We’re all for publishers and developers creating new IP. In Agents of Mayhem’s case however, we struggle to see why Volition didn’t give the world a new Saints Row instead.
This generation hasn’t had a proper exclusive Saints Row title yet. Moreover, the franchise is more than popular enough to ensure a decent amount of pre-orders and steady sales thereafter.
In short, a new Saints Row would have had a very good chance of taking no.1 in the UK chart. Agents of Mayhem hasn’t been as lucky, making its debut at #4.
While not a poor position, traditionally sales are slow in the summer – new releases reaching no.1 by selling just a few thousand copies isn’t unheard of during this time of year.
Case point: Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy is the UK’s number one for a seventh week running, despite sales dropping 23%. 2014’s GTA V is at #2, while 2015’s Fallout 4 sits at #3. It’s that crazy time of year where just about anything can make the top ten following a significant price cut.
At #5 it’s Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, which suggests Switch stock was replenished last week.
Bethesda’s DOOM and Dishonored 2 fall to #6 and #7, Rainbow Six: Siege holds onto #8, Splatoon 2 falls three places to #9, and then at #10 it’s Forza Horizon 3.
The PS4 version of Cities: Skylines is this week’s only other new arrival, entering at #20. The Xbox One version failed to make the top 40 at launch, although it did make an appearance later down the line.
Maximum Games’ Troll & I – which has received a mauling from critics – did however manage to make #6 in the Switch chart, outselling such games as Super Bomberman R, LEGO City Undercover and Ultra Street Fighter II. Oh dear.
All eyes on next week, where it’s more than likely that Uncharted: The Lost Legacy will prevent Crash Bandicoot from having an 8th week at no.1. Crash upheaved by his own creators. Why, it’s almost ironic.