Eps 28: Saints Row should of stuck with the street gang story
— THE JOKE
The podcast argues that Saints Row, a popular video game franchise, should have continued with the original street gang story rather than transitioning into a more comedic and unrealistic storyline. The hosts discuss how the shift in tone took away from the authenticity of the game and detracted from the original appeal. They suggest that the franchise's success came from the street gang narrative, and that deviating from that formula was ultimately a detriment to the game's lasting appeal.
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Host
Nicole Gonzalez
Podcast Content
For those who aren't familiar, Saints Row is an open-world action-adventure game developed by Volition and published by THQ. The first game was released in 2006, and since then, the franchise has become known for its over-the-top and outrageous gameplay.
However, in the earlier years of the franchise, the storyline was centered around the Third Street Saints, a street gang that rises to power in the fictional city of Stilwater. The first two games in the franchise focused heavily on the gang's rise to power and their battles with rival gangs and corrupt corporations.
But as the franchise continued, the storyline veered away from the street gang aspect and became more focused on parodying other popular franchises, such as superheroes and aliens. And while these games were still enjoyable and entertaining, many fans argue that the series lost its identity and became a shell of its former self.
One of the main reasons why Saints Row should have stuck with the street gang story is that it grounded the game in reality. The earlier games in the franchise were gritty and realistic, depicting the harsh realities of gang life. The game tackled serious issues such as drug trafficking, rival gang violence, and even police brutality. It felt like a true representation of what life in a gang could be like.
However, as the franchise evolved, it became more and more absurd. The later games introduced superpowers, time travel, and even an alien invasion. While this made for some fun and entertaining gameplay, it detracted from the original feeling of the franchise. The games lost their sense of realism and became more cartoonish.
Another reason why Saints Row should have stuck with the street gang storyline is that it allowed for better character development. The earlier games focused heavily on the Third Street Saints and their members. Players could really get to know the gang members and understand their motivations and backstories.
However, as the games veered away from the street gang narrative, character development became less of a focus. The later games introduced a slew of new characters that never really got the same level of development as the original gang members.
Finally, the street gang storyline allowed for a deeper connection with the game's world. In the earlier games, players were able to explore the gritty streets of Stilwater and really feel like they were a part of the gang. Shops and businesses would change ownership depending on which gang controlled the area. The world felt alive and dynamic.
However, as the later games became more fantastical, the world became less immersive. The world no longer felt like a real place and became more of a playground for the game's crazy antics.
In conclusion, Saints Row should have stuck with the street gang storyline. The earlier games in the franchise were grounded in reality and tackled serious issues that are prevalent in gang life. It allowed for better character development and a deeper connection with the game's world. While the later games were still entertaining, they lost their identity and became more cartoonish. We hope that in future installments of the franchise, the developers will return to the roots of the series and focus on the street gang storyline. Thank you for listening to our podcast today.