Jimmy Torbitson was beyond distressed at famed Saint Johnny Gat’s tragic demise, so he did what any fanboy would do: he cloned his hero in his closet. Starting with the appropriately named “Weird Science” level, this three-mission downloadable add-on has you traveling all over the city, using increasingly ridiculous methods to try to reel in your recently cloned buddy before the rest of Steelport gets him.
One of Torbitson’s plans to retrieve the big lug involves Pierce dancing scantily clad for Saints fans while you shoot the hysterical devotees with a bee gun to, ahem, calm them down. Torbitson’s justification for this stunt is that “music soothes the savage beast” and cloned Johnny likes Pierce’s relaxing rhythms. Our favorite mission, though, is the love scenario, where a female brute of Pierce aims to woo the giant Gat through some good ol’ TLC.
The Trouble with Clones plays like an ’80s film combined with everything you love about the Saints Row franchise. Torbitson is hilarious as he narrates the entire story as though it were a superhero movie, and his drooly nerd-speak and nasally voice never get old.
But the best part of this DLC is when you’re on Saints Flow, another concoction of Torbitson’s that gives you super-speed (leaving a blazing trail in your wake), super-strength (complete with comic-book sound balloons as you hit people), and the ability to shoot fireballs (Super Saiyan–style). This part was outrageous and we loved every minute of it. Clones’ conclusion earns you a new ride and a few more brute Homies, but alas, you can’t bring the new superpowers back into the main game.
Like the rest of Saints Row: The Third’s DLC packs, Clones is only an hour, but it’s a terrific romp through Steelport, showcasing the series’ unique style and fun. Of the game’s three add-ons so far, it’s definitely our favorite.
PUBLISHER: THQ • DEVELOPER: Volition • ESRB: Mature • MULTIPLAYER: 2 in campaign co-op (via Xbox Live or System Link) • ACHIEVEMENTS: Easy • COST: 560 Microsoft Points ($7)
+ The Saints Flow fireball does absurd damage; your super-abilities are very empowering.
+ Engaging story arc filled with entertaining mission objectives.
– Like the The Third's other two DLC packs (Genkibowl VII and Gangstas in Space), it's too short for the price.
? If you can run so fast on Saints Flow, why can't you run on water?
