A growing coalition of players is pushing back against recent shifts in the Saints Row franchise. Concerns about the departure from the serious storyline to a cartoonish tone escalate, as fans call for a return to what made the series special.
Critics are amplifying their demands for change. One fan remarked, "Going from a dark, clever comedy to a random silly pop culture route is a 'jump the shark' moment." Many feel the direction alienates longtime supporters who loved the original tone.
Some commenters highlighted that increasing emphasis on unique gameplay detracted from the franchise's core identity. "The series strayed too far from its roots after Saints Row 2 to compete with GTA, and now it feels forced," one player expressed. This sentiment echoes the frustration of many who believe that a return to core narratives would boost sales.
Discontent over the reboot is pronounced, with players labeling it unrecognizable. One user criticized, "The reboot had bad gameplay, bugs, and characters that aren't relatable or likable, alongside overt political pandering." Frustration runs deep, as many believe these pitfalls have severely damaged the brand's image among devoted fans.
Moreover, marketing failures seem to have compounded the issues. "It was overmarketed as a Saints Row game when it wasn't," noted another player, suggesting that misleading advertising alienated potential audiences.
Additionally, some fans expressed a longing for elements from earlier titles like gang territories and side missions, such as the repo missions and taco truck wars, claiming these were more enjoyable than the current offerings.
Many voices in the community are calling for remastered versions of the earlier titles to revive connections to the franchise's past. "The fanbase wanted remasters of the first two games instead of a new one," pointed out a user, indicating a clear disconnect with current market expectations.
As the fanbase remains restless, the future of Saints Row seems uncertain. Will Volition heed the growing call for a return to its roots, or will they continue down a path that risks further alienation?
๐จ Fans urge a return to serious narratives rather than comedic elements.
๐ Discontent with the reboot fuels calls for remasters of original titles.
๐ฎ Marketing missteps may have contributed to the franchise's declining appeal.
๐ "If this game stuck to its original roots, I think it would be one of the best-selling games." - Comment from a fan.