Sleeping Dogs: Definitive Edition

 PlayStation 4
User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 606 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 421 out of 606
  2. Mixed: 137 out of 606
  3. Negative: 48 out of 606
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  1. Marijuana_Guy
    Feb 11, 2021
    6
    Pros:
    —Robust (although repetitive) combat system with probably the best grappling system I've seen from a beat em' up game. It even trumps a few actual fighting games like Tekken or Street Fighter in the grappling department. If you love Judo, You're gonna love this too.
    —Interesting premise and setting. It's very rare to see games made about Hong Kong and the triads, I feel the    Pros:
    —Robust (although repetitive) combat system with probably the best grappling system I've seen from a beat em' up game. It even trumps a few actual fighting games like Tekken or Street Fighter in the grappling department. If you love Judo, You're gonna love this too.

    —Interesting premise and setting. It's very rare to see games made about Hong Kong and the triads, I feel the overall concept and premise was extremely interesting and compelling. The first few opening hours and missions are also very fun and immersive as you try to work your way up the ladder and gather more information.

    —Great overall gameplay. It easily competes or even beats other series like Saints Row and GTA in the gameplay alone. From the aforementioned hand to hand combat to the chase sequences to the smaller activities and missions littered around the world. There is a wealth of side-activities and collectibles here, will easily lend you a good 6-8 hours on them alone.

    Cons:
    —Combat gets extremely repetitive after a while. There are really no new moves that you can learn later on in the game, you can just upgrade your current moves to do more damage. The striking just revolves around single button presses. By about 2/3rds into the game, You're gonna be actively trying to avoid hand-to-hand fights because of how repetitive it is.

    —The game is just too easy. You can single-handedly annihilate 15-20 people all by yourself, at least in hand to hand combat.

    —The storytelling and pacing drop completely about halfway through the game. Wei Shen is an interesting character but all his internal conflicts and dilemmas literally lead nowhere and the actual storytelling just turns bad. Missions get extremely repetitive and even mindless after a while.

    —The world is just shallow. This is the biggest problem with the game. There is a wealth of side-activities to do but it just lacks depth. There are no alternate martial arts you can learn or anything. You can't even buy **** guns in the game. Everything gets extremely stale after you've done your first 4-5 missions of each type. Racing also just devolves into a guessing game as all your opponents have inhuman turning speed with 0 weight to their cars, easily speeding past you if you bump into a tiny pebble on the side of the road which brings you to a screeching halt.

    Everything just feels cheap and average. Even with extremely interesting missions where you're supposed to sneak into a hospital or crime scene under cover and collect info, It just feels half-assed and cheap. The RPG elements in this game are just not up to par.

    In conclusion, If you're a die-hard martial artist or kung-fu flick addict like me then buy the game on a discount. The DLC missions offer a lot of great and interesting sequences with more elaborate stories and details but outside of that, everything is just slightly above average.    … Expand
  2. M1sfiT
    Sep 3, 2023
    6
    Gaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaameeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeees!!!!!!!!!
  3. rickyrb
    Sep 20, 2015
    5
    I loved sleeping dogs on the playstation 3, i was eager to get it for the playstation 4 when i heard of the definite edition.
    When i finally got it and started it up, it disappointed me greatly, the graphics are exactly the same as on the ps3, some textures still look unrealistic, the stores are still made to fool the player into believing you can look into the store, but ironically its a    I loved sleeping dogs on the playstation 3, i was eager to get it for the playstation 4 when i heard of the definite edition.
    When i finally got it and started it up, it disappointed me greatly, the graphics are exactly the same as on the ps3, some textures still look unrealistic, the stores are still made to fool the player into believing you can look into the store, but ironically its a special texture the assumption of depth.

    The controls are less responsive, and some of the same glitches and bugs seen in the ps3 version are back and causing havoc.

    Basically, all the game got that you could consider a improvement, is the particle system, also known as more amount of blood.
    The game isn't as improved as they claimed they have done.

    In a costumer view (my view), this is mere a resell opportunity then actually dedication to improve.    … Expand
  4. Saturianin
    Oct 30, 2014
    5
    Отвратительный порт, даже не дотягивает до писи версии двух годичной давности. Стабильных 30 фпс НЕТ, картинка мыльная. Крайне не советую поощрять покупкой такое поделие.
  5. mikepango
    Mar 22, 2016
    5
    Sleeping dogs, more like dumb dogs. Story it was fairly good, a run of the mill guy leaves home land and comes back to home land a new man, but doing the same **** Gameplay - fighting mechanics kind of suck really bad. It very easy to learn very button mashing. Much like (Arkham batman games, Madmax, and Shadow of Mordor) but very very bad. What makes it bad is the timing of the promptsSleeping dogs, more like dumb dogs. Story it was fairly good, a run of the mill guy leaves home land and comes back to home land a new man, but doing the same **** Gameplay - fighting mechanics kind of suck really bad. It very easy to learn very button mashing. Much like (Arkham batman games, Madmax, and Shadow of Mordor) but very very bad. What makes it bad is the timing of the prompts and aiming. It is also very boring combat. Driving sucks compared to Watch Dogs & GTA (granted Watch Dogs in considered next gen). This is an "open world" game a VERY dead boring, skeleton of an open world. This game just doesn't hold up well at all. Why did they make a "Definitive Edition" of this game in the first place? Nothing really looks all that better. Yes you get the "DLC" with it but IF you must really have to play this game Please don't pay more then $20 for this.… Expand
  6. njja02
    May 15, 2018
    5
    Another dull open world game with a boring cliched narrative with great combat. But, I don't think that makes up for the boring story and side activities.
  7. ourtimehascome
    Sep 9, 2017
    5
    If Sleeping Dogs were a film, it would be near unwatchable. The characters are mostly ridiculous. The plot is overblown. The combat is great fun, but that's actually it, and it's so repetitive you'll be doing it for 90% of the game. The rest is subpar. Driving and shooting mechanics are tedious, and some of the worst I've seen in a videogame. As an open world game, it wastes its potentialIf Sleeping Dogs were a film, it would be near unwatchable. The characters are mostly ridiculous. The plot is overblown. The combat is great fun, but that's actually it, and it's so repetitive you'll be doing it for 90% of the game. The rest is subpar. Driving and shooting mechanics are tedious, and some of the worst I've seen in a videogame. As an open world game, it wastes its potential early on. Every open world staple is done worse. The DLC included in this definitive edition is short and not worth the extra money.… Expand
  8. SplitMind
    Jun 22, 2019
    5
    People seem to be referring to this as a GTA clone, but actually it reminds me of a game called "True Crime: Streets of LA" way back on the PS2. The fighting and the car mechanics all seem to operate in a very similar manner to Sleeping Dogs, in both good and bad ways. I enjoyed True Crime at the time but not now, and it seems to the same for Sleeping Dogs. Allow me to dissect this aPeople seem to be referring to this as a GTA clone, but actually it reminds me of a game called "True Crime: Streets of LA" way back on the PS2. The fighting and the car mechanics all seem to operate in a very similar manner to Sleeping Dogs, in both good and bad ways. I enjoyed True Crime at the time but not now, and it seems to the same for Sleeping Dogs. Allow me to dissect this a little further.

    By far the most frustrating aspect of the game I found to be individual mechanics and bugs, as well as glitches and collision-detection. For example, I am often stood next to a car and pressing 'enter', only for my character to just stand there, forcing me to hammer the button slightly to get him to respond. There are many other issues along these lines and they all add up to create a very frustrating experience, which is a shame because when the mechanics work, the game is quite enjoyable.

    Another problem I have is with the driving; it makes no sense. Vehicles seem to drive either at minimum speed or maximum speed, there is no continuum; vehicles shoot off from the starting grid and come to a halt just as quickly, as well as other issues that make it difficult to control your vehicle.

    This leads me to my final point - the inconsistent difficulty. I can go from whooping everyone' asses, to getting killed in just a few hits. There is no difficulty level and it seems to spike randomly.

    Far too often I seemed to be fighting against the game to get it to play properly, which is a shame because much like True Crime, there are some very enjoyable elements. Best avoid unless you're desperate for a GTA fix.    … Expand
  9. pongkrit03
    Nov 8, 2018
    4
    I rarely give a low score to a game (you can check my profile), but for sleeping dogs, I don't know how I can rate this game high, because every aspect in this game is *below average*. It is understandable that in the past PS3 gen, this game is doing fairly 7/10, but nowadays there are many great AAA openworld games out there. Sleeping dogs does not have anything to compete with them.I rarely give a low score to a game (you can check my profile), but for sleeping dogs, I don't know how I can rate this game high, because every aspect in this game is *below average*. It is understandable that in the past PS3 gen, this game is doing fairly 7/10, but nowadays there are many great AAA openworld games out there. Sleeping dogs does not have anything to compete with them.

    Graphic - very outdated
    The world - lifeless, not as good as other AAA games.
    Main Story - mediocre at best, I mean, this kind of plot that police becomes a spy to get into the criminal gangs is happened everywhere in action movie. Boring. The pace is slow too.
    Sidequests - Nothing worth mentioned.
    Gameplay - still below average in my opinion. Coming from someone who has play Yakuza series, Barehanded fighting is not nothing special at all. Other things are very average.
    Music - below average for AAA games. No music that catched my ears.

    In conclusion, if I rate 5/10, that means the game has all aspect average with no strength, but for Sleeping dog, most aspect are below average with no any strength to compete with other AAA games at all so I had to rate 4/10. I played the game for several hours then had no motivation to continue. If you want to play a game that has better street fighting and much much better story writing, I strongly suggest Yakuza 0. If you want openworld AAA games, there are ton of them out there. Sleeping dogs is not worth any of your money, unless you have so much free time that you finished all of great AAA games, then maybe 10 bucks for this game, but don't expect anything good here.    … Expand
  10. JackKasket
    Sep 8, 2015
    4
    This game is just riddled with bugs and **** and it crashes completely at least once a session. The most infuriating bugs are the disappearing objects, which either cause you to fail a mission (guy you're tailing just disappears), or causes you to lose exp (sudden vehicles out of thin air).

    Second thing is the melee fighting mechanics, which are the whole core of the game as the weapons    This game is just riddled with bugs and **** and it crashes completely at least once a session. The most infuriating bugs are the disappearing objects, which either cause you to fail a mission (guy you're tailing just disappears), or causes you to lose exp (sudden vehicles out of thin air).

    Second thing is the melee fighting mechanics, which are the whole core of the game as the weapons are truly scarce. The only real strategy that works in a fight is to (a) grap smaller opponents, beat them up, run away, (b) kick bigger opponents once, run away, (c) wait for the guy with a knife to strike, counter and hope none of the others are too close, run away. I think the countering system is essentially broken, where even if your reaction time is on spot, the character just does nothing to avoid damage. Best just to run in circles and grab, grab, grab.

    Driving is frustrating as hell, and it's almost impossible to get full points on cop missions due to this. Also, the ramming? Why do something this cartoonish in an otherwise "realistic" game.... Just ridiculous.

    I give props to this game for the story though, and the dossiers on the main characters are actually well written and entertaining.    … Expand
  11. AvxrageJoe
    Jun 30, 2015
    4
    Sleeping Dogs looks cool but the game itself is far from cool. I have not played the PS3 version. But the remastered PS4 version is full of glitches.
    Apart from the glitches and bugs, the game's mechanics are way worse than expected. The parkour mechanics are very scripted and you can feel it. The parkouring is also inconsistent. In some places The player can wall-climb a 4 meter wall,    Sleeping Dogs looks cool but the game itself is far from cool. I have not played the PS3 version. But the remastered PS4 version is full of glitches.
    Apart from the glitches and bugs, the game's mechanics are way worse than expected. The parkour mechanics are very scripted and you can feel it. The parkouring is also inconsistent. In some places The player can wall-climb a 4 meter wall, but when you try to reach a ledge that is literally in your arms reach the game doesn't give you the prompt to press X and climb it. That is a huge hindrance when running around and for example chasing someone or trying to move around quickly.
    The combat system is also extremely boring. The combat system works in a single-combat against an evenly matched opponent. But single-combats are extremely rare in this game. Most fights you encounter are against 5-20 goons by yourself. You can learn new moves when the game progresses, but you can't use the moves when you are surrounded by 5 opponents. Only thing you need to do in a combat in this game is to use the triangle button to counter. Sometimes the game doesn't even allow you to do anything else. In one mission I had to beat 30 opponents, by myself and the opponents were immune to normal attacks. Only way you could proceed was to counter their every single strike. Talk about boring playing experience when all you have to do is press triangle when the game tells you to do so.
    And then there are the numerous glitches and bugs. I have had to quit the game multiple times. Examples: my character doesn't respond to the sticks and I can't move him around anymore. My opponent whom I have to kill or detain is stuck between a car and a wall, etc. The latest glitch I encountered was when I was playing just a few minutes ago. The game started to make a constant and extremely loud machine gun noise. And no, the problem wasn't in my headphones. I had to quit the game, but after restarting, the same thing happened even sooner this time.
    Good things about the game are it's relatively good story, although the gameplay in the missions is too repetitive. And that Hong Kong is a pretty place when it's raining. But naturally those 2 things can't save the game. Avoid at all cost.    … Expand
  12. Eglin
    Jul 1, 2020
    3
    Loved this game on PC (as well as the original release it improved on), but the PS4 version is lacking. I played on a Pro and it still felt sluggish and choppy. It feels like some of the other PS3 remasters on the platform, where they have ported the PS3 version with all its oddities instead of using the more sensible PC port. Whatever the reason, the game performs inexcusably poor forLoved this game on PC (as well as the original release it improved on), but the PS4 version is lacking. I played on a Pro and it still felt sluggish and choppy. It feels like some of the other PS3 remasters on the platform, where they have ported the PS3 version with all its oddities instead of using the more sensible PC port. Whatever the reason, the game performs inexcusably poor for a title that looks as old as it does. As a result, driving and combat both feel far worse than they do on any other platform. I cannot recommend the title as it is.… Expand
  13. Alidengote
    Mar 11, 2015
    3
    I founde this game very cheap in playstation store. I bought the game and played it for several minutes maybe 450-650 minutes. I felle that every minute played on this game could be used on making good music in garageband. I wished i never would have gotten this game even though i bought it very cheep.

    "We need to listen to the game we eat" - Alidengote 2015
  14. Gamer44
    Dec 20, 2014
    0
    When I decided to finally get sleeping dogs on ps4 I was expecting enhanced graphics and deeper detail. But was left with PS3 graphics in no way did square Enix enhance the graphics like they claim they did I truly expected better looking graphics on the ps4 version like they did with tomb raider but yet we only got the exact same game with the same ps3 graphics.
    The added dlc's is not    When I decided to finally get sleeping dogs on ps4 I was expecting enhanced graphics and deeper detail. But was left with PS3 graphics in no way did square Enix enhance the graphics like they claim they did I truly expected better looking graphics on the ps4 version like they did with tomb raider but yet we only got the exact same game with the same ps3 graphics.
    The added dlc's is not enough to make this game shine on PS4 if you look at GTA V on PS4 and sleeping dogs you will clearly see how far behind sleeping dogs really is. Sleeping dogs was below average on PS3 and on ps4 it is even worse. The controls is terrible and the driving mechanics is garbage. The entire game is a lost cause and should never have been remastered for ps4. If you like open world crime games on ps4 I suggest stay with GTA V    … Expand
  15. daringo5
    Oct 17, 2014
    0
    A poor port with last gen graphics which will disappoint the moment the game starts. First of all do not be confused by its title. It is not a Remastered version but just a really really bad port which for some reason seems worst than its ps3 release. The game is full of glitches from the very beginning and every mission you do will have the same problem. This is not what kind of qualityA poor port with last gen graphics which will disappoint the moment the game starts. First of all do not be confused by its title. It is not a Remastered version but just a really really bad port which for some reason seems worst than its ps3 release. The game is full of glitches from the very beginning and every mission you do will have the same problem. This is not what kind of quality we should be getting for next gen consoles! It almost seems as if the game makers wanted to make more money off this title by giving it next gen release with an art book to hide the shame of it being a terrible port. If you only own a ps4 and want to try it give it a rent. But if you have a ps3 or 360 then buy it for cheap on that, otherwise stay away from this horrible port of a bad graphics game!… Expand
  16. Avalon011
    Mar 25, 2016
    0
    The controls are pathetic and way too much button mashing, prepare for advanced arthritis. Because of the stiff controls requires even more button mashing and actually hurts my hands to play, I had to throw it out.
  17. mrgreentoad
    Apr 25, 2021
    0
    I remember really enjoying this on my PS3, but the PS4 version won’t allow me to take a picture in the Popstar mission early in the game! Due to this glitch I can’t continue the campaign. After a couple hours of research on the net to try and find a workaround, i gave up. Apparently this was an issue on the PS3 as well & was not addressed in the “definitive edition”!!!! Not veryI remember really enjoying this on my PS3, but the PS4 version won’t allow me to take a picture in the Popstar mission early in the game! Due to this glitch I can’t continue the campaign. After a couple hours of research on the net to try and find a workaround, i gave up. Apparently this was an issue on the PS3 as well & was not addressed in the “definitive edition”!!!! Not very “Definitive” if you ask me! I want to play the game again, it won’t let me though … Expand
  18. BallzyDan
    Nov 17, 2021
    0
    Atrocious does not begin to explain this game. Feels like a wannabe GTA 3, but no guns and chases do not end when you catch, but when they get to their designated end point. Enemies respawn litterally one second after you dispatch them. Game tells you to throw them in to the energy, yet there is no throw button. The driving was fun for less than five minutes. $4.49 was a blatant ripoff
  19. 2amazing2much
    Sep 18, 2021
    0
    Never before has it felt so good to bring a gun to a fist fight or fist to a gun fight.
  20. regulargamur
    Dec 11, 2022
    0
    Filled with bugs, keeps crashing.
    Vehicles are designed so terrible they look like toys; their handling and steering are even worse, so awful.
    Mediocre level storyline as well
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Awards & Rankings

53
#53 Best PS4 Game of 2014
30
#30 Most Discussed PS4 Game of 2014
23
#23 Most Shared PS4 Game of 2014

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 34 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 22 out of 34
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 34
  3. Negative: 0 out of 34
  1. CD-Action
    Feb 7, 2015
    80
    If you have played Sleeping Dogs before, there’s no point in picking up the Definitive Edition. But if you’ve missed the original game, you’re gonna have a lot of fun in Hong Kong. [01/2015, p.71]
  2. Games Master UK
    Dec 21, 2014
    74
    Whether you've played it before or not, the value for money makes this an impressive package. [Christmas 2014, p.76]
  3. Pelit (Finland)
    Dec 15, 2014
    88
    While overshadowed by Grand Theft Auto V, Sleeping Dogs is still a well written and executed action game. The combat mechanics are nothing short of superb. [Dec 2014]
See all critic reviews »