Saints Row IV is a multiplatform computer game developed by Volition and published by Deep Silver in August 2013. Saints Row IV is a direct continuation of Saints Row: The Third.
Initially, the fourth part of Saints Row was meant to be an expansion for Saints Row: The Third (Enter the Dominatrix), but then the developers' plans radically changed. The thing is that shortly before the release of the third game in the series, the wizards at Volition had already begun creating a full-fledged sequel, and then, to put it simply, they just combined Enter the Dominatrix and the project they were developing in parallel. The blend of the two games ultimately received the title Saints Row IV. It looks a bit strange, of course, but this is Saints Row, this is Volition, after all. The ideas from the renowned American studio, it must be acknowledged, always had a touch of madness.
The plot in Saints Row IV is much more “wonderful” than in the third part. In some ways, it even exudes absurdity, but this is, again, quite natural, especially considering the style chosen by Volition. The fourth game in the series tells about the everyday life of the same gang of “Saints from 3rd Street,” only now the guys and girls are no longer racing through Steelport against enemy gangs, nor are they tormenting peaceful residents, but are sitting in the White House. Pierce Washington, for example, has become the Director of Communications, Benjamin Franklin decided to try his hand as Chief of Staff, Kinzie Kensington has become the personal press secretary of the President of the United States, and the gang leader comfortably settled into the presidential chair. Bandits in power? Madness? Yes, but it gets even more interesting. At one point, aliens arrive on Earth, create a virtual copy (or simulation) of Steelport, and stuff all the “Saints” into it. What, how, why, and what the hell? These are the questions that players will need to find answers to in the storyline campaign. Or not find – it all depends on how it goes.
On the other hand, the developers' idea concerning the “parallel” Steelport is understandable; otherwise, how else can one explain the protagonists' superpowers? Yes, now the “Saints” can do things that even the most multifunctional heroes from comics or well-known gaming universes would envy. Running like Flash, flying like Superman, freezing enemies like Sub-Zero – all these abilities, plus dozens of others, are within the power of the “Saints.” But that’s not all – the arsenal of weapons has significantly changed, as the opponents now include not just anyone, but humanoids from another planet. Take, for instance, the inflation gun – with it, one can massively enlarge the head of a particular foe, and then bloodthirstily watch as it explodes. Or the gun named The Dubstep Gun, which spreads musical waves and motivates all living things in the vicinity to dance to the rhythm. Or… However, there’s no need to talk about the other guns. Play it yourself, and you’ll see everything.
What else can be noted among the innovations? Of course, robots! The usual types of vehicles from Saints Row IV haven’t gone anywhere, but why ride boring cars when there’s a multi-ton “mech” that moves quickly, flies like a plane, and is armed from head to toe? The destruction of everything and anything in Saints Row IV has reached a new level, and it’s not just the robots to blame. Volition's creation hides a wealth of interesting finds that will appeal to advocates of virtual violence.