A new trailer for the rebooted Saints Row showcases some of the 15 districts coming to the game’s map. This past summer, developer Volition officially revealed the Saints Row reboot to mixed reactions among fans. In the reveal trailer, the developer introduced a new crew of young protagonists. This take on the Saints gang has raised the ire of some fans who feel the game is appealing more to a younger generation of players, rather than Saints Row’s older audience.
Complaints about the change in tone and gameplay have existed since the series pivoted toward a more over-the-top style after Saints Row 2. Since Saints Row 3, players could use superpowers, become the President, wield giant phallic-shaped weapons and many more bizarre antics. Volition’s multiplayer game, Agents of Mayhem, doubled down on these activities as a spin-off of Saints Row 4’s Gat Outta Hell expansion. Before all of this, Saints Row seemed more grounded, with relatable characters and a focus on gang warfare - features fans appear to have missed since the franchise's change in direction.
In a new video, Volition showed some locations players will be able to explore in the reboot on the Saints Row YouTube channel. According to the teaser, the new Saints Row map has 15 unique districts sprawling across Santo Illeso. Creative director Brian Traficante, who commentates in the video, describes three of the 15 districts: Rancho Providencia, Lakeshore, and Monte Vista.
Rancho Providencia is among the "grittier" parts of the Santo Illeso, with older buildings reflecting the city’s age. Lakeshore is the most modern, described as an "urban jungle" with skyscrapers and busy urban streets. Monte Vista is inhabited by the powerful and wealthy, with expensive gated communities and fancy cars. These three districts sit under the control of Saints Row's Los Panteros, Marshall and the Idols gangs, respectively.
Also revealed in the trailer were some of the intriguing spots for players to discover. One of which was a port-a-potty version of the famous Tardis, an easter egg referring to the Dr. Who franchise. Other easter eggs and special events are hidden throughout the city, but those will be for players to uncover themselves. According to Traficante, Santo Illeso is the biggest map that Volition has ever made for Saints Row.
While the reveal trailer is still ruffling feathers, subsequent gameplay videos appears to be changing the reception from fans, both new and old. Based on the comments of the video at the time of writing, many seem to be happy with what was displayed. Considering that Volition appears unbothered by the initial Saints Row backlash, it appears the developer knows what it’s doing.
Saints Row releases February 25, 2022, on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S and PC.
Source: Saints Row\YouTube, Volition