So, what’s new in this Saints Row? We’ve all had our fill of Mayhem and Escort missions while playing previous installments of the series. The Third not only brings back a majority of the memorable activities, it also adds some creative new ones. Here’s your guide to the new side-missions you’ll be spending a lot of time with:
Professor Genki’s Super Ethical Reality Climax
First off, who’s Professor Genki? Words along cannot describe this magnificent being. I highly suggest you get a feel for the great one first by clicking here. Finished? That should give you an idea of the insanity contained within this activity. During Professor Genki’s Super Ethical Reality Climax, the leader of the Saints must overcome room after room of hazards and enemies while a timer counts down. Enemies are dressed up as various mascots, ranging from animals to the Saints very own Johnny Gat. Pick them off in style (headshots, melee, etc) and you’ll gain bonuses. Speaking of bonuses. There are several pop-up boards that can be taken out for certain extras. “Ethical” and “Money Shot” will award the player with more cash. Shooting “Unethical” panels will result in the opposite, cash loss. Cash is important since you’ll be required to earn a certain amount before the exit opens up for you. “Time Bonus” is your friend as it will, you guessed it, add time to the clock. Remember those hazards I mentioned earlier? They’re set throughout this deadly maze. Be careful running through openings as it may very will blast electricity or flames on and off. If you do get it, do not fret. “Health” targets are available in this side-mission. Oh, I may have forgotten to mention that health doesn’t regenerate like it does out on the streets of Steelport. Survive and make it to the end and the all-mighty Genki will surely be pleased.
Tank Mayhem
The name says it all. Tank + Mayhem activity = Tank Mayhem. If you’ve played the Mayhem activity in past Saints Row games, you should have a pretty good idea of this mode’s objective. You’ll be placed in a tank and it is up to you to blow up anything and everything in your path. Destroying the cars, people and other items filling the streets racks up a multiplier (which runs out) which then becomes cash. The objective is to reach the specified cash limit through the death and destruction of Steelport and its inhabitants.
Guardian Angel
As the gang’s leader, it falls to you to protect your homies. You’ll be providing overwatch for your partners in crime as they complete different tasks. Rocket launchers and sniper rifles are your best friends here. As the mission starts, you’ll be escorting a vehicle from the safety of a helicopter. As you fire rockets down upon your enemies, be sure to lead them carefully and only pull the trigger if the vehicle you’re protecting is out of the blast radius. Having to restart because you carelessly led a rocket into your companion’s car is never fun. This is just part one though. A successful escort is followed up with a bit of sniping. Sitting atop a building, you’ll be providing covering fire to the Saint who is now out of the car. Leading targets here isn’t a necessity. This isn’t Battlefield. Remember that the McManus 2015 sniper rifle packs a huge punch. Although it is good at being an anti-personnel weapon, it also makes quick work of vehicles. Enemy vehicles can be set on fire or blown up in as little as three shots, leaving the rival gang members inside to a gruesome fate.
Trafficking
Similar to Guardian Angel, you must provide cover for a Saint while he makes deals all over town. The difference between this mode and Guardian Angel is that you’ll be on street with your fellow Saint. All the action happens up close this time. As the deals go on, be sure to fire upon the enemies entering the area and keep their numbers from growing too great or else you run the risk of being overwhelmed. Also, it is advisable that you provide this cover fairly close to the dealer and his contact. This is due to the fact that some buyers may skip the paying portion of the transaction and try to leave your dealer high and dry. If this is the case, be prepared to chase down the sucker and take the money by force.
This completes the list of new activities in Saints Row: The Third. For those totally new to the Saints Row franchise, check back soon because I’ll be detailing the returning activities (and the updates they’ve received) next followed by the handful of diversions available in Steelport.