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Developer admits Saints Row 2 will have 'bugs'
Developer Volition admits that Saints Row 2 "won't be bug free" when it releases. Speaking at the game's unveiling in London, a Volition producer says no title ships bug free, but that the studio is going to do its best to polish the game before it releases this year. He even says the company has "a full QA team" on the project, which given the issues with the first title causes us to imagine it only had a Vietnamese pot-bellied pig named Mortimer testing it. Admitting off the bat there will be bugs is refreshing honesty from a developer, but it's more like preemptive damage control spurred by the fact that Saints Row was known for its comedic code issues. In fact, the bugs were so ridiculous in the game that there was a musical made about them (which can also be found after the break for those afraid of links).
First look at THQ's thuggish Saints Row 2
IGN has the first look scoop on THQ and Volition's gangster sequel Saints Row 2 and all things said, we think the game has some healthy potential.It's obvious that developer Volition took the criticisms of Saints Row and were determined to fix everything possible. For the sequel, they've revamped the game's look, bumped up the amount of dialog, added all kinds of new rides and added the ability to fully "trick out" your character with customization options. You'll not only be able to change your thug's appearance, but you'll even get to change the way he walks and celebrates. Also, your "crib" can be customized to your liking as well. Saints Row 2 sounds to be carrying its own attitude (car bombs FTW!) and its own brand of sandbox style fun, but we cannot help but fear that GTAIV's massive wake will all but drown out any anticipation for Volition's baby. But THQ is confident that it can hold its own, so we'll just have to wait and see if it's a fresh enough experience to pull us away from Liberty City and into Stillwater.
THQ details Red Faction: Guerrilla as 'open-world' third-person shooter
THQ's confirmation of third entry in the sci-fi series Red Faction earlier in February was decidedly light on details beyond the fact that development duties were once again being handled by Volition and that the game would cater to players on the Xbox 360, PS3 and PC. THQ has now revealed that the upcoming sequel will adopt a numberless title, Red Faction: Guerrilla, and will feature a return to Mars 50 years after the last game with an environment described as "open-world" -- but then again what isn't these days?The biggest change, however, is the series' move from first to third person, with THQ's Brad Carraway describing the gameplay as focused on "fast-paced guerrilla warfare style combat" and "true physics-based destruction." We're trying to look impressed, but again it's more rare to find a game these days that doesn't boast some level of physics-based shenanigans than not. "Robust" multiplayer modes are also promised, but by now the ordinariness of it all has started to make our eyes glaze over as we wait for Red Faction: Guerrilla's release sometime during THQ's 2009 fiscal year.
Red Faction III announced by THQ
The first Red Faction was one of the few FPS games last generation that was console-exclusive to PS2. This was made even more interesting by the fact that the game was well-known for its physics and destructible environs. The sequel saw release on all of the last gen systems, and the third game looks to be on the way to 360 and the PS3. Announced last week, Red Faction III is being developed by Volition Inc, (the developers of the first games, as well as Saints Row) and published by THQ.Not much is known about the title at this time. Whether the story will be continued, how current-gen tech will be utilized, etc, is all up in the air. Though we were teased with the idea that the tech will allow for "More exciting destruction technology," the only other real facts taken from the announcement were the news that the game is running (albeit in early form) and that THQ's target release date is April of 2009.
TheStreet.com rattles off the big games of '08
Though we're still shaking off the gaming haze of 2007, aught-eight is under way and waiting for no man. Just when it seems like nothing could top last year's surfeit of incredible games, along comes a feature by TheStreet.com, covering 2008's biggest known releases and reminding us that we're not out of the water yet. Considering their Wall Street pedigree, it shouldn't be surprising that they concentrate mostly on the major public companies and their biggest '08 releases. First up is Take-Two and Grand Theft Auto IV, the obvious frontrunner in terms of sales for '08. Next is EA's Spore, which presents a slightly more muddled outlooks; without a franchise name to build off of, and a nebulous release date, analysts aren't sure where to put it. THQ's been hurting a bit lately, so analysts are hopeful that Saint's Row 2 (expected in '08) along with licensed games (y'know, for kids) will help pull them out of their funk. Oh, and there's some Wii Fit thing which is supposed to make "Nintendo" a bunch of cash. Or something. The last two titles on their list are PS3 exclusives: Metal Gear Solid 4 they say "will be a bigger deal for Sony than for Konami" while LittleBigPlanet could "revive Sony's fortunes in the video games industry." What other big titles should we be looking out for in '08? [Via GamePolitics]
Pirates vs. Ninjas Dodgeball confirmed for XBLA
We couldn't decide whether to fill this post with romanticized pirate flair or fabricated ninja proverbs, so instead we'll just blurt out a balanced "HIYARGH!" and be done with it. The news that spawned this clash of cultures comes straight from Gamecock Media Group, which has announced that Pirates vs. Ninjas Dodgeball will arrive on Xbox Live Arcade in "early 2008."The game is the first from developer Blazing Lizard, formed earlier this year by three Volition veterans (Red Faction, Freespace, Saint's Row). "It is no secret that Pirates and Ninjas have beef," explains studio director Chris Stockman. "But it turns out both have a great love for dodgeball and unique skills when it comes to playing the game. We are bringing together sworn enemies for what I can guarantee will be explosive dodgeball action." [Warning: Do not read the last sentence! You will regret it!]We're not shuriken back up those promises yet, but there's avast amount of potential when it comes to this age old stealth-striking, swashbuckling saga.%Gallery-5856%
Saints Row 2 confirmed for PS3, Xbox 360
THQ has announced that its internal studio Volition is developing Saints Row 2 for release on both PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 in 2008. The game will mark the series' first appearance on the PlayStation 3, after the previously planned port of the Xbox 360 original was canceled earlier this year, with funds from that project reportedly being channeled towards the development of Saints Row 2.According to THQ, the return to the open world of Stilwater will feature a number of improvements over the original, including both online co-op and competitive multiplayer gang banging, as well as a collection of new rides and customizable cribs, gangs, character gender, age, and voices. In addition, THQ marketing guru Scott Guthrie suggests that Saints Row 2's story is also getting a face lift, describing the narrative as "much darker and more sinister" than the first game.Released in 2006, the GTA-inspired original Saints Row was met with generally positive reviews, though admittedly it had little competition with which to contend when released. The real test will be next year, when the sequel shares shelf space with Rockstar's hotly anticipated GTA IV.
Former Volition trio forms Blazing Lizard
After months of strategic planning, industry vets Sandeep Shekar (president), Jiovanie Velazquez (creative director) and Christopher Stockman (studio director) have fully exposed their new development studio: Blazing Lizard, Inc. The trio most recently lit it up at Volition and had a hand in titles like Freespace, the Red Faction series, and Saints Row. While the Lizard is now out in the open, its wares remain a semi-mystery.According to an inaugural press release, Blazing Lizard will focus development on "console downloadable games for all ages and demographics." The studio is already working on one such title (for unspecified platforms), teasing site visitors with high-res shots that have been "post-shape-blurred," like the one above. We see ... trees? Expect a clear view to be visible on Monday, August 13th.
Destroy All Humans, Saint's Row sequels not coming this year
A brief note in publisher THQ's fiscal report (PDF file) indicates that a previously announced sequel to Saint's Row will not be marching until fiscal year 2009. In calendar terms, that means excess excess pimp-slapping won't be coming until at least April 1, 2008. Conspicuously absent from the entire report was a mention of a Destroy All Humans sequel. Though DAH3 was reportedly announced in a German magazine as coming out this calendar year to consoles, no mentions were made of the franchise for either FY 2008 or 2009. It is still listed as one of its key IPs, however. There's always a chance, however slim, that THQ could pull a surprise announcement at next week's Min-E3. Expected this fiscal year from THQ are Stuntman: Ignition, Frontlines: Fuel of War, Juiced 2: Hot Import Nights and MX vs. ATV. Oh, and licensed titles, too.
PS3 Saints Row pimp-slapped and capped, sequel in works
Life ain't easy in the ghetto. THQ announced today that they are canceling the PS3 version of Saints Row and diverting those funds into a sequel for Xbox 360 and PS3. The sequel is scheduled for a 2008 release. THQ CEO Brian Farrell told NextGen, "We've done great things for our brands by putting them in the right time frame ... The most important thing for the Saints Row franchise is to have a simultaneous shipment into a larger installed base next year. That's what we're looking for with Saints Row 2." Saints Row ended up becoming a sleeper hit with 1.4 million units shipped for Xbox 360. The game recently became a platinum hit for the console and costs $29.99. Saints Row surprisingly elevated the GTA-style sandbox game. In the wake of GTA IV's release later this year it'll be interesting to see if Saints Row II can top it in 2008. See also: Saints Row the musical
Saints Row confirmed for PS3
THQ has confirmed rumors that Saints Row is headed to the PlayStation 3. Volition's port is expected to be released this spring and will include support for PlayStation Network, bringing Saints Row's enjoyable multiplayer modes to PS3. The publisher did not address the possibility of new content being added to the PS3 version. Saints Row debuted on Xbox 360 in late August, receiving generally positive reviews. [Thanks, The_Foo_Fighter]
Saints Row goes off-Broadway
Sure, Saints Row is full of thugged out gangsta' pimps, but it's full of something else, too: bugs. Cabel, a man known for his DS review videos, has put together something very special to commemorate these bugs. Along with a friend, he's put together a musical, Buggy Saints Row. Well, it's really more like three vignettes, but it's still funny. With songs like "Where's my F*cking Car," you really can't miss. So, sit back, relax, and enjoy the softer side of Saints Row. Follow the "read" link for Cabel's thoughts and a higher quality video.[Via Joystiq]
Saint's Row the musical
THQ's Saint's Row, the GTA clone that hit the Xbox 360 (for those who don't know), was a good move for them. The game sold well and made THQ stockholders very happy. However, the game shipped with some horrendous bugs, many of which completely broke the game. Many gamers never saw them, but others were inundated by them from start to finish. One such gamer decided to make the best of it. A blogger by the name of Cabel decided to film his buggy escapades and put them to a musical. The musical is fairly well done, in a hokey homebrew sort of way, and does have a comical segment where apparently the night sky in Stillwater hangs out somewhere below the surface of the planet during the day (vindicating the Dark Ages Roman Catholic church by proving the world is, indeed, flat). Check the link for the higher quality, not-YouTube version.
Santa's Row: reindeer up, ho ho hos down
Just to put everyone in the holiday spirit, Volition has rolled out some new content for Saints Row. Download the "Ho Ho Ho Pack" from Marketplace for access to a brand new Santa suit. We suggest you reenact the movie Bad Santa to your heart's content. Have your character drink himself silly, mistreat a few prostitutes, and go on a shooting spree. Is there any better way to spread holiday cheer? We submit that there is not. Merry Christmas, everyone!*[Thanks, Jay sheffield. Image via b3ta.com]*Except Live Silver members, who will be able to download the content after December 25th.
Saints Row patched, finally
After two long months Saints Row has been patched -- just in time to go up against the holiday blockbusters. We suppose better late than never, but a number of the issues that the update addresses (e.g., spinning camera, missing store items, "rare" crash bugs, etc.) should have been ironed out during testing phases, or at least patched sooner. What's up with the lackadaisical effort, guys? THQ, Volition, we're lookin' at you. Sure we've had our moments in the Row, but this gang bangin' romp is gonna be a memory in another week or so. Too little, too late.
Saints Row: Pimps up, patch down
Despite widespread reports that a release was imminent, the long-awaited Saints Row patch is still a no-show as of 4am October 31 and -- as you might expect -- the pimps are getting restless. Do you think trying to issue an update in the same window as the Fall Feature-for-All might have been a bad idea?
Saints Row Updated
People have been complaining about Saints Row multiplayer for a long time. Good news, it may be time to fire up Saints Row again, as Volition has finally released a patch. The patch fixes and updates a number of both single player and multiplayer issues. It does enough things that we won't bother to list them all here. Besides, we're pretty sure that most of you just want to know if the lag has been fixed. Supposedly, the patch will help out in the lag department, though we are unable to confirm this. Anybody out there gotten the patch yet? Are things running more smoothly? Leave some comments and let fellow thugz know what's up.[Thanks, MeatPlowz]
Saints Row demo joins the XBLM gang
If your world view is obstructed by the rock under which you live, you may not have noticed that a demo for Saints Row has hit Marketplace. Go get it and tell us what you think.On a side note, posts might be a little wonky for a while, as technical difficulties (my Evil Office Webfilter ®) prevent more timely posts. Please bear with us as we get back up to speed. Of course, if you don't live in America, the posts might actually be more timely.Anywho, grab the Saints Row demo and tell us how Krunk it is.[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Down under Saints Row playtest
Our Aussie friends at My360.com.au got a chance to playtest a near final build of Saints Row. In short, it sounds like great fun."Gamers will be pleased to know that Saints Row, from what we saw from the preview code, is far from a GTA-clone. It offers so much more in terms of customization and interaction that it really makes a run for the best GTA-type game out there, considering GTA is pretty much a genre in itself."Some of the high points:
