Despite having been referred to as a GTA clone ever since it was announced, Saints Row was a success both critically and commercially. Great contributing factor to that was of course the fact that Grand Theft Auto IV was still a long way off from completion. With Rockstar’s latest GTA offering set for release on April 29th and the Saints Row follow-up also coming out sometime this year, a vehement head-to-head brawl between the two is inevitable. Meanwhile, THQ has unleashed four new screenshots of Saints Row 2, showing off airborne vehicular action for the first time ever.

As reported last year, the sequel will add airplanes, as well as helicopters to aid you in battle against pimps armed with pissed off hoes, corrupted city officials, and whatnot. Also new to the franchise will be two-player online co-operative play through the entire single-player campaign.

By the way, when the hell will we see the game in action THQ?!