Saints Row 2 is a 'crim-sim' (criminal simulator) which ostensibly is a rip off of the Grand Theft Auto series. However don't dismiss the Saints Row series because of this, as it is a lot of fun and takes itself far less seriously than GTA, which became quite melodramatic in GTA IV.

Set in the city of Stillwater you control the leader of the Third Street Saints gang, and struggle with other gangs in the city for control of territory. This is done through missions, mini-games and the usual exuberant open world mayhem that typifies this type of game..

You're either on foot or in a vehicle during all of this, some of the missions are very silly and there is enough on the side in terms of additional activities and customisation to keep you entertained. These side missions also add 'respect' points which in turn unlock story progressions missions.

Combat is usually excessively bloody, there's lots of different weapon types ranging from katanas and baseball bats to rocket launchers and assault rifles. You can take human shields during combat which soak up damage, and use special finishing moves to (for instance) slice someone's face off. This game isn't for kids.

The graphics aren't too polished, and there's some annoying speed up/slow down issues when you're running at certain resolutions and you enter a vehicle. The effects are acceptable and there's plenty of radio stations and profane conversation to listen to.

Saints Row 2 is also misogynistic, relentlessly profane and excessively violent. None of the characters you meet or indeed play are sympathetic or even three-dimensional, but there's a sort of comic-book feeling to the city and the story which makes it bearable.
The voice acting and characterisation are borderline retarded, as is the toilet humour that pervades the game, I often found myself groaning at all-too-obvious jokes.

SR2 is fun though. It doesn't take itself too seriously like GTA IV, and while the graphics and mechanics are cruder you can still get a lot of entertainment.