Developed by United Front Games and published in 2012 by Square Enix, Sleeping Dogs stands out as an exceptional open-world action-adventure game set in contemporary Hong Kong. Players take control of Wei Shen, an undercover police officer tasked with infiltrating the Sun On Yee Triad organization by completing missions and building gang connections. Over a decade later, revisiting this dense, vibrant Hong Kong city as an undercover cop remains a uniquely enjoyable experience that has withstood the test of time.
Thriving Hong Kong Setting
Unlike comparable urban American backdrops, Sleeping Dogs immerses players in the bustling streets of Hong Kong. Despite some graphical datedness, the sun-soaked neighborhoods feel alive and lived-in. Driving on the left side of the road also presents an intriguing change of pace. The map may seem small at first but proves perfectly packed with activities and sights.
Brutal, High-Impact Combat
Combat constitutes Sleeping Dogs‘s biggest gameplay strength. The visceral hand-to-hand fighting system lets Wei Shen perform cinematic, high-impact martial arts moves. Shen can also utilize the environment and weapons to take down foes in a brutal fashion. An upgrade system rewards combat proficiency. Consequently, melee combat remains exceptionally satisfying.
Engaging Crime Drama Storyline
Sleeping Dogs spins an engaging narrative around Shen, an undercover cop infiltrating the Triads. Torn between both sides of the law, Shen finds himself in an ethically precarious situation rife with conflict. The complex crime storyline and emphasis on memorable characters gave the game cinematic flair.
With its Hong Kong setting, savage combat, and gripping crime plot, Sleeping Dogs creatively built on open-world conventions in 2012. Over a decade later, it remains a uniquely enjoyable title that holds up incredibly well. Revisiting Wei Shen’s undercover exploits offers ample incentive for replayability and cements Sleeping Dogs as an open-world classic.
