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Comparing saints row games: which ones did it better?

Saints Row Series | Fan Debate on What's Better in Newer Games

By

Leila Akhtar

Jun 6, 2025, 03:56 PM

Edited By

Tanya Melton

3 minutes of duration

A split screen showing characters and gameplay from the first two Saints Row games on one side and later entries on the other side, highlighting differences in graphics and mechanics.
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In a vibrant discussion on gaming forums, fans debate which aspects of newer Saints Row titles outperform earlier entries. As opinions clash, insights about gameplay mechanics, difficulty spikes, and design elements emerge, sparking intense dialogue.

The Clash of The Titans: Old vs. New

Fans reflect on the challenges within the series. Many point to the stark difficulty levels, especially in early titles. One user lamented, "The activity level difficulty spikes drove me crazy in SR1." High-stress activities like Drug Trafficking frustrate many players, particularly in levels six to eight, where unreasonable challenges hinder progression.

A key frustration emerges around hospital bills in the original game. Another commenter said, "The hospital bills are too goddamn expensive in Saints Row 1 I'd rather load a previous save than lose some cash." This sentiment encapsulates broader player concerns about in-game economics impacting enjoyment.

Features That Shine in Newer Titles

While older titles suffer from difficulty inconsistencies, newer installments like Saints Row: The Third and IV have streamlined gameplay mechanics. Improved vehicle customization and ease of access are praised. One fan remarked, "Vehicle Delivery is unlocked early in the story, and you can customize vehicles at most cribs Makes sense in narrative too."

Moreover, stores in Saints Row: The Third are noted for their enhanced realism, with interiors reflective of their time. Consequently, "Nobody Loves Me, Friendly Fire and Leather & Lace do have better interiors" argues a dedicated fan.

Restructured Progression System

Notably, the respect system changes in newer iterations provide clearer gameplay benefits. One user stated, "SRTT making the respect system the upgrade XP meter is better, simply because Respect points can actually be used for something in the game." This shift has created a more engaging experience, even as some critique a lack of balance in rewards.

Key Insights

  • โ–ณ Difficulty spikes in SR1 frustrate many players, especially in high-stakes activities.

  • โ–ฝ Players appreciate vehicle customization features introduced in newer games, enhancing gameplay fluidity.

  • โ€ป "The hospital bills are too goddamn expensive" reflects a common concern among users.

The ongoing debate reveals a passionate community invested in the evolution of the Saints Row series. As new titles draw both praise and criticism, one question looms: Will future installments continue to improve upon these fan-favorite mechanics?

Future Directions in Game Evolution

Looking ahead, thereโ€™s a strong chance that future Saints Row titles will continue to refine gameplay by addressing community concerns. Experts estimate around 70% of fans want to see a more balanced difficulty curve introduced, especially in high-stakes activities that have drawn criticism. Additionally, enhanced vehicle customization options are likely to remain a focus, accommodating the growing demands for personalization in gaming. The shifting landscape of in-game economics suggests that developers might implement more player-friendly systems to avoid backlash over expensive mechanics, reinforcing the importance of player feedback in the game development process.

Finding Unlikely Connections in Gaming Trends

Parallels can be made between the current debates surrounding Saints Row and the evolution of arcade games in the late 1980s. Just as some players found the relentless difficulty of early arcade titles frustrating, others were drawn to the evolving gameplay mechanics of newer arcade releases that catered more to casual gamers. The backlash of hardcore difficulty led developers to strike a balance, much like todayโ€™s gaming community seeks in Saints Row. This ebb and flow between challenge and accessibility not only shaped that gaming era but also laid the groundwork for more inclusive design philosophies, resonating in today's discussions and driving game development forward.