This September, PlayStation Plus subscribers have found a new reason to discuss, debate, and yes, sometimes complain about their latest downloads. The lineup, featuring Saints Row, Generation Zero, and Black Desert, wasn’t initially met with jubilation.
Indeed, the announcement occurred almost simultaneously with the news of Sony hiking the subscription fees. Suffice it to say, it ruffled feathers. However, among the three, it’s the unlikeliest of them all that’s making noise. Though it wasn’t universally acclaimed upon its release and even stirred controversies among the franchise’s diehard fans, Saints Row still holds weight in the gaming world.
So, when PlayStation Plus rendered it “free” for its subscribers, many, as reported by True Trophies, found it hard to give it a spin, making it the second most significant debut on the platform this year, trailing only behind Battlefield 2042.
While the figures suggest that a substantial number have tried the game, feedback remain just as mixed as ever. What’s the consensus? It didn’t live up to the legacy of its predecessors. Everything, from its narrative to its gameplay, aren’t up to par with AAA standards. Nevermind that it wasn’t a great game, worthy of kickstarting a new line of installments as a reboot – it wasn’t even remotely close to being good.
Amidst the skepticism, a different narrative is emerging. Many players admit to finding joy in its sandbox gameplay. It’s a “good bad game” with its fair share of quirks, comparable to films that are so bad, they’re good, like cult classic films like “The Room” and “Master of Disguise”, among others.
It’s evident that for some, Saints Row offers a casual, often hilarious escapade, distinct from the gravitas of the critically acclaimed titles like Grand Theft Auto that it so desperately tries so hard to beat.
While it’s not exactly a masterpiece, some players believe Saints Row was unfairly judged by critics and its merits aren’t so bad to be overshadowed by its flaws. Then again, giving away a game for free is a great way to persuade people.
Nevertheless, this leads to an interesting consideration concerning PlayStation Plus’ strategy. When genuinely popular games are added to the roster, a considerable portion of the subscribers already own them, making the inclusion a lot less enticing. Thus, introducing mid-range games, those that are neither critically acclaimed blockbusters nor absolute failures, can be a wise move. These are titles that many would be reluctant to purchase but are willing to try if available without additional cost.
Saints Row’s case is reflective of this approach. While not lauded as a masterpiece in the vein of God of War, it’s not an abysmal experience either. It stands as a testament to the idea that players should occasionally stray from critics’ advice and form their own opinions.
A similar situation unfolded with Days Gone, which many players grew to appreciate only after it was freely accessible, despite the initial lukewarm critical reception.
While Saints Row’s reception is a mix of appreciation and criticism, it undoubtedly reiterates the importance of making a more diverse PlayStation Plus library, giving both players and games a chance to rediscover and be rediscovered.
