PS3 Fanboy

This latest Saints Row 2 trailer is suppose to highlight their co-op gameplay mechanics, but who's going to notice that when you have the most awesome combination of McCain and Obama lookalikes walking side-by-side together with a firearm in their hand? We like it better when Saints Row 2 takes the amusing route, rather than trying to take that other sandbox title head-on. The game is coming out October 14th. We don't wanna spoil too much for you, so take a gander at the trailer, after the jump:

[Via MaxConsole]

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It's been a while since we checked in on Saints Row 2. It made a splash earlier when it compared itself to Rockstar's Grand Theft Auto IV, promising over-the-top crass humor which the somewhat emo Liberty City game failed to offer this time around. But, it looks like Saints Row 2 isn't just all about potty humor -- it looks like there's going to be a story in this one too, continuing the gang violence featured in the original. For some reason, we liked it more when it just trying to be funny.

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]