Today, Deep Silver announced Saints Row 3: Remastered, a current-gen port of one of the Saints Row franchise’s fan-favorite games. And while it isn’t a radical “from the ground up” remake like Final Fantasy 7 or Resident Evil 3 received, there’s plenty there for fans of the original game, all with some fancy new graphics and technology to make everything feel more modern.
Those that played Saints Row 3 when it launched should feel right at home here. As far as gameplay is concerned, everything has remained the same to ensure that the game feels familiar to fans. Deep Silver and developer Spearsoft seem set on ensuring that the players have an authentic Saints Row 3 experience, which expanded on its predecessor in multiple meaningful ways.
Saints Row 3 Remastered leaked early, so it isn’t much of a surprise, but the remaster will come bundled with all of the game’s DLC, which should add a considerable amount of content to the game. For those that have been looking to dive back into Saint’s Row, the package is a safe bet. While still a relatively ridiculous title compared to most of what’s out there, Saints Row: The Third still packed some level of groundedness that fans seemed to enjoy.
For those unfamiliar, Saints Row 3 saw the gang transition from street thugs into celebrities, a midpoint of Saints Rows evolution from the streets to space. That is until the Syndicate, a global crime, well, syndicate, takes over Stilwater, the Saint’s home turf. Saints Row 3 equips players with everything they need to take down the Syndicate, leading to some chaotic moments. But how, exactly, have things changed within the game?
A Fresh Coat of Paint
The most immediate, and obvious, thing players are going to notice is how much better the game looks compared to the original. The past few years have seen quite a few remasters and remakes launch, though it certainly seems like Spearsoft, the company making the current-gen port, has put in the work to ensure it looks as sharp as possible.
A refresh on the way the game is lit has made a world of difference. It isn’t quite as fierce as the addition of raytracing, which is increasingly finding its way into next-gen games, but it still makes for an incredible visual overhaul. In the trailer, fans see before and after shots that demonstrate the newer look, especially as the sun is setting. While Saints Row 3 does look fairly cartoony, the way the light shines on various surfaces and through skyscrapers is impressive.
Weapons, NPCs, and the player’s character should all look significantly sharper as players explore the world thanks to some revamped models. Plus, the game will have increased population density, meaning more pedestrians on the street and more vehicles on the road, making the game feel a fair bit more alive.
The team is aiming for a richer experience with the title, in no small part thanks to the various enhancements that are going into the game. Those that do want to journey back, or give it a shot for the first time, are likely to find an even better take on what many consider to be the quintessential Saint’s Row experience. Rumor has it that another Saints Row is being announced in 2020, and with this remaster coming out, alongside the Saints Row 4 Switch port, it’s possible that Deep Silver is just trying to bring back some interest in the franchise.
While Saints Row 3 Switch reviews did bring up some technical issues, one can hope that Saint’s Row 3 remastered goes off without a hitch. From a gameplay perspective, the game seems to operate just as the original did, all the way down to the controls. That goes a long way in giving fans an authentic experience to the original game, which many are likely looking for.
Gamers should expect more delays due to coronavirus, so Saint’s Row 3, which is set to release on May 22nd, might be a good way to fill the void left by any other titles that get delayed between now and then. Regardless, fans looking for some Saint’s Row action will likely find what they’re looking for here.
Saints Row 3 Remastered does come with a few catches. The game only runs at 30 FPS, so anyone looking for an ultra-smooth experience may be a little bit disappointed. Split-screen is also unlikely to make it into the game, which may disappoint some looking for a couch co-op experience. That aside, Saint’s Row 3 Remastered should be a good way to escape for a while.
Saint’s Row: The Third Remastered is set to release on May 22nd, 2o20, for PC, PS4, and Xbox One.
