The graphics aren’t really on par with GTA, it does have to be said, but it’s not to say they’re terrible. Colourful and purposeful are pretty much how I’d describe the visuals on display, as they’re not basic or dull, but in the same breath don’t reach the heights we know can be reached on modern day consoles. Volition DO know how to do explosions and mayhem though and it just positively reeks of enjoyment when you blow up your first car or hundred. The redraw rate isn’t too bad either, but there are the occasional times when it struggles. Thankfully these are few and far between and don’t really take away from Saints.

If there is one point really worth mentioning then it HAS to be the audio. Musically, how THQ have managed to get so many really good songs crammed into here is beyond me. You usually have to rely on EA or the GTA’s to give you a licence filled list of well known tunes. That’s not the case now, with much of the music available still ringing in the ears of the modern generation, as well as the more, let’s say popular choices from the 80’s. The radio stations aren’t bad and do have their moments of comic gold, but there will be some gags which might not crack your funny bone, but when you’re busy causing many booms, bangs and crunches, you won’t be caring about it much. Kudos also has to go to the voice talent, as all the characters sound believable and, dare I say it, human compared to some of the emotionless, put on vocals from other titles, so good work, Volition.

It’s the gameplay element that really does shine through in Saints Row 2 though. The story is very solid and immensely enjoyable. It’s a game which manages quite effortlessly to bring not only a smile to the face, but a rather loud chuckle from it. The things you can do outside of the well fabricated yarn are just a lot of fun, which is what you want from this type of game. My personal favourite has to be Trail Blazer, which consists of you wearing a flame resistant suit, riding a Quad bike (ablaze of course) and then setting out to get from point to point, but the only way to get extra time is to set fire to people and scenery, which obviously results in the equivalent of a war zone, but it’s really cool though.