I bought Sleeping Dogs expecting it to play like Grand Theft Auto mashed up with Stranglehold.

I’m happy to report that Sleeping Dogs is basically Grand Theft Auto mashed up with Stranglehold. But it’s more – a lot more. In fact, this game has the best story and style of any video game release so far this year. Square did a fantastic job with the pacing and plot development.

Unfortunately, that’s also one of the game’s big downfalls. Unlike Grand Theft Auto games, there isn’t a whole lot in Sleeping Dogs that’s going make you want to play again once you’ve finished the main story arc. It’s one of those, “Open but linear,” titles – similar to the Red Faction series in that it’s a blast to play the first time but lacks that special something that keeps you coming back for more. As long as you’re aware of that going into things, you’re in for an awesome experience in cinematic gaming.

My only real complaint about Sleeping Dogs, aside from a few weird bugs and glitches here and there, was that it was a bit too short. Even with its many side missions and sub-plots, I felt like it was rushed. I was done in just shy of sixteen hours. That isn’t much game for $60.

But then again, it’s hard to complain given the game’s level of polish and pure “fun” factor.