Saints Row 2 - first details, screens

295w ago - Due in 2008, the action returns to Stilwater for the sequel - building crews have been dispatched to transform and expand the city - although events are taking place "years" after those portrayed in the first game. "The explosive conclusion to Saints Row has left the player wounded, betrayed and thirsty for revenge, and now it's time to take back the city that has forgotten him", says THQ.

It's making some huge promises about Saints Row 2 too, enthusing that the game's "set to revolutionize player freedom and open world online gameplay" with an "expanded and fully transformed city and true open-world online multiplayer".

"Saints Row 2 will be playable online in two-player co-op through the entire single-player campaign or in the all new open-world competitive multiplayer mode never before seen in the genre", THQ's said further about multiplayer in the sequel.

On top of that, new vehicles, new locations and new customisation options - for the likes of gender, age, voice, crib and gang - are in the pipe.

"Saints Row 2 has a much darker and more sinister story that leads your character down a path of betrayal, revenge and redemption against the city that has left him for dead, although we've blended that with the same light-hearted humour from the original," Greg Donovan, lead producer, has whispered in our ear drums.

"Couple that with the most robust open-world feature set ever developed in the genre, and Saints Row 2 promises a gaming experience that will offer players the perfect balance of gripping narrative and compelling gameplay options."