THQ Takes Lid off of Saints Row 2

The next version of THQ's popular sandbox-style game will offer even further customization for players' characters as well as new vehicles, locations, and gameplay options.

Rockstar’s Grand Theft Auto IV may be delayed for the time being, but fans of open-world gaming will be pleased to know THQ’s imitator title Saints Row will be getting a sequel. The company announced Saints Row 2 on Monday with a press release and the launch of SaintsRow2.com.

The game will again be developed by THQ’s in-house studio Volition, Inc., using the same engine from the original. THQ claims the game’s new features will include vastly expanded customization options, a totally transformed and expanded city of Stilwater, all new vehicles, sandbox tools and toys, plus both online co-op and competitive multiplayer.

The story for the new game picks up where the original left off, with a protagonist seeking revenge. Players will be able to select their own gender, age and voice, as well as crib and gang options. New vehicles will include motorcycles, boats, helicopters and planes.

“Saints Row 2 has a much darker and more sinister story that leads your character down a path of betrayal, revenge and redemption against the city that has left him for dead, although we’ve blended that with the same light-hearted humor from the original,” said lead producer Greg Donovan, in a statement. “Couple that with the most robust open-world feature set ever developed in the genre, and Saints Row 2 promises a gaming experience that will offer players the perfect balance of gripping narrative and compelling gameplay options.”

Saint’s Row 2 will appear for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 sometime in 2008.