PS3 Fanboy

Despite what the previous trailer might tell you, Saints Row 2 isn't all fun and games. In this trailer titled Saints Gang, the focus is on the story. After being in a coma, the unnamed protagonist breaks out of jail with the help of another inmate, and promptly rescues Johnny Gat, the Chinese-American lieutenant of the Saints gang, from the brink of the electric chair. Our main character then learns another gang called the Brotherhood has taken over in Stilwater and he is determined to gather forces to return for a "second coming." Featuring katana swords, strippers, a S.W.A.T. team and a gun-to-the-head confrontation with former Saints leader Julius Little, this looks to be as grand a saga as a certain other sandbox game. Despite a previously confirmed release date of almost two months earlier, look for Saints Row 2 instead on October 14th.

[via Shacknews -- thanks, Leigh B.!]

Though the teaser trailer left us wondering why THQ even bothered, we were amused at their attempt to distinguish themselves in the eyes of gamers from another franchise in their other trailer. This attempt continues with investors -- THQ's CEO, Brian Farrell indicates that Saints Row 2 is "a very differentiated product in this open-world genre." in an investor's meeting for Chicago-based investment firm William Blair & Company.

Farrell also implied that he was relieved GTA4 is going in a more epic direction while Saints Row 2 will involve more "tongue-in-cheek ... silly, over-the-top gameplay." Additionally, Farrell hinted at other areas where it will try and trump GTA4: DLC, "a larger, richer environment," combat system and a two-player mode.

We like how THQ is taking the series in a more humorous and slapstick direction, but we'll wait to make any final judgments until see the final product when Saints Row 2 is released on October 12th.

Somehow, after this trailer, our interest in Saints Row 2 shot up from "oh, just another Grand Theft Auto clone" to "oh, wow, this is an awesome Grand Theft Auto clone!" The latest trailer doesn't hide its inspirations; in fact, it revels in them. However, the trailer smartly asks "would you rather," comparing its features to those found in Liberty City's adventures. When the choice is between bowling and spewing sewage on passerbys, we may have a winner.

[Via Joystiq]

Listen up son, Saints Row 2 is set for an August 26 release in North America. That's not bad timing actually; once gamers finish this April's GTA IV, they won't have to wait long before getting down to another crime-centric game.

What we're wondering, however, is if this title will actually click with PS3 gamers. The original Saints Row was never released on the PS3; this is the debut for the series on our shiny console. Interested, not interested? While you ponder that, you can check out the official website that just launched.

[Via Joystiq]

Anyone who wants to see gameplay footage or cinematics from Saints Row 2, this trailer isn't for you. In fact, we're a bit wary about calling it a "trailer" in the first place. It's more of a sound file with a purple swirly visualiser attached. With four trailers for GTA IV already available, all showing gameplay footage, it doesn't really bode well for Saints Row 2. How could it ever really compare?

While Saints Row 2 will be coming out for the PS3, the original never made it and remains an Xbox 360 exclusive. Just another reason why we're not particularly interested in the sequel. Feel free to disagree, though.