[Sleeping Dogs] You slut! You dishonor our family!

GaslightGaslight Registered User regular
edited August 2012 in Games and Technology
sleeping-dogs-game-play-preview-0.jpg?20120315-194453
(Click image for the official site)


Latest news added 8/8
It's been revealed that the PC version of Sleeping Dogs will boast graphical enhancements over the console versions, including HD textures, DX11 features, and increased world density options. Feast your eyes on the video:


For the complete list of PC features and the recommended system specs, scroll down.

Meanwhile, the first full reviews of the game are becoming (or about to become) available. The official Xbox and PlayStation magazines have posted teasers on their websites, including highly positive blurbs and indicating scores of 9/10. See below for links and other previews/critical response.

Latest trailers and walkthrough videos added 8/7


What's Sleeping Dogs?

Sleeping Dogs is an upcoming open-world crime drama action game, developed by new studio United Front Games in conjunction with Square Enix London and published by Square Enix/EIDOS Interactive. The game has a somewhat troubled development history. It was originally announced in 2009 as True Crime: Hong Kong, to be published by Activision as a new installment in/reboot of their True Crime franchise (which consisted of True Crime: Streets of LA in 2003 and True Crime: New York City in 2005, both made by the now-defunct studio Luxoflux).
True_Crime_HK_cover_art.jpg
(Shitty original cover.)


It's worth noting, however, that the game was originally originally supposed to be a completely original IP, and only got the True Crime name slapped on it because Activision thought it would help sales (though True Crime: NY had failed to sell up to expectations...)

In any case, delays and budget overruns caused Activision to eventually cancel the project in February of 2011, even though, according to developers, at this a version of the game was in fact essentially complete and playable from start to finish.

Enter Square Enix, to the rescue! Squeenix purchased the publishing rights to the game, and their London branch assisted United Front in finishing/reworking/polishing the game. (Exactly how much, if anything, has been changed from the form the game was left in at the time of cancellation by Activision is unknown). Squeenix didn't buy the rights to the True Crime franchise name, and so the game was re-titled to Sleeping Dogs.

Yes, yes, Activision boooo, Square Enix yayyy...

I know, I was constructing this whole metaphor about adoption where Sleeping Dogs was a neglected child, and then I decided there was no way it wouldn't end up really contrived and/or fairly offensive, so let's just say things probably worked out for the best and leave it at that.

But can you tell us about the actual GAME?

Well, hell, I mean, I guess so. But I don't see why I should when other people have already done the work for me.

Welcome to Hong Kong, a vibrant neon city teaming with life, whose exotic locations and busy streets hide one of the most powerful and dangerous criminal organizations in the world: the Triads.

In this open world game, you play the role of Wei Shen, an undercover cop trying to take down the Triads from the inside out. You'll have to prove yourself worthy as you fight your way up the organization, taking part in brutal criminal activities without blowing your cover. Torn between your loyalty to the badge and a criminal code of honor, you will risk everything as the lines between truth, loyalty and justice become permanently blurred.
Wikipedia wrote:
The core gameplay of Sleeping Dogs consists of giving the player a open world environment in which to move around freely. Sleeping Dogs is played as an over-the-shoulder, third-person perspective action-adventure game. The player controls police officer Wei Shen as he goes undercover and infiltrate the Triad organization called Sun On Yee. On foot, the player character has the additional ability to walk, run, jump, climb over obstacles and swim, as well as use weapons and perform basic hand to hand combat. Players are also capable of driving a variety of vehicles, including automobiles, boats and motorcycles.

The combat system heavily revolves around hand-to-hand fighting with strong influences from Batman: Arkham Asylum/City's "Freeflow" combat system. The driving segments have been inspired by the Need for Speed series, with several developers having worked on previous Need for Speed titles. If the player is riding a motorcycle, Wei has the ability to jump onto a moving vehicle.

Although storyline missions are necessary to progress through the game and unlock certain content and parts of the city, they are not required, as players can complete them at their own leisure. When not attempting a storyline mission, players can free-roam, giving them the ability to do activities. Side missions such as participating in street races can keep the player occupied for hours. There are also stores within the game that Wei Shen can purchase new clothing from, which give him various bonuses. As suits will increase Face, gang attire adds Triad Xp, the same applies to police uniforms: increasing Police Xp.

Sleeping Dogs will feature three different XP stats, Triad XP, Face XP, and Police XP. The more Triad XP a player has, the more brutal equipment and abilities he can access and unlock throughout the game. With more Face XP, the player has more respect, and is granted access to more important people. The more Police XP the player earn, the better police equipment and abilities you can access and unlock throughout the game.

Sleeping Dogs features online stats and leaderboards to compare scores with friends, however, there will be no multiplayer component to the game.

What flavor do you like your trailers?

Do you like story trailers?

How about a taste of combat?

Maybe you have a taste for live-action, you naughty thing you.

So yeah, basically they finally translated a classic John Woo Hong Kong thriller into video game form. Why didn't somebody think of this earlier? (Do NOT bring up Stranglehold because why the fuck would you bring up Stranglehold???)

No word yet, unfortunately, on whether you'll get to slaughter enemies with a Beretta 92 while cradling a baby in your other arm.

(Hmm, that could work. Squeenix is just like Inspector Tequila, snatching up the imperiled infant from...never mind.)

I think it's time for...

Dubiously meaningful early critical buzz

If I had to pick one word to summarize the critical impressions of Sleeping Dogs so far, the one word I would choose would be:

"Good."

Oh hey, I just did choose it.

It's been described as "Arkham City meets GTA," and "Arkham City meets Just Cause 2." It's been said to have "the best combat you'll find in an open-world game." The free running has been compared to Assassin's Creed, and the slow-motion gunplay has drawn obvious comparisons with the Max Payne series.

There's gotta be something in that paragraph you like, or at least I fervently hope so.

Official Xbox magazine: "Shorter than GTA IV, but sweeter," 9/10
Official PlayStation magazine: "...unquestionably 2012's most brilliantly brutal surprise," 9/10
PA Report: Fewer guns, better fighting, unique setting: Sleeping Dogs should be on your radar
CVG: Sleeping Dogs: 'The best combat you'll get in an open-world game'
GamesRadar: Sleeping Dogs is Arkham City meets Just Cause 2 meets Max Payne meets Infernal Affairs
PlayStation Magazine UK: GTA meets Arkham City. With power tools

Time to wrap this up with some...

Gratuitous additional videos and screenshots


When can I get it, what can I get it for, and what do I get for getting it?

Sleeping Dogs is scheduled for release for the XBox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC on August 14th in North America, the 16th in Australia, and the 17th in Europe. As per usual, different retailers are offering different pre-order incentives. Unfortunately, the breakdown of exactly what you get for buying a certain version of the game from a certain retailer is a little fuzzy around the edges right now. Here it is as we know it so far:

Amazon: The "Martial Arts" pack:
  • Shaolin Showdown Mission
  • Shaolin Warrior outfit (with increased striking damage)
  • Bonus Triad XP points
  • Wing Chun decoration for safehouse (with temporary combat buff

Best Buy: The George St. Pierre pack (named for the MMA fighter who consulted on the game's grappling/melee system):
  • GSP's signature "flying punch"
  • Exclusive GSP outfit including T-shirts, headband and shorts
  • GSP's outfit unlocks the "flying punch" and increases grappling and throwing damage

GameStop: The "Police Protection" pack:
  • Exclusive "High Speed" Mission
  • Exclusive HK Police SWAT Outfit
  • Exclusive assault rifle
  • Exclusive SWAT Police Vehicle

PC version (Steamworks): The "Triad Enforcer" pack
...new weapons, outfit and vehicle along with two all new Triad missions!
(Some pre-orders of the PC version were apparently a "Limited Edition" which included both the Police Protection and George St. Pierre bonuses, depending upon region and pre-order date.)

And last but not least, a bonus...bonus. Yes, friends, you can tell Sleeping Dogs is officially a "big-time" release because it has joined the highly exclusive fraternity of games which confer Team Fortress 2 items (8 of them, no less!) as a reward for pre-ordering!

banner(tf2).png

Glorious PC Gaming Master Race Info

If you scrolled directly to this section of the post, then you are to be commended, and I am happy to say that your keen insight and sense of priorities will not go unrewarded. To recap in case you literally scrolled directly here (although seriously, you might want to at least, like, read what the game is about or something first, maybe?), the PC version of Sleeping Dogs will come with a bevy of enhancements which set it apart from its console litter-mates. The full rundown:
Advanced PC Features
• Nvidia 3D Support
• Nvidia Multi Screen Monitor Support
• AMD EyeFinity Multi-Monitor Gold Status Support
• Window and Full Screen Mode Support
• Benchmark Mode
DirectX11 Specific Features
• Contact hardening shadows
• HD-AO
• Use of Direct Compute
Performance Enhancements
• Enhanced Performance on Dual Core and Quad Core Processors
• Enhanced Performance on Nvidia SLi
• Enhanced Performance on AMD Crossfire
Mouse, Keyboard, and Controller Support
• Xbox360 Controller Support
• Keyboard and Mouse Support including Key Remapping
• Auto Pad, Mouse and Keyboard Switching
Advanced PC Graphic Features
• Increased Small Object Detail
• High Resolution Texture Support
• High Resolution Shadows
• High Quality Shadow Filters
• Soft Particles
• High Quality SSAO (Screen Space Ambient Occlusion)
• High Quality Motion Blur
• Super Sample Anti-Aliasing
Steamworks Features Supported
• DLC Support
• Achievements
• Auto Patching
• Pre-Download
• Store Save Games to the Cloud
• Player to Player Chat

To get a sense of what all of that will actually translate to on your screen, and because this section of the post doesn't have a video yet and I'm starting to get the shakes, here's a full hour of PC gameplay (no story spoilers, all cutscenes skipped):

Now I'm sure after watching that, many of you are suddenly feeling insecure about the size of your e-peen. Fortunately, I have a measuring stick right here for you in the form of official system spec requirements for the PC version of the game that have also just been released:
Minimum requirements
• OS: Windows Vista or Windows 7
• Processor: Core 2 Duo 2.0 GHz or Althon X2 2.4 GHz
• RAM: 2GB
• Graphic card: DirectX 10 or 11 compatible Nvidia or AMD ATI card, ATI Radeon 3870 or higher, Nvidia GeForce 8800 GT or higher
• Graphics card memory: 512 MB
• Sound card: DirectX compatible sound card
• Hard drive: 15 GB

Recommended system requirements
• OS: Windows 7 64-bit
• Processor: Quad-core Intel or AMD CPU
• RAM: 4GB
• Graphics card: DirectX 11 Nvidia or AMD ATI card, Nvidia GeForce GTX 560 or ATI Radeon 6950
• Graphics card memory: 1 GB
• Sound card: DirectX compatible sound card
• Hard drive: 15 GB

Gaslight on
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Posts

  • KadokenKadoken Giving Ends to my Friends and it Feels Stupendous Registered User regular
    You forgot to mention this open world game has bullet time. BULLET TIME ON MOTORCYCLES!

    There's no shoot dodging, but the ability to slow-no drive buys is going to be so useful, I always felt in GTA4 it was a little hard to get a bead on someone while not trying to crash. Slow-mo is going to be great for this. Also, semi-parkour and it's bloody. I love bloody.

  • GaslightGaslight Registered User regular
    Kadoken wrote: »
    You forgot to mention this open world game has bullet time. BULLET TIME ON MOTORCYCLES!

    No, no, I have the thing about slow-motion gunplay like Max Payne in there...

    In all honesty I find trying to describe gameplay in detail tedious and sort of pointless, at least when there are videos to watch that will be way more informative, so that's why I just basically copied and pasted.

  • Big ClassyBig Classy Registered User regular
    Nice one gaslight! Can't wait for this, I have a great feeling IT'S going to be awesome. The first True Crime was fun but they lost their way with the second one. This should be the glorious third.


    Also, fuck auto correction on phones.

  • LalaboxLalabox Registered User regular
    I am actually pretty interested in this. Probably won't get it full price, but still. It looks rather good.

  • GaslightGaslight Registered User regular
    I fully expect to be updating this thread at some point to inform you all that PETA is protesting the cockfight gambling minigame. Calling it now. Refer to the timestamp on this post.

  • Big ClassyBig Classy Registered User regular
    There's no shootdodge? That seems backward since the previous two games had it and it is awesome. Plus I'm sure I've seen a video if the main guy diving in slow-mo.

  • Darth_MogsDarth_Mogs Registered User regular
    I'm really really excited for this game. The developers mentioned that they used the movie "The Protector" for reference on the Environmental combat and, well, basic combat, and it really kind of shows. Though it's far more brutal. Kind of hope they tighten up the animation some before it comes out though.

    Kupowered - It's my Blog!
  • Chases Street DemonsChases Street Demons Registered User regular
    I will buy this game just because I like the name. That's what being clever gets you.

    "Sometimes things aren't complicated," I said. "You just have to be willing to accept the absolute corruption of everybody involved."

  • Gaming-FreakGaming-Freak Registered User regular
    I wonder if there's branching paths depending on whether or not you fail certain missions, like Streets of LA. I also wonder if there's a dragon boss fight (lol).

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  • ArthArth Registered User regular
    Okay, so yeah, I forgot about this game. I love you, Sleeping Dogs thread. Because now I can go preorder this, Xcom, and Hitman on Friday, and be set for games all year. :D

    Artheleron.png
  • IdolNinjaIdolNinja Registered User regular
    As a huge fan of 90s HK action cinema, I am hoping beyond hope that this game captures even the tiniest spark from that era. If so, it may seriously wind up as my Game of Forever.

  • UnbreakableVowUnbreakableVow Registered User regular
    Gaslight wrote:
    It's been described as "Arkham City meets GTA,"

    I love Arkham City! I love GTA!
    "Arkham City meets Just Cause 2."

    Just Cause 2 had some major issues but was still a kinda good time!
    It's been said to have "the best combat you'll find in an open-world game."

    I kinda doubt this is true since it has to compete with Arkham City, but alright, I love good combat!
    The free running has been compared to Assassin's Creed

    Assassin's Creed is fantastic and has wonderful free running!
    the slow-motion gunplay has drawn obvious comparisons with the Max Payne series.

    Max Payne is a good series!

    Man....I had little to no expectations of this game after its hellish development cycle, and because of the True Crime license slapped onto it; the True Crime games were awful and that would have actually steered me away from it rather than toward it.

    But I'm pretty sure you just constructed one of the greatest paragraphs I've ever read, and now I am oddly excited. Thanks a lot, because it's not like I was doing anything this holiday season in terms of gaming (oh wait yeah I am it turns out a zillion cool games are hitting)

  • ArchsorcererArchsorcerer Registered User regular
    XBL - ArchSilversmith

    "We have years of struggle ahead, mostly within ourselves." - Made in USA
  • skeldareskeldare Gresham, ORRegistered User regular
    edited May 2012
    I wasn't really interested in this game before, but after reading through the OP I'm suddenly really interested.

    And I remembered I had a $10 credit from Amazon.

    Pre-ordered.

    Edit: My poor english skills.

    skeldare on
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  • GaslightGaslight Registered User regular
    skeldare wrote: »
    I wasn't really interested in this game before, but after reading through the OP really made me interested.

    'Scuse me, I'm getting a little choked up.

  • Igpx407Igpx407 Registered User regular
    I doubt there will be, but I hope this game has a Chinese with subtitles option.

  • IdolNinjaIdolNinja Registered User regular
    edited May 2012
    Watching that latest trailer makes me feel like Sleeping Dogs is the sequel that Saints Row: The Third should have been; especially with being able to use interactive objects in the environment.

    EDIT:
    And preordered on Steam! :D

    IdolNinja on
  • TertieeTertiee Registered User regular
    After seeing a few videos my interest is piqued but has there been any official word about system requirements? I want to get an idea if my aging PC can handle it

  • AchireAchire Isn't life disappointing? Yes, it is. Registered User regular
    IdolNinja wrote: »
    As a huge fan of 90s HK action cinema, I am hoping beyond hope that this game captures even the tiniest spark from that era. If so, it may seriously wind up as my Game of Forever.

    This! It's a bit of a let down that everyone seems to be speaking English but that's life. Pre-ordered, I hope the PC port is good.

  • GaslightGaslight Registered User regular
    edited May 2012
    Tertiee wrote: »
    After seeing a few videos my interest is piqued but has there been any official word about system requirements? I want to get an idea if my aging PC can handle it

    There is nothing listed on the Steam page or official site that I can find. By Googling I found these, don't know how reliable they are but take them for what they're worth:

    Core 2 Duo E8400 2.83Ghz/Athlon II X3 400a
    GeForce GTX 260/Radeon HD4870
    4GB of RAM
    9GB of HDD space

    These seem like guesswork to me and I suspect they're on the low side for recommended requirements, maybe more like minimum. When more official info turns up, I'll add it to the OP.


    Gaslight on
  • JungleskyeJungleskye Registered User regular
    IGN and other sites are saying alot of good things about this game all of a sudden. The new video looks pretty awesome. Definitely looking like I will be picking this one up.

  • PreacherPreacher Registered User regular
    Yeah same here, I like free world games, and doublely so if I can smash a dudes head in a car door and a urinal!

    I would like some money because these are artisanal nuggets of wisdom philistine.

    pleasepaypreacher.net
  • AchireAchire Isn't life disappointing? Yes, it is. Registered User regular
    Speaking of Hong Kong action movies, is there a good blu-ray release of The Killer? I heard the Dragon Dynasty release has some issues.

  • GaslightGaslight Registered User regular
    The SLEEP-ROVER-SLEEP voucher code on GreenMan is coming back as expired, even though it's still advertised on their store page. I've sent a support ticket to see if that's correct. In the mean time, through the end of this month, you can get the same discount with the voucher code GREEN-SUMME-RDEAL.

  • Darth_MogsDarth_Mogs Registered User regular
    skeldare wrote: »
    I wasn't really interested in this game before, but after reading through the OP I'm suddenly really interested.

    Just wanted to second this. I mean, I was into the game before the thread, but that is a really good OP. Props to you for it.

    Kupowered - It's my Blog!
  • vegeta_666vegeta_666 CanadaRegistered User regular
    Also a heads-up, the free Disciple 2 will be trade-inable when the promotion ends, getting you another 5$ on GMG. Hopefully their coupon sticks around until then because it'd bring the price to around $30 which is dangerously in impulse range for me.

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  • Local H JayLocal H Jay Registered User regular
    i have been interested in this game for awhile, glad to see a thread for it.

    had no idea about the combat system/slo-mo stuff, sounds cool

  • Unco-ordinatedUnco-ordinated NZRegistered User regular
    That 101 trailer really smells of a heavy Yakuza influence. The fighting system, environmental finishers, gambling, karaoke, mini-games and girls specifically. I've been following this game for a while now and it really seems to be shaping up.

    Steam ID - LiquidSolid170 | PSN ID - LiquidSolid
  • SurikoSuriko AustraliaRegistered User regular
    edited May 2012
    Super interested in this. I love triad-focused movies like Election and Infernal Affairs, and an open world game with similar ideas is right up my alley. The world itself seems quite small, but if they can make up for that with added vibrance, I'm all in. The clothing customisation looks nice too, aside from the melee combat. Just hope I don't get too squicked by some of the executions.

    I hope it isn't too long until you can buy a nice suit.

    Suriko on
  • Big ClassyBig Classy Registered User regular
    IdolNinja wrote: »
    Watching that latest trailer makes me feel like Sleeping Dogs is the sequel that Saints Row: The Third should have been; especially with being able to use interactive objects in the environment.

    EDIT:
    And preordered on Steam! :D

    cheaper on greenmangaming.com. Also, i knew you'd give in!

  • UnbreakableVowUnbreakableVow Registered User regular
    That new trailer has the awesome Wheelman-style carjack

    Wheelman was pretty good, I wanna play that again all of a sudden

  • Big ClassyBig Classy Registered User regular
    Shoving dudes into meat grinders. Worth the price of the game right there.

  • KyouguKyougu Registered User regular
    This has been getting REALLY positive previews. Has really jumped up on my radar and I'm liking alot of what I'm seeing.

  • Igpx407Igpx407 Registered User regular
    Is it just me or is Sleeping Dogs a great title? Like, a million bajillion times better than True Crime: Hong Kong.

  • KadokenKadoken Giving Ends to my Friends and it Feels Stupendous Registered User regular
    Igpx407 wrote: »
    Is it just me or is Sleeping Dogs a great title? Like, a million bajillion times better than True Crime: Hong Kong.

    Indeed. I think so too.

    I have this strange want for a Sleeping Dogs 2 in Tokyo infiltrating the Yakuza.

  • GaslightGaslight Registered User regular
    I personally love the name Sleeping Dogs. The more I hear it, the more I like it. It's very evocative and sounds totally believable as a real Hong Kong crime movie title.

    I wonder if it was the original planned title before it first got rebranded as True Crime?

    The only downside of it I see is that it doesn't immediately convey much of anything of what the game is about or what type of game it is. But that can be overcome with good marketing. (I watched one of my favorite TV shows of the past few years, "Terriers," plod through one terrific season in the ratings basement because FX did a shitastic job marketing it and the average person thought it was about fucking dog shows or something.)

  • Linespider5Linespider5 ALL HAIL KING KILLMONGER Registered User regular
    Huh.

    Looks...kinda neat.

    I'm finding it really interesting how Squeenix is beginning to build a reputation for promising titles that are not, in fact, traditional RPG games.

  • TreadLifeTreadLife CaliforniaRegistered User regular
    Agree that Squeenix has been putting out more and more varied and good games. I also like that they tend to let their games go on some great sales, too.

    steam_sig.png
  • Vi MonksVi Monks Registered User regular
    And, preordered. I haven't followed this game in much detail, but every single trailer I've watched has gotten me pumped, and I'm hearing so many good things. The $31 price at GOG after trading in the free Disciples II was too good to pass up.

  • BartholamueBartholamue Registered User regular
    edited May 2012
    TreadLife wrote: »
    Agree that Squeenix has been putting out more and more varied and good games. I also like that they tend to let their games go on some great sales, too.

    Well, it does help that Eidos is part of the company now.

    Anyway, I really like what I've seen. I hope it's good and fun.

    Bartholamue on
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