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The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners

The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners - Chapter 2 is an outstanding sequel that has improved on its predecessor with exceptional gameplay, despite some technical issues and a weak story.
The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners Game Cover
73%Game Brain Score
Most mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplay
Most mentioned negative aspects:stability, optimization
63% User Score Based on 1,389 reviews
Critic Score 83%Based on 11 reviews

Platforms

PCPlayStation VRPlaystation 5CloudPlaystation 4Virtual RealityWindowsPlayStationPlayStation VR2
The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners Game Cover

About The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners

The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners is a single player and multiplayer open world role playing shooter game with horror and violence themes. It was developed by Skydance Interactive and was released on March 21, 2023. It received positive reviews from critics and mostly positive reviews from players.

Buy The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners - Chapter 2: Retribution on PlayStation Store. Experience new weapons and gameplay while immersed in incredible VR.

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Games Like The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners

Looking for games like The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners? Here are top open world role playing shooter recommendations with a horror and violence focus, selected from player-similarity data — start with The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners, Into the Radius 2 or Dying Light 2 Stay Human.

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Reviews

63%Audience ScoreBased on 1,389 reviews
story130 positive mentions
stability213 negative mentions

  • Great continuation and expansion from the first game with new weapons, night missions, and areas to explore.
  • Immersive and satisfying VR combat with new items like the chainsaw and grenade launcher.
  • Ability to import saves from the first game retaining progress and inventory adds continuity and depth.
  • Game suffers from numerous bugs and crashes, including invisible enemies, progression blockers, and visual glitches.
  • Performance and optimization issues cause frequent stuttering and low frame rates, even on high-end PCs.
  • Story and characters feel less developed with limited impact from player choices, making it feel like an overpriced DLC rather than a full sequel.
  • story

    826 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
    16% positive mentions, 78% neutral mentions, 6% negative mentions

    The story in Saints & Sinners Chapter 2: Retribution is a direct continuation of the first game, expanding the narrative with new characters, night missions, and moral choices; however, many players find it less compelling and underdeveloped compared to the original. While some appreciate the tense atmosphere and key moments like the Axeman and tower climax, others criticize its repetitiveness, limited impact of player choices, and pacing issues, with side quests often feeling like tedious fetch tasks. Additionally, numerous technical bugs and crashes disrupt the storytelling experience, diminishing immersion and enjoyment for many.

    • “Acting as a direct sequel to the first Saints & Sinners, it continues the story of “the Tourist,” a lone survivor navigating the chaos of a world overrun by the undead and haunted by the moral rot of those still clinging to life.”
    • “The story feels more focused and engaging this time, with stronger atmosphere and tension throughout.”
    • “The story, following the protagonist "Tourist," is rich with tension and emotional depth, giving weight to every decision and action you make.”
    • “The story despite quite a bit of it being scrapped is alright; however, the developers mostly got rid of your freedom to influence what happens in the story.”
    • “For example, any option you pick for dialogue always ends in the same route and consequence in the story; yes, you can kill characters whenever you like except mamma when she yaps.”
    • “The story felt like a mound of wasted potential; casts of characters are introduced and are either killed off abruptly or softly forgotten in the campaign with no significant development, no solid ties to one another and no satisfaction by the time you reach the end of their story arcs.”
  • stability

    218 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
    2% positive mentions, 0% neutral mentions, 98% negative mentions

    The game suffers from pervasive stability issues, including frequent crashes, freezes, and numerous bugs and glitches that often hinder progression and immersion. Despite some patches, many problems remain unresolved years after release, leading to a frustrating and sometimes unplayable experience for many players. While the gameplay has merits, the persistent technical instability significantly detracts from the overall quality.

    • “I've seen zero performance issues on the Quest 3; I'm playing at 120Hz 4K and it runs great.”
    • “Let me be straight up: this game runs fine for me. If you're skeptical about performance, don't worry. The game runs great, and 9 out of 10 people complaining are those with a Quest 2 trying to run it through Virtual Desktop. I had FPS issues but fixed them by turning off hardware accelerated GPU scheduling and putting the game on an SSD.”
    • “There are still some NPC bugs, but aside from that, it is fairly bug free.”
    • “Completely unplayable and buggy everywhere you look, even 2 years after release.”
    • “3 years since release and this game is still so buggy and half-assed, I beg this game be fixed (it won’t, but a thing can hope, right?).”
    • “I would say wait for the bugs and glitches to be fixed before buying the game but this game has had the same bugs and glitches it has had since launch (3 years ago), and the game hasn't even had any bug patches for 2 years.”
  • gameplay

    191 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
    29% positive mentions, 65% neutral mentions, 6% negative mentions

    The gameplay in this sequel largely retains the core mechanics and immersive VR combat that made the first game popular, with added weapons, night mode, and crafting features enhancing the experience. However, many players feel it offers limited innovation, suffers from frustrating bugs, recycled content, and some annoying design choices like spawn mechanics and stamina systems. Despite technical issues and repetitive elements, the gameplay loop remains satisfying for fans craving more of the original's combat and exploration.

    • “The core gameplay is still some of the best VR has to offer.”
    • “The gameplay loop is rewarding, with collecting items to recycle and craft into new weapons and tools.”
    • “The use of physics-driven mechanics lets players interact with weapons and tools in realistic ways, while new crafting and weapon options provide more freedom in combat.”
    • “Looting is now less rewarding, performance is terrible, there hasn't been an update to address anything for 2 years and nothing seems to ever gonna change; on the bright side, there's few new mechanics like nighttime raids and more walkers to fight.”
    • “The worst part are the game-breaking bugs that make you unable to finish a mission (mission items disappearing, not being able to interact with a key NPC) and the atrocious grabbing mechanic.”
    • “They didn't even try to polish the first game's mechanics, zombies still spawn 5 feet away behind your back constantly, humans see and pre-fire at you around corners, then the next moment forget you exist entirely.”
  • optimization

    183 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
    14% positive mentions, 53% neutral mentions, 33% negative mentions

    Optimization for the game is widely criticized, with many users reporting severe performance issues such as stuttering, crashes, and frame drops even on high-end PCs. While some experienced smooth gameplay after tweaking settings, the general consensus is that the game remains poorly optimized, full of bugs, and inconsistent across different hardware, especially on lower-end VR headsets like Quest 2. Despite some minor improvements over the first installment, significant optimization and performance patches are urgently needed.

    • “Especially chapter 2 is much better on PC not only due to improved graphics and performance, but also through a massive reduction of bugs.”
    • “This game as a sequel is amazing so far; it runs better, is better optimized, and combat has never felt this good in Saints and Sinners.”
    • “After the first performance update and openvr-fsr support, the game became playable and enjoyable.”
    • “Oh my gosh this game is unplayable with how unoptimized it is.”
    • “But the performance issues are completely random and there is almost no way to know if you're going to have good performance, or absolutely terrible performance with no way to fix it and no in-between.”
    • “I feel really disappointed in the state of this game at the moment; I was seriously looking forward to playing this, but this game is poorly optimized as of now. It seems like it's enjoyable but, until a hot-fix is released improving performance, I'm leaving this review negative. I just cannot play it as of now; it's unplayable.”
  • graphics

    163 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
    25% positive mentions, 64% neutral mentions, 11% negative mentions

    Reviews on the game's graphics are mixed, with praise for the stylized visuals, improved lighting, and immersive VR presentation on high-end PC setups. However, many users report graphical downgrades or recycled assets compared to the first game, inconsistent detail, and numerous bugs or glitches that impact performance, especially on Quest versions. Optimization issues and crashes are frequent complaints, leading some to recommend playing on PC with adjusted settings for the best visual experience.

    • “Graphics: I play on high settings and OMG the game looks amazing with disgustingly gorgeous zombie models and breathtaking scenery all around.”
    • “Great graphics and lots of ways to wreak havoc.”
    • “From the stunning graphics to the extremely fun gameplay, this game is close to perfect.”
    • “Graphics and character models are lacking detail, although from the looks of it the Quest 2 standalone version looks even more like play-doh.”
    • “Only get it on sale because there are still graphical and technical issues present which could ruin the game for you; I was lucky because most of the issues I had were graphical, but other people playing on wireless Oculus/Meta Quest VR headsets seem to be experiencing more technical issues.”
    • “The bad: TWDSC2R runs somewhat worse than the original while also having downgraded graphics in some ways.”
  • atmosphere

    28 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
    71% positive mentions, 18% neutral mentions, 11% negative mentions

    The atmosphere in this VR zombie survival game is widely praised for its tense, immersive, and haunting portrayal of a flooded New Orleans, enhanced by strong sound design, lighting, and environmental storytelling. While some technical issues and limited graphical improvements are noted, the mood, ambiance, and authentic survival horror experience remain standout features that deeply engage players. Overall, the game is considered one of the most atmospheric and gripping VR titles in its genre.

    • “The combination of physical combat, atmospheric sound design, and environmental storytelling creates an experience that feels uniquely alive within the VR medium.”
    • “With limited light sources and heightened audio cues, moving through the darkness becomes a nerve-wracking experience that intensifies the game’s already oppressive atmosphere.”
    • “The game’s intense combat, moody environments, and haunting tension make it an essential experience for VR enthusiasts who crave authenticity and atmosphere in their survival horror.”
    • “First of all, arguably the most important aspects of a game are the mechanics and the atmosphere of the world you roam in, and TWD Retribution does not do great with that; it's basically the original game except the mechanics are a bit more rusted.”
    • “Graphics, world, mechanics, atmosphere - everything is downgraded, more buggy and glitchy.”
    • “The game feels like a DLC, not a new game, so this is a little pricey; the chapter 2 should be $25-30. Graphics are not improved much, and there is a lack of details.”
  • humor

    24 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
    100% positive mentions, 0% neutral mentions, 0% negative mentions

    The humor in the game often stems from its numerous quirky bugs and glitches, such as visual oddities, ragdoll physics, and character antics, which players find amusing despite sometimes breaking immersion. Additionally, some NPC behaviors and villain portrayals are seen as unintentionally funny rather than scary, adding a layer of dark or absurd comedy. Overall, the game's humorous moments are a mix of both intentional and accidental humor that many players enjoy, even when bugs occasionally hinder progression.

    • “My favorite bug is the head duplication after decapitation on an enemy; it looks truly hilarious.”
    • “If you enjoyed the last game, you're going to enjoy this one as well. There are a few bugs and issues, but I could care less because it's funny AF, like zombie corpses occasionally breakdancing.”
    • “Moving on to the actual game, of course, some bugs remain (some of them are actually hilarious, like doors doing a 360 through the wall).”
  • grinding

    17 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
    0% positive mentions, 12% neutral mentions, 88% negative mentions

    Grinding in the game is often described as tedious and repetitive, especially when collecting specific items or repeating missions multiple times due to crashes. While some players find the resource hunt and exile quests frustratingly slow, others appreciate the sense of reward once completed and the added variety of side quests compared to the previous installment. Overall, grinding can feel like an immersion breaker and artificially increases difficulty, though importing saves can help reduce its impact.

    • “Some of the quests, such as those involving the closed vials, took me nearly 10-20 days of just traveling back and forth until I got enough of them, which was extremely tedious.”
    • “The tedious night missions, with their painfully poor visibility and monotonous tasks, shatter immersion and feel like a cheap way to increase difficulty, making grinding extra annoying.”
    • “I spent 7 hours on collecting and grinding the first quest and ended up softlocked, which highlights frustrating grind issues.”
  • emotional

    9 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
    100% positive mentions, 0% neutral mentions, 0% negative mentions

    The emotional impact of this VR game is notable for its ability to heighten engagement through immersive horror and simulation elements, delivering a rich, tension-filled narrative. However, some players find it difficult to connect deeply with characters due to limited development, and technical issues have occasionally disrupted the experience, impacting emotional investment. Overall, the story offers meaningful moments, though it may not reach the emotional highs of other series installments.

    • “Few VR titles manage to blend simulation and horror this effectively, and Retribution once again showcases how VR can heighten emotional and physical engagement in ways traditional gaming cannot.”
    • “The story, following the protagonist 'Tourist,' is rich with tension and emotional depth, giving weight to every decision and action you make.”
    • “The first season of that Walking Dead game (with Clementine) was so good, I cried.”
  • replayability

    8 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
    38% positive mentions, 24% neutral mentions, 38% negative mentions

    Replayability is somewhat mixed; while additional content, weapons, and scavenging maintain an addictive loop, technical issues and bugs early on hinder consistent enjoyment. Some users find little replay value as a standalone, but others appreciate the expanded experience once performance is optimized. Overall, it shows promise but depends heavily on updates and technical improvements.

    • “It adds a level of replayability that simply wasn't available on standalone Quest.”
    • “Replayability is decent thanks to more content, weapons, enemies, and scavenging.”
    • “Maintains the addictive replay value of scavenging and killing zombies.”
    • “Replayability is decent thanks to more content, weapons, enemies, and scavenging, but the technical issues prevent it from fully shining.”
    • “However, as a standalone this game has so little to offer me that I honestly do not see any replay value at all.”
    • “Replayability: 1/5”
  • music

    7 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
    29% positive mentions, 28% neutral mentions, 43% negative mentions

    Users find the game's music generally fitting and well-composed, especially the combat tracks, but note that much of it is recycled from older games. However, the music is often hard to hear in gameplay, with issues like NPC voices barely audible, and some frustration with limitations such as the radio music not playing in new locations.

    • “The soundtrack was also fitting.”
    • “At least the music is good.”
    • “I was going through a building and suddenly human combat music started playing.”
    • “A lot of the old game is recycled, from reused music and maps to reused enemies and locations.”
    • “I'm more upset the music on the radio doesn't change when I get to my new home.”
  • monetization

    4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
    0% positive mentions, 0% neutral mentions, 100% negative mentions

    Users feel that the monetization of the game is a disappointing cash grab compared to the original masterpiece, with some considering it lazy and overly focused on profit rather than offering a fully new experience. However, a few acknowledge that new content keeps the game fresh despite familiar mechanics.

    • “The first game is a masterpiece and this is a disgusting cash grab.”
    • “It feels like a lazy cash grab after an amazing first game.”
    • “Absolute ass and a cash grab from the devs. New mechanics are more annoying than interesting.”
  • character development

    2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
    50% positive mentions, 50% neutral mentions, 0% negative mentions

    Character development is generally criticized for having silly designs, with Gerik noted as the only well-designed character.

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Critic Reviews

83%Critics’ scoreBased on 12 critic reviews
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Play Times

14h Median play time
17h Average play time
8-24h Spent by most gamers
*Based on 16 analyzed playthroughs
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Frequently Asked Questions

The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners is a open world role playing shooter game with horror and violence themes. Common tags for The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners include first-person, choices matter, action rpg, mature, zombies and others.

The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners is available on PC, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Virtual Reality and others.

On average players spend around 17 hours playing The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners.

The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners was released on March 21, 2023.

The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners was developed by Skydance Interactive.

The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners has received positive reviews from players and positive reviews from critics. Most players liked The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners for its story but disliked it for its stability.

The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners is a single player game with multiplayer support.

Similar games include The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners, Into the Radius 2, Dying Light 2 Stay Human, S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl, POSTAL 4: No Regerts and others.