Tag: Sleeping Dogs

  • Deal: Open-World Action Under $3 on Steam

    Key Takeaway

    – Sleeping Dogs features intense martial arts combat with cinematic environmental attacks, distinguishing it from other open-world crime games like GTA.
    – The game holds strong review scores (84/100 from GameStar, 80 Metascore) and an overwhelmingly positive 94% Steam user rating.
    – On Steam, the game is currently 85% off at $2.99 until June 11, making it a budget-friendly alternative for players awaiting GTA VI.
    – The Steam Deck compatibility is listed as “Unsupported,” so handheld play may be problematic.


    Sleeping Dogs: A Deep Dive into Hong Kong’s Underworld

    In Sleeping Dogs, players take on the role of Wei Shen, an undercover police officer sent to infiltrate the Hong Kong Triads. Unlike many other open-world crime games, the focus is not only on shootouts and vehicle action but also on intense hand-to-hand combat. Players brawl there way through crowded street markets, neon-lit nightclubs and narrow alleyways, all while following a story about loyalty, betrayal and internal conflict. This game is often viewed as a cult classic.

    Comparisons and Combat Mechanics

    In many ways, Sleeping Dogs feels similar to the Grand Theft Auto series. Hong Kong can be explored freely, missions and side activities are spread across the city, and high-speed pursuits are as much a part of the experience as illegal street races. What sets the game apart, however, is its emphasis on martial arts combat. Wei Shen takes down enemies with fast combos, brutal counters and environmental attacks that give fights a distinct cinematic feel. Firearms are also part of the game, but for much of the experience, they take a back seat to fisticuffs.

    Critical Reception and Reviews

    German gaming magazine GameStar reviewed Sleeping Dogs when it was released in 2012 and praised its engaging story, atmospheric open world and combat system, which drew comparisons to the Batman: Arkham games. Criticism focused mainly on technical shortcomings, including muddy textures, occasional AI issues and driving physics that took some getting used to. Even so, the game earned a strong score of 84 out of 100, proving its worth among critics.

    Community Scores and Steam Ratings

    On Metacritic, Sleeping Dogs holds a Metascore of 80 and a User Score of 8.1. The Steam community has been even more enthusiastic: 94% of more than 17,000 user reviews are positive. On the Steam Deck, the game is currently listed as “Unsupported,” which may be a bumbmer for portable players. The high positive rating shows its lasting appeal among fans.

    Pricing and Discounts

    Sleeping Dogs normally sells for around $20 on Steam. Until June 11, an 85% discount brings the price down to just $2.99. According to SteamDB, 85% off has been the best regularly recurring offer in recent years. However, the game has gone even lower in the past, with a 90% discount recorded in 2019, which was a steal for anyone patient enough to wait.

    Final Thoughts and Value

    For anyone looking to pass the time until GTA VI, this deal might be worth considering. Sleeping Dogs never reached the popularity of Rockstar’s flagship franchise, but it remains one of the most distinctive and accomplished alternatives the genre has produced. The game offers a unique blend of action and story telling that still holds up today.

    • Price: $2.99 on Steam until June 11
    • 85% discount off the regular $20 price
    • Historical low at 90% off in 2019
    • Steam Deck status: Unsupported


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  • Sleeping Dogs Movie: Simu Liu as Wei Shen, Directed by Timo Tjahjanto

    Sleeping Dogs Movie: Simu Liu as Wei Shen, Directed by Timo Tjahjanto

    Key Takeaways

    1. A live-action film adaptation of the Sleeping Dogs video game is in development, directed by Timo Tjahjanto.
    2. Simu Liu will star as the main character, undercover officer Wei Shen, with the script already finalized.
    3. Sleeping Dogs is an open-world action-adventure game focusing on Wei Shen’s infiltration of the Sun On Yee triads, praised for its gameplay and storyline.
    4. Timo Tjahjanto is recognized for his work in action films and has expressed a long-standing interest in adapting Sleeping Dogs.
    5. The film currently has no studio affiliation or release date, but production is progressing smoothly.


    Long-time enthusiasts of the Sleeping Dogs video game have a fresh motive to revisit and experience the narrative of Wei Shen: a live-action film adaptation is reportedly in the works, helmed by an exciting director. The Indonesian director Timo Tjahjanto, who recently wrapped up shooting the action-filled sequel to Nobody 2, is set to lead the project, starring Marvel’s Shang-Chi, Simu Liu.

    Simu Liu Takes the Lead

    It looks like Simu Liu will portray the undercover officer Wei Shen, who delves into the ranks of the Sun On Yee Triads. Liu took to social media to share the good news, stating that the script is finalized and that the film’s production is moving along smoothly.

    A Look Back at the Game

    For those who may not know, Sleeping Dogs was crafted by United Front Games and published by Square Enix. The plot centers on Wei Shen, a police officer of Hong Kong-American descent, who gradually earns the trust of the Sun On Yee triad to dismantle it from the inside.

    The game provided thrilling open-world action-adventure gameplay, with intense martial-arts fighting, parkour elements, and a raw storyline set in Hong Kong. It received praise for its unique take on the GTA-clone genre. Despite this, it didn’t perform well in sales, which resulted in the cancellation of planned sequels. At one point, Donnie Yen was set to play Wei Shen in 2017, but that adaptation didn’t progress beyond initial discussions.

    A New Era for Sleeping Dogs

    Jumping forward to 2025, Simu Liu is ready to step into the shoes of Wei Shen. The charming Canadian actor confirmed earlier this year that a version of the movie’s script has been drafted.

    Timo Tjahjanto’s involvement is also promising, as he has made significant headway in recent years with films like The Night Comes for Us, which highlighted his keen attention to detail in stunning fight sequences.

    Confidence in Tjahjanto is on the rise after he directed Bob Odenkirk’s Nobody 2, proving he can handle large-scale Hollywood projects. Interestingly, Tjahjanto has long been an outspoken supporter of Sleeping Dogs. In previous interactions on social media with Liu, he shared how studio executives failed to see the game’s potential and expressed his genuine wish to direct the film.

    What’s Next for the Film?

    At this point, the movie lacks a studio affiliation or a set release date. Nevertheless, with the script finished and Tjahjanto’s expertise behind the camera, Sleeping Dogs the movie could very well come to fruition.

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