When I first saw Saints Row games, this is what I though, and I'm sure a lot of others did as well. After playing 20 minutes, my opinion stayed the same, this is a GTA clone. Then after another 20 minutes I was blown away. This game is very unique, and if I could describe it as a mash-up, it is a Matrix-meets-GTA comedy. Saints Row IV is a riot. I love obliterating the city, I love that the obliteration is actually for a good reason (in terms of the story). Saints Row IV is every amazing or hilarious idea anyone has had all thrown into one. They spared nothing. I'm 10 hours in, 28% complete, and loving every minute.
This game doesn't hold your hand. It teaches you the basics when you earn a new ability, and then sets you loose to die and die and die again until you figure out how to overcome the obstacle in front of you. Very pleasant divergence from the 'on rails' experience that too many games seem to offer these days.
A full playthrough takes about as long as a movie, and you can play it like one. Cuddle up with someone special, and this game on your laptop, and enjoy. This game evoked so many emotions in me, and actually brought me to tears.
The game play is highly immersive, and I sincerely enjoyed exploring this small town. A lot of detail and care was put into the homes and the characters. I felt relieved each and every time I was able to start a fire, or return to someplace warm to rest for a moment. I would take this opportunity (in game!) to relax, have a cigarette, read through my notes and my journal, and plan my next moves. The cold, and the stress are constant pressures on you as you play, and proper management and care are needed for Carl to survive and solve the mysteries. Amazing game. But minus one star because the ending felt very abrupt. I was expecting to continue on with my investigation after a particular instance, but instead it goes to cutscene and game end. It's good to know that there will be sequels. Also, there was one puzzle that was extremely difficult, and did not seem intuitive at all (to me at least). I had to find a walkthrough to solve that one.
