Initial buzz about Grounded was minimal; just an inkling that something fresh might emerge in gaming. Yet its sudden explosion into mainstream consciousness proved otherwise; mesmerizing millions with its blend of survival, exploration, and crafting gameplay. Obsidian Entertainment seems to have created some form of magical shrinking potion that allows us to experience life from an ant's point of view! Grounded was an unexpected sensation that captured everyone's interest surprisingly early. A stealthy title that initially managed to stay under the radar before blossoming into something amazing and inspiring players around the globe; suddenly everyone was talking about survival in backyard environments!
I have spent endless hours wandering among towering blades of grass, building intricate fortresses, and fighting massive insects that would send any arachnophobe shrieking with fear. It is an extraordinary world with beauty as well as fear; every dewdrop could provide life support while spiders could pose grave threats; its ability to transform everyday things into extraordinary experiences is truly astounding. Far from me to recommend to those who buy PS5 games a title that I did not finish and totally enjoyed it. Grounded may contain quirks - software bugs not of the garden variety - which are sometimes annoying, yet these issues are easily overlooked given its sheer joy of discovery. Every corner offers new challenges; discovering an underground cavern or crafting a powerful weapon are always exciting experiences in Grounded!
Survival mechanics in Antsy are deceptively deep for such an apparently straightforward premise, from gathering resources, crafting tools, and building your base to exploring your surroundings and fortifying against monstrous insects lurking behind every corner. I spent hours fortifying my base only for it to become overrun with angry ants; an experience both thrilling and frightening at once! A game about being shrunk down seemed like an odd choice of subject matter; yet once I ventured into that unfamiliar and overgrown world I became fascinated and became fully immersed in its strange beauty, creating an unparalleled feeling of discovery!
Every blade of grass and dewdrop holds something special to reveal; there's great pleasure in exploring this miniature world and piecing together what happened here. Grounded's humor also stands out: from absurdly large bugs to its quirky dialogue, Grounded, among PS5 adventure games, manages to be both frightening and delightful at the same time. Grounded stands as proof of what can be accomplished with fresh perspectives and taking risks; its success speaks for itself and millions are playing this beloved title!
Obsidian Entertainment has conjured an immersive universe that is both intimate and massive in scale. A backyard that was once mundane transforms into an expansive wilderness where every dewdrop may become its own lake; every pebble becomes its own formidable mountain; not simply another take on "Honey, I Shrunk the Kids." Obsidian has created something bolder - an immersion into an alienated reality where survival becomes ever-present anxiety. Grounded isn't without its problems; performance issues may hinder gameplay at times and some of the later game content feels thin at times, yet these are minor drawbacks in what otherwise represents an exceptional package.
Stellar Blade's planet Earth lies ravaged and abandoned; skyscrapers puncture its murky sky like monuments of fallen civilization; humankind now struggles for survival on distant space stations ejected by monstrous entities known as Naytiba; however there remains one spark of hope as Eve, an individual wielding an iconic Stellar Blade sword, descends upon it determined to recover what's been taken.
Stellar Blade's post-apocalyptic setting, where remnants of civilization struggle for survival amidst monstrous threats, may recall The Last of Us' dark and atmospheric world-building. (Just in case you did not played it - and I do not think there are too many real gamers who did not do it already - you must buy The Last of Us.) Both games feature an earth that has become hostile against humanity's efforts at survival - with abandoned skyscrapers contributing to feelings of desolation and despair that is present throughout both games.
Stellar Blade adds its own special twist by including elements of space travel and cosmic entities known as Naytiba into its sci-fi post-apocalyptic narrative, further creating an engaging experience for viewers. Eve's presence wielding Stellar Blade sword sets in motion an extraordinary journey focused on recovering what has been lost against impossible odds. The combat is very different between the games (and we will talk about it soon).
Stellar Blade creats its own identity in the action-adventure genre by mixing elements of post-apocalyptic survival with cosmic exploration, creating a compelling story around Eve's quest for redemption. Is the story engaging? It is engaging enough but quite linear, lacking any depth or mistery, pretty commercial if you ask me. (Check other games with similar combat in our article about exclsuive PS4 and PS5 games.) The Last of Us is a clear masterpiece where Stellar Blade is nothing of this kind, just a slightly above average single-player game that has superlative elements but also minuses in so many ways.
So the question stands: is Stellar Blade worth spending space-bucks on? The answer will depend entirely on what appeals to you in a videogame experience.
Stellar Blade will offer an engaging combat system, rewarding skill and mastery through parries, evasions and Beta/Burst Gauges to unleash devastating attacks - providing gamers with an immensely enjoyable gameplay experience. Without a doubt, the main reason why someone will buy Stellar Blade is to experience the Sekiro-like challanging combat, the diversity of enemies and tough bosses. Of course, in a totally different setting, however, recognizable in the defense-driven approach of the award-winning Sekiro: Shaddow Die Twice.
Stellar Blade offers an intriguing post-apocalyptic world just begging to be explored, perfect for anyone seeking adventure. Vast landscapes filled with crumbling cities and treacherous terrain offer ample thrills and spillover. For the truly daring spirit, this game may provide more than enough excitement!
Stellar Blade may leave some gamers wanting more, especially if narrative innovation is your top priority because this is a very linear tale lacking deepness, character development, and more. While its worldbuilding is exceptional, predictable plot points and character depth may cause them to disengage with it quickly, so these players are better served if they are looking elsewhere.
The story develops as Eve attempts to connect with what remains of human civilization while searching for four hypercores guarded by powerful bosses, each unlocking another piece of the puzzle: its secrets behind an apocalyptic event, exodus to space, and Naytiba origins. Combat is the main dish when it comes to Stellar Blade, and even if derivative, it is recognizable and similar to that of Sekiro: Shaddow Die Twice. After all, if you copy someone, choose that someone carefully. Although somewhat predictable in plot development and execution, its narrative doesn't lack charm and Eve is quite an attractive picture - exploring forgotten settlements while discovering stories about past inhabitants add emotional depth - creating a realistic world with crumbling buildings and abandoned street corners feeling lived-in rather than felt during tragedy's heavy weight.
I believe I am not the only one who has had childhood afternoons spent poring over pirate maps, so you can recognize the feeling that such moments ignited in you, the wanderlust that you yearn to pursue in life. Sea of Thieves may provide just such an adventure (or nostalgic memory reignited), and it could be the case that once started, you will be hooked (pun intended) for a long! Think about the longevity of this adventure game: 12 Seasons already! When I say "hooked for long," it is not just an expression... I really mean it!
One must consider whether its riches truly meet their mark because the Sea of Thieves is a pleasant and addictive game, however, you cannot avoid asking yourself: is it worth its very high price tag? Also, are there ways to mitigate the price, like getting it for less - think cheap Xbox games on key websites like G2A or Eneba - or something else? Very fast, to leave these questions behind, I can tell you that on Xbox, you can get an Xbox pass for less than $10/month and enjoy many games, including Sea of Thieves. And "yes," it could be found at a better price on the websites mentioned.
Although its graphics might not appeal to everyone - with more cartoony than hyper-realistic depictions - that doesn't matter; what matters is how well they work together: vivid colors, meticulous attention to environment details ranging from tropical island palm trees swaying in the breeze to volcanic vents in Devil's Roar giving off fiery flares combined to form an undeniably stunning world that exudes with its distinct artistic style and captivating moments of breathtaking beauty or hilarious pirate misadventures captured as screenshots before! Never have I taken so many screenshots before in one game that captured such breathtaking moments of breathtaking beauty or hilarious pirate misadventures!
And yet this is only a taste of what lies beyond. Concealed alcoves, perilous shallows, and mysterious isles shrouded in mist make the Sea of Thieves realm, an ever-evolving tableau that never ceases to surprise with its breadth and diversity. Furthermore, weather patterns add another dimension: one moment being caressed by gentle caresses of zephyr wind while moments later caught up in a fierce battle against tempests wreaking havoc: all elements come together to make for an ever-evolving tableau which demands reverence as well as attention as continual adaptation by those living within its waters.
In conclusion, here's the salty truth: Sea of Thieves can be an amazing solo experience too, even if I would rather recommend it as a multiplayer PvP or PvE video game, offering plenty of solitude with which you can commune with the vastness of the ocean. Even if you buy Xbox adventure games for playing alone, solo sailing offers its poetry and it is a nice departure from many more commercial offers or twitch-shooters that conquered the market lately. This is a different kind of adventure, that develops slowly, but well, and communing directly with nature while learning to read waves, predict storms, and anticipate squalls is part and parcel with becoming a hardened pirate from sea's harsh conditions.
Respawn Entertainment and Electronic Arts' latest title builds upon the strengths of its predecessor while addressing its weaknesses and embracing a grander scale. Cal Kestis returns, more seasoned and resolute than before, driven to dismantle the Empire. He now aligns himself with the Saw Guerrera rebel faction—an early incarnation of the resistance depicted in the movies. Where Fallen Order chronicled Cal's journey toward becoming a Jedi, Survivor focuses on upholding the Jedi Order's legacy. Star Wars Jedi: Survivor breaks new ground by delving into more nuanced themes. It's a departure from the simplicity of the first title, with its final storyline encompassing everything showcased, putting the characters and players through an emotionally charged experience. Along this journey, the allure of the visited planets, the companions met along the way, and even the NPCs are undeniable.
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor excellently portrays Cal Kestis' evolution into a Jedi Master. He retains some skills from the previous game while developing new ones as players progress. The level design structure remains consistent: often, obstacles require abilities or items unlocked later, encouraging replayability as players revisit planets to uncover more secrets. Adding a New Game+ mode adds to the game's replay value. The combat gameplay draws comparisons to titles like Star Wars Unleashed and Knights of the Old Republic, featuring acrobatic movements, Force-powered abilities, a diverse range of adversaries, and challenging gameplay. Although there are difficult options, the Hard Mode strikes a good balance. If you want to enhance your gaming experience, consider exploring places where you can buy cheap PS5 games. Despite some likening it to souls-like combat, Survivor leans more towards adventurous gameplay akin to Fallen Order.
Players will find themselves immersed in hours of diverse and engaging content. They can delve into various challenges within the Tears of the Force arenas, embrace the role of a Bounty Hunter, pursue Legendary Creatures, cultivate their gardens, and partake in the captivating Holographic Matches minigame. Although the exploration is limited to a few planets, Koboh and Jedha are the primary settings, packed with numerous activities alongside the main storyline. Completing tasks and investing around 45 to 55 hours of gameplay is essential for those aiming to attain platinum status.
If you've managed to stick around through the whole analysis, you've probably realized that Star Wars Jedi: Survivor is worth your time. For fans out there, you can be assured that alongside Mandalorian, Star Wars Jedi: Survivor stands as one of the finest recent creations within this universe, inviting players to explore and enjoy the experience, and if interested, consider where to buy cheap PS5 games to expand their gaming collection. The game's level design has also been improved, much better than in the previous Star Wars games, with more intricate and detailed environments to explore, and making use of the new hardware of PlayStation 5.
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor is not a money grab by any means and it stands out among its competitors due to its ambitious scope (that you decide if it was reached or not). The game features significantly more content than before, and is better than Fallen Order in any case, with greater levels of detail throughout the game, not to mention an expansive world containing everything from frozen tundras to lush forests awaiting you for exploration. I recommend buying Star Wars Jedi: Survivor because it offers plenty of extra gameplay through hidden areas, puzzles, and collectibles, so it packs quite a lot of replayability with many hours of additional gaming fun for players who finished the game. Although Jedi: Survivor requires quite a lot of storage space (139GB on my device) it boasts impressive loading times and smooth frame rates, clearly a game made for the current generation of consoles, while its graphics are captivating with highly detailed environments (true, there are some glitches) and character models that stand out.
"Assassin's Creed Mirage" invites me into its meticulously designed world where every sensation is amplified, moments are art forms unto themselves and stealthy visuals form an adventure lasting far after my controller has been put aside.
Under the moonlit sky of Baghdad, I found my sense of adventure through "Assassin's Creed Mirage." In these intimate nighttime moments of playback, visuals, and gameplay combined harmoniously for an incredible gaming experience that left an imprintful memory behind. Baghdad comes alive when illuminated by its soft moonlight at nightfall. From street corners and rooftops alike, I enjoy exploring this fascinating dreamscape, where architectural masterpieces light up beautifully against each building's historical importance.
Stealth takes on new meaning during moonlit pursuits. Following my targets through narrow alleyways and alleys becomes like hunting prey at night - my shadowy presence becomes like that of an invisible predator of the night! Buy new PS5 games and experience the grandeur of Assassin's Creed Mirage. Visuals capture all the tension and thrill associated with encounters such as this; making every leap or rooftop confrontation a sensory delight that further immerses me into "Assassin's Creed Mirage!"
At the center of Baghdad's history and mystery lies "Assassin's Creed Mirage," I find myself involved in a web of conspiracies as I play Basim in "Assassin's Creed Mirage." Visuals blend seamlessly between past and present time periods creating an unforgettable tapestry as time is warped to my benefit as Basim manipulates time to his benefit.
Stealth becomes my specialty as I navigate this mysterious landscape. I become an unseen observer, peering around corners while listening in on conversations or following leads through winding alleyways. Much like the intricate web of conspiracies in Assassin's Creed Mirage, your gaming experience becomes more enthralling when you buy cheap PS5 games. Blending seamlessly with this vibrant crowd becomes essential, with my hooded figure seemingly dissolving into its chaos almost imperceptibly.
The sensory richness of this experience was truly stunning. From tantalizing spices wafting through the air, tantalizing my senses and transporting me right back into Baghdad; merchant chatter ranging from haggling and friendly bantering all the way through haggling; cacophonous merchant traffic providing depth and dimension into this virtual reality world; even distant calls to prayer sending haunting melodies across cityscapes enveloped me completely, blurring reality from virtuality altogether.
Exploring Baghdad as Basim from "Assassin's Creed Mirage", I find myself drawn deeper into its ancient beauty and history. Assassin's Creed Mirage is a masterpiece that deserves its place among the best PS4 games, offering unparalleled storytelling and captivating gameplay.
Baghdad comes to life vividly as I explore its historic landmarks with unparalleled detail, their intricate details reflecting all of the hard work gone into recreating this remarkable city. Walking the streets I feel immersed in an active, evolving world where every artifact or relic I encounter provides another treasure chest of history to uncover.
Experience something beyond simple gameplay by becoming immersed in an atmosphere in which every sense is amplified and every moment charged with significance. I am so happy I've bought Assassin's Creed Mirage! I no longer play but inhabit Baghdad itself through Basim; being part of its intricate tapestry will leave an unforgettable memory on your mind long after putting away your controller!
Thirsty Suitors is a unique, story rich game that features love, battles, and Asian family drama (and not the kind of drama that would end up in a soap, but the mundane ones that haunt a queer South Asian).
Player character Jala is flawed, funny, and relatable. She has to skateboard through her hometown and battle her exes, even if they're cool. With a month to go before her sister's wedding, Jala has to make amends, and find out if she's invited. That isn't a lot of time for reconciliation!
I've been looking forward to the full release of Thirsty Suitors for a while since playing the demo two years ago. You can find my thoughts here in a compilation of Superjump's October 2022 Steam Demo fest recommendations. A friend was kind enough to gift it to me, and I finally got a chance to play it this June for Pride month.
What I love is that this game understands how hard it is to be queer and Asian in a diaspora world. Some family members refuse to comprehend the meaning of the word "bisexual". While Jala's parents are more understanding, with her dad providing unconditional love and support with bad puns, her grandmother has questions about why Jala is not happily settled down with someone. Namely, settled with an Indian guy who has a job and a career. For Jala to assert she doesn't just want to settle, she has to fight. Literally!
The Thirsty Suitors demo starts with a bus ride and tutorial. We also start there in the proper game. After a messy breakup, Jala is homeless, and without anything but a skateboard and her backpack. She scrounges up her pocket money to take the bus home to Timber Hills. A chance run-in with an ex may provide her a ride home, or an awkward battle as she and her opponent fight, flirt, and flex. The flexing is literal since Sergio has been working out since their elementary school days.
Turns out that Jala has gotten around a lot, with enough exes to rival the ones that Ramona Flowers had in Scott Pilgrim. Some are not interested after she broke their hearts, while others seek revenge. A few, like Sergio, consider getting closure. Either way, it seems Jala will have to fight them with the power of thirsty or angry taunts.
So that's where the demo ended. But then the story really begins when Jala finds out over an awkward breakfast with her parents that her big sister Aruni is getting married. Their grandmother is coming for the wedding and has been sending suitors after Jala to court her. All Indian guys, of course, who have jobs and respectable backgrounds. Jala loves Patti but isn't ready for any sort of romance after her breakup. Heck, she doesn't even know if she's back in Timber Hills to make amends with the family she left behind or improvise a way forward. Talking to Aruni is a high priority, but so is avoiding all the Indian suitors. They appear in gift boxes around town last that I checked.
I'm so relieved that the game gives settings for adjusting the battle difficulty. The battles in the demo were difficult, especially for someone like me who is not coordinated in a 3D pixel world. I'm already having trouble managing Jala on her skateboard since it's easy to nearly run over people or crash into railings. Still, you get some time to practice and determine Jala's Thirstsona based on the points she earns from battles.
This game totally renders what it's like to be adult, South Asian, and queer. Specifically, when you are out of the closet and your family remains in denial. If you're a cis woman and Indian-Asian, you have to fit the mold that before you turn 35, you need to get married to an Indian guy. Sure, you may be able to avoid it if your sisters end up with non-Indian men and scandalize mothers with a divorce, but awkward questions will arise. And those who marry non-Indian guys will always face their parents' remorse about it.
Elephants in the room exist in the game. Jala's parents don't want to talk about the fact that she cut them off for three years following a nasty fight with her mother and moving in with a woman named Jennifer. Her mother instead expresses disappointment about how she didn't bother calling while her dad suggests activities to mend bonds with Aruni and other family members. Jala doesn't want to talk about why Jennifer kicked her out and didn't even let her pack clothes. She can admit that her mother was right about Jennifer, but that's about it. Time will tell if these people will open up about what really happened, without dramatic meltdowns.
On the surface, Jala meets some of her parents' expectations. She's skinny owing to her constant skateboarding and wears clothes that some consider fashionable. In addition, she's been independent for a while and doesn't have chronic health conditions. When you hear meltdowns and needling remarks about any of these things, it sets the tone for impossible standards to meet.
In private, however, Jala's mother expresses some of the traditional views and disappointments that can hit any queer Indian adult. Her younger daughter doesn't have a high-power job that earns a lot of money or any sense of direction in life. Not to mention she's single, and her choice of romantic partners has been questionable at best. Jala has no future right now, and her past is sordid by conservative Indian standards. These small jabs hit close to home, even with her dad playing good cop. Jala internalizes all these criticisms and repeats them on loop, another thing that hits very close to home.
Then there's Aruni. The older responsible sister, who has found a decent guy, moved out but stayed within walking distance, and apparently has no issues. Jala wants to mend her bond with her older sister but doesn't know how, since they ghosted each other. She may not even have a wedding invitation! Conversation has to happen, along with answers. But Aruni also represents everything Jala isn't: the model daughter for South Asian parents. Jala implies that's why the two haven't spoken in months but someone has to break the ice.
It will be interesting to see where the rest of the story will go. Jala is by no means perfect, but she is relatable to the Gen Y South Asian in the West. Her story is bound to have as many twists and turns as her skateboard routes.
I also can't wait to see how the game will address this awkward status that Jala has as a South Asian disaster bisexual. She will have to assert herself to her grandmother and figure out a way forward after a breakup.
Title: How the Saints Save Christmas (Saints Row IV DLC)
Release year: 2013
Developed by: Volition
Genre: Action-adventure
Platform replayed on: PC
Complete chaos.
That’s what comes to mind when trying to describe Saints Row IV.
This is a game where you play as the President of the United States, defending Earth from an alien invasion from inside a computer simulation where you can jump tall buildings in a single bound and run like the Flash.
If that’s not enough craziness for you, I don’t know what is.
I’m a long term Saints Row fan, having jumped on board this crazy train with the release of the first game in the series in 2006.
At first, to me Saints Row was a Grand Theft Auto clone. And I don’t consider that a negative at all. In 2006, we were two years removed from the release of Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, and two years out from the release of Grand Theft Auto IV.
I was happy to have another open-world crime story to explore in between Grand Theft Auto releases. Little did I know that the Saints Row series would grow into its own unique brand of open-world gaming, to the point where it would become, well, complete chaos.
And that brings us back to Saints Row IV, a game I completed over ten years ago. But I never played through the DLC.
Given it’s the festive season, what better time to see what silliness Saints Row can bring to the Silly Season in How the Saints Save Christmas!
Saints Row IV quickly shakes up the open-world formula it had used up until this point in the series. Where guns and vehicles were the main ways to get things done, the superpowers spin removes a lot of the need to do things the old way.
But I’m getting ahead of myself. How did we end up with superpowers??
In Saints Row IV, you play as a customisable but nameless character, known simply as “The Boss”, where you continue to lead the street gang “The Saints”. The game begins with the meteoric rise of The Saints all the way to the White House.
Reality quickly gives way to science fiction fantasy, as you find yourself locked inside a computer simulation after aliens invade Earth.
Thankfully, The Boss has a super-smart sidekick in Kinzie, who manages to locate him in the simulation.
As he’s in a simulation, the normal rules of running and gunning don’t apply. The Boss soon learns to Super Sprint and Super Jump.
The story then follows The Saints as they attempt to break down The Matrix, er, the alien simulation, from the inside.
So how does the How the Saints Save Christmas DLC enter into all of this?
How the Saints Save Christmas is a short series of Christmas-themed side missions. Santa Claus has been trapped inside the simulation, with an evil version replacement known as Santa Clawz running havoc.
It’s not immediately playable, and it does require you to have unlocked the Telekinesis superpower.
Enough talk though—it’s time to see How the Saints Save Christmas!
I decided to replay Saints Row IV from the beginning, and not just load up my ten-year-old save game to play the How the Saints Save Christmas DLC. This was done mostly to re-familiarise myself with the game.
I’m glad I made this decision, as the intro to Saints Row IV is epic. Epic, in that absolutely over-the-top Saints Row style.
Joining The Saints as they are about to jump into a combat zone, it doesn’t take long for the sh*t to hit the proverbial fan.
You see, The Boss has a little problem with taking orders.
Despite the seriousness of the situation, where weapons of mass destruction have been discovered, Saints Row IV still likes to lighten the mood with its irreverent humour.
After seemingly taking out the terrorist threat, The Saints couldn’t prevent a nuclear missile launch, targetting Washington DC.
This leads to in my opinion one of the greatest opening scenes in video gaming. Take a look:
If that’s not epic, I don’t know what is—The Boss Climbing a rocket as it launches and dismantling it, all the while listening to members of the Saints say their final goodbyes over the radio.
Combined with Aerosmith’s “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” playing in the background, the climax of this intro mission sets the tone perfectly for how Saints Row IV is going to play out.
Following The Boss’s heroics in saving the world from nuclear destruction, you finally get the opportunity to customise your protagonist.
Jumping forward five years, where The Boss has landed in the Oval Office and is now the President of the United States, the real story in Saints Row IV begins…
Heading to your next press conference, there are a few big decisions to make along the way.
But before you can make it to the podium, you’re warned of an imminent alien invasion.
The Zin forces soon drop in.
It’s time to grab some guns, and luckily The White House is fully stocked.
Despite taking out large numbers of Zin troops and ships, The Boss is no match for their leader, Zinyak.
The Boss awakens in what appears to be 1950s America, or perhaps a sitcom set in 1950s America.
Whatever it is, it feels slightly off. But for now, let’s just play along.
However, it’s not long before you realise that something is definitely off.
Thankfully, Kinzie comes to your rescue, and explains that you’re in a simulation.
You need to buy her some time so she can work her magic and extract you from the simulation.
The proverbial sh*t hits the fan again.
You cause enough mayhem to attract the attention of Zinyak.
He vows not to make the same mistake twice, and drops you into your new virtual home, with an ultimatum.
Kinzie reconnects with you, and teaches you a couple of important new tricks.
The goal now is freeing The Boss from the simulation.
Saints Row IV draws heavily upon The Matrix in this sequence (if you hadn’t worked that out by now), with superhuman feats, simulations, and a daring escape.
The escape mission is another hilarious series of events, seeing The Boss removed from the simulation, escaping Zin custody, and being rescued by Kinzie and Keith David (yes, Keith David).
Reuniting with Kinzie and Keith is only a momentary cause for celebration, as after The Saints try to contact other members of their crew on Earth, Zinyak puts a permanent stop to it.
And that really wraps up the early-game narrative in Saints Row IV. The Saints attempt to locate other abducted crew members and rescue them from the simulation.
So how do we get to How the Saints Save Christmas from here? To unlock the DLC, you’ll need to complete a few more main-story missions until you gain access to the Telekinesis superpower. It took me just over two hours to get to this point, focussing only on main-story missions.
Once you’ve acquired Telekinesis, How the Saints Save Christmas opens up as a side mission you can start at any time.
Having not spent much time levelling up and upgrading abilities and superpowers, I was interested to see how challenging How the Saints Save Christmas would be. It turns out that it’s more than beatable with a low-level protagonist.
How the Saints Save Christmas provides a short, three-mission story arc that can be completed in just over an hour.
The first mission starts with The Saints trying to establish some Christmas spirit. The Boss isn’t so keen.
But this was never going to be a normal Christmas, and when Shaundi, a current member of The Saints, visits from the future with dire news, the task ahead is set.
Initially I thought How the Saints Save Christmas might go down the path of A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, and involve missions trying to bring The Grinch out of The Boss.
Turns out it’s more of a Terminator 2: Judgement Day premise, with warnings from the future of Santa Clawz.
So, it’s back into the simulation and back to where we started Saints Row IV: 1950s America. And it’s time for a Christmas sweater!
Advised that you need to get armed, it’s time to “acquire” the Crimson Cowboy toy gun, reminiscent of the film A Christmas Story and the Red Ryder BB gun.
This acquisition, and breaking the law, puts you on the Naughty List, and attracts the wrath of Santa Clawz.
This raises an army of gingerbread men, all intent on punishing the latest member of the Naughty List.
Help comes in the form of the real Santa, and once you’ve revived him, he joins you and Shaundi as an ally in the How the Saints Save Christmas missions.
Santa advises that raising the Christmas spirit is the way to defeat Santa Clawz and that violence from The Saints will not lead to victory.
While a straight-forward run-and-gun mission, my favourite section was another nod to A Christmas Story, where The Boss needs to stick his tongue on a pole. There’s resistance, of course, but in the end, in classic Saints Row IV humour, the inevitability is presented as two choices leading to the same end result.
The second mission in How the Saints Save Christmas sees you taking the attack to the North Pole, where Santa Clawz has taken over Santa’s workshop.
Despite Santa’s advice that violence isn’t the answer, there’s plenty of it in this mission.
The mission itself is essentially one big firefight, but there is some interesting narrative at play here.
Mrs Claus makes an appearance, as she “decks the halls”, which I thought was a euphemism for some sort of violence. Turns out it is, but she’s also literally decking the halls with the bodies of fallen gingerbread men and evil elves.
Speaking of evil elves, The Boss finds himself in the middle of a labour dispute. Twinkle, Santa’s favourite elf, has betrayed him, and taken a better deal.
In the end, it takes wielding a huge Christmas gun shooting music to put down the elvish rebellion and run Santa Clawz out of Santa’s home.
And in true Christmas style, it’s time to chase down Santa Clawz once and for all in the final mission in How the Saints Save Christmas.
The third mission is initially a flying mission, where you get to fly Santa’s sleigh and reward those on the Nice List with presents and punish those on the Naughty List.
The flying sequence is a timed mission, and quite repetitive.
It’s easily manageable though, and after you create enough Christmas cheer, you put boots on the ground and prepare for the final showdown with Santa Clawz.
There are a couple of acknowledgments of Kwanzaa and Hanukkah to go alongside the Christmas cheer needed to weaken the festive usurper.
Also, the need to have acquired the Telekinesis superpower is because you need it in the final push to bring down Santa Clawz.
In the end though, it could only be two.
And in The Matrix style, The Boss launches himself and Santa Clawz into the air.
While not a greatly enjoyable final mission gameplay-wise, I did enjoy the ending.
Santa assures The Boss that even though he can’t murder his way onto the Nice List, he can be redeemed.
How the Saints Save Christmas ends with a montage of clips of The Saints spending time together and well and truly in the Christmas spirit.
A happy ending for all! Except maybe for the real Santa, who finds himself removed from the simulation and all alone…
And that is How the Saints Save Christmas.
Short, silly, and repetitive sums up How the Saints Save Christmas.
Putting a more positive spin on it, How the Saints Save Christmas provides a good-length distraction from the main storyline in Saints Row IV, which doesn’t deviate from the core gameplay, and throws in some fun Christmas movie references to really put the “silly” in Silly Season.
Sometimes it’s nice not to take gaming too seriously. The Saints Row series doesn’t take itself too seriously, and in particular Saints Row IV where it takes an almost meta approach, creating an open-world simulation within an open-world game.
The best was probably saved until last, with the montage at the end providing some laughter and cheer.
I could see How the Saints Save Christmas becoming a guilty little pleasure of mine during Christmas time, to enjoy some gaming and help me get into the Christmas spirit, Saints Row-style.
If you’re reading this during the festive season, however you spend it, be well—and game on!
Be sure to check out my Linktree for some great headphone deals with Audeze, as well as some great gaming deals with Fanatical, and Eneba.
And don’t forget to check my blogs and my YouTube channel for more content!
For last year’s Christmas retro replay, see Sam & Max Beyond Time and Space Episode 1: Ice Station Santa.
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