Product Name: Sleeping Dogs: Definitive EditionPublisher / Developer: Square Enix / United Front Games
Platform: PC / PlayStation 4 / Xbox One
Release Date / Window of Availability: October 14, 2014
Price: $59.99
Summary: SLEEPING DOGS: DEFINITIVE EDITION is a re-mastered update of the critically acclaimed SLEEPING DOGS which released in 2012. The capabilities of today’s hardware have truly brought the vibrant Hong Kong experience to life. In addition, a total of 24 pieces of downloadable content have been integrated into the gaming experience including the story-extending episode Year of the Snake and the horror-themed add-on Nightmare in North Point.
Note to Parents: This game is rated M for Mature audiences, age 17+.
Review by D.T.
Sleeping Dogs: Definitive Edition is an update/re-release of the hit game of the same name released in 2012. It takes place in Hong Kong, where you are Wei Shen, an undercover cop trying to infiltrate the Sun On Yee, a Triad organization. As such, this game definitely deserves its mature rating, both for its language and graphics. At first, it feels very similar to the popular Grand Theft Auto series. It is an open world where you get to explore much of a virtualized Hong Kong and interact with almost anyone. The main differences are that, even after a few hours in, I still do not have a gun, and vehicle chases are a lot more fun. In addition, the Hong Kong atmosphere is definitely interesting, and you do get a feel for the culture of the area.
The definitive edition features a few upgrades to the original title. The main upgrades come in the form of graphics updates and the addition of all the post-released downloadable content. The main thing that drew me in was the story of Wei Shen. He is not a grizzled criminal like many games of the same genre try to create, and he’s not even the best criminal. He has to slowly work his way up the ladder, and is constantly questioned on his loyalty and prowess. He fights well, and you slowly learn of his background in kung fu and other nuggets of his past. However, he is also skilled in gadgetry, which is interesting to see when it comes to light. Your first mission is to hack a surveillance camera and use it to point out a person of interest for arrest, so that you do not have to make the arrest yourself and risk blowing your cover. Altogether, it is an exciting game, and I can’t wait to play through the rest of it and the downloadable content.
