Ever since the Saints Row series started it has been the subject of countless comparisons with Grand Theft Auto. However, over time, Saints Row has changed and grown into its very own identity and brand that boasts a character all its own.
Over time, Saints Row has doubled down on the aspects that made it stand out from Grand Theft Auto until it has become something completely unique. The series moved away from more serious narratives revolving around urban gangs, towards moments of levity and embracing silliness. The series became a game of absolute chaos, responsible for some of the wackiest guns in gaming, in Saints Row. After changing so much, there are aspects of Saints Row that are even better than Grand Theft Auto.
Saints Row Has Better Customization Than Grand Theft Auto
One of Saints Row's strongest features is the impressive level of player customization. Players are given an immense amount of control to customize their characters with a wide range of options, from the more serious to the outright absurd. Players can also deeply customize their vehicles, gang members, base of operations, and even guns in later entries. Grand Theft Auto allows players to change the hair and clothes of its protagonists, as well as customizing cars, but the options never come close to what Saints Row offers. With how much the series has grown, it will be exciting to see just how much customization the announced Saints Row 5 has when it eventually releases.
Saints Row Has Better Side Missions Than Grand Theft Auto
Saints Row is also well known for its variety of side missions and activities. Across the series, there is something for every player. Want to shoot sewage at houses? Check. Want to jump into traffic and commit insurance fraud? Check. Want to take part in a game show centered around killing people quickly and is orchestrated by a pink cat mascot? Double-check. In comparison, Grand Theft Auto features side missions that are more like slowly doing yoga in Michael's back yard or playing bowling with a cousin. Grand Theft Auto's side missions definitely have standouts, but they rarely hold a candle to what players can do on the side in Saints Row.
The Saints Row Series Has Evolved More Than Grand Theft Auto
When a player buys a Grand Theft Auto game, they largely know what they are going to get. There will be shootouts, explosions, crime, satire, and plenty of driving. On the other hand, every Saints Row game is something different. Saints Row: The Third took the series to a new level of wackiness while Saints Row 4 gave the player superpowers inside a digital simulation and Saints Row: Gat Out of Hell had players perform through a musical in the afterlife. Saints Row has been more willing to experiment and do things that other games haven't, giving the series its own identity and keeping things fresh much better than Grand Theft Auto has over the years.
Of course, both series have their own fans and communities that are very well earned. However, what Saints Row has been able to do and how much the series has grown over time is undoubtedly impressive. It was announced that Saints Row 5 will not be at this year's E3, and Grand Theft Auto 6 has not even been confirmed yet, so hopefully fans of both series will get some news soon on what the future holds.