Saints Row vs Saints Row IV
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
Saints Row drops players into the fictional city of Stilwater, where you lead the 3rd Street Saints gang to dominate rival factions. With a blend of high‑octane shooting, wild vehicle races, and tongue‑in‑cheek humor, the game offers a sandbox experience that encourages creative mayhem. The title supports both solo missions and multiplayer chaos, letting you team up with friends for co‑op mayhem or compete in various challenges. Its vibrant world, diverse activities, and irreverent style set it apart from more serious open‑world shooters.
Saints Row IV shifts the franchise's focus from rival street gangs to an interstellar war after the leader of the Third Street Saints is elected President of the United States. Following an invasion by the alien empire known as the Zin, the protagonist and their crew find themselves trapped inside a bizarre computer simulation of Steelport. Inside this virtual sandbox, the player is granted extraordinary superpowers and futuristic weaponry to bend the simulation to their will. Combining open-world sandbox gameplay with sci-fi comedy and chaotic co-op action, the game delivers an over-the-top adventure to free humanity from alien captivity.
- Huge, varied open world
- Entertaining humor and over‑the‑top style
- Strong co‑op multiplayer options
- Extensive vehicle customization
- Hilarious storyline and dialogue
- Incredibly fun superpowers that change traversal
- Extensive character customization options
- Entertaining co-op multiplayer mode
- Graphics show their age compared to modern titles
- Some missions feel repetitive after extended play
- AI can be inconsistent in combat scenarios
- Simulation setting can feel visually repetitive
- Some missions rely heavily on side-activity recycling
- Vehicle driving becomes obsolete once superpowers are unlocked
More alternatives & similar tools
Alternatives to Saints Row
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Lead the Saints from the White House to a simulated alien invasion in Steelport.
Alternatives to Saints Row IV
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Embark on a tactical open-world stealth adventure of vengeance as the legendary mercenary Snake.
The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataSaints Row IV offers newer, super‑powered gameplay and co‑op at a low price, while the original Saints Row gives a larger, vehicle‑focused world but costs more.
Key differences
- •Superpowers vs. vehicle focus – IV lets you fly, teleport and use crazy weapons; original relies on driving and customization.
- •World size and age – IV’s Steelport (2013) is smaller and visually repetitive; original’s Stilwater (2006) is larger but dated graphics.
- •Price – IV is $19.99 versus $59.99 for the original, a 3‑times difference.
- •Multiplayer structure – IV supports drop‑in/co‑op for two players; original supports up to four players for story missions.
- •Release era – IV benefits from newer design (2013) and higher critic score (84) versus original’s 2006 launch (score 83).
Gameplay & fun factor
IV’s superpowers and absurd weapons create more varied, high‑energy fun than the original’s vehicle‑centric combat.
Platform availability
Both are PC/console titles; specific platform lists not provided.
Price & value
IV costs $19.99 versus $59.99 for the original, offering three times more bang for the buck.
Multiplayer / co‑op
Original supports up to four players together; IV only offers two‑player drop‑in co‑op.
Content & replayability
Original’s larger open world, vehicle customization, and gang warfare give longer replay loops than IV’s smaller, repetitive simulation.
Difficulty & accessibility
IV’s superpowers simplify traversal and combat, lowering skill barrier compared to original’s reliance on driving and combat mastery.
Graphics & performance
IV (2013) has newer graphics than the 2006 original, which is noted as showing its age.
Choose Saints Row if…
Players who crave a bigger world, deep vehicle customization, and larger co‑op groups.
Choose Saints Row IV if…
Players who want cheap, super‑powered chaos and easy co‑op.
Common questions
Is Saints Row IV cheaper than the original?
Yes, IV is $19.99 while the original Saints Row is $59.99.
Which game supports more players in co‑op?
The original Saints Row supports up to four players; Saints Row IV supports two.
Do both games have similar humor and mature rating?
Both are rated ESRB M/PEGI 18 and feature comedic, over‑the‑top storylines.