Sleeping Dogs – Review
Ever played a game that just clicks with you from the get-go? For me, that was Sleeping Dogs. Even back when it was announced as an Activision True Crime game, I knew this was my jam.
I’m a sucker for open-world games, ever since the early Grand Theft Auto days. But lately, those games haven’t been hitting the same way. Exploring another American city with the same old tropes… it’s just not as exciting anymore. That’s why Sleeping Dogs, set in the vibrant, unfamiliar world of Hong Kong, with a protagonist who’s more than just a street thug, was exactly what I needed.
Wei Shen’s Struggle: More Than Just a Cop Story
Going in, I expected a straightforward undercover cop infiltrating the Triads storyline. I’d seen it in movies, right? But Sleeping Dogs surprised me. It’s as much about Wei Shen’s internal struggle as it is about busting criminals. The 20+ hour story takes you on a rollercoaster of emotions, from high-stakes action to quiet moments of reflection.
And there’s one scene… well, let’s just say it’s one of the most jaw-dropping moments I’ve experienced in gaming. Shocking. You’ll know it when you see it.
A World Worth Exploring
A great open-world game needs a compelling story, fun side content, a vibrant setting, and engaging gameplay. Sleeping Dogs nails it all.
Hong Kong feels alive, its atmosphere shifting with the time of day. The attention to detail is fantastic. I’ve never been to Hong Kong myself, but after playing this game, I feel like I’ve experienced a piece of it. The world and its characters captured my heart, making this one of my all-time favorite open-world experiences.
Combat, Driving, and a Few Hiccups
- Combat: It’s a blast, especially once you unlock more moves. The hand-to-hand combat is fluid and impactful, and the environmental kills are brutal and satisfying (wood chipper, anyone?).
- Gunplay: Solid, maybe even better than GTA, but not quite on par with dedicated shooters like Max Payne 3.
- Driving: Handles well, with a fun over-the-top hijacking system.
- Free-Running: A bit clunky, especially during chase sequences.
Plenty to See and Do
With collectibles, races, side missions, and shops galore, you’ll easily sink 20+ hours into Sleeping Dogs. Complete everything, and you’re looking at 30+ hours of content. A fantastic value, in my book.
Final Thoughts
Sleeping Dogs is right up there with Red Dead Redemption as one of my favorite open-world games. It’s a must-play for any fan of the genre. Sadly, we never got a sequel, but the original still holds up beautifully.
My Score: 10/10
(Disclaimer: This review was originally written years ago for another site, but my love for Sleeping Dogs – and my disappointment that we never got a sequel – remains strong!)
