By David Rockey

RF!RC! is back and brings with it one of the best games of the new generation of consoles, “Saints Row 2.” The sequel to the 2006 Xbox 360 game is everything that the original was and way, way more. Better than that, it is super-cheap!

Saints Row 2
Xbox 360, Playstation 3, PC
MSRP: $20 or less

“Saints Row 2” is one of the best values available today. The game is an open-world crime sim, much like the older “Grand Theft Auto” games. Gangland combat, immature humor, bloody gun battles, and ridiculous mission structure all conspire to make “Saints Row 2” one of the most well-rounded and varied experiences available on any platform.

“Saints Row 2” continues the story set up by the original title. But the game does not require previous knowledge of the series to be enjoyed. Basically, all you need to know about the original game is that your character was the number-two man in a gang called “The Third Street Saints.” The gang took over most of the town of Stilwater. Your character, sadly, was betrayed by the leader of “The Saints,” a guy named Julius.

The game opens with your character waking up from a coma and breaking out of jail to begin your march to infamy and reclaim “The Saints” rightful place as the leaders of Stilwater. In your absence, a company called Ultor swept in to town during their time of need and started a city-wide urban renewal project that attempted to make Stilwater a better place for its citizens. The guys at Ultor are jerks, and it is your job to take the three main gangs in the town down and destroy the Ultor’s grip on the town of Stilwater.

The game plays a lot like your typical open-world game. You run, you shoot, you complete missions, you throw a guy in a hot dog costume in front of a train... Wait, yeah, I guess the game is pretty different from other open world games. At first glance, you won’t notice the things that set the game apart from its contemporaries. But when you start taking on the Septic Avenger missions that have you shooting liquid poop at buildings to lower their property value, all the while listening to the psychotic ramblings of a French woman with a potty mouth, you realize “Saints Row 2” doesn’t take itself too seriously. If you were turned off by the oppressive and somber tone of “Grand Theft Auto IV,” you owe yourself the pleasure of playing through “Saints Row 2.”

“Saints Row 2” is an awesome game, one of the best I have played this generation. The game has hundreds of missions to take on, fun competitive multiplayer, full co-op throughout all of the missions and diversions, and a story that is fun, funny, and satisfying. Best of all, the game is dirt-cheap! Play “Saints Row 2”. GO! NOW!