[Valentino]

Available For: Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Cloud (OnLive)
Release Date: August/September 2012
Rating: M (probably; for violence, gore, drugs, etc)
Genre: Open world action adventure
Developer: United Front Games, Square Enix, London Studios
Publisher: Square Enix, Namco Bandai Games


Introduction/Storyline:
You are Wei Shen, and you are an undercover cop trying to infiltrate the Hong Kong triad. When you are purposefully busted and thrown in jail, you meet an old friend that will help you get in and the story starts there. You have to work your way up the food chain and prove that you are loyal to the triads, but your ultimate goal is to take down the Sun on Yee. You will see old friends, old enemies, new friends and new enemies. The story is a great ride, and it's very easy to get swept up in the excitement and emotion.


Graphics:
The graphics in this game are very good. You have a large play ground in Hong Kong; you can walk through the hustle and bustle of the market, ride down the fast highways or take to the ocean on a boat. The details in your surroundings are really top notch. There's many beautiful places to go and visit (you'll 'see the sights' on one of your favours) and many cultural elements that play an important role. The detailing on the characters is good; their facial expressions, overall look, tattoos, etc.


Gameplay:
Sleeping Dogs plays very similar to Grand Theft Auto, Saints Row, etc - but there are some differences. There is a heavier use of hand to hand combat since you can't go around with a gun without scaring the hell out of everyone. You learn more skills and martial arts moves by going to train regularly. There is also more use of parkour; climbing up buildings to catch someone, hopping over obstacles, etc. The combat system is something that will take getting used to, and it's a lot to remember in terms of new skills since the button sequences have to be timed correctly in order for them to work. As you gain more skills, it definitely becomes more easier... as you just become kick ass.

As like with similar games, there is a ton of stuff to do; you have two main storylines which involves the triad and the other is the cases you have as a cop. The triad storyline is much more interesting, but doing the cop cases will still help as it will raise your level and you can acquire more skills.

Aside from the main story missions you have dozens of favours scattered around the city - all usually having a tie in with the main missions. For example someone needing a quick getaway driver, or someone needing protection from a rival gang. There is also plenty of races (you just need to keep buying higher grade cars to get them), chicken fights, training, hacking cameras and catching drug dealers, car collections, and other mini games.

While there is a lot of stuff to do, it's very concentrated within a smaller area and there's a lot of back and forth and more will pop up where you've already been, etc. It's definitely a lot smaller than what you typically see in Grand Theft Auto or Saints Row. You can take a look at the map here.


Sound:
As like with similar games you have your choice of a variety of music to play whenever you're in a car - with a quick press button you can change the radio station and choose a song that fits your style! The sound effects are top notch, and the voice acting is brilliant - from the main characters down to random people on the streets that may discuss rumours about your current situation in the game, tell you off when you're driving too fast around them, etc. The sound of the hustle and bustle of the streets really sets the tone and the atmosphere, and there's nothing better than hearing your car as you're speeding down the highway!


Replay Value:
I wouldn't say there's a tremendous amount of replay value for this game, but a couple years down the line I could definitely see myself playing it over again. When you're finished with the main storyline, you can continue where you left off and continue any unfinished missions or complete the rest of the favours, etc. While the storyline is intriguing and keeps you hooked, there aren't any choices that would add to the replay value. It would have been really sweet to see some optional choices - maybe have a choice of whether or not to kill a certain person and either way you have pros/cons.


Overall:
Overall, it's a really fun game and I highly recommend it. If you're a fan of of Grand Theft Auto or similar games you will definitely have fun playing it. Even if you're not - the story is great and there's lots to do, so you may just have fun anyway. The story is one of my favourite parts of the game, and sometimes despite spending so little time with a character - you're still rooting for them or hating on them. There is also some DLC for extra missions, but I haven't played them yet!

Rating:
Storyline: 10/10
Graphics: 9/10
Gameplay: 9/10
Sound: 8/10
Replay Value: 6/10
Overall: 8.5/10

[|| Dragonjack ||]

Have you mentioned about the maps length in the game? I heard it seems very small. :/ Also you have a great review I've got to say and keep em' coming dude.

We need something like this actually.

[Valentino]

I'll add something about it + a picture to the OP, thanks! In comparison to other games like GTA4, yeah it is pretty small ><

[Wonders]

Another awesome review, cool pictures, straight to the point, good grammar - great work

[psyko31]

The game graphique is just awesome love it

[Electric Shock]

This game is just amazing. I played it at one of my pal's party and I was like holys*** when I saw the graphic detail and the fighting. OMG I am going to buy this game whenever I get the damn chance.

[Sirius]

Awesome review, Valentino. Keep your awesome work up.