There’s no doubt that theSaints Rowfranchise is a core part of Volition’s lineup. The action-adventure crime franchise has moved through very different tones throughout its life, but nevertheless remains a classic. That’s why Volition’s upcomingSaints Rowgame is worth keeping an eye on. The reboot, simply calledSaints Row, looks like a significant step away from its predecessors. While comic elements remain, it’s a far more serious game than recent entries, taking a more realistic look at criminal empires. Overall though,Saints Rowlooks like it’ll offer fans the same kind of criminal control they’ve come to love.
Notably,Saints Rowwill give fans a new tool with which to stake their claim in territories.A new mechanic called Criminal Venturesserves as a core part ofSaints Row’s system of territory management. Through the Criminal Ventures system, players can start legitimate businesses that serve as fronts for illegitimate criminal schemes, which will help the player generate some cash and maintain control over Santo Ileso. While many of details of Criminal Ventures remain unknown, the mechanic is a symbol ofSaints Rowinnovations that should make fans optimistic.
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How Saints Row Criminal Ventures Work
Fans will spendSaints Rowfighting with other criminal factions eager to control Santo Ileso. While the Saints will start small, players will claim territory from the Idols, Los Panteros, and Marshall Defense Industries.AsSaints Rowplayers take overparts of the city, they’ll find empty lots scattered through their new territory. Players can build new businesses on these lots, choosing from a variety of options like a hospital, fast food joint, toxic waste disposal site, and more.
According to Volition, each of these Criminal Ventures will come with new missions and minigames that will earn the player a profit while showcasing the Saints' growth as a criminal empire. For instance,longtimeSaints Rowfansmight enjoy building the Shady Oaks Medical Center since it brings back the classic Insurance Fraud minigame. Volition hasn’t explained every Criminal Venture yet, but the feature’s reveal trailer suggestsSaints Rowplayers will be able to unlock tons of different options, which in-turn will diversifySaints Row’s gameplay as the player progresses.
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Saints Row’s Growth Through Criminal Ventures
While there’s plenty left tolearn aboutSaints Rowfeatureslike Criminal Ventures, it showcases how the franchise reboot can succeed. WhileSaints Rowpreserves the traditional faction-driven gameplay that made the series famous, it builds on the premise literally and figuratively thanks to the businesses that players can construct and operate. These businesses could make faction warfare more rewarding than before. If theSaints Rowreboot is all about upgrading core features of the broaderSaints Rowfranchise, it may yet shine.
TheSaints Rowreboot is clearly very different from its predecessors, but it also seems to revel in that identity. Volition is taking the reboot as an opportunity to try new things, both in terms of gameplay features and the franchise’s aesthetic. The loss of the wacky, irreverent, explosive comedythat helped defineSaints Rowis sad, but the reboot may make up for it through strong central characters and bold new mechanics. Hopefully Criminal Ventures live up to the hype alongside all the other risks thatSaints Rowis taking. If they do, theSaints Rowfranchise may find even more new ways to flourish in the coming years.
Saints Rowreleases July 09, 2025 for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
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