Common Sense Media Review
By Marc Saltzman
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
High-adrenaline adventure packed with blood, sex, and drugs.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 18+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Play
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Sleeping Dogs
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 18 parent reviews
Based on 38 kid reviews
Kids say that the game offers a unique blend of intense combat, a strong storyline, and a vibrant open-world setting, comparing it favorably to titles like GTA. However, they caution that the game contains significant violence, strong language, and some suggestive content, making it inappropriate for younger players and better suited for teens aged 12 and up.
- intense combat
- strong storyline
- graphic violence
- strong language
- mature content
- teen appropriate
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's It About?
Influenced by Asian action flicks, SLEEPING DOGS introduces you to Wei Shen, an undercover cop who infiltrates one of the world's most infamous criminal organizations: the Hong Kong Triads. At the start of the gritty game, the tattooed hero starts performing odd jobs for seedy types to win their trust, but as you dive deeper into the underworld you'll take on tougher tasks –- some which challenge your resolve and question your motives. Without giving much away, you learn Shen spent some time in the U.S. but returns to Hong Kong to work with the authorities, in part to avenge his sister's murder. Similar to games like Grand Theft Auto, this is an "open-world" game that lets you venture anywhere you like, take on side missions for people, and use money collected to customize the look of your character. Played from a third-person perspective, you'll experience many dozens of intense shoot-outs, escort missions, and engage in dramatic car and foot chases –- but there's a lot more hand-to-hand combat in Sleeping Dogs, as you might expect from a Hong Kong cinema-inspired action game.
Is It Any Good?
For mature players who like gritty action games, Sleeping Dogs it's a blast. The martial arts fighting is the best part, even when taking on more than ten enemies at one time -- Bruce Lee-style. Early on in the game you'll learn how to punch and kick, perform chained combo moves, block and counterattack, and even grab a baddie by the lapel to toss him in to others. You can also use the environment to inflict major harm (such as smashing baddie through a payphone). Again, take heed to the game's "Mature" warning, but these imaginative and cinematic finishing moves will make you wince and laugh at the same time.
While the character animations are a little stiff, the virtual Hong Kong looks fantastic, be it the neon-lit streets (reflecting off wet pavement), bustling markets in Kowloon or jumping between rooftops, across docks, or tearing down busy roads while in pursuit of someone. Story sequences are entertaining to watch, with well-written dialogue, memorable characters, and competent voice acting (in both English and Cantonese, with subtitles). Sleeping Dogs is an extraordinarily fun –- but graphic –- interactive drama. Fans of games like Grand Theft Auto or Hong Kong action movies will no doubt find this game an enjoyable blend between the two worlds.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the impact of media violence.
Families can also talk about scary and disturbing content.
Game Details
- Platforms : PlayStation 3 , Windows , Xbox 360
- Subjects : Social Studies : cultural understanding , Language & Reading : following directions , reading , Math : money
- Skills : Thinking & Reasoning : analyzing evidence , applying information , investigation , Responsibility & Ethics : following codes of conduct , Emotional Development : identifying emotions , Self-Direction : self-reflection , work to achieve goals
- Pricing structure :
- Available online? : Not available online
- Publisher : Square Enix
- Release date : August 14, 2012
- Genre : Action/Adventure
- Topics : Adventures , Family Stories ( Siblings ) , Friendship
- ESRB rating :
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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