Saint's Row who's picking it up, and other discussion

[Edison]

Hey all, how many of you are planning to pick this up on Tuesday? Any interest in forming a DVDTalk gang for the online portion of the game?

Some tidbits on the release, the EB Games/Gamestop verison comes with a code for a free in game t-shirt, and there is also info that states around September 15th there will be a 'clothing pack' available for download on the kiosk disc at both stores. You will have to take your memory unit into the store and transfer it (like the Burnout Revenge cars, and themes). If you get it at the store it's free, but if you get it from the marketplace there will be a point fee. Basically sounds like it's going to be on the marketplace also at the same time, but it won't cost anything at the kiosk.

There is a video review up http://files.filefront.com/t+saints+row+vr+gt+h2641wmv/;5449677;;/fileinfo.html, from GameTrailers they gave it 8.0.

[1998Nole]

I have a preorder from Outpost which means I should have it no later than Thursday. I am looking forward to playing this on live so I be up for joining the "DVD Talk gang"

[Eric D.]

I may pick this up based on the opinions of the people here who have it. I'm not really into the GTA type of games, but if the Live portion is fantastic...I'll get it. You just won't see me playing the main story mode too much.

[Flay]

Hmmm, I'm having a pimptastic morning. I'll let you guys know what I think of the multiplayer later today. :)

http://mflacy.googlepages.com/saintsrow.jpg

[flashburn]

Son of a bitch! I am guessing I will have to wait until Friday, since I have it preordered at Gamerush.

It's probably a good thing I don't have it now, as I probably wouldn't want to go to work come Monday morning.

[SuperBatMan]

Hmmm, I'm having a pimptastic morning. I'll let you guys know what I think of the multiplayer later today. :)

http://mflacy.googlepages.com/saintsrow.jpg

Bastard.:p

I'm somewhat interested in this. GTA got boring quickly to me, so, this might be a wasted purchase for me. I guess I'll hold out for some reviews first.

[1998Nole]

Hmmm, I'm having a pimptastic morning. I'll let you guys know what I think of the multiplayer later today. :)

What are you intial impressions of the single player?

[Flay]

Single Player impressions are actully all I can offer at this point. Nobody has the game yet, hence nobody to play multi with. :lol:

While taking over gang territory was a secondary portion of GTA:SA, it takes center stage in Saint's Row. All the main missions are centered on the impending gang wars and their main players. Although, you always have to earn enough respect to make those main missions available. I'm only 15% into the game with about 5 hours of playtime, but the missions have been varied quite a bit so far. The cutscenes are very much worth watching and the main character actually speaks occasionally.

The side missions for respect are the most fun though. I just finished a mayhem mission where a lady hired me to cause as much insanity in her ex-husband's area of town so he would cough up some alimony. Then I picked up a hitman mission. I have 10 targets to kill, each with a different weapon. You have to search the areas where they are typically seen, then take them out. I've also done the insurance fraud, paparazzi outrun, street racing, and drug running missions.

The fact that the character customization ties into the respect system is another cool feature. If you wear the correct clothing, have the right tats, sport the nicest bling, etc., a multiplyer is added to every mission you complete. This increases your respect totals for the mission. Pretty neat.

A couple comparisons to GTA:SA. The town doesn't seem as large at GTA. Maybe 2/3rds the size. Also, the vehicles don't seem very varied. I haven't found any motorcycles or flying contraptions yet, but perhaps later in the game. I do like zipping around like an idiot in the meter maid's little vehicle though. :)

Graphically, same as when I played it at E3. There are collision detection problems, pop-in and pop-out, and slowdown issues. That being said, it's certainly above and beyond anything GTA:SA had to offer. The character textures are sweet and the explosions are gorgeous. Also, load times only happen when a mission loads and that time is very minimal. Very nice.

The voice acting is surprisingly excellent. They have a pretty good list of Hollywood actors that typically take supporting roles in movies. My favorite is Clancy Brown though, the guy from Carnivale and Justice League Unlimited. His radio announcements are pretty funny. There is a crapload of music, perhaps 10 stations? They seemed to cover every genre as well. I prefer the classical station when mowing down the innocent, but to each his own.

The achievements are pretty tough to get so far. I've only unlocked a couple of them and the rest look like hours upon hours of replay value. All in all, the single player is pretty damn extensive. Definitely can't be beaten within a rental period. Saint's Row is very much a GTA:SA clone, but it's a hell of a good copy job.

[flashburn]

Hey Flay,
Is there a Day/Night cycle? I don't remember there being one in the demo.

[Flay]

Yah, there is a day/night cycle. But I don't think there is a clock anywhere. Nor does it figure into any missions.

[flashburn]

That's cool, just adds to the immersiveness.

[FantasticVSDoom]

Well I plan on getting the Godfather later on in the year so would it be redundant to pick this up as well? I mean I know its different in terms of the storyline, but is the game play going to be fairly similar (as in similar to GTA)?

[Wick]

Hey Flay,
Is there a Day/Night cycle? I don't remember there being one in the demo.

There's a video up on the net that shows the day/night cycle. It's a pretty interesting watch. It seems like they did a good job with it.

I'll be buying this for sure. I really like sandbox games, and I was a big fan of the Grand Theft Auto games for the PS2 (as well as GTA II for PSX.) I've got the demo disc from OXM with this demo, so I've played it a bit. My friend and I played it a bit today. I'm really looking forward to playing the full game. That cover art is awesome.

[Flay]

DAMN! I haven't been able to put this game down for more than 30 minutes today. Once the story starts rolling, it sucks you in GTA style. A little update on my progress: I estimate I've been playing for 9 to 10 hours and I'm 27% done. As you can see from my achievements when they update, I've taken over the Los Carnoles completely. I guarantee people will be bitching about the final mission on that one. It's double tough.

Oh and can I just say incorporating the custom soundtrack feature with the CD shop is fucking genius. Basically, you can go into the music shop and purchase tracks (CDs) for the in-game custom soundtrack maker. There is classical, metal, hip-hop, easy listening, reggae, and rock. Rock, classical, and hip-hop each has at least 40 or 50 tracks to choose from. After selecting music, you can bring up the virtual "mp3 player" in the menu and create playlists with your purchased songs or songs on your 360. I've been sitting in the CD store for the last hour demoing tracks I might want to buy. It's insanely addictive.

Well I plan on getting the Godfather later on in the year so would it be redundant to pick this up as well? I mean I know its different in terms of the storyline, but is the game play going to be fairly similar (as in similar to GTA)?

It felt redundant at first, but the respect system really sets apart Saint's Row from the GTA series. It's very cool how side missions are an integral part of finishing the main storyline, especially since they are so fun. The more I play Saint's Row, the more I feel it can stand on it's own.

I'll be happy to answer more questions later tonight. I'm going to grab some grub and head back into Stilwater for more fun. OH yeah, everyone make sure and listen to the talk radio station when they pick up the game. The material is pretty funny and it varies as the game progresses.

[flashburn]

Can you import your own music to a "radio station"?

[Flay]

Can you import your own music to a "radio station"?

I don't think so. But I believe you can set the mp3 player in the audio menu to trump the radio when getting into a car.

[flashburn]

I don't think so. But I believe you can set the mp3 player in the audio menu to trump the radio when getting into a car.
Oh, that is pretty cool then. Just as long as it only plays in the car.

I wish it would let you actually customize each station with your own play lists. That would be a neat feature.

[kvrdave]

I haven't found any motorcycles or flying contraptions yet, but perhaps later in the game. I do like zipping around like an idiot in the meter maid's little vehicle though. :)


According to the Xbox magazine (it got an 8.0 out of 10) there are no motorcycles at all. Thought that was odd.

[Wick]

Yeah, everything I've read about it, has said that there aren't any motorcycles in the game.

[Flay]

Wow, I flew through the Vice Kings Gang this morning and it looks like I just have 2 missions left on the West Side Rollerz. The Los Carnales actually have many more missions than the other two. I've also almost taken over the entire city as well at about 15 hours in.

If this is all there is, then the main storyline is much shorter than I orginally thought. I'm at 58% done, btw. Also, for anyone wondering, the collectable item in the game is CD's, similar to GTA'a packages. EVery 10 CD's awards you a bonus music track and I'm betting the entire lot will award an acheivement.

[Flay]

Another update: Wow, Finished the single player storyline at a little over 15 hours at 62% done according to the stats page. It was a fun ride, but certainly no where near the same length of GTA:SA's storyline. There is still plenty of stuff left to do, of course. I still have a crapload of achievements to unlock. I've snatched up a little over 30% of the points now.

I've got to say, the multiplayer isn't what I expected. The maps seem quite small and the living breathing city landscape is lost. It's still tough to get a game, but I've capped a few rival Xbox Live Users. The Gang setup area is farily complete for basic clan support. I haven't tried the co-op mode yet, but I will as soon as someone connects up.

I'll try and have a review up hopefully by tomorrow for those interested.

[TNAJason]

Damn now I want the game.

[Slowpc]

I want it too ... since every day I get to go to the warehouse and see it ... does not help the cause... :)

[Flay]

I'm going to add this as a warning to folks without giving anything away.

There is an extended ending to the game with one hell of a twist. You will know when the first ending happens as the credits roll, then you are allowed to head back into Stilwater. As long as you save after completing each mission, you will have a save point to head back into the game after the true ending. The final ending doesn't allow you to save, but it's not needed as nothing is awarded. Just a little FYI.

BTW, finally had a Co-op match. While limited somewhat, it's a blast with the right teammate. We didn't complete the mission, but it was certainly fun trying.

[eatntae]

I'm going to add this as a warning to folks without giving anything away.

There is an extended ending to the game with one hell of a twist. You will know when the first ending happens as the credits roll, then you are allowed to head back into Stilwater. As long as you save after completing each mission, you will have a save point to head back into the game after the true ending. The final ending doesn't allow you to save, but it's not needed as nothing is awarded. Just a little FYI.

BTW, finally had a Co-op match. While limited somewhat, it's a blast with the right teammate. We didn't complete the mission, but it was certainly fun trying.
Can you give more details/impressions on the co-op match, and other multiplayer modes? Or are you going to torture us and make us wait for your review tomorrow ;)

[DJ_Longfellow]

Wow, sounds fun. I have this game pre-ordered and paid for at GameRush...so I'll get it tomorrow hopefully. I still have TOO many games to play right now....still barely touched Dead Rising and waiting for MAdden 07 to have some GOOD rosters to start my franchise. Oh well...lots of choices.

[Flay]

My review is up for anyone interested: http://videogametalk.com/read.php?ID=458

But for those who want the short answer, buy it ASAP.

[Rob V]

Thanks for the review. I had reservations, but now Im in.

[Eric D.]

Great review, but I'm kind of disappointed in the multiplayer. I guess I may just pick up Enchanted Arms instead since I am not really into this type of game.

[TNAJason]

I wish they would have had a offline multiplayer. I'll still get it,but I do not have high speed internet(I'm in a area where I can't get it).

[Wick]

I'll read your review later on. I'll probably do so before I open it. (I plan to buy it this morning, at Best Buy.)

[Brent L]

I just called my local WalMart to ask if they have this, and yep, it's already in stock. I'm about to take off and pick one up. :)

IGN Review - 8.5

http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/728/728829p1.html


EDIT:

I have it now, and I'm having a great time. I love the hostage side missions. My first one resulted in $3k for me.

[RVP]

Thanks for the review Flay. I will probably pick it up this weekend now.

[Wick]

Great review. It made me feel more secure with my decision to buy it today. Of course, I loved the demo.

[DRG]

The one thing that bugs me in a lot of the reviews and previews I've read (not you Flay) is all the harping that it's the "first game in this genre to feature mutliplayer". But technically GTA: Liberty City Stories for PSP already did that, even if it wasn't perfect. Maybe that doesn't count because it was a portable, but still...

Anyway, I'll be picking this up today. How difficult are the multiplayer achievements to get? I think I only have about a week left on my free Gold trial and I'm not sure if I want to reup just yet... the only game I've played multiplayer so far is Texas Hold Em, as my other games owned were Dead Rising and Condemned.

[Flay]

Anyway, I'll be picking this up today. How difficult are the multiplayer achievements to get? I think I only have about a week left on my free Gold trial and I'm not sure if I want to reup just yet... the only game I've played multiplayer so far is Texas Hold Em, as my other games owned were Dead Rising and Condemned.

The main Multiplayer achievements just require moving up the Trueskill ranking system. The secret multi achievements need a bit more time, as they mostly require a certain number to achieve the task: Kill X number of players in _____ mode, collect Y number of chains, etc.

I haven't unlocked any multiplayer achievements yet, but I've been concentrating on the single player mostly.

[nickdawgy]

I'll be picking this up after work today. Looking forward to it.

[eatntae]

I really wanted to get this today, but I ordered it online at overstock, so I'll probably have to wait at least a week to get it in. At least I only had to pay ~$48.

[PalmerJoss]

I just picked it up tonight on my way home - I hope to get in some playtime tonight. I really dug the demo and can't wait to see what the full game has in store. Hopefully it lives up to all the hype.

[thematahara]

I rented this today at blockbuster, so far its really freaking fun. The combat is much better than GTA, so far the only thing I see that GTA has on this is perhaps the story, but not by much.

[jiggawhat]

I remember seeing them demo this at e3 05 and i was thinking that this game will do really well and it looks like it might.

[Zodo]

Bought the game today and got the free faceplate at CC. So far the coolest thing i've done in the game is hold up the gun store to get the money in the safe and then went back later that night and cracked the safe to sell stuff to a nearby pawn shop.

Did anyone here get one of the demo discs from Gamestop? I read that it had some sort of documentary on the disc. If anyone has an extra copy, let me know.

[stingermck]

I love this game

I was hoping I would, since The Punisher (Also made by THQ/Volition) was my favorite game last year.

Me and 2 friends took turns playing all afternoon. Mayhem with infinite grenades = love.

[uteotw]

Totally digging this game. Though it feels a little too much like GTA:SA, the graphics are much better, more fluid, less choppy. (I don't particularly like when you kick a guy on the ground he flies about 10 feet, but I can live with it.)

Clearly this game is going to have a lot of value and take many, many hours of my time...
Gotta find the music store to vamp up my mp3 player (another genius addition)...

[DJ_Longfellow]

I picked up the game yesterday also....I will have to try it soon. Trying to finish Dead Rising first. How is the online play?

[DRG]

Picked this up last night. So far I'm loving it. The gang warfare and health system are great. The map system is a huge improvement over GTA, although it does have a few problems... I set a waypoint on a target, but the freeway hung over the target so it took me to the spot on the freeway instead, and it was a nightmare trying to find an offramp. Otherwise the game's directions are spot on.

The side missions are great. Hitman and Chop Shop are fun, although both took me awhile to figure out what I was doing as far as the HUD is concerned. Mayhem is sort of like a less specific version of the Rampages from GTA.

My favorite thing about this game so far is that every character feels 'alive'. Recruited gang members, allies on missions, enemies, people you rescue... they all feel like real characters. Not just personalitywise, but in the AI as well. As I said in my demo impressions, your recruited gang member actually is useful and not just some idiotic robot you have to babysit like in San Andreas or the survivors in Dead Rising.

The city still lacks a bit of 'fun factor' so far, but it is extensive and varied. I'm a bit annoyed you can't 'interact' with cars on foot, meaning you can't park a car next to a wall and climb on it to help you jump over that wall, or you can't punch a passing car to get the driver to react. I've noticed the city feels a bit more constrained than GTA, meaning it's a bit less 'explorable' as far as finding nooks and crannies. Not a big deal, really, but just something I noticed.

My biggest complaint is the weapon/food selection. It's fine in a calm situation, and in fact is better than scrolling through endless items in that case. But when you're being attacked by an army of rival gang members and you run out of ammo you can't easily switch weapons while on the run. And eating one of your food items when you're taking fire and on life support is next to impossible. Too many button pushes involved in these situations. There should be a quick food button or something... unless there is and I just haven't found it.

I did have some issues with glitches. One was graphic related... I was driving with a hostage and the car became invisible for about 5 seconds. Worse was one when I rode the train. I got on the train and something weird happened where the train was moving with me and I could still target things. Then I fell through the ground and ended up 'below' the game area and died.

I also played one multiplayer game. Big Ass Chains... fun, although it took me a minute to figure out what I was doing. Got 5 chains for 2nd place. Can someone tell me, I'm a newbie to online multiplayer... what is the difference between 'player match' and 'ranked match'?

[PalmerJoss]

I'm also loving this game. Very much like GTA:SA, and I mean that in a good way. The city is huge and there is a TON of stuff to do. I've only done a handful of missions so far; instead I've been concentrating on doing the activities like chop shop or hitman. I could spend hours and hours on those alone.

On a related note, has anyone found the FBI car while doing the chop shop missions? That's the only car that I've got left to find for now.

[Wick]

I'm going to start playing it within the next hour. I bought it yesterday, but I never got a chance to play it.

[actyper]

You guys suck, your reviews suck. Now I'm going to have to buy this game. :)

[scottp120]

I went to Circuit City at 10:15 AM to get it and they told me that it was ALREADY sold out. WTF! They said that they got 7 copies in and they were already sold out. BS! I said "How can you be sold out in 15 minutes?!". They told me that I would have better luck next door at Game Stop. I went next door and picked it up with no problem. I wanted the free faceplate at CC, but fuk em.

[Mok]

Walmart had 6 copies, but I didn't have the doe :( gots to wait till next week.

[MasterofDVD]

I might take advantage of the trade 2 in deal at EB and get this. I called them today an they had 1 copy left. I didn't want to get all the way up there and have it be gone so I may just go in later on when they have more in. My buddy is giving me all kinds of hell about wanting to trade in GR:AW but he talked me into the 15.00 content and I think it all sucks.

[Wick]

Electronics Boutique will only accept certain games. I think they have to be over $40 new. That excludes most sports titles and Table Tennis, I believe.

I bought Saints' Row yesterday, and I finally got a chance to play it today. I played it for a couple of hours and I loved it. It's a great game, in my opinion, and it's definitely worth getting. I have only played its single player mode, though.

[DRG]

Multipleyer questiosn for those who are playing this:

I've only played normal 'Big Ass Chains'. But I also saw something called 'Team Big Ass Chains' pop up in the quickplay. For the 'Protect the Pimp' and 'Bling My Ride' ones, if it doesn't say Team before it, does it mean they all everyone against everyone?

And if there is a non-team mode for these ones, how does that work for these events? In PtP, do you each control one guy protecting the pimp, with or without AI partners?

[nickdawgy]

I just had my first lockup/freeze playing this today. I was getting out of a Hummer Limo, and it locked as soon as I pressed Y.

I couldn't do anything but reset. There were no glitches or spots on the screen and no red rings of death thankfully.

It sucked since I had played for an hour and didn't save.

[Flay]

I just had my first lockup/freeze playing this today. I was getting out of a Hummer Limo, and it locked as soon as I pressed Y.

I couldn't do anything but reset. There were no glitches or spots on the screen and no red rings of death thankfully.

It sucked since I had played for an hour and didn't save.

Since the game allows it, Save all the time man.

When I played through the single player, I saved after every mission or substancial money increase. I rotated through seven or eight saves as well.

[TNAJason]

Cheatcc.com has cheat codes for cheaters like me :D(Tho I don't cheat againist people in games)

[flashburn]

Since the game allows it, Save all the time man.

When I played through the single player, I saved after every mission or substancial money increase. I rotated through seven or eight saves as well.

Don't you have to go all the way back to your home in order to save? I find myself doing multiple missions before saving.

[Brent L]

Well, after playing this game for a number of hours now, I'm going to say something that I don't really want to, but I can't help it, and I must say it:

I do believe I like this game better than GTA.

I'm not even totally sure why that is, I can't put my finger on it just yet, but that's how I feel right now.

[Brent L]

Don't you have to go all the way back to your home in order to save? I find myself doing multiple missions before saving.

No, just pause the game at any time and you can save from the, *ahem*, save menu. :p

[flashburn]

No, just pause the game at any time and you can save from the, *ahem*, save menu. :p
LOL, can't believe I never noticed that. Thanks for the info.

[nickdawgy]

Well, after playing this game for a number of hours now, I'm going to say something that I don't really want to, but I can't help it, and I must say it:

I do believe I like this game better than GTA.

I'm not even totally sure why that is, I can't put my finger on it just yet, but that's how I feel right now.


It does so many things better. I kind of agree. The driving is insane. Just driving around, blowing stuff up, crashing into cars. I never had that much fun in GTA. It always got old. In SR, it doesn't. I have barely done the main missions, :lol:

[Brent L]

The aiming is one of the main reasons for me. They just about, if not totally, nailed how aiming should work in a game like this if you ask me.

[DRG]

Another thing I love about this game versus the GTA games is that I've had some difficult missions/activites so far, but none have been annoyingly difficult. I haven't had anything where I wanted to throw the controller down in disgust. Even the ones I had to play 10 times, I felt progress and could begin to see pieces of strategy unfold with each failed attempt.

There was only one time the game pissed me off. On the final Vice Kings mission, I kept making it to the penthouse with King's car in really bad shape. And the damn car would get blown up and I would fail the mission, even though I had King and Gat out of it. I kept thinking "Who gives a crap if the car blows up, didn't wecome here to kill Tonya? Just get another freakin' car!!!" I laughed my ass off when I saw the cutscene where Tonya plummets to her death and crashes right through the roof of King's car. I thought "So the reason I kept failing this mission is so the game can be painstakingly accurate with the cutscene..." Now that's attention to detail!

[Wick]

I think I'm in love with this game. It rocks.

Did any of you notice that, during one of the escort cutscenes (where a whore is getting into your car,) she says:

"Who put the motherfucking snakes on the motherfucking plane?"

It was hilarious, especially since it came out of nowhere.

[Edison]

At least one of the local EB Games stores around here already got the newest kiosk demo disc in. This one has a downloadable 'funky fashion pack' for Saint's Row you'll need to take your memory card to the store and transfer it from the kiosk to there. I don't know how many items it adds but seems like 2-3 in every catagory (shirts, underwear, shoes, tattoos, etc.) When you go to a shop they show up just like the other items but only cost $1.00 in-game money.

For those of you who didn't pre-order at EB/Gamestop you can use your in-game cell and call #4267867 to unlock the bonus t-shirt (black t-shirt with saint's logo on it).

[Flay]

Finished the pain-in-the-butt Hitman missions for anyone that needs some help. The rewards are awesome for that one, btw. Regenerating RPG ammo is a joy.

The only four activities left I need to finish up are collecting CDs, Tagging locations, stealing from stores, and the mayhem missions. I can offer assistance for the rest.

[lopper]

Please tell me that cracking safes gets easier with practice. Granted, I've only tried it a few times, but so far it's been really tricky to get the hang of.

[Maxflier]

I picked up GTA:Saint's Row Saturday when I bought my 360, also bought Dead Rising since that is the game that sold me on getting the system. I'm loving SR and i'm having so much fun with it that I haven't even opened Dead Rising yet.

[Flay]

CDs Map: http://img459.imageshack.us/my.php?image=soe2.jpg

Graffiti Tags Map: http://img225.imageshack.us/my.php?image=tagsst3.jpg

[Maxflier]

For those of you who didn't pre-order at EB/Gamestop you can use your in-game cell and call #4267867 to unlock the bonus t-shirt (black t-shirt with saint's logo on it).

Phone number is not in service...

[bikerfool]

Ok so Im loving this game but have a few questions. How do you do the chop shop and hitman? How do you find the cars and people? I did a rollerz mission and stole the truck with all the cars..well they are pimped out now and she called and told me to meet at the nightclug...WTF is it?

[nickdawgy]

I saw the Hot Dog guy for hitman by the arena, but that was before I was doing hitman. I saw him later on the bridge while running from cops, and tried to get out and shoot him but I fell off the bridge and died :lol:

[Edison]

Ok so Im loving this game but have a few questions. How do you do the chop shop and hitman? How do you find the cars and people? I did a rollerz mission and stole the truck with all the cars..well they are pimped out now and she called and told me to meet at the nightclug...WTF is it?

I found the easiest way is to go into the map and go left or right on the directional pad to highlight 'missons' then scroll around the map to find them.

Phone number is not in service...

Sorry I guess I couldn't type... #42637867

[DRG]

I think for the Hitman you just have to make sure you kill them with the correct weapon. I don't think they will appear as a target unless they are 'selected' in the activites screen or at the Hitman location. But I killed Louise (the meter maid) with an RPG during one of the missions (when her little car was among the cops chasing me) and got the credit.

Here's where I found some of them, if anyone cares:
Jackie - drives an ambulance
Bill (K6) - FBI agent, get a bunch of stars and he'll appear
John - SWAT team guy, get a bunch of stars and he will be in the helicopter. Alternately, he's chased me on foot... check near the SWAT truck blockades as well?
Chris - drives a mail truck
Henry - drives a limo
Hank - drives a delivery truck
Louise - drives the Quota meter maid car

The rest are just hit or miss. I've seen Juan (red speedo) in the Barrio but never in Apartments like they claim. I eventually nailed him inside one of the Barrio clothing store.

Bucky the Hot Dog is easy to find, the tough part is actually having grenades on you when he's around.

I actually found Don about a block away from the Saints Row crib. He was the passenger in one of those old Betsy trucks. I think I saw him walking in Downtown also.

Tina is a blonde rollerskater, so she stands out a bit. I eventually got her in the Suburbs. I had to quit a race in midstream to get her, but it was worth it.

Richard hangs out downtown. A funny story, the first time I actually looked for him, he appeared on my radar while I was on the bridge crossing over to Downtown. I pull over to cap him, and before I even do anything he jumps off the bridge. And it wasn't like a "crazy scared person accidentally jumps" type thing, the character actually seemed to be committing suicide!

I'd try for Bill and John in the same run, just make sure it's daytime and you are near a Friendly Fire, so you can switch from the K6 to the McManus.

[uteotw]

Is there a way to get more songs onto my personal mp3 player in the game? I bought all the tracks I wanted from the CD store but would like to add more, either from my hard drive or download some, if there's another way. Thanks.

[DRG]

Is there a way to get more songs onto my personal mp3 player in the game? I bought all the tracks I wanted from the CD store but would like to add more, either from my hard drive or download some, if there's another way. Thanks.

As far as using your own music from the hard drive, the only way I know of is to have a playlist already set up, which you can use as a Custom Playlist. I'm not sure if there is a way to mix and match your custom tracks with the in-game music.

[rocketsauce]

well Saint's Row is officially the first video game that I've been carded for. In fact it's the first video game/movie/CD/movie I've been carded for. Oh well great game (GTA who?) I have a feeling that this game is going to make Rockstar have to step it up for nevtgen GTA, which is good. EA should take some notes from this practice.

[Cusm]

Is this worth it from the multiplayer stand point? I would probably play very little of this offline.

[Rob V]

I love this game. I can't believe some of the trash that the NPC's say to you... I had a hooker say "Don't be givin me no hepatitis!" :)

[RVP]

Does anyone have any tips for the higher level Mayhem missions? I am trying to finish a lvl 8 mission, but I always get the worst weapons and bonuses. Like get a bonus by using a pistol, and I get the weakest pistol. Or get a bonus with a thrown weapon, and i get molotovs. How am I supposed to score over $800,000 with these bonuses?

Also how do you locate hitman targets? When I activate on in the HUD I don't see anything different. Do I have to be close to them before they show up?

[Flay]

Does anyone have any tips for the higher level Mayhem missions? I am trying to finish a lvl 8 mission, but I always get the worst weapons and bonuses. Like get a bonus by using a pistol, and I get the weakest pistol. Or get a bonus with a thrown weapon, and i get molotovs. How am I supposed to score over $800,000 with these bonuses?

Also how do you locate hitman targets? When I activate on in the HUD I don't see anything different. Do I have to be close to them before they show up?

Level 8 was always the easiest for me with the unlimited rocket launcher ammo. But here are some tips:

1. Make sure you start the later Mayhem missions with at least three stars. The faster helicopters and FBI SUVs start rolling in, the more lucrative it will be. FBI SUV's should be about 40 grand each.

2. Drive a very expensive car to the Mayhem area like the Attrizone. You can destroy it immediately for a nice $40,000 head start or let the multiplier build up for a bit before blowing it up.

3. As most areas have a rail passing though, derail a train while waiting for more police to arrive. Each destroyed car is worth at least $25,000.


For the Hitman targets, they have to be nearby to be picked up on the radar. Also, certain targets will only appear in the daytime while others only roam the streets at night.

[DRG]

Is this worth it from the multiplayer stand point? I would probably play very little of this offline.

I enjoy the multiplayer modes, but IMO the offline is where it's at. You're talking about a huge map with dozens of different things to do, versus some small maps with single purpose tasks. For me multiplayer is a fun diversion but it is only a fraction of what the main game is.

Also, there are still some issues with the multiplayer mode as far as connections and lag that they are supposedly going to fix with an upcoming patch. Sometimes I'll wait 10 minutes without being to connect to a match.

[Maxflier]

If I have one complaint about this game, it would be the camera. I really wish there was a way to lock it at a certain angle. Since the game doesn't have an auto-aim feature, it can be very disorienting during a big shootout having the camera swinging all around and having to bring it back level while at the same time trying to aim FPS-style at 1 of the 10 people shooting at you.

[Mok]

Can't wait I finally get my copy tomorrow.

[RVP]

Level 8 was always the easiest for me with the unlimited rocket launcher ammo. But here are some tips:

3. As most areas have a rail passing though, derail a train while waiting for more police to arrive. Each destroyed car is worth at least $25,000.
.

Thanks for the Tips. I started passing these easily with the advice. I didn't even realize you could hit the train. Hitting the lead car with a rocket, and watching the whole train derail was great!

[Rob V]

Maybe I missed it, but is there a way to lock on to your target for shooting?

[Wick]

No, it's different than GTA in that sense. It takes a little while to get used to, because you have to manually aim towards your targets. Personally, I prefer it that way, but to each their own.

[Brent L]

Forget everything else. I'm willing to say that I like SR better than GTA just because of how you aim in the game. I hate, hate, hate that about GTA and I always have. I put up with it since, other than that, I loved the series and played all of the games since GTA3, but now that I've had it how it is in SR, I don't want to go back to the GTA style at all.

[TNAJason]

Forget everything else. I'm willing to say that I like SR better than GTA just because of how you aim in the game. I hate, hate, hate that about GTA and I always have. I put up with it since, other than that, I loved the series and played all of the games since GTA3, but now that I've had it how it is in SR, I don't want to go back to the GTA style at all.BUT we don't know what GTA IV will bring. Tho I agree on the part where Saint's Row is better than GTA series.

[Brent L]

Oh yeah, of course. I just mean that now that Saint's Row has brought that new gameplay point to this type of game, I don't want to see the next GTA game to stick with what they've done before. They are going to have to come up with something else now, and I'm sure many others feel the same way.

[matome]

Just downloaded the demo last night. Looking forward to checking it out. I've own and played all the previous 3-D GTA games on the PS2, but to be honest I never came close to completing one without eventually tiring of it. Curious to see how this differs.

[DRG]

A few more mayhem notes to add to Flay's excellent tips:

When you start a mayhem mission, check to see what weapons are infinite. It's pretty random. On levels 7-8 at least you can usually (but not always) get infinite rocket launchers. If the activity starts WITHOUT infinite rockets I usually just exit the activity right away and run back to the spot to start it again.

Don't be afraid to attack your gang members. At one point I was getting bonuses for SUVs and noticed the little red arrow above a Saints hummer. I'm not sure how deep into a combo I was, but I got over $100,000 just for blowing each one up and finished the mayhem really quickly at that point.

Have some gang members at your side. They're not incredibly useful in the destruction, but they will pick off some of the cops and agents while you are busy trying to send a rocket to that helicopter or train. If they die, only save them at your convenience... don't waste too much time or put yourself in a dangerous situation to do so.

[1998Nole]

I played multiplayer today for the first time and boy was it laggy. This would be very fun online without the lag hopefully the patch comes out soon. The single player alone though was worth the purchase.

[RVP]

The Price semi mission is too freakin hard! How am I supposed to drive, avoid pipe bombs, avoid rollerz, and shoot? And my 2 homies don't even shoot at him. I need something better than the pistol to take out a semi. Does anybody have some help for me?

[matome]

After playing the demo, I'll definitely be picking this up. Keith David is in it too :up: