It's not often that when we talk about 'The Saints' in the Southern Daily Echo, that we're talking about anything other than football, but in this review we're referring to the gang that received notoriety during the events of the original Saints Row video game When Grand Theft Auto IV was released earlier in the year it took the world by storm, but looking back, the games popularity was extremely short-lived. Was this because of the serious, story-driven gameplay? Was it because the mini-games offered little replay value? Who knows?

What is clear now though is that Saints Row, Grand Theft Auto's former underachieving brother from another mother, has matured and is back in the form of Saints Row 2. When I say that it's matured, it still has all the over-the-top crazy action that the first game had but it's just got a whole lot better. With the inclusion of helicopters, motorbikes and boats the game has never felt so complete or been so much fun.

With every mission that you play through and every activity that you engage in, you are rewarded with extra features. There is a real sense of being rewarded for your hard work in Saints Row 2, which is maybe something that was lacking in GTA IV.

As well as nailing down the core gameplay, there are also small touches that reach a sweet spot. One of these happens when you attack somebody in the street, some members of the public will run away, some will try and fight you and some will stand around whilst heartlessly taking pictures with their camera phones.

There are standout moments in Saints Row 2 that are so exciting and intense, you will literary be on the edge of your seat. One of these moments is when you go to take over a hotel from a rival gang. You fight your way to the top and when you get there, plant explosives in specific locations. The timer on the explosives don't give you enough time to run down the stairs so with flames licking at your heels, you dive off the banister straight through the centre of the building, using your parachute to land safely in the atrium.

If you like action games, you'll like Saints Row 2. If you like arcade driving games, you'll like Saints Row 2. The game plays in lots of different styles and amazingly, each of those styles works very well.

The mini-games and activities that you can engage in when you want a break from the main storyline are second to none. Whether you want to tear down the road on a flame covered quad bike or would rather fight in a UFC style ring, the choice is yours. There are many activities to engage in and none of them get too boring, too quickly.

The Saints are back, and this time they're not just looking at taking back the Row; they're looking at taking over gamer's lives.

SCORE 8 / 10