THQ/Xbox 360 (£39.99)
In this “18” certificate title set in the mythical city of Stillwater, rival gangs wage war, and players sign up for the church-affiliated 3rd Street Saints. You start out as the gang’s rookie, rising rapidly through the ranks after a series of challenges. Thereafter, a series of missions and sub-games boosts your notoriety and standing in the gang.
A convertible is your mode of transport around the sprawling urban setting, but any vehicle can be hijacked. Completed tasks are rewarded with specifics, such as access to the gang’s “crib”, or funds to upgrade guns.
Advertisement
Get too sloppy or too violent and you risk being busted by the cops or “smoked”. When the latter happens, players are reborn, but lose notoriety in the process.
This is a game guaranteed to offend and entertain in equal measure, but it is emphatically not for children.
TIM WAPSHOTT