If you’re a fan of sandbox video games like Grand Theft Auto or Saints Row, you may have heard about the video game called “Sleeping Dogs.”

The game, originally released in 2012 with a new “Definitive Edition” released in October 2014, stars Wei Shen, an undercover cop who infiltrates the Sun On Yee gang in Hong Kong. The story is focused on two types of missions simultaneously. Doing cop missions has players gather information about the gang war that is affecting the reputation of Hong Kong. The other missions have players act as one of the Sun On Yee gang members. These tasks range from assassinating opposing gang members to driving a gang member’s girlfriend around to shop. The game really does give a wide variety of missions to play and the game never feels like it drags. Along with the main missions, there are also lots of side missions like drug busts, surveillance vehicle hijackings, going on dates with girls, among others. The side missions are a good break from the main story and can be very amusing to play.

Like other open world games, players are free to do the story missions at their own pace. The game gives the freedom to roam around the city of Hong Kong and get into as much trouble as players choose. You can fight random civilians on the streets, get into gunfights with police officers, learn new fighting moves at a dojo, and much more. All of these activities are yours to do at your leisure.

The game has a big emphasis on combat and driving, and they are both executed extremely well. The combat is based primarily on timing button pushes correctly and using counter attacks. You can also learn new moves at the dojo. This feature really gets players into the combat system. Learning new fighting moves to use on opposing gang members gives a fresh new feel to each fight. Weapons like crowbars, knives, and bats may also be available to you. They do offer a lot more damage than your normal attacks and make the fights much easier but don’t take away too much from the combat experience.

The driving is also done exceptionally well. It feels very fluid and there is never a point where driving feels like a chore. There are lots of car chases throughout the game and shooting tires from other vehicles is such a satisfying feeling especially when you can watch opponents lose control of their vehicle. There’s also a bumper-type control that allows you to knock cars off the road. It gives a nostalgic, yet morbid, feeling but is satisfying nonetheless.

Overall, I highly recommend “Sleeping Dogs.” The story, gameplay, graphics, and voice acting are done to great lengths, and there was never a dull moment. If you enjoy open world games, “Sleeping Dogs” may be the game for you.