Summary
- Release Year: 2013
- Genres: Adventure
- Platforms: PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360
- Developers: United Front Games
- Publishers: Square Enix
Sleeping Dogs: Year of the Snake: A Thrilling Expansion to an Open-World Classic
Introduction
Released in 2013, Sleeping Dogs: Year of the Snake is an expansion pack for the critically acclaimed open-world action-adventure game, Sleeping Dogs. Set in the vibrant and chaotic city of Hong Kong, Year of the Snake follows the story of Wei Shen, an undercover cop tasked with infiltrating the Triads. This expansion pack introduces six new missions, a new enemy faction, and a variety of new gameplay elements, providing players with an even more immersive and thrilling experience.
Story
The story of Year of the Snake takes place during the lead-up to Chinese New Year in Hong Kong. A deadly cult known as the Red Pole Triad has emerged, led by the charismatic and ruthless Po Chen. The cult believes that the end of the world is imminent and that they must cleanse the city of its impurities in order to earn their salvation. Wei Shen is tasked with infiltrating the Red Pole Triad and sabotaging their plot, while also protecting the city from their violence.
The new missions in Year of the Snake are varied and exciting, taking players across Hong Kong’s diverse districts. Wei Shen must infiltrate cult gatherings, engage in high-octane shootouts, and participate in thrilling car chases. The story is well-written and engaging, with memorable characters and plenty of twists and turns.
Gameplay
Year of the Snake introduces several new gameplay elements that enhance the already solid foundation of Sleeping Dogs. The most notable addition is the new “Snake Fist” martial art style. This style is faster and more fluid than the other martial arts in the game, and it allows Wei Shen to chain together devastating combos.
Another new gameplay element is the ability to use environmental objects as weapons. Wei Shen can now pick up objects such as chairs, bottles, and even fish to use in combat. This adds a new layer of strategy and creativity to the game’s combat system.
In addition to the new combat mechanics, Year of the Snake also introduces a new enemy faction: the Red Pole Triad. These cultists are more aggressive and dangerous than the Triad members from the main game, and they use a variety of new weapons and tactics. This keeps players on their toes and forces them to adapt their strategies.
Graphics and Sound
Sleeping Dogs: Year of the Snake is a visually stunning game. Hong Kong is brought to life with incredible detail, from the bustling streets to the neon-lit skyscrapers. The character models are also very well-done, and the animations are fluid and realistic.
The sound design is also top-notch. The voice acting is excellent, and the soundtrack is a mix of traditional Chinese music and modern electronic beats that perfectly captures the game’s atmosphere.
Conclusion
Sleeping Dogs: Year of the Snake is an excellent expansion pack that adds a significant amount of new content and gameplay to the already great base game. The new missions are exciting and engaging, the new combat mechanics are fun and rewarding to use, and the new enemy faction provides a fresh challenge. Overall, Year of the Snake is a must-play for fans of Sleeping Dogs and open-world action-adventure games in general.
Score: 8.5/10
Review Score
8.5/10
Art
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