"True Crime: Streets of L.A." meets "Shenmue".
"Sleeping Dogs" began life as "True Crime: Hong Kong" before the property was purchased by Square Enix from Activision. But the game still feels exactly like another "True Crime" installment. It is a GTA-inspired open world action title with an emphasis on the martial arts. Story wise, this plays like "Infernal Affairs: The Video Game". You play as Wei Shen, an American undercover cop who gets in with the Triads to topple them. He was raised in the gritty streets of Hong Kong, so he is instantly recognized by this old-time gang buddies and is accepted into their criminal circle. Like in "True Crime", you alternate between cop missions and criminal assignments with numerous side-activities that can be engaged at anytime.
"Sleeping Dogs" plays out like plenty of GTA knock offs, but it is one of the better clones. Wei can hack into cameras scattered across the city to make major arrests, purchase clothing, learn fighting techniques, go on dates, take pictures and consume food and drinks to boost his strength. And of course, he can jack any vehicle in the city or buy them. Some of the usual side-activities include finding various icons, participating in street races, singing karaoke and betting. Wei can also call a cab to fast travel anywhere in the city. It is the story that makes "Sleeping Dogs" very engaging and the missions, while derivative, are a lot of fun. Overall, "Sleeping Dogs" plays out like a much bigger and better sequel to "True Crime: Streets of L.A.".
I bought the Definitive Edition for the XBOX ONE and while the graphics aren't much of an improvement over the XBOX 360 version, there are less bugs. This re-mastered version also includes the two DLC story add-ons and all of the extra costumes that perk up Wei's abilities. While I wouldn't rank up "Sleeping Dogs" with "Grand Theft Auto V", I would say it's just a tad better than Ubi Soft's similar "Watch Dogs" despite the lack of multiplayer. For a GTA clone, it's quite addicting despite some wonky driving physics and less than smooth parkour. Overall, if you love open-world action games and Hong Kong actioners, then you'll enjoy this one. It may not be innovative, but it's a gem that provides of plenty of fighting fun.