Dan Sutton on Saints Row 2
Associate Producer tells it like it is
We've played it, and we've told you about it, now see us grill Associate Producer Dan Sutton, on Volition and THQ's new sandbox action title, Saints Row 2.
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Dan, how much has changed since we last visited Saints Row?
Well I think the biggest thing is that we had a couple of things after the last Saints Row that we really wanted to do. We thought the first game lacked customisation, and we like customisation, so we wanted to add more on that front. Player customisation; cribs, gangs, vehicles... in addition to the characters. I think this is the biggest thing. We feel that our player customisation is now bigger than any game out there.
On top of that combat has changed. We really liked the free-roaming city stuff, we were like, hey, we can add more of the Gears of War, Resident Evil-type over-the-shoulder action for more precise aiming. We wanted so many more weapons - chainsaws, rockets, swords. So many elements of other games... we wanted to create an all-in-one game. Those are some the things we really wanted to change from Saints Row 1.
Having now played the game it seems as if you deliberately set out to focus on areas that your nearest rival (GTA) chooses not to focus on. Is this the case?
It definitely is in the long run. We thought, well, we're not scared - the first Saints Row went right up against them - but with Saints Row 2 we noticed some of the stuff in the other game. How realistic it is... not how slow it is, but how much they rely on a cover system than can slow the game down a little bit. With us, we knew that customisation was a big thing, but we also knew that something arcadey, over the top - huge explosions, etc - is something that people like. We wanted to go with the more fun things. You can jump in and play for an hour; blow a lot of things up, have some fun. Instant gratification is the biggest thing. Within 30 seconds of the game beginning you have a gun right away - this is instant gratification.
The emphasis is on fun over realism, then, but how do you ensure the game is engaging and still has long-lasting appeal?
I think the biggest thing is having a lot of features - we had a lot in the first game too - but you have to have a lot, and you have to do them well. So I mean, right away we toned our scope down a little. You can still do so many more than Saints Row 1, its ridiculous, but we had so many ideas. We thought, we can't do 150 things, but we can do like 70. So I think that's one of the elements... finding all the fun stuff. You can spray sewage on buildings, or set yourself on fire and chase pedestrians. Its just so much fun... ideas like that.
We don't want to do little subtle things, we want to this really crazy game, something over-the-top; that's what fans want, we think.
Is there a cartoon element to Saints Row 2?
I think so. That's the direction we're going in: over-the-top, hyper-realistic. We're not totally getting away from reality, you're still grounded by gravity, but we do want you to have fun. We don't want you to be arrested after shooting the gun once, we don't want you to chased by the cops relentlessly. You can go through the game and cause mayhem from the start, if you want to.
How far does SR2 push next-gen consoles, and was it a challenge realising a whole city in a game?
I think it was. Saints Row was originally intended as a launch title, but in the end it came out a little later. But the big thing was that we just didn't know how things worked. So in the first one we struggled with cars and trucks, and with this one we want to be able to fly. We want you to travel vertically as well. We wrote a new streaming engine; so many things, just so you can fly. New combat. New AI. More use of cover. Thousands of rules governing how NPCs behave and where they go.
Some characters will go to the dock and start fishing, others will join each other for tai-chi. There's a lot of advancements that have been made possible because we now understand the software better.
The game engine is your own I believe... did you have to build your own?
We could have licensed something, but I think we just decided we didn't want to go that route. We share a lot of information with our other game, Red Faction (Geurrilla). For that we have an open-world engine, and we also decided to emigrate some of the environmental destruction stuff. SR2 isn't fully destructible or anything like that, but you'll see water towers blow up, buildings destroyed. Since our studio focusses only on open-world games, it makes sense for us to make our own engine.
Did you understand why the first game was controversial?
GTA, first off, is hugely controversial. There's always a big controversy whenever they do anything. Being a clone of them draws us into the controversy as well.
Do you expect SR2 to create a similar storm, or do you think the cartoon tone puts the action in a different, less emotive, light?
Right. Well, I think our action is in a different light yes...
Not so gritty, or realistic...
Right. That's where we are. This is fun-focussed and arcadey, rather than being super-serious and very realistic. There were moments in GTA where I actually felt bad about what I was doing. It looks so realistic. I mean, I'm sure we'll still get controversy, I'm sure we will, that's the nature of the genre.
Are you expecting to achieve releases in Australia and Germany?
Actually, we passed the censors board in Australia already, that's without any cuts. Germany... we're still waiting, but it's a tougher market so I'm sure there will be censorship there.
Does the story remain a focus?
Well, it definitely does. We know people like GTA because of the story - its a really good story that they have - and for us we want a real great story as well. We want satire, dark-humour, we want to make fun of ourselves and the industry, but if you want to play it gritty you can. The story is pretty dark with humour in there too. Of course, with the customisation you can play the game however you want. You can run around in hot dog suit if you want. You can be as silly as you want; pink hair; nude, everything is okay. You can interject your own humour, it doesn't have to be dark and realistic. We're hoping to embrace people who aren't usually fans of the genre.
You're hoping to help people create their own experience, to a certain extent?
Yes, oh yes. We thought that was a huge thing. We think that's what people appreciated about the first game. In this one, we're moving away from the whole gang-banger thing, we're stylising it more. Its more about multiple influences. There's trucker-brawling, martial arts, Caribbean... we're moving away from the hardcore gang thing - that turned some people off - we want people to be more involved; its more stylised.
The last game had a very 'open' ending. Can we expect something similar with SR2?
Well, we knew a lot of people were upset with the last one because they were playing it and it was like "oh gosh, I've got to wait for the next one", but in SR2 we tie-up a lot of loose ends. I think we tie it up deliberately. We've already started work on Saints Row 3, and we have a new direction we want to go in with that which we of course can't talk about. We wrap up a lot in this one. There's no frustration.
So... Saints Row 3 will take a very new direction?
I think so, yes.
DLC plans for SR2?
Definitely we have them, yes. We haven't announced them yet, but we are looking at bigger stuff definitely. Like we had the ho-ho-ho pack, clothing, that kind of thing, now we're looking at multiplayer maps, another story arc, new characters. We're looking at a lot more scope, and I know we're going to come up with a lot more.
Would I be right in thinking Tera Patrick arrives via DLC?
It could be possible [Chuckles].
Multiplayer. The Strong Arm mode looks rather different. What were you hoping to achieve?
Well, the biggest thing is that a lot of the stuff we did (with the last game) was like slapping first-person shooter modes on to Saints Row. Everyone had their favourite modes. It was a bit of a rush at the last minute. With this one we thought we'd do something no other game does: Integrate the activities you do in the story into the multiplayer game. So, you can do capture-the-checkpoints type stuff but while this is happening there are other activities going on; people disrupting each other in so many way. There's a lot more strategy. We spent months and months on this... its very different from the first Saints Row.
How do you stop it becoming complete anarchy? Or... is that what you're after?
No, we're pretty much looking for anarchy. Players won't be like "oh my gosh, what is happening", there's a lot of strategy - its easy to get into but its complex and rewarding. People will get badges, there will be things to unlock.
The singleplayer mode boasts a multitude of potential undertakings. What's your favourite?
Well, let's see. I like base jumping, crazy car jumps. I like Heli for Hire... when you're taking missions and it feels like Battlefield or something; gunfire; laser-guided rockets. Its very satisfying. We're really trying to embrace the flying in this game as well.
How much variety is there in the game overall?
I think its pretty big. I mean, we have 12 activities... but so many diversions. Its so fast-paced. There are so many crazy things you can do, stuff like base jumping. There are many hidden features too, assassins, many many more modes - stuff GTA actually got away from. You know, they did well in San Andreas, but we just wanted more fun modes - like Saints Row, Vice City, etc. You have 15 to 20 hours of main mission, but there's so many diversions. 30 hours at least through the whole game. I just think the customisation will also allow players to play through with an entirely different experience too.
I heard a rumour GTA cost 100 million USD to develop. Is it daunting competing with that? Have you spent similarly ludicrous sums?
Actually, we're not in the ludicrous! When we heard that number too we were surprised, you know, we thought 'wow, that is a lot', and when we looked out our game we felt we could compete. Now, I don't know if we release budget numbers, I can't tell you what it is, but its definitely drastically less. Its crazy when you have two programmers and they have nine or 10. Our programmers were like, 'wow, we're good'. Its the way things are going, that's for sure. With Saints Row 2 we're definitely going to have to go bigger and badder. Its cool too for us, because if the company wants us to do it we know they'll give us the money...
So, 100 million USD Saints Row 3 on the cards?
600 million!
Great, thanks for your time.
Thanks, oh, the game is out on October 14th in the States, and October 17th everywhere else. Thank you!
- Saints Row 2
- Platform: PlayStation 3
- Publisher: THQ
- Developer: Unknown
- Release Date: 17/10/2008
- Saints Row 2
- Platform: Xbox 360
- Publisher: THQ
- Developer: Unknown
- Release Date: 17/10/2008
Comments
My my, I am looking forward to this.
Um.....Saints Row 3..........yes..............
man they changed to much!! i liked the first SR b/c it was hardcore gangbangin but now that i see that they changed they're ways im disappointed i'm having second thoughts, and the side-missions definitely changed, SR2 is looking more like a little kids game.
You have improved alot on Saints Row 2. It was really fun then first one. But the first one was the good games I had when I got my first Xbox 360 and got the SR2 on same console.
For Saints Row 3, wow I'm surprised your in production working on it. Can't wait for it! In next year or two hopefully the present genertation doesn't pass out.
Looking forward to it!
dude when does saints row 3 come out next year some 1 tell me
completed it was fun i will still play it thanks and i cant wait 4 the third and maybee a fourth to me a lot better than gta just i will like 3 to be a bit more comical and try put in a joke line which you phone that will make me laugh email me at dupiaza@hotmail.co.uk
plus remember about gta theyve been in da gaming industry 4 years saints row jst came out 2 years ago and it was a big hit and it was one of their first games so da 3rd one will b amazing
saints row 2 is way better then gta4 and i liked that your guy actually talked in this 1 other then the first, i hope shandi is in the 3rd 1:)
all im saying is in 3, they need to let you join/create whatever gang you want,and color.
im a massive fan of saints row 3
I like Sants Row 2 a lot, but I also like GTA IV these two are different. GTA is gritty and realistcic, SR 2 fun and cartoony. Don`t hate the game... Hate the player.
Great game that makes the GTA series seem like it's losing its way. GTA has a more realistic, better-polished city, but there's not much to do in it, and the mini-games are tedious and dull. SR2 is not only full of things to do which are actually a lot of fun, but it has a very strong pseudo-RPG aspect to it, with the loads of customization included. Really a very impressive game, far more than I expected having never played the 1st one.
Ime a huge gta fan but lost some confidence in gta4 because I could not customise the character. saints row 2 blew me away with how I could create one. I sometimes just gawk at my own creation females more so lol.
I hope Dan and his team keep the customisation love it.
I also have gotten 80% more hours of gameplay in sr2 than gta. So keep it up you brainy designers.
and on that note thank you for creating such a great game. all the best in the future. hope you make millions.
i think that saint row 3 is going to cool because it 's not like gta4 saint row 2 had humor it was seriouse and funny at the same time that is what i like and i know saint row 3 is going to be awesome saint row 2 and 1 were a hit
The story needs to get better. Also it is a over the top cartoon kinda of game. Gta 4 was very realistic, saints row 2 is not at all.
i love sr2 because now you have a CHOICE.
i had tight pants on throughout the whole game.
i looked like a punk rocker.
i love the customization.
and i love how vogel was like a ragdoll on the way to the ground.
i've read this before, and i know the SR3 plot (confirmed)
but i wasn't too sure bout that plot...
ANYWAY if it's comin at 2010,
there could be a war between GTA 5 and SR3!!!!
they should put more cribs in sr3 and more stores because the store where all the same and put that you can buy stuff for your crib and homies and you can have a wife or something and a kid that be cool and new and better cars and guns and splitt screen
cant wait for my saints row 3
i would say saints sarrow is the most fuunnest game i ever played because it keeps you wondering, me and my brothere love the game. they should make it more realist like let you buy ur own funerature and pick whatever house you like, to be able to go into any building, wat you color is everything, i cant wait for it to come out this game rocks, and i love it keep it goin
peace
i cant wait to see wats in the 3 ahhhhh hurry
second one was cool lets see if third would be better
sr2 is good but i still find its not as good as gta4 but sr2 is better than gtasa for sure
i dont really hate SR2 cuz its different. i think that they sjuld stop concerning about the fun factor and think about the hardcore gang bangin. 2 me i hope SR3 will be over the top gang baggin. Funs not bad but to much can ruin everything
on sr3 i think you should hava girl frend an you should be abel to customization hr and at the end you marry her and if you character a girl se can ave a boy frend or she can be a lebean and if your boy and you do not want a girl frend you can be gy and hae a boy frend
wow sr3 i cant wait i guess ill just play sr2 over and over again u cant get bored.........oh yes and gta4 sucks a** yup it does i hope they put more drugs like a drug dealer in an alley way they should make a new luitenent(i hate shaundi)like a mesicain sr some thing make it more gangster and put lock picking back in pls....peace!!
sr2 was good although the online was a joke i hated it so much cause of the damm bystanders keep attacking u on purpose while ur character is in a fire fight with some one on the opposite team to u... and gangster brawl was in a tiny space witch left hardly anyroom for anyone to do anythin. if some one died then they spawned then they would die right again..... and in SR3 its not about gangs.... its all about taking down organisations in side of stillwater and out side of it so there will be a bigger map as far as ur gf/bf and kids thats so far hasnt been confirmed there just playing with ideas. in the mean time if u have GTA4 then get the download for GTA4 lost and damed.... if any of use have xbox live add me peace...... then gamertag is HurtfulUNIT
i think that this game sr2 is sick but i wish i could hold up like gas stations better. Like in sr1 i could break into the safe.. now that was sick. Im definetly going to buy sr3 obviously but i found out somethings that need tweaking and a better things about it
SR2 was way better then gta 4, gta 4 was the worst game along side with the 3rd banjo kazooie game.
GTA 4 was very disspointing and very boring and very crappy. there is no GTA 5 coming out because of the failure of gta 4.
saints row 3 yes bet their making it more advanced than saints row2
hey its martin again just saying that if sr3 has better clothes or 3 person co-op i would buy it
Wat i think you makers should use gang's like CRIP'S,bloods and Saints in next generation of Saints row 3.(0431764956)
wow i hope saints row 3 comes out soon
I think that You could be able to have a girlfriend and get married to her and have kids and i think you should be able to pante the out side or you could have more to chose from when you pimping out you house
I can't wait until saints row 3 comes out I hope it's better than the first one
saints row 3 realease date xbox, ps3 and pc mid-2010 in every country i think
yeh man maybe they should have the bandanas over there face and stuff and bandanas under there hats and stuff and definately shaundi should hook up on sr3 man....
it is a cool game which iv completed and im only 11 yeARS OLD PEACE OUT
saint row 3 i hope he have kids
man saint row 2 i got real far im on the last mission and i got the cheat codes i never played saint row 2 on ps3 before saint row 2 it cool i dont even play gta 4 no more it suck now and saint row i say if they make saint row 3 i will get it i mean like i see comment and pepole talking about saint row 3 i dont even know if saint row 3 it out yet or if it coming out next year.
ok saint row suck saint row 2 is better i can see that saint row 3 it goin to be much better i know it goin to better and when saint row 3 come out i dont even have hop in the car because i live close to game stop i just walk it dont even take long like name 15 games before you even know your here you be like wow that was fast.
ok im back i saw some comment and i saw brad the dudethatneversleeps i saw wow i saw perry i saw derrick i carl i saw mmmm i saw gta 4 sucks shalo2000
saint row 2 vs gta 4 vs bully sse vs madden 09 vs def jam icon vs call of duty 3 vs halo 3 vs gears of wars vs gears of was 2 vs call of duty modern warfare kane and lynch dead men vs nba 2k9 vs devil may cry 4 vs condemed 2 bloodshot vs criminal origins vs battlefield bad company battlefield 2 modern combat what game do you think will win.
oh and saints row makers people want shandi and your guy to bein love or perce and a girl that u make coment back plzz
saints row 3 ! cant wait.
bring back blinge out ride, protect the pimp, big ass chains and most of all the gangs.
We miss the maps aswell.
saints row 3 homies ; bring back jonney gat ,shandi,pirce,mr wong,and then ben king and luz avalos and tera patriek cams back and join the saints. ;more mission the boss and tera patrick gets married,
lookiing forward sto sr3 should be cool
i loved the customization. i wore womens tight jeans! just like in real life! anyway, i thought that was awesum. and gtas customization had nothing on saints row 2. i mean. you cant even change nikos hair!
Gamertag-Skywalker Chief
rite lets be honest thers goin to be a new saints row 3,far more advanced than the last 2 but still no real comfirmation like a video or the producer having an interveiw aboot it,so ther must be millions of saints row 3 hopers so f**kin show us sumthing...plz anything will do
i cant wait till this new one comes out but they need to put real gangs like ms13 bloods crips gansta disiples vice lords in the first one it was 1 real one vice kings.
If there was a sr3 it should be more gang culturey like having the bloodz and the cripz and colones . also different countries to go to like america, mexico,spain and cuba
i also think there should be a green street ps3 xbox game
i so want this game i dint get number 1 i only have num 2 :( so want both 3 and 1
It would be quite good in the 3rd one if Ben King got the Vice Kings back together and Troy joined the 3rd Street Saints again and the first mission was like getting rid of Ultor and making the church the hideout aswell as the one they have just now
the first game i got was saints row 1 i liked but when i got saints row 2 omg i love love love that game cause i can be a girl in it i cant wait for saints row 3 itll be bad ass i love saints row 2 3rd street!!hell yeah i hope there will be more cute clothes more weapons more cars and more girly stuff hey girls can be gangsta to:)
hi its lacey again please keep the customisation i love it and keep the city like it was but more hardcore and please keep it gangsta getto im so exited 4 the therd one yall r smart and yall got style please keep were u can choose a guy or a girl just keep it saints row but 3 this time i love saints row alot alot alot keep saints row gangsta and hot cars more clothes and more customisation
i will buy saint row 3 on 2010
On my mama yall need to make saints row 3 Long.the game should last four months at least.And please make it where we can make our own gang.I also want to see pitbulls on the game.And make it like Gta4 where you can go and get a lap dance.And take them somewhere and get a ####### or something else.
saints row rocks saints row was my first xbox game and i got it the first day it came out and i did the same for saints row 2 cant wait till 3 oh and dont let jhoony die in three
It's been a year and still no info on saints row 3 :(
I know it's being developed but by now we would be teased by trailers!
in saints row 3 you should be able to recurite girls nd be able to wear bandans around your mouth and in your back pockets. also you should be able to go into every house/vuilding in stilwater
I think in saints row 3 u should have your own gang and colors recuruite girlz have your own cribz and like make it longer.but all tha saints rowsare still hella cool
I'm a huge Saints Row & Grand Theft Auto fan, but personally, Saints Row is going to be my choice due to the fact that there is more player interaction, I like how you can do in the game exactly what you want to. The only flaw I see in both games though is your inability to pick up prostitutes or go on dates with other women. I have to give props to GTA on that. These little aspects to the game will make it better than what it already is.
Also have the hair shown if you have a hat on, that irritated me because I could never put one on because it looked like my guy had no hair & he had long dreadlocks.
Another idea- customizable tattoos