Arguably THQ’s biggest title of 2008, Saints Row 2 is looking to go head to head with the king of open world games – Grand Theft Auto. With Grand Theft Auto IV hitting the streets this April, THQ remains confident that both franchises can co-exist on current generation platforms. Here are some new details on their upcoming sandbox title.
Stillwater, the city in the first Saints Row, has gotten a makeover for the sequel. The structure of the city will be both changed and enlarged, resulting in a completely different area in which to play. Just to give you an example, a desert setting will apparently be placed somewhere within the world.
Character customization will be a deep system where you’re able to change such aspects as your character’s taunt, compliment, walk and combat styles in addition to standard physical features. Don’t expect a quiet character either; there are over 60,000 lines of dialogue in Saints Row 2. What if you’re not satisfied with prettying up just your character? Pimp out your crib! Add items to your home to impress even the most stubborn compliment-divulger.
A new weapon, the satchel charge, will be introduced. Want to take out a group of bad guys with style? Simply stick a satchel charge on a car and convert it into an automotive bomb. As for your regular arsenal, an over-the-shoulder view for gunplay will be relegated to a click of the right stick. This Gears-esque view should please critics of the aiming system in the first Saints Row.
Saints Row 2 looks to be bigger and better than the first iteration in the series. We’ll have more for you before it releases later this year.