Saints Row IV: Enter the Dominatrix Overview

Saints Row IV: Enter the Dominatrix is a mission-based expansion for the open-world action game Saints Row IV, released on October 22, 2013, for PC and PlayStation 3. Developed by Volition and published by Deep Silver, this DLC serves as a playful nod to the franchise's chaotic history. The title references the project's origins as an expansion for Saints Row: The Third that was scrapped following publisher THQ's decline before being reborn as the full game. Now returning as DLC, the content allows the developers to satirize its own development journey through a narrative filled with self-aware commentary and fourth-wall-breaking humor.

Story and Setting

The narrative of Saints Row IV: Enter the Dominatrix is framed through a series of interviews conducted by Jane Valderamma with the main cast regarding "deleted scenes" from their past adventures. The Saints frequently break the fourth wall to discuss the game as a game, critiquing the plot and acknowledging the absurdity of their situation. The story takes place within a simulation of the Matrix, where the player must utilize god-like powers to stop the alien leader Dominatrix and save the planet.

The DLC is rich with meta-commentary, including live-action cutscenes such as a toy spaceship escaping from Pierce's head. The plot light-heartedly pokes fun at poor game design, with characters mocking concepts like escort missions and endless waves of enemies, even as the gameplay embraces these tropes. This contrast creates a tongue-in-cheek experience where the game ridicules itself while delivering the chaotic action fans expect.

Gameplay Mechanics and Features

  • Superpower Combat: Players can leverage their abilities to freeze enemies solid with ice blasts and finish them off with head shots. You are free to use these powers during various situations, allowing for dynamic takedowns of hordes of enemies.
  • Enemy Encounters: The DLC introduces new enemies, including leather-clad sex slaves and fetishists, shifting the combat focus from the base game's aliens to virtual crazies. The leader, Dominatrix, acts as a recurring boss who can be defeated relatively quickly, making some encounters feel anticlimactic.
  • Visual and Audio Updates: The content within the Dominatrix simulation features slightly sharper visuals and smoother performance compared to the rest of the game. The soundtrack includes new stations like Mad Decent and Four 20, and players can enjoy music outside of vehicles.
  • Simulation Effects: To emphasize the simulation setting, the game employs visual effects such as pixelization of surroundings and glitched characters.

While the DLC offers a fun premise and deliciously tongue-in-cheek moments, it relies on reused assets from Saints Row: The Third and the main title, including character models and devastating vehicles. The experience is relatively short and includes gameplay loops that the story itself critiques, such as escort missions. Despite the narrative's self-parody, the gameplay remains true to the series' tradition of over-the-top action, albeit with a "hollow and cheap" feel due to the recycled content.

Who It Appeals To

Saints Row IV: Enter the Dominatrix appeals primarily to fans of the series who appreciate its signature absurdity, meta-humor, and willingness to break conventions. It is ideal for players who enjoy open-world action games that do not take themselves too seriously and embrace satirical storytelling. The DLC is available on PC and PlayStation 3, offering a condensed but entertaining escapade for those who have already experienced the main campaign.