Saints Row and a variety of new Activities have also been introduced in the game.[14] Examples include an underground fight club, a parody of the Cops television show known as FUZZ and numerous others.[25][33] Each Activity can be initiated from various locations and plays out over six levels of increasing difficulty. The Activities have been designed to suit solo and co-operative play.[34] Most Diversions do not have specific start points. There are numerous Diversions playable in the game, such as acts of indecent exposure, combat and driving stunts, car surfing and a survival horror minigame called Zombie Uprising.[1][33][35][36]
Multiplayer
[edit]Saints Row 2 has various multiplayer components implemented throughout the game. Through an online network or through System Linking, the player can progress through the game with a cooperative partner.[37][38] While in co-op mode, both players can explore the city and progress through the game's storyline missions and minigames.[38][39][40] Both players are rewarded and credited for completion of such activities,[38][41] and the players can furthermore play against each other in competitive metagames.[42][43][44] The co-op mode is "drop-in/drop-out" and there is no limit as to how far the players can be away from each other.[17][38][45]
The game contains competitive multiplayer modes, supporting between four and twelve players in a match.[46][47] There are two standard deathmatch modes; the free-for-all "Gangsta Brawl" mode and its team-based variant, "Team Gangsta Brawl".[48] Another mode, known as "Strong Arm", puts two teams against each other fighting for control over the neighborhood.[39][49] In "Strong Arm", the first team to earn $100,000,000 wins and money is earned by competing head-to-head in activities, controlling "tag spots" which serve as bonus modifiers or by eliminating members of the opposing team.[50] While in a party, players are free to roam around a lobby.[48][51] The player can rank up in multiplayer and displays this by earning various "badges" which are displayed next to the player's name.[51][52] By ranking up, the player can unlock more expensive clothing for their multiplayer character.[citation needed]
The multiplayer mode on PC and PlayStation 3 was discontinued in May 2014 when GameSpy's servers were shut down.[53] However, the PC version's multiplayer can still be played via LAN tunneling software such as Evolve or Tunngle and the PS3 version's multiplayer can still be played using XLink Kai. The Xbox 360 versions of the game were unaffected as they use the Xbox network for matchmaking.[54]
Plot
[edit]Four years after the explosion on Richard Hughes' yacht, the player character (Charles Shaughnessy, Kenn Michael, Alex Mendoza, Katie Semine, G. K. Bowes, or Rebecca Sanabria), who was the sole survivor, awakens from a coma within the infirmary of Stilwater's maximum security prison after undergoing extensive plastic surgery. They escape to Stilwater with the help of Carlos Mendoza (Joe Camareno), the brother of a former 3rd Street Saints member.
Carlos explains that the Saints have since disbanded, with most members being arrested by Troy Bradshaw (Michael Rapaport), an undercover cop who had infiltrated the gang as a lieutenant and has since become chief of police, using his influence to protect the imprisoned Saints. In the gang's absence, three new gangs have taken over the city: the Brotherhood, a metalhead gang who conduct gun-running operations; the Sons of Samedi, a Haitian Vodou gang who run drugs operations; and the Ronin, a Japanese bosozoku gang who conduct gambling and porn operations. Also, the Saints' former base of operations, the Saint's Row district, has been redeveloped into a pristine commercial and residential area by the Ultor Corporation, who have further plans for Stilwater.
The player works to rebuild the Saints, rescuing former lieutenant Johnny Gat (Daniel Dae Kim) from his trial. The pair then recruit new members, including Carlos and Gat's acquaintances, Pierce Washington (Arif S. Kinchen) and Shaundi (Eliza Dushku), as lieutenants, and set up a new headquarters in a hotel destroyed by an earthquake. Afterwards, the player steps up as the Saints' new leader, now going under the moniker of "The Boss", and declares war on the rival gangs, assigning the Saints lieutenants to discover more about each.
Carlos researches the Brotherhood, led by Maero (Michael Dorn). After the Boss rejects Maero's deal to join forces and split their profits (80% to the Brotherhood and 20% to the Saints), a series of rebound retaliations result in the deaths of Carlos (who is dragged by a speeding truck and forcibly mercy killed by the Boss) and Maero's girlfriend Jessica (Jaime Pressly) (who the Boss locks in her car to be inadvertently crushed by Maero with his monster truck). After assaulting the Brotherhood's base and forcing Maero to flee, the Boss kills him during a demolition derby to end the Brotherhood.
Shaundi investigates the Sons of Samedi, led by "The General" (Greg Eagles) and his right-hand, Mr. Sunshine (Phil LaMarr). After the Saints disrupt the Samedi's operations and steal most of their customers, Samedi lieutenant and one of Shaundi's exes, DJ Veteran Child (Neil Patrick Harris), is forced by the gang to kidnap Shaundi. After the Boss kills Veteran Child to rescue Shaundi, the Saints continue their war on the Samedi by destroying their drug factories and killing Mr. Sunshine. Since the General runs his gang from an armored limo that is constantly on the move, the Boss and Shaundi hack the city's police street camera system to track it. Afterwards, they set up an ambush as the limo drives past the city mall and manage to take out the General, ending the Sons of Samedi.
Pierce focuses on the Ronin, led by Shogo Akuji (Yuri Lowenthal) and his second-in-command, Jyunichi (Brian Tee) – on behalf of Shogo's father, Kazuo, who leads international operations. After the Saints rob their casino, the Ronin retaliate by infiltrating the home of Gat's girlfriend Aisha (Sy Smith), killing her and severely wounding Gat, after which the Boss kills Jyunichi (who was sold out by Shogo out of envy for Jyunichi's closer bond with Kazuo). Once Gat recovers, he and the Boss retaliate by burying Shogo alive after he ambushes them at Aisha's funeral, and ultimately killing Kazuo, ending the Ronin.
After defeating the rival gangs, the Saints find themselves targeted by Ultor's power-hungry CEO, Dane Vogel (Jay Mohr), who was playing the gangs against each other to lower real estate throughout Stilwater and allow Ultor to purchase it and redevelop. After fending off several attacks by Ultor's private security forces, the Saints retaliate by destroying one of the company's labs and killing its board of directors. Taking advantage of this to assume full control of Ultor, Vogel decides to personally deal with the Saints, but is ambushed by the Boss at a press conference. The Boss fights a way to Vogel's office and kills him, allowing the Saints to return ruling over Stilwater undisputed.
At any point during the game, the Boss can listen to wiretap conversations at the police station, which reveal that after being arrested and asked to disband the Saints by Troy, former Saints leader Julius Little (Keith David) planted the bomb on Hughes' yacht to kill the Boss, knowing there would be a refusal to quit, then retired. The Boss calls former Saints lieutenant Dexter "Dex" Jackson, who left the gang to work for Ultor, to discuss the findings, only to confront Julius instead at the Saints' old church. Realizing Dex led them to a trap, the pair fend off an attack by Ultor's security forces. Afterwards, the Boss shoots and injures Julius, who calls his former friend out for straying away from the Saints ideals. Unmoved, the Boss finishes Julius off.
Development
[edit]Volition began work on Saints Row 2 in 2005, about a year before Saints Row was released.[29][30] The sequel was first announced by THQ's CEO Brian Farrell in a February 2007 conference call, alongside another six franchise continuations for the 2008 fiscal year.[55] Game details began to surface in May 2008 after the first teaser trailer was released and sites like IGN and GameSpot reported on an early version of the game.[56]
One of the development team's core goals was to develop an identity for the Saints Row franchise within the open world genre.[4] The series was known as a "Grand Theft Auto clone" based on its first release's similarities to the open world sandbox game Grand Theft Auto III.[57] Accordingly, Saints Row 2 was compared to the Grand Theft Auto series' own upcoming sequel, Grand Theft Auto IV.[58][59] When questioned about the two sequels' close release dates, lead producer Greg Donovan responded that they thought their game could compete, that he saw the Grand Theft Auto sequel moving "in a more realistic direction",[60] and that there was "room for more than just one game" in the open world genre as "a very different experience than what ... other games are looking to do".[12] The team took an "over-the-top" design approach, with cartoonish pastiche and "wild and outrageous" gameplay.[8] Many early game elements were considered too crass to be included in the final release.[8]
Many of the original Saints Row developers continued onto the sequel's team. Thus, the team worked from their lessons learned rather than starting anew. The two games were consequently similar in design.[7] They overhauled the game engine to enhance the sequel's graphics,[5] and added contrast and higher-quality textures to make the city setting of Stilwater more realistic.[26] Visual enhancements were also applied to people, cars, explosions, lighting, shadows, and the weather system.[5][26] A central design goal was to "create a world that exists independent of the player" that featured more realistic non-player characters (NPCs)[61] that would smoke cigarettes, use cellphones, drink coffee, open umbrellas when it rained, and physically interact. The original game's engine could not support proximity NPC interaction like sitting together or cuddling.[62] As the city design finalized late in development, the team laboriously hand-placed 20,000 nodes throughout the game world that trigger NPC actions.[62]
The Saints Row series narrative was conceived as a three-part story, with Saints Row 2 as the second of the three.[63] While the developers continued the story of the original game, they sought to accommodate newcomers to the series.[29] The final script had roughly 80,000 lines of dialogue, twice that of Saints Row's.[62] The story drew strong cinematic influence from Quentin Tarantino films Pulp Fiction[5] and Kill Bill.[64] While the script was written to follow "a path of betrayal, revenge and redemption", the game retains Saints Row's light humor,[65] with the "over-the-top, socially distorted" narrative juxtaposed with dark, gritty moments.[64] Saints Row's silent protagonist speaks in Saints Row 2, granting the protagonist more personality and improving the storytelling, according to James Tsai, one of the lead designers.[64] They sought to heavily stylize the game's characters and assign them unique personality traits.[6][29] The basic character designs followed naturally from the story Volition wanted to tell, but the characters' personalities and mannerisms were mainly a product of the voice acting performances, where the actors had freedom to interpret and develop their characters.[29] The game's voice actors include film and television stars such as Neil Patrick Harris, Michael Dorn, Mila Kunis, Jay Mohr, Keith David, and Eliza Dushku.[66]
While the first game was released as an Xbox 360 exclusive, Volition expanded the sequel's initial development to the PlayStation 3 platform.[10] The platform was successful in Europe, where Volition wished to expand. The port was developed in-house by a team that previously worked on Xbox 360 development. They struggled with the PlayStation 3's Cell architecture.[67] The game was particularly unstable during development, and would crash after several hours of play.[4] Lead producer Greg Donovan blamed their "failing to take systems and features to completion" as programmers fought last-minute bugs, artists lacked time to finalize designs, and consequently, playtest versions were not ready until late in the development cycle.[4]
Soundtrack and audio
[edit]The game's soundtrack features about 170 licensed tracks accessible across twelve in-game radio stations while driving or at home. Station genres include pop, rock, hip-hop, R&B, funk, soul, alternative, indie, metal, easy listening, world, classical, reggae, and electronic with artists such as As I Lay Dying, Opeth, Duran Duran, Lamb of God, The Used, My Chemical Romance, Avenged Sevenfold, Paramore, Panic! at the Disco and Run-D.M.C.[68][69] The player can create a custom playlist of the licensed tracks to play on a separate station.[69] Lead audio designer Frank Petreikis's budget for licensed music was double that of the previous game so as to secure more prominent tracks.[70]
Volition extended the game's over-the-top atmosphere and humor into the radio stations via commercials.[7] For example, commercials that promoted Ultor Corporation products served to enhance the player's sense of the corporation's omnipresence in Stilwater.[71] The radio commercials were recorded with voice actors in the same room, rather than apart, so as to maximize their group dynamism.[71] Many of the in-game commercials went through several drafts and the developers found this writing process to be challenging.[71]
Marketing
[edit]Prior to its release, Saints Row 2 was heavily marketed and promoted through Internet and television trailers. Volition also ran several fan contests with series-related paraphernalia as prizes. The game's original release date was delayed for marketing considerations.[72] The game's first trailer, in March 2008, was presented as a tourism promotion about the Ultor Corporation's role in rebuilding Stilwater.[73] A full marketing campaign featuring American film actor Gary Busey began the next month.[74][75] The Street Lessons with Uncle Gary video series demonstrated particular aspects of gameplay.[76][77][78][79][80][81][82] Subsequent trailers over the next several months also highlighted gameplay elements,[83][84][85][86] but one made light of Grand Theft Auto IV's lack of replay value,[87] and another demonstrated the cooperative mode using characters modeled on the candidates from the 2008 United States presidential election.[88] A redesigned official website and community network was launched in July 2008,[89] and American pornographic actress Tera Patrick was featured in her own marketing campaign for the game.[26][90]
Promotional contests throughout mid-2008 included "Pimp Your Crib"[91] and "Summer of Bling".[92][93] Another competition from THQ and WorthPlaying gave the winner a trip to a San Francisco Saints Row 2 multiplayer event and published their thoughts online.[94][95] British fashion label Joystick Junkies ran a T-shirt design competition in September 2008, and the top entry was featured in the game's first downloadable content pack.[96][97] Another round of "Summer of Bling" awarded the shirts as prizes.[98][99] The "Trick Your Pack" tool launched in September let the player create their own game box art.[100][101] There were also other promotions and give-aways.[102][103] At conventions, Saints Row 2 appeared at the 2008 E3, THQ Gamer's Day, San Diego Comic-Con,[104] PAX, GameStop Expo,[105] and Leipzig Games Conventions. The game also promoted itself in the Myspace Music Tour[106] and November 2008, an Australian fundraiser for men's health.[107] In November, THQ signed a deal with Massive Incorporated to include in-game advertisements on their Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 products.[108] In-game and online, players can also find movie posters throughout the city that promote upcoming releases.[109]
Release
[edit]The game was originally scheduled for release in North America on August 26, 2008,[110] but was delayed to October 14[2][111] both to add final touches and to launch in a more advantageous release window.[72] The game released in three different "Collectors Editions", each with a copy of the game, a poster, a limited edition art book, and several extras. The Saints Row 2 "Initiation Pack", exclusive to Australia and New Zealand, included promotional items such as a pizza box and bullet-shaped USB memory stick.[112] The Russia-exclusive "Gift - Buka Edition" also included the bullet-shaped USB stick,[113] and the "Gun Pack" included a gun-shaped USB stick.[114][115] A month before the game's release, Saints Row 2 producer Dan Sutton stated in an interview that they "definitely" planned to make downloadable content.[116]
PC releases
[edit]In June 2008, THQ confirmed that a Microsoft Windows port of the game was in development.[9][117] It was developed by the localization team at CD Projekt, the CD Projekt Localisation Centre.[118] The studio later became known as Porting House,[119] and has been referred to by Volition as "CD Projekt Black" (in parallel to CD Projekt Red).[120] The port was released in North America on January 5, 2009,[121] in Europe on January 23, and in Australia on February 5.[122] In April 2016, Volition released a Linux port of the Windows version.[3]
In the aftermath of the auctioning of THQ's assets following its bankruptcy in 2013, the source code for the PC port of Saints Row 2 was believed to be lost.[123] In the interim, the game has become highly unplayable, with no multiplayer support following the shutdown of the GameSpy service. In October 2019, Volition announced it had found the source code and that it would begin work to rebuild the game for modern systems, including replacing GameSpy with Steam matchmaking support, along with allowing for user mods. Additionally, when the update is released it will contain the two DLCs, "Ultor Exposed" and "Corporate Warfare" which had not been previously released for personal computers.[124] The community manager that had led the effort, Mike Watson (also known as "IdolNinja"), died from cancer on August 5, 2021, but he was aware his condition had been deteriorating in the prior year and ensured that the work was moved to a small team with Volition's and Deep Silver's support to continue on without his lead.[125]
Downloadable content
[edit]Saints Row 2 received several downloadable content (DLC) releases, including two episodic expansion packs: Ultor Exposed and Corporate Warfare.
Ultor Exposed adds character customization[126] and vehicle options, including Red Faction: Guerrilla-themed content.[127] The Saints attempt to destroy Ultor and they get help from an Ultor worker, Tera, to expose Ultor's darker side. It also adds multiplayer content,[128] including four online multiplayer maps[126] and a cooperative mode metagame[128] wherein players compete for a cash bonus during story missions by accumulating points from special kill bonuses and property damage.[129] The pack's missions feature American pornographic actress Tera Patrick,[128] who plays a whistleblower and former microbiologist for the Ultor Corporation.[130] Originally slated for release on April 16, 2009,[131] the pack was delayed a week to April 23 so it could be released alongside the demo for Volition-developed game Red Faction: Guerrilla.[132][133] It was released on April 23, 2009.[134][135] IGN praised the game's new co-op metagame but criticized its relatively short missions.[136] Eurogamer gave a negative review and criticized its value proposition.[137]
Corporate Warfare focuses on the struggle between the 3rd Street Saints and the Ultor Corporation.[138] The pack adds character costume,[139][140][141] facial hair,[141][142] and vehicle options.[126][138][139] It also includes three multiplayer maps[141] and another cooperative mode metagame wherein players compete in ranking by performing vehicle stunts.[141] Corporate Warfare was released via digital download on May 28, 2009.[143]
Reception
[edit]Aggregator | Score |
---|---|
GameRankings | (PS3) 83% (44 reviews)[144] (X360) 83% (66 reviews)[145] (PC) 71% (11 reviews)[146] |
Metacritic | PC: 72/100[147] PS3: 82/100[148] X360: 81/100[149] |
Publication | Score |
---|---|
1Up.com | B[150] |
Edge | 5/10[151] |
Eurogamer | 9/10[152] |
Game Informer | 8.75/10[153] |
GameSpot | 8/10[154] |
GameSpy | [155] |
IGN | (US) 8.2/10[156] (AU) 8/10[157] (UK) 7.5/10[158] |
Official Xbox Magazine (US) | 9/10[159] |
The PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 releases of the game received "generally favorable" reviews, according to video game review score aggregator Metacritic, and the Windows release received "mixed or average" reviews.[148][149]
Yahtzee Croshaw of The Escapist's Zero Punctuation named Saints Row 2 his 2008 game of the year.[160][161] It was a runner-up for GameShark's overall and Xbox 360 games of the year.[162][163] Game Developer named Volition in their top 50 developers of the year for their work on the game,[164] and THQ in their top 20 publishers.[165]
The console version of Saints Row 2 garnered generally positive reviews. The PC version was relatively less well received due to frame rate issues and visual pop-in. 1UP.com gave the game a B, stating that it "relishes the hedonistic aspects of the open-world genre", that it has "plenty of innovation" and that the "excellence in the presentation makes the world of Saints [Row] 2 a great introduction for newcomers to open world games".[150]
Eurogamer gave the game a 9/10, stating that it "is one of the most ridiculous and enjoyable games of the year".[152] Game Informer gave the game an 8.75/10, stating that "in its own silly, b-movie way, it's a damn fun game" and a "profately good time".[153] GameSpot gave the game an 8.0/10, stating that "from beginning to end, this is one of the most fun urban chaos games out there" and that it will "keep you happily creating havoc for a long time".[154] GameSpy gave the game four and a half stars out of five, stating that it "offers up a shooting and driving experience that is plenty of fun" and that it is "self-consciously funny in its irreverence" and "will definitely appeal to much of its audience".[155]
IGN U.S. gave the game an 8.2/10, stating that "the core gameplay experience is extremely enjoyable".[156] IGN AU gave the game an 8/10, stating that it is "big, dumb fun".[157] IGN UK gave the game a 7.5/10, stating that it "demonstrates that there is still plenty of mileage to be eked out of open-world games" and that "there's certainly enough here to keep any fans of sandbox violence entertained".[158]
Among positive acclaim, some publishers gave the game generally negative reviews. UK magazine Edge gave the game a 5/10, stating that "few of the game's details will stick in your mind for long, and its pranky focus means it rarely gives you anything interesting to do with the toys on offer".[166]
Entertainment Weekly flagged the game as "racist, misogynistic, crude, cynical, humorless and stupid" and labelled it the worst game of 2008,[167] despite previously giving the game a B and calling it "a larcenous good time".[168]
The game did not gain a favourable response from New York City officials and police. City spokespersons requested that the game be pulled from shelves upon its release; NYPD union boss Patrick Lynch criticized the game, stating that "these horrible and violent video games desensitize young people to violence while encouraging depravity, immorality while glorifying criminal behavior".[169]
Jack Thompson, a former lawyer and longtime critic of violent video games, called Saints Row 2 a "Grand Theft Auto ripoff", and said that "as is true with pornography, as is true with violence, the subsequent products tend to push the envelope even more".[170] On Tuesday, October 14, 2008, the game's US release date, candidate Leslie Crocker Snyder and others spoke out against the game, surrounded by police union members who support her bid.[169]
Governor David Paterson signed a bill in July 2008 requiring prominent display of age ratings on video games and mandating parental control on game consoles by 2010.[170]
In 2021, PC Gamer listed Saints Row 2 as one of the worst PC ports.[171]
Sales
[edit]Saints Row 2 sold approximately 365,000 copies in its first month, outselling Dead Space, which was released the same day.[172] The Xbox 360 version comprised the majority of these sales.[173] The game shipped over two million units by the end of 2008.[174] Still, analyst Doug Creutz reported that the game's sales to this point were well below expectations.[175][176][177] Following Saints Row 2's January 2009 Windows release, the game had shipped over 2.6 million copies by the next month.[178][179] In May 2009, THQ reported a $431 million loss in revenue, but Saints Row 2 sales totaled 2.8 million.[180][181] Combined with the original release, the series had worldwide sales in excess of six million, making it one of the best-selling video game franchises.[182]
As of September 2010, Saints Row 2 has sold over 3.4 million units worldwide.[183] The game's success led THQ to shift its focus to large franchises.[165]
Notes
[edit]- ^ Ported to Windows by CD Projekt Localisation Centre
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External links
[edit]- Official website Archived February 16, 2010, at the Wayback Machine
- Saints Row 2 at MobyGames
- Saints Row 2 at IMDb
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