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.
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.
i love sr i will suck any1s dick 4 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.
SR and SR2 will always be better then gta4 , gta 4 sucked, bad story, it's never fun, the game is bloody horrible there absolutely nothing to do at all in gta 4.
SR3 will be very good, people expected the second one to be good and turned up to be a really fun game and a very good one. gta4 expected to be good but it turned to be a really terrible game. the only good thing about gta 4 is the graphics, gta 4 is for little kids, movie over gta 4 now comes sr3. Also there is nothing realistic about gta 4.
MY name is Aaron the reason why i put my name in because the name tab will not work, and i am the one that said SR and sr2 will always be better then gta 4. In SR3 there should be splitscreen for everything as well as single player, more activities. and you be able to go under water. Go to a furnature shop and buy couch's chairs lava lamps and more things to buy in that store like a massive fish tank. customise your homies appearance. i know saints row 3 is coming to 2009-2010, but please have splitscreen this time, people rather playing the game with the guy or girl sitting right next to you, in Sr2 there was way to many racing activities, i not a pervert, in Sr3 the streaking should be uncennsored, Also people should on this site should start saying have splitscreen as well as online co op and multiplayer play. have a entire run through with splitscreen with a friend or relative.
i agree with the person above have splitscreen so you can play with a friend or relative, play with them create mayhem with them play activities with them play missions with them do everything with them you can possibly do in single player. PEOPLE THIS PERSON IS TALKING ABOUT SPLITSCREEN SO ARGREE WITH HIM AND RISE UP AGAINST WHO MAKES THIS GAME AND MAKE SURE WE GET SPLITSCREEN FOR SAINTS ROW 3 AND PLAY SPLITSCREEN FOR EVERYTHING IN THE GAME
im a massive fan of saints row 3
i mean number 2
Saints row 2 was so fun and a very good game, it is better then gta 4, gta 4 does not come close to saints row 2, I hope they include splitscreen in the 3rd saints row game so you can play with the person sitting right next to you.
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.
Get with the programm gta 4 sucked, face the truth,
Every just aggree with the splitscreen should be in the 3rd saints row game, come on every body that will make the game tons better because that the most inportant thing about a game it must have splitscreen so you can play with the person next to you.
I heard The next gen is coming to 2014, something called, Xbox 720, and game cube 2 and nintendo evolution.
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.
Why do people insist on GTA4 being terrible? So many don't even say "Oh, I didn't like it for... (many of the same problems people who did like it have, aswell)"
No, they have to say stupid shit like '
"GTA4 sucked. Face the truth"
No, thats not the truth. That's an opinion. Dont be an idiot. GTA4 was a fine game. Technologically it was brilliant. One may not like what they did with the series (I do. It's brilliant. I don't want a uber-zany GTA, anymore. THATS WHY WE HAVE SAINTS ROW!!)
but that does not make it a bad game. It is what it is. It has done what it has done.
Now it just needs more of it.
Saints Row 2 is hella fun, though. Can't wait to see 3.
O.K i admit i know i said gta 4 sucked face the truth, but the game is still good, i was just angry with the game, sorry to the people who read my comment, i really am the game wasn't that bad, Still saints row 2 is better,
gta 4 was good but not as good as San Andrea's or Saints row 2
By the way my name is Aaron Matthews, The name tag still will not work on my computer for some odd reason.
Does Any who is making this game actually read our opinons, like Dan Sulton is he really reading our comments, if he is PUT SPLITSCREEN IN THE 3rd GAME
Does Anyone who is making this game actually read our opinons, like Dan Sutton is he really reading our comments, if he is PUT SPLITSCREEN IN THE 3rd GAME, Come on Dan please the 3rd saints row needs splitscreen.
sorry to repeat but i mucked up on the other coment just above this one.
In the music store in the 3rd saints row you should be able to buy t-shirts of bands and band clothes such as cradle of filth and cradle of filth songs, DUDE you got to have to have cradle of filth songs in the game, their should be more voriety of more stores. Also about the songs:
From the cradle to the enslave, Dusk and her embrace both from cradle of filth , and way more songs from cradle of filth , Maybe some Marilyn manson, more opeth, Also their Should be a music store with tons of metal music, all kinds of metal, just a store for metal music, this music store should be called Grindead, Of corse their should be more music besides metal exept rap and hiphop. Buying band t-shirts will be awesome, Buying whole Albums in the game would be awesome, Maybe a gothic store with lots of real life gothic clothes. Also i was reading some comments and i also am craving for splitscreen for saints row 3.
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.
San Anreas over gta 4 anyday, seriouly why would they get rid of the gangs in gta 4, wtf, when they made this game do they even know what grand theft auto means,
it surrposed to do with crime and a degree of crime, so no gangs in the game to shoot up makes it boring, in Sr2 you could kill gangs members and when cops are so close they don't care, which makes it fun, beacuse killing them without getting harrased by pigs. In gta 4 you get a wanted level way to easy which also makes the game very boring trying to get away from the cops, Every mission objective in the game is the same which makes the game more boring, Very little side play in gta 4 which makes you fall to sleep, but the Graphics make it a stand out boring game that hits you in the face with its borenisim, I don't think there is going to be gta 5. Also have Splitscreen so you can play with people sitting right next to you for sr2 like the aussie said, i love australia, i know him i talk to him on xbox live. Gta 4 is so bad that you'll love it, it's so boring it will eat your child hood and you will never laugh again.
AZZA SPEAKING:
There should be Machanic for boats and planes.
Planes: Air chopper i know not a real good name but hey it's an example, Boat: on water machanic again an example,
Sr3 needs more transport And a futuristic place where you can buy the transport of the future
Sr3 needs alot more time to be worked on, fix the glitches and Crashes The A.I needs a giant improvement, the more missions the better how about 75 missions seems promising doesn't it,
Lots more diversions.
Lots more activities,
I am not a pervert there should be like nudist beach in the game and it is an activity,
I got endless ideas for Sr3 like Splitscreen, Furniture shop buy furniture for your crib, Body armour, sky diving activity, More customization, like more features in clothing and more features for your character, make your own voice by changing the vocal of your character.
I got lots more ideas where that came from.
Come on everyone come up with idea's agree with each other don't be afraid, lets hear it, comment on Saints row 2 videos on youtube and tell them about this site and millions will argree and come with ideas like splitscreen so you can play with the person next to you, that would be Sweeeeeet and a gravity gun and futuristic gun shop with weapons of the future,
The Music in Saints series and gta, The rap and hip hop music sucks, in the real world, rap and hip hop is the worst kind of music in the world, it sucks because, you never hear about the rapper or hip hopper, they can't sing their music is really horrible, rap and and hip hop is discrimination to their own people they are making every black man women or child look bad and like a criminal, it destorys their life style, The rapper does not care at all he is teaching them bad things, If you like rap or hip hop please get a life before it destoys your life and become a life life looser and a society reject, and loose your all friends and before you become a dickhead know it all and never get a girl friend, Rap and hip only makes money so people can waste their lifes and sell their soul to Satan please with your support we can get rid of rap and hip hop or any kind of rap and hip hop or anything to do with rap and hiphop, stop listen to it stop buying their so called music, and we will live in a crime free world and not get mugged or attacked by the black man because rap destroyed their life, with rap gone, everyone can trust the black man,
RAP IS TURNING THE WORLD INTO CRIMINALS.
The person braging about rap wtf what a racist twat, of coarse rap sucks, the only thing you could have said it's all the gangsta's they think they are so cool because they cause crime and listen to rap, And they love smelling crack all day, And not all black people are criminals and listen to rap, some black people dispice rap, they hate it, they also think it's discrimination to the black communyty alot od black people become millionairs, so your the low life looser.
GTA SA BEATS GTA 4 , The story is not that good nor the gameplay in gta 4 it does not go along with the game,
bad driving control's just plan bad most of the stuff you can do in the game is ok, butit does not beat SR2 OR GTA SA, Too much detail in gta 4.
People who think Sr2 is a copy of gta 4, it isn't, it is a seqeul to Saints row, Gta4 sucks, it is a fanboy game, it will never reach the charts of anything, i own it and regret paying for that stupid game, the story is so bad it makes blair witch project look like a good movie, The story is stupid because you start with roman and you have to drive him to his destination, makes no sense on how he got there and why he is there, Every mission is the same you kill someone and the sideplay is terrible and with the police radar you just kill people.
Saints row 2 makes sense because it's starts off from the ending of the first one, when you get put in acoma from the boat explosion, in the second game you wake up in a prison hospital and you go back to stilwater and beat the ultor corparation and the samedi Ronin and the brotherhood, but the ending is wierd cause you shoot Juilus in the head and walk off, But the game overall is amazing,
Cars are better, better stunts, better game, better cutscene, Everything in the game is better then gta 4,
So shut up, stop protecting the game, stop sticking up for it, stop being a fanboy, get with the times and stop playing crappy games like gta 4,
Next game that is coming is The horror survival dead space, and the sequel to the long awaited game, banjo kazooie 3. Sorry if i missed the games that you are waiting for, Have a Very good Christmas and a happy new year.