Among its host of new and improved features are two-player online co-op throughout the entire campaign and and open-world competitive multiplayer mode THQ says is "never before seen in the genre," along with expanded gender, age, voice, crib and gang customization.

Of course, the game's city has been redesigned, and now features a number of new vehicles, such as boats, planes, motorcycles, and helicopters.

"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 humor from the original," said lead designer Greg Donovan. "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."