Sleeping Dogs: Definitive Edition Reviews

Underrated open-world game. Not a diamond in the rough as much as a rough diamond, I guess. Has its fair share of flaws: - Somewhat repetitive mission structure - 7th gen jank - a few iffy minigames (in particular that digital lock-picking one on some of the lockboxes, just awful) - Poor driving model - Story gets inconsistent towards the end That being said; combat is great, world is intriguing to explore and genuinely unique, and characters are mostly interesting to follow and invest your time in. These pros come together to create something greater than the sum of its parts that outshines most of the aches and pains from its issues. Some may see the good and bad here and think of Mafia III. I really wanted to like that game, but I couldn't get through it. This was an effortless 30 hours.

Sleeping Dogs surprised me. At first, I thought it would be just another generic GTA-like game, but it turned out to be much deeper than I expected. You step into the shoes of Wei Shen, an undercover cop infiltrating the gangs of Hong Kong. His life is anything but easy—constant traumas haunt him with nightmares, a troubled past tied to a dysfunctional family, the tragic overdose of his sister, and the struggle of maintaining a double life as both a cop and a gangster. All of this makes Wei Shen an incredibly compelling character, someone you genuinely grow attached to. The gameplay is satisfying, featuring Arkham-style combat, which feels fluid and rewarding. One aspect I particularly appreciated was the limited access to firearms, which is cleverly justified within the game’s story. Driving mechanics are also a blast, offering plenty of hilarious and adrenaline-fueled moments—especially when you send a cop car crashing into a wall Burnout-style. While some bugs can be found, none are game-breaking. In fact, they often result in some good laughs, even during real-time cutscenes. In 2025, Sleeping Dogs: Definitive Edition is still absolutely worth playing. After all, not every GTA-like game lets you roundhouse kick an old lady on the street. 4/5 – Here we ride with the Sun On Yee, CARAI!

This game is literally the reason I moved away from MMOs. Previously, I played nothing but MMOs (WoW, GW2, etc.) and I bought the original on sale (about $5, figured I'd give it a shot). Didn't get into it the first time but tried it again a couple years later and BAM! I was obsessed with it (a rarity for me). After that, it was GTA, Saints Row (2, 3, 4 & GooH... none of that reimagining thing), games like that. This game is a gateway drug!

the driving mechanics was just simply crap,played it when it was first released in 2014,and installed it again few months back since this time it was a definitive edition,the crappy driving was still the same,fighting style was on point 5 * ,the rest is fine

asian gta. aged alright. driving and shooting is a bit wonky but melee combat was a lotta fun. and thats the main focus anyhow. although i hated the protagonist, the story was written pretty well. lotta side quests and collectibles etc its a pretty rich open world game.

Tremendous. Badass protagonist, gritty and engaging story, fun combat, pork buns...what's not to like. You can also dress up like GSP and go around superman punching fools. 10/10

This game hits alot of nostalgic vibes for me played this game alot back on my playstation 3 and i just recently replayed the main story and ow my i cant get enough what i wouldnt do for the sequal to be released even if they charge me 100€ for it they will get it instantly XD i seen alot of people compare this game with grand theft auto and honestly no this game is on a league of its own there is no comparing this if i had a friend who asked me for a story rich game with a open world with all kind of activity's i would for sure recommend this master piece also truly loved all the kind of different fighting styles you can get and unlock by clothing pieces one moment i whas fighting as wukong with a big ass pole the other i had a sword the other i whas fighting drunken fist style like honestly there is so much to discover with this game so yhe absolutly recommended to play

Sleeping Dogs is an exceptional open-world action game that delivers a gripping story, fluid combat, and an immersive setting. Set in a beautifully crafted Hong Kong, the game perfectly blends intense martial arts combat, thrilling driving mechanics, and a compelling undercover cop narrative. You play as Wei Shen, an undercover officer tasked with infiltrating the dangerous Triads. The story is engaging, filled with moments of tension, loyalty, and betrayal that keep you invested from start to finish. The characters feel real, and the relationships Wei builds throughout the game add emotional depth to the experience. What truly sets Sleeping Dogs apart is its combat system. The hand-to-hand combat is dynamic and satisfying, allowing players to execute brutal martial arts moves and use the environment creatively. Whether you’re slamming enemies into phone booths or countering attacks with expert precision, every fight feels impactful. The driving mechanics are also well-executed, making high-speed chases and stunts incredibly fun. Beyond the main story, the world of Hong Kong is full of life, with side missions, street races, and collectibles that make exploration rewarding. The city feels authentic, with bustling night markets, neon-lit streets, and Cantonese voiceovers that enhance the immersion. Despite being an underrated title, Sleeping Dogs stands out as one of the best open-world action games of its time. If you enjoy story-driven experiences with strong gameplay mechanics, this is a must-play. I wish they have a sequel to this game.

A fantastic game. Stellar writing, fluent combat, visuals that hold up more than a decade later. The undiscounted price is still a shameless rip-off from Square Enix, so get it on a hefty sale. It goes on a 90% sale pretty regularly. If you're not a completionist, you should skip the two separate DLCs. Especially the spooky one; It's a tiresome slog through tanky enemies, even though some of the writing is funny. The new-years DLC is just a bit bland. If you ARE a completionist; Save-scum the gambling/cock-fight achievement, and do the same when killing Yao-Guai with swords. Despite what some outlets would have you believe, the Derby and Cruise missions accompanying the Wheels of Fury DLC are indeed necessary to get the Chief Inspector achievement in the Definitive Edition.

One of the most underestimated games ever. Awesome combat with real martial arts, gameplay like no other (basically what GTA could have been but never evolved to), extremely immersive story with awesome development and very good graphics, aging well even considering today.