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The definitive way to play Saints Row 2 in 2025 - YouTube

I confess that I completed Saints Row 2 on Steam twice without modification. If someone argues it’s “unplayable” without a fan-made fix, I might raise an eyebrow at that claim. However, it’s clear the PC version had its flaws.

Cutscenes struggled with characters appearing out of context or not at all, leading to sliding effects that felt odd. Audio glitches made dialogues sound cheap, and graphical options felt limited, particularly with distant water turning black. Despite these issues, the game’s charm was enough for me to overlook them.

Multiple attempts have been made to enhance the PC port throughout the years, and the latest, known as Saints Row 2 Juiced, has made significant strides in addressing these shortcomings. It incorporates over 30 animations previously exclusive to console versions, providing a more visually appealing experience. Additional adjustments, like improved gamma settings from the Xbox 360 version, also enhance gameplay.

A crucial upgrade is an optional lighting overhaul called VanillaFXPlus, which boosts the contrast and vibrancy of colors, though traditionalists may prefer the classic aesthetic. Moreover, an option to retain a weapon when out of ammo instead of reverting to the cane is now included.

For a comprehensive list of changes, visit the Juiced Patch Github page. Multiplayer functionality is reportedly restored, which adds to the excitement surrounding the incoming Saints Row 2 DLC Port Project. This project will finally allow PC players access to console-exclusive DLCs after 15 long years.