Saints Row: The Third - DLC: Gangstas In Space

Gangstas In Space is the second mission-based DLC released for Saints Row 3, and in contrast to the previously released Genkibowl VII, this is a series of story missions rather than an extra set of free roam activities. As an extension of one of the final missions of the disc game (titled "Gangstas... In Space!"), this content follows your character from one movie set to the next, where you'll be filming and starring in a sci-fi action film based on everyone's favorite Third Street Saints in... you guessed it, an intergalactic adventure.

There's a whole lot to enjoy about this DLC. The story is entertaining and funny; both the silliness of the movie premise and the dialogue between your character and your co-stars/director while "off camera" are very thoughtfully put together. Listening to your character clumsily stumble through their lines in the movie's script is painfully awkward and downright hilarious at times, and the fact that the director seemingly has a vendetta against one of your co-stars (which you'll watch escalate and play out) is one of the best parts of this mission pack. There are some new locations to explore, along with some driving/flying-around-the-city-while-shooting-enemy missions, so there's very little re-tread in terms of environment. Sprinkle in some new characters, new vehicles and new weaponry as well, and the entire DLC feels pretty fresh and new.

One of my favorite aspects of Gangstas In Space is the great use of visuals. As you're backstage preparing to film a scene, your in-game screen will appear as it always has, however when the director yells "Action" you'll notice the black bars appear at the top and bottom of the screen, giving the impression of a 4:3 picture box aspect ratio. As this occurs, you'll also notice your tv resolution seems to drop as though you're watching an old film reel, and simultaneously the film's score will kick in as you go about your business blasting space vixens with your ray gun. Finally, the soundtrack to this DLC should not go without mention, I found it to be some of the best scored music this game has brought to the table thus far.

Chillin with Captain Kirk's Ex

The most striking problem with this content is how short it is. It's damn short. I found myself completely done with Gangstas In Space in just over an hour, and that includes taking my time to watch all the cut scenes, listen to all the dialogue, AND go out of my way to meet the criteria necessary to obtain all ten additional achievements. Also, because it's a series of story missions, once you're done you don't have the option to replay them, which would have been a nice feature considering how enjoyable it is and how quickly it's all over.

Another gripe, however minor, is that you don't get to keep the new weapons you receive and take them back into free roam with you. It didn't bother me personally as they're just crappy little laser guns that go "pew pew" but I could see some players being bumped by this little oversight, as every other weapon you get your hands on in the game is permanently obtainable one way or another.

The Final Word

Like the previous DLC, Gangstas In Space is also a mere seven dollars, and in my opinion it's very well worth it. My partner and I here at Op-Ed have very staunch opinions about setting standards for how much downloadable content you should expect for your money, and to that extent you may very well feel slightly ripped off due to the length of this DLC if you fall on the more conservative side of that argument. In terms of quality over quantity, however, Gangstas In Space unequivocally delivers. It's arguably just as fun and entertaining as anything contained in the main game, if not more so, and very deserving of the strong recommendation I'm giving it here.

6/10