The weapons are varied, and each class of weapon manages to feel different and worth keeping, even the traditionally low-end classes of “melee weapons” and “pistols.” There are some clear winners, including the “special” weapons that range from a CoD-style Predator Missile strike and Halo Reach-style target locator to a weapon that can remote control (and detonate!) vehicles in the game. The game itself is very well built and a ton of fun to play. Missions that are challenging or frustrating in single player become simply “fun” in co-op, where you can share responsibilities (one driver and one gunner, for example) and bring double the pain to the enemies. It sounds simple, but it removes so much hassle and repetition in situations where you can’t always be online to play co-op together. If the two of you complete it and later you make it to that plot mission in single player, you’re given the option to skip it if you so choose. If you join a game where the other person is further along in the plot than you are, you can still play a plot mission with them. It’s easy to drop in and out of a friend’s game, and the way progress is tracked is very smart. The co-op action and the careful attention to detail in the co-op mechanics are masterful. By far, Saints Row: The Third is the best co-op game I think I’ve ever played. I am happy to say that my fears were completely and totally unfounded. I was a bit afraid that there was no way they could make a more fun co-op game than Saints Row 2. I’ll admit, though, that I was worried when I saw the first “B+” reviews.

Needless to say, when Saints Row 3 was announced, we both pre-ordered immediately. Saints Row 2 was the game GTA 4 tried and failed to be. We crashed helicopters, we stole cars, we made lewd gestures and above all, we blew up. The game was ridiculous, over the top, and completely crazy in every way imaginable. It took a couple of nights to get the rhythm down and get a feel for the game, but we had a blast. It’s rare that I’m interested enough in a game to go back and play it again. I’d rented it, and beaten it, and I was willing to replay it, which is really saying something. As our stable of back-catalog games diminished, and his interest in the latest FPS’es waned, he finally came around to my point of view and we both picked it up.

Probably because it didn’t have Halo or Call of Duty at the front of it. EB wasn’t really sold on the whole “Saints Row 2” thing. Posted December 4, 2011, Updated March 2, 2013, Saints Row: The Third is the most fun you can have in co-op.

Saints row the third coop