# Saints Row 2

> 2008 open world action-adventure video game developed by Volition, Inc

**Wikidata**: [Q2006628](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q2006628)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saints_Row_2)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/saints-row-2

## Summary
Saints Row 2 is a 2008 open-world action-adventure video game developed by Volition, Inc. and published by THQ. It serves as the second installment in the *Saints Row* series, featuring a single-player mode where players control the protagonist "Playa" in a crime-ridden city. The game was released on May 29, 2008, and is available on multiple platforms including PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and Microsoft Windows.

## Key Facts
- **Release Date:** May 29, 2008
- **Developer:** Volition, Inc.
- **Publisher:** THQ (founded 1990, headquartered in Agoura Hills, California)
- **Genre:** Open world action-adventure (Note: Source lists "LGBT-themed video game" as a genre property)
- **Game Mode:** Single-player video game
- **Protagonist:** Playa
- **Key Supporting Character:** Troy Bradshaw
- **Software Engine:** Havok
- **Platforms:** PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Microsoft Windows
- **ESRB Rating:** 18 certificate (Strong violence)
- **PEGI Rating:** PEGI 18
- **BBFC Rating:** 18 certificate (Strong violence, Offensive language)
- **OFLC Classification:** R18 (Offensive language)
- **Steam Application ID:** 9480
- **Metacritic Game ID:** saints-row-2
- **IMDb ID:** tt1024918
- **MobyGames ID:** 38790
- **Freebase ID:** /m/02r23yw
- **Series Position:** Second entry in the *Saints Row* series (Preceded by *Saints Row*, Followed by *Saints Row: The Third*)
- **Voice Cast:** Eliza Dushku, Neil Patrick Harris, Keith David, Michael Dorn, Jay Mohr, Yuri Lowenthal
- **Review Score:** 69/100 (Kritikanstvo)
- **Official Website:** saintsrow.com (Available in English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Japanese)
- **Subreddit:** r/saintsrow2
- **Country of Origin:** United States
- **Languages:** English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Japanese, Danish, Swedish, Russian

## FAQs
**What platforms can I play Saints Row 2 on?**
The game was originally released for the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and Microsoft Windows. It is also available on digital storefronts such as the PlayStation Store, Microsoft Store, and Humble Store.

**Who developed and published the game?**
Volition, Inc. is the developer responsible for creating the game, while THQ served as the publisher. THQ was a major video game publisher founded in 1990 and based in Agoura Hills, California.

**What is the age rating for Saints Row 2?**
The game carries an 18+ rating across most major regions, including the BBFC (UK), PEGI (Europe), and ESRB (US). These ratings are due to strong violence and offensive language present in the content.

**Who are the main characters and voice actors?**
The protagonist is known as "Playa," supported by characters like Troy Bradshaw. The voice cast features notable actors including Eliza Dushku, Neil Patrick Harris, Keith David, Michael Dorn, Jay Mohr, and Yuri Lowenthal.

**Is there a soundtrack associated with the game?**
Yes, the game features a soundtrack release titled *Saints Row 2 - Hits to Drive By*.

## Why It Matters
Saints Row 2 represents a significant entry in the open-world action-adventure genre, expanding on the sandbox mechanics established by its predecessor. Developed by Volition, Inc., it solidified the franchise's reputation for chaotic gameplay, deep customization, and satirical storytelling. The game's widespread availability across multiple platforms and its enduring presence on digital stores like Steam and PlayStation Store highlight its lasting impact on the gaming community. Its high volume of voice talent and complex narrative structure contributed to the evolution of open-world storytelling in the late 2000s. Furthermore, the game's extensive modding support and community engagement, evidenced by dedicated subreddits and fan casting projects, demonstrate its role as a cultural touchstone for gamers.

## Notable For
- **Multi-Platform Release:** Available on PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and PC, ensuring broad accessibility.
- **Extensive Voice Cast:** Features a star-studded lineup including Eliza Dushku and Neil Patrick Harris.
- **High Maturity Ratings:** Consistently rated 18+ or R18 due to strong violence and offensive language.
- **Series Continuity:** Acts as the direct sequel to *Saints Row* and the prequel to *Saints Row: The Third*.
- **Digital Longevity:** Remains available on modern digital storefronts like Humble Store and PlayStation Now.
- **Community Engagement:** Maintains an active subreddit and has inspired fan casting projects for potential film or TV adaptations.
- **Technical Foundation:** Built on the Havok physics engine, enhancing the open-world experience.
- **Critical Reception:** Aggregated review scores from platforms like Kritikanstvo and Metacritic reflect its status as a well-regarded title.

## Body

### Development and Publication
Saints Row 2 was developed by Volition, Inc., a studio known for its work on open-world titles. The game was published by THQ, a prominent video game publisher established in 1990 with headquarters in Agoura Hills, California. THQ employed approximately 1,300 people at the time and operated within the video game industry. The game's development utilized the Havok software engine, which provided the physics and animation capabilities necessary for its open-world environment. The project was completed and released on May 29, 2008, marking a significant milestone for the franchise.

### Platforms and Distribution
The title was released across three primary platforms: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and Microsoft Windows. It is distributed through various digital channels, including the PlayStation Store, Microsoft Store, and the Humble Store. Specific product IDs include the Steam Application ID 9480, the Xbox Games Store ID 66acd000-77fe-1000-9115-d802545107fc, and the Microsoft Store Product ID brszv60tt078 for Xbox Series X and Series S. The game is also accessible via PlayStation Now, a cloud gaming service. Regional distribution IDs include EP1005-NPEB00637_00-SAINTSRW2DIGITAL for Europe and UP1005-NPUB30575_00-SAINTSRW2DIGITAL for North America.

### Narrative and Characters
The game is a single-player experience centered around the protagonist known as "Playa." A key supporting character in the narrative is Troy Bradshaw. The story is set within the *Saints Row* universe, serving as the second installment in the series. The narrative follows the protagonist's rise within the criminal underworld. The game features a diverse voice cast, including Eliza Dushku, Neil Patrick Harris, Keith David, Michael Dorn, Jay Mohr, and Yuri Lowenthal. These actors brought depth to the characters, contributing to the game's immersive storytelling.

### Ratings and Classification
Saints Row 2 has received mature ratings from major classification boards worldwide. In the United Kingdom, the BBFC assigned it an 18 certificate, citing "Strong violence" and "Offensive language." The PEGI rating in Europe is 18, while the ESRB in the US also rates it as 18. In Australia, the OFLC classified it as R18 due to offensive language. These ratings reflect the game's intense content, which includes graphic violence and adult themes. The BBFC reference number for the classification is ADM251383.

### Technical and Database Identifiers
The game is cataloged under numerous identifiers across various gaming databases. Its IMDb ID is tt1024918, and it holds a Freebase ID of /m/02r23yw. On MobyGames, it is listed as ID 38790. The Metacritic Game ID is "saints-row-2," and the Steam Application ID is 9480. Other identifiers include the GameStar ID (5912), Eurogamer ID (saints-row-2), and the Giant Bomb ID (3030-20679). The game is also listed on PCGamingWiki as "Saints_Row_2" and has a HowLongToBeat ID of 8072.

### Languages and Localization
The game supports multiple languages, including English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Japanese, Danish, Swedish, and Russian. Official websites are available in these languages, such as saintsrow.com/fr for French and saintsrow.com/jp for Japanese. The game's title has been localized into various scripts, including Arabic (ساينتس رو ٢), Persian (صف القديسين ٢), and Japanese (セインツロウ2). The media arts database lists specific release dates for Japanese versions, such as December 4, 2008, and June 10, 2010, for the THQ Selection edition.

### Community and Media Presence
The game has a strong community presence, with a dedicated subreddit at r/saintsrow2. It has been featured in various media outlets and databases, including TV Tropes (VideoGame/SaintsRow2) and The Cutting Room Floor, which documents unused assets and oddities. Fan casting projects on myCast have explored potential voice actors for a hypothetical movie or HBO series adaptation. The game is also discussed on platforms like Quora and has entries on Wikipedia in over 20 languages, including Arabic, Chinese, and Russian.

### Related Entities and Series Context
Saints Row 2 is part of the *Saints Row* series, following the original *Saints Row* and preceding *Saints Row: The Third*. It is distinct from the 2022 reboot of the franchise. The game is associated with the publisher THQ and the developer Volition, Inc. It is also linked to various digital storefronts and services, including PlayStation Now and the Humble Store. The game's soundtrack, *Saints Row 2 - Hits to Drive By*, is a notable related work. Additionally, the game has been referenced in academic and archival contexts, such as the Bibliothèque nationale de France (ID 16630454p) and the Media Arts Database.

## References

1. Steam
2. Kritikanstvo
3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
4. GOG.com
5. Humble Store
6. [All PS Now games A-Z](https://www.playstation.com/en-us/ps-now/ps-now-games/#all-ps-now-games)
7. [Saints Row 2 w systemie klasyfikacji gier ESRB](http://www.esrb.org/ratings/synopsis.jsp?Certificate=32897&Title=Saints%20Row%202&searchkeyword=saints%20row%202)
8. Fandom
9. BBFC database
10. Quora
11. [Saints Row 2](https://www.reddit.com/r/saintsrow2/)
12. [Saints Row 2 (Video Game) - TV Tropes](https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/VideoGame/SaintsRow2)
13. [Source](https://mediaarts-db.bunka.go.jp/id/C33894)
14. [Search - Film and Video Labelling Body of NZ](https://www.fvlb.org.nz/film-detail?id=1578)
15. [PCGamingWiki](https://www.pcgamingwiki.com/wiki/Saints_Row_2)
16. Game Informer
17. Giant Bomb
18. RAWG
19. [Saints Row 2 Fan Casting on myCast](https://www.mycast.io/stories/saints-row-2-1)
20. Source
21. Q131917281