The game contains over forty different weapons, many of which have been recycled from Saints Row. Should the player character be apprehended or killed, a small percentage of the player's earnings will be removed and the player will respawn at law or healthcare institutions. The player will continue to be chased by these groups until captured or killed and must reduce the notoriety bar by either hiding from the police or gang and wait for it to 'cool off', or by seeking out a drive-through confessional which will clear the notoriety bar for a small fee. The notoriety bar is a visual representation of the proactivity of the opposing figures' response and continual inciting of these groups will bring about a more powerful response, such as SWAT teams from the police. Should the player either commit illegal activities or incite rival gang members, they will provoke potentially fatal attention from authoritative figures or rival gangs. The player can also employ the use of human shields, and can use makeshift weapons pulled from the environment e.g.

With a gun equipped, the player can perform a groin attack, and can zoom in for a finer aim reticle. While engaging in melee-based combat, the player character will perform combos and charge up attacks, and can execute a finishing move if three consecutive hits are dealt. The combat systems from Saints Row have been updated but many of the basics remain unchanged. Entering cheats will disable Xbox 360 achievements. The player can recruit members from a friendly gang and use a mobile phone to contact friends and/or businesses, as well as to input cheat codes. The player can also wreak havoc upon the city of Stilwater which can provoke potentially fatal attention from authoritative forces.

Aside from attempting missions, the player can explore the environment, purchase items at shops and participate in the aforementioned mini-games and side-missions. Numerous checkpoints save progress in each mission, and missions can be replayed from locations within the environment. The player is granted the option of instantly retrying the missions should they fail an attempt.

Missions are unlocked by earning 'Respect' points from minigames and side-missions and although completing missions is necessary for game progression, players can complete them at their own leisure. After successfully completing the first game mission, the player meets the Third Street Saints and begin their devious schemes with the gang. The player's character is capable of maneuvering through the environment, utilizing weaponry and engaging in melee combat warfare. Saints Row 2 is an action-adventure video game set in an open world environment, offering the player a large open environment in which to move around.

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