Saints Row IV: Re-Elected & Gat out of Hell

Why recommended

• Features an open world filled with exaggerated combat, traversal, and a constant stream of self-aware humor, much like the Saints Row series' later entries.
• Criteria - Action gameplay is central, focusing on fast-paced, acrobatic combat against hordes of mutants using an arsenal of outlandish weapons.
• The narrative, while not deeply dramatic, is a Strong Story driven by quirky characters and a clear objective to escape the zombie-like apocalypse, with plenty of dialogue and character interactions.

Why recommended

• Provides a massive open world designed for player-driven chaos and creative destruction, featuring a wide array of vehicles, weapons, and environmental interactions.
• Criteria - The game features a Strong Story that drives the player to liberate the island of Medici from a dictator, with clear objectives, character interactions, and narrative progression.
• The primary gameplay is pure Action, centered around explosive combat, aerial maneuvers with the wingsuit and grappling hook, and massive environmental destruction.

Why recommended

• Grants players a wide array of over-the-top superpowers for combat and traversal within a detailed open-world city, echoing the freedom and power fantasy of Saints Row IV.
• Criteria - Strong Story with a clear protagonist arc, moral choices that impact the narrative, and a cast of named characters with whom you interact throughout the adventure.
• The core gameplay loop is heavily focused on Action, utilizing diverse powers like smoke, neon, and video for both offensive combat and rapid, stylish movement across the city.

Why recommended

• Features a super-powered protagonist in an open-world city, where collecting orbs enhances abilities and encourages vertical exploration, similar to the power progression in Saints Row IV.
• Criteria - While not its strongest suit, there is a clear Strong Story about taking down a criminal organization, with mission briefings and character interactions guiding the player's progress.
• The core gameplay loop is focused entirely on Action, with players using a variety of weapons and superhuman abilities to destroy enemies and structures in a highly destructible environment.