Holy Saints, There’s a Sequel in the Works!
It seems the design director of the original Saints Row has decided to dust off his old blueprint and pitch yet another wild ride to the powers that be. Chris Stockman, the guy who once called the shots back in the day before venturing off to a VR studio, is once again in the ring. Who knew that a trip down memory lane could lead to another round of chaos and mischief?
Now, Stockman has taken to the Saints Row subreddit—because where else would one seek the approval of the gaming masses?—and casually dropped the bombshell that he’s been tasked with concocting a proposal for a potential prequel. “Hopeful news” was the term used. It’s delightful to hear that dreams can manifest like the echoes of a poorly parked car in a game made for virtual criminals. “I’ve been asked to create a pitch for a Saints Row reboot. Dreams just went from zero to ‘slightly more than dreams.’” Fingers crossed, the game will at least have a functioning interface.
VR? No, Thanks!
If the online inhabitants had a collective anxiety about Stockman’s new gig meaning Saints Row could be slapped onto a VR platform, he immediately reassured everyone, “It won’t be a VR game. It’s back to basics!” Ah, the sweet sound of nostalgia, or perhaps just the soothing hum of classic mischief without the need for a headset and nausea-inducing mechanics.
In a recent tête-à-tête with some media venue (who truly cares which), Stockman elaborated, mad genius-style, on his intent to connect with Embracer Group, the current keepers of the Saints Row flame. After an impassioned plea for an audience in a previous interview, the stars aligned—perhaps aided by a few prayer candles and a helpful shrine devoted to gaming idols.
Back to the Good Old Days
With all the excitement overflowed, Stockman passionately declared, “I want to bring the Saints Row franchise back to its roots!” A commendable ambition, especially for those who felt like the series had embarked on a one-way trip to well, less favorable territory. He further mused that while the trajectory followed had its reasons, it surely turned into what one might call an artistic maze with no cheese at the end. “They kind of painted themselves into a corner they couldn’t get out of.” An artistic endeavor worthy of a gallery showcase, if anything.
For a little perspective, the original Saints Row graced the Xbox 360 way back in 2006 and was heralded as a respectable rival to the GTA franchise, which was patting itself on the back while plotting its HD revolution. Fast-forward through the zany sequels that leaned into the comedic chaos (ninja-guided hovercars, anyone?), and then came the 2022 reboot—an offering many felt was less of a revival and more of a cosmic joke. Mixed reviews around launch can confirm those feelings, with “buggy, dull mess” ringing a bell somewhere amongst the gaming community.
The Nostalgia Machine
Stockman has vividly imagined a prequel set in the glorious ’70s, where characters evolve from teen gangsters into legendary criminals. “Picture it: big Afros, bell-bottoms, and let’s not forget the groovy tunes,” he exclaimed as he unveiled this idea that might just make everyone ditch their VR headsets for a time machine. “Why go up against modern-day GTA when you can zig when everyone else is zagging?” Truly a concept for the ages—or at least a solid theme for a retro costume party.
In a plot twist that only the gaming world could conjure, he essentially pitched a win for Embracer Group during an interview, alluding to a potential path to resurrect the Saints Row legacy. “Contact me, please! Let’s unite the old crew and take this thing out for a spin,” he implored. Because remember, nothing says we’re serious like mixing business with friendly banter.
What Lies Ahead?
As the excitement swirls around this potential prequel, the jury is still out on what might actually come of it. Will it manage to recapture the beloved charm of its predecessor or will it fizzle into another ‘meh’ project? Only time, and perhaps a few well-placed bribes of nostalgia candy, will tell. Until then, buckle up and keep those controllers handy—nothing is as it seems in gaming town!
