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Good things come to those who wait, and while we use the term 'good' loosely in this context, the first announcement trailer for Saints Row 4 has arrived. It may be brief, but the trailer proves Volition is intent on delivering the same blend of laughs, carnage, fireworks and outrageous game design that made Saints Row: The Third a success.

With superpowers pulled right out of inFAMOUS, Prototype and Crackdown, and an attitude (and love of dance) that can only be found in this series, it looks like Saints Row 4 will be keeping fans happy.

Obviously the superhuman abilities being granted to the 3rd Street Saints is going to be a major feature of Volition's next outing, and restraint certainly isn't in their vocabulary. Promising to take players "From the Crack House to the White House," it seems even the Presidency will be up for grabs in the fifth installment in the open-world series.

Along with the announcement trailer comes a few screenshots showing off the superpowers in greater detail. Have a look:

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When the series and developers was acquired by new owners Koch Media (with Deep Silver as their game publishing branch) the new leadership promised that the game's release wouldn't be delayed, and it seems they've kept their word. With a confirmed release date of August 20 in North America and August 23 in Europe, Saints Row 4 will have a full month on sale before the launch of rival open-world crime simulator Grand Theft Auto 5.

But while the game is being released on PC and "current-gen consoles" that unfortunately means it will be foregoing Nintendo's Wii U. No official reason has been given for its absence, but from the content seen in the trailer (and downright expected after Saints Row 3's debauchery), we're not surprised.

So what aspects of the trailer have you most excited to play the next Saints Row? A chance to bring some unrivaled swagger to the halls of the West Wing, or unleash superpowers on a city of loyal subjects? Apparently a big reveal is still planned for PAX, so there may still be surprises in store.

Saints Row 4 will be released on August 20, 2012 in North America for the Xbox 360, PS3 and PC.

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Follow Andrew on Twitter @andrew_dyce.

Source: Polygon