Sleeping Dogs Definitive Edition

Sleeping Dogs Definitive Edition is a remastered version of the excellent third-person action game, complete with all previously available downloadable expansions and updated visuals. Set in modern Hong Kong, the game follows undercover detective Wei Shen as he takes a risky mission to infiltrate a dangerous gang of deadly criminals. Full of intense action, brutal and bloody fighting, and some truly awesome extra missions, Sleeping Dogs Definitive Edition is one of the best open-world games in modern gaming.

Main Game Features

• A gritty story of undercover crime-fighting
• Exciting martial arts combat and fast driving
• Includes 24 DLC packs

Story

In Sleeping Dogs Definitive Edition, you play as Wei Shen, an undercover cop working for the Hong Kong Police Department who attempts to infiltrate the Sun On Yee Triad gang. After successfully earning his entry into the gang, Wei Shen becomes invested in the life of underground crime, helping the Sun On Yee fight back against other rival gangs. It's not long before Shen is in over his head, moving faster up in gang authority than he could have ever imagined. This version of the game also contains a slew of DLC packs, including the Nightmare in North Point, Zodiac Tournament, and Year of the Dragon expansions, all three adding new quests and content. Nightmare in the North Point tells a self-contained story with elements of horror influenced by Chinese folklore, while Zodiac Tournament opens a new island where an illegal fighting ring is held. The third expansion, Year of the Dragon, takes place after the events of the main game and sees Wei Shen investigating rumors of a dangerous cult. The extra stories in these three expansions round out Sleeping Dogs Definitive Edition, making it an even better narrative overall.

Gameplay

Sleeping Dogs Definitive Edition is a third-person action game that plays very similar to the Grand Theft Auto franchise, offering exciting open-world gameplay with tons of side activities and characters to meet. However, the game highlights martial arts combat over firearms, much like the Yakuza series. Players are free to pursue a handful of main story missions and side-quests, or investigate extra content like fight clubs, vehicle races, and more. During missions, you'll earn points towards your police and triad reputation, depending on how cautious or violent you are. Leveling up your reputation allows you to unlock various upgrades, including slow-motion aiming, extra damage, and more.

The combat is the main course of Sleeping Dogs Definitive Edition, offering fast-paced and stylish fighting. It's easy to string together combos and counter-attack opponents, but it's just as easy to get caught by a punch, so timing and accuracy are greatly rewarded. New martial arts moves can be learned by finding statutes hidden around the city and turning them in at dojos, unlocking brutal finishers like leg-breaks, roundhouse kicks, and more. Even with this focus on fighting, the other elements of the game are still enjoyable and well-polished. This includes driving, crime inspection, and more, making Sleeping Dogs Definitive Edition more than just an open-world fighting game.

Conclusion

Sleeping Dogs Definitive Edition is an awesome open-world action game with visceral combat, tons of cool missions, and plenty of unlockables to earn. The mix of martial arts and sleek urban exploration is addictive and immersive, providing an exciting adventure in the streets of Hong Kong.

Pros

• Colorful and vibrant urban visuals
• Combat feels weighty and fun
• Awesome DLC expansions

Cons

• Some missions are slow-paced
• Rigid animations
• Annoying camera