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9 Games Like Saints Row

Explore top games reminiscent of “Saints Row” – thrill, audacity & humor. Discover alternatives like Yakuza 0, GTA 5, Far Cry 6, Borderlands 2, & many more.

If you’re a fan of the thrill and audacity that “Saints Row” offers, you’re in for a treat with these numerous alternatives that can deliver a comparable gaming experience.

From engaging in ferocious gang wars in “Yakuza 0”, to vibing with the animated action in “Borderlands 2”, or even exploring the character-building journey of “Far Cry 6”, each game carefully selected in this list provides a unique facet that resonates with the essence of “Saints Row”.

This impressive lineup also includes “Sleeping Dogs”, “Just Cause 2”, “Mad Max”, “Sunset Overdrive”, “Grand Theft Auto 5”, and others, all embodying the same level of cheekiness, chaos, and comradery intrinsic to “Saints Row”.

Whether you’re ready to unleash superhero-like abilities in “Watch Dogs 2”, there’s a game just for you that retains the spirit of your favorite — “Saints Row.”

Saints Row Overview

Explaining the concept and gameplay of Saints Row

Get ready to step into the chaotic, high-adrenaline world of “Saints Row,” a game that amps up the traditional action-adventure format. Imagine a sandbox world where the city streets are your playground. Upon embarking on your journey, you’ll not only get embroiled in engaging missions centering around gang wars but incorporate elements of humor, audacious activities, over-the-top action, and vibrant urban settings. This unique blend has made “Saints Row” a staple among gamers.

Understanding the appeal of Saints Row among gamers

“Saints Row” cuts a niche in gamers’ hearts due to its fun and whimsical approach to the normally grim and serious gangster genre. From the flashy customized vehicles to colorful attires and outrageous weapons, it generates a unique charm around itself. The game infuses humor within its storyline and character interactions, engaging and entertaining gamers.

Discussing how Saints Row has changed over the years

“Saints Row” has transformed considerably across its series. Each new installment presented increasingly absurd plotlines and activities. The initial games had a mix of realism and ridiculousness. Still, later sequels leaned more into the bizarre, with alien invasions, matrix-like simulations, and even hell-based adventures with historical characters as co-op characters.

Despite the changes, the game always sustained its core essence of fun, action, and humor.

1. Yakuza 0

yakuza 0

Release and platform availability of Yakuza 0

“Yakuza 0” was initially released in 2015 and is now available for platforms such as Playstation 4, Xbox One, and PC.

Understanding the genre and gameplay of Yakuza 0

“Yakuza 0” is a quirky blend of action-adventure and beat-up genres. Set in the 80s-era Tokyo and Osaka, it delivers deep storylines merged with wackiness, similar to “Saints Row”.

Comparing Saints Row with Yakuza 0 in terms of plot, characters, and gameplay dynamics

“Yakuza 0” and “Saints Row” share a similar theme involving gang wars, although the cultural setting differs significantly. The games blend deep storylines with wackiness, and both titles deliver engaging action and intriguing plots.

2. Borderlands 2

borderland 2

Detailed discussion of Borderlands 2 release and platform availability

Borderlands 2, first released in 2012, is available on platforms such as PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and PC.

Identifying the genre and gameplay style of Borderlands 2

Borderlands 2 is mainly a first-person shooter with strong role-playing elements, known for its colorful graphic style, diverse character roster, and plentiful loot.

How is Borderlands 2 similar to Saints Row in terms of color scheme, comedy, and action elements

Borderlands 2, much like Saints Row, brings a remarkably lively color palette to the genre. The humor and tongue-in-cheek commentary on popular culture, akin to “Saints Row”, and its lively action ensure an engaging gameplay experience.

3. Far Cry 6

farcry 6

Talking about the release and platforms of Far Cry 6

“Far Cry 6,” slated for release in 2021, will be available on platforms such as PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.

Investigating the genre and core gameplay of Far Cry 6

“Far Cry 6” is a first-person shooter game that will take players through a gripping narrative against a tropical paradise turned war zone backdrop.

Comparing the character-building journey in Far Cry 6 and Saints Row

The character-building journey in “Far Cry 6” and “Saints Row” show similarities, despite having different motives and goals. Both games allow players to shape their character, enhancing both skills and arsenal to fit individual play-styles.

4. Sleeping Dogs

sleeping dogs

Information on Sleeping Dogs’ release and availability

Initially released in 2012, “Sleeping Dogs” has been available on platforms like PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and PC.

Introduction to Sleeping Dogs’ genre and gameplay

“Sleeping Dogs” belongs to the action-adventure genre. It is a unique blend of martial arts combat, intense gunfights, and high-speed chases.

Comparative analysis of Sleeping Dogs and Saints Row in the context of street-level gang wars

“Sleeping Dogs” and “Saints Row” provide players with an intense gang warfare experience at the street level. However, the tone of “Sleeping Dogs” skews more real and gritty, while “Saints Row” leans towards an exaggerated humor-infused action.

5. Just Cause 2

just cause 2

Detailing the release and platform details for Just Cause 2

Just Cause 2 was released in 2010 and is available on platforms such as PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and PC.

Unpacking the genre and gameplay of Just Cause 2

“Just Cause 2” falls under the action-adventure genre. An open-world game allows players plenty of scope to create chaos and mayhem.

Drawing similarities between the chaos and freedom in Just Cause 2 and Saints Row

The taste for chaotic mayhem that Saints Row and Just Cause 2 provide is a significant similarity. Both games emphasize freedom and player agency within an open-world sandbox environment.

6. Mad Max

madmax

Discussing Mad Max’s release and platform accessibility

The “Mad Max” game was released in 2015 and is available on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC.

Understanding the genre and gameplay elements in Mad Max

“Mad Max” is an action-adventure set in a post-apocalyptic world, focusing on car-based combat and exploration.

Matching the action-packed, gang-fighting themes in Mad Max and Saints Row

“Mad Max” and “Saints Row” games offer action-packed moments involving intense gang fights. Each game provides a distinct take on the theme – “Mad Max” in a dystopian setting and “Saints Row” in a city-based sandbox.

7. Sunset Overdrive

sunset overdrive

Highlighting the release and platform availability of Sunset Overdrive

“Sunset Overdrive” was released in 2014 and is available on Xbox One and PC.

Exploring Sunset Overdrive’s genre and gameplay

The game is known for its blend of third-person shooter and parkour mechanics. The focus is on creative movement and fighting off hordes of mutants in a high-energy, colorful city.

Comparing the zany, over-the-top weaponry and unique movement system of Sunset Overdrive with Saints Row

“Sunset Overdrive” and “Saints Row” showcase zany, over-the-top weaponry and outlandish scenarios. The vibrant color theme and humor-infused character interactions make both games exceptionally entertaining.

8. Grand Theft Auto 5

gta 5

Informing about the release and platform availability of Grand Theft Auto 5

“Grand Theft Auto 5” was launched in 2013 and can be enjoyed on PlayStation 3/4/5, Xbox 360/One/Series X/S, and PC.

Defining the gameplay and genre of Grand Theft Auto 5

“Grand Theft Auto 5” is an action-adventure game that uses a third-person perspective and an open-world setting. Its gameplay consists of a mix of action, exploration, and story missions.

Comparing the gameplay similarities and differences between Grand Theft Auto 5 and Saints Row

“Grand Theft Auto 5” and “Saints Row” share many gameplay elements. Both titles provide sandbox city environments for players to explore and create mayhem. However, over time, the franchises have carved out their unique identities, with GTA leaning towards a more realistic representation of city life and Saints Row injecting irreverent humor and outlandish scenarios.

9. Watch Dogs 2

watch dogs 2

Outlining the release and platform availability of Watch Dogs 2

Watch Dogs 2 was released in 2016 and is available on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC.

Considering the genre and unique gameplay of Watch Dogs 2

“Watch Dogs 2” is an action-adventure game with a unique ‘hacking’ gameplay mechanic that allows for dynamic interactions within the urban environment.

Comparing the open-world antics in Watch Dogs 2 and Saints Row

The open-world antics of “Watch Dogs 2” and “Saints Row” share some commonality, especially in offering the player opportunities to hilariously mess with the city police. However, the games take different approaches to this aspect, with “Watch Dogs 2” incorporating a hacking mechanic and “Saints Row” opting for over-the-top superpower and weaponry effects.

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By Jupiter Hadley

Jupiter is an avid indie gaming journalist that covers lesser titles. She highlights thousands of game jams and independent games on YouTube. She judges several jams and events and oversees indiegamejams.com, a global game jam calendar.