Greater than the sum of it's parts.
Ok now that we have that out of the way. On to the good stuff. First off i think I want to elaberate a little on some of those negatives. The graphics, while like I said they arin't the best ever, but they are well done. And i don't know if it my TV (standered) or the resolution, but I noticed that there is kind of a drak line around everything. Gives it kind of a comic book feel to the world. Very cool in my opinion. The colors are bright and vibrent, so dispite it's short comings. The game still looks great, especally when it's in full motion.
next the AI, while a bit dumb. persoannly i haven't seen to many games that really do all that great with the AI, especally in sandbox games. GTA4, mercs. there AI's are just as dumb. Easilly forgivable.
Animations are probebly what I would say is the most lackinig, but thats also being spoiled by others like Assains Creed, GTA4, and MGS4. A bit stiff, but varied enough to be passable.
Next Driving, it's not bad persay, just diffrent. the cars handle allright, and probably it's more me that needs to get used to the controls. and also my desire to dive like they have realistic physics, more so than arcade like ones. because the driving in SR2 are very arcade like. So i think i'll leave it at that.
Apart from that, Wow, a great game. The voice acting is top notch, the story i really can't coment on yet. (haven't played all that much so far.) There is a ton of stuff you can do besides the main story. and not all the diversion are openly presented. The car surfing is one good example. I was never told that you could do it by the game. I knew from previews of it, and then just jumped on the hood of a car and off we where.
Shooting is fun and satifying, even running up and beating the snot out of people is fun. the throw/hostage taking mecanic is easy and fun to use. And i simply can't wait to see everything else there is to do in the game. especally when I can get into some fun co-op. So, for now while Saint's Row isn't perfect. The fact of the matter is, that it doesn't need to be.