2 was brilliant. To the point where 3's over-the-top silliness was such a tonal departure, I didn't even enjoy it on my first playthrough. In fact, for the first hours I contemplated quitting it altogether. I powered through of course and eventually came to appreciate it for what it was rather than what I wanted it to be, but if given the choice between 2 and any other game in the series, I don't need to flip a coin to tell you which one I prefer.
The fourth game was fun, the third game was fun, but 2 is a landmark game for me. Balancing a real story and characterization with some silliness was a glorious choice and I wish for more of that.
All my whining aside however, I still plan to play Gat Out Of Hell and I will probably enjoy it too. I've liked all the games so far {eventually}. I don't want it to sound like I'm complaining too much. Even the "bad" Saints Row was better than most of the other games I'd played in the years in which they were released.