Foxcatcher Review

 
  Foxcatcher was a film that I was anxiously awaiting. Channing Tatum and Steve Carell in a dramatic role together!? Take my money. I'm a fan of both of these actors, and I could not wait to see them take on a script that's so serious and grounded. The first twenty minutes of this movie had me enthralled. I was sucked in by the nuanced performances of both Tatum, and Mark Ruffalo who plays Tatum's brother. The tone of the movie was set right from the start with hard hitting audio, a lack of any score, and well composed shots. The action was filmed extremely well, and I have to give it to all the actors for performing nearly all of their own stunts. There wasn't one second where I could spot a double, and for how physical these roles were, that's a big accomplishment.

  However, as the movie continued, I started to lose interest. The introduction of John Du Pont, played by Steve Carell, was shockingly underwhelming, and the dialogue didn't carry as much tension as I was hoping for. Having said that, there were scenes of genuine discomfort, but as the movie carries on, that feeling is lost and replaced with a sense of boring reluctance. Before I delve too deeply into why I don't recommend this movie, let me say this; everything about this movie from a technical standpoint is astounding, and nothing short of Oscar worthy. As aforementioned, the movie is shot extremely well, and every blow is felt due to fantastic audio design coupled with gritty atmosphere. The performances are to be applauded as well. Channing Tatum does give a very solid performance, however, it was Mark Ruffalo's performance that resonated the most with me. His portrayal of Mark Schultz's older brother Dave, was absolutely heart- wrenching at times. My favorite moments of this film were the exchanges between those two characters. To be completely honest though, I'm not sure I would have cast Carell as John Du Pont. He does a fine job in portraying the many layers of the character, but when he's on screen, I found him flatout boring. Perhaps that wasn't totally his fault, and more a result of the direction. Either way, his performance was serviceable at best.

  That brings up my biggest flaw with Foxcatcher. For how technically sound the movie is, it completely fails in creating something compelling the watcher can grab onto. I was constantly thinking "Come on, give me something to connect with!" Don't get me wrong, there are riveting moments throughout this film, but it mostly boils down to predictable plot elements and characters you want to care about, but just don't. This is no discredit to the real life people or events this movie bases itself around, and it's remains a very interesting story for a film adaptation. Although, the film fails to be something memorable outside of the sound cinematography and decent performances. Perhaps in the hands of a different director, this would have been a drama that compelled me from scene to scene, instead of leaving me wholly disappointed.

Dragon Age: Inquisition Impressions

Dragon Age: Inquisition can be described in one word; daunting. This is a very special game. Not in terms of originality or revolutionary gameplay, but how all the elements of this game come together to form something very unique and fresh for the franchise. This game feels like a next gen Bioware title. Using the Frosbite 3 engine, the folks at Bioware have created a game world that is truly vast and feels just as alive as any other fantasy world I've set foot in. The animations are leagues above anything that we've seen in previous Bioware titles and the audio and overall aesthetic is handled with masterful precision. 

This game is absolutely massive in every single sense of the word. I've logged around twenty hours and I'm still exploring the first region I've come across; The Hinterlands. It's an absolutely beautiful place that's enthralling atmosphere has kept me exploring for around eighteen of my twenty total hours. I love the sense of discovery this game carries with it. The game map starts out completely darkened, but as you explore, your progress sheds light across the map and the many quests and battles that come with it. This is a game that will suck away your time, and you really have to be committed to it's devices if you want to see it through to it's conclusion. As I said before, I've spent nearly my entire playthrough explicitly exploring the Hinterlands; which I've heard is bigger than the entirety of Dragon Age: Origins. Here's the kicker though; There are 9 other regions to explore as well. I'm not sure if they're all as big as the Hinterlands, but the fact that there are 10 "large" open world locations to get lost in is extremely intimidating yet immensely exciting. The scope of this game is the reason why it takes most players seventy to ninety hours to complete the game, while still missing a majority of the side content. 

The game's story may be Bioware's version of Oblivion, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. Yes, this game does follow some familiar tropes that hold it back from being something different in regards to narrative, but I do feel like this game does handle storytelling differently to some extent. It's a Bioware title, so choice is there from the beginning. Creating the exact character you want, and choosing what to say and how to act is what drives the narrative forward. Without spoiling the game for those who have yet to give it a chance, you as the player character are quickly thrust into the role of savior. Your character carries a mark that could bring an end to the evil forces invading the realm of Thedas. Basically, you are the key to everyone's salvation, and even though the transition from suspect to savior is a quick one, I do think it makes sense within the world and story. Too often do these "save the world" type of games take place in a completely oblivious universe, where the average person has no clue of what you're doing to save them or of the imminent threat that persists. Dragon Age: Inquisition is a game that breaks this mold. The threat is very real, and very apparent to everyone you meet. All of the NPC's know what's going on and they thank you for risking your life and the lives of your companions to bring peace to Thedas. This type of recognition is gratifying, and as you build up the inquisition, it really feels like your building up an army of supporters who will stand by you until the end. 

I'm currently playing on PS4, and the game looks gorgeous; it also plays relatively smooth considering how much can be on screen at once. The combat is brutal, tactical, and satisfying. There are encounters that can truly test your tactical prowess, and others that can be conquered easily. There can even be moments when you stumble across fights that you have no right taking part in. Higher level enemies can be numerous in certain areas, and you'll quickly find out that those are areas best left to a more experienced you, ten hours down the road. All in all, this a great achievement on PS4 and I'm happy with the optimization effort that Bioware put forward. That being said, this game can be a little too ambitious for it's own good at times. Some weird framerate drops during dialogue and cutscenes often took me out of the experience, and there's often quite a bit of pop in, especially in regards to the NPC's. However, when you take into consideration the scope of the game and all that it does right, it's easy to forgive minor issues such as those. 

This game totally get's my recommendation and it's no secret that critics and consumers alike adore this game. It demands your time, and that might be a turn of for some of you. That being said, give it a shot. It's been awhile since we've had a good Bioware RPG, and this might be just what you're looking for. If you like huge fantasy worlds, the freedom to explore at your own leisure, and enough content to keep you coming back until The Witcher 3 arrives; This game's for you. 

Insurgency Impressions

  Insurgency is a game that caught me completely off guard. I can't really give you guys a review on the game seeing as how I haven't played every single mode, on every map. However, I have played a lot of it recently with some friends, in both PvP, and cooperative environments. The game had a relatively quiet release from what I can remember, and it scored fairly well. Although when I played it, it grabbed me in such a unique way, that it stands out among the other military "simulations" available. 

  The presentation isn't anything that will blow your mind, but the graphics are solid, using the same engine that powers Counter Strike: GO. The stand out feature to me is the audio. There are few games that make me feel like I'm in a firefight as successfully as Insurgency. Bullets hitting the ground in front of you, kicking up dirt, and the whizzing sound of shots flying right past your head never fails to get the heart pumping. All the weapons sound authentic and pack a punch, making every kill feel satisfying yet somewhat real. Combine the incredible audio, with other realistic elements such as: manual reloading, no health regeneration, and tough enemy A.I. - You have a game that is truly intense during combat, and that carries tension during the quiet moments as well. 

  I've spent the most time playing cooperatively with a buddy of mine, and the experience has been pure fun. We team up at the main menu, thanks to an easy to use, clean interface that most shooters are lacking nowadays. We head into one of the many modes, Survival, and see how long we can hold out. The premise of Survival is simple. The team of players has to make it from objective to objective while holding off ever increasing numbers of enemy A.I. At first, they drop easily, even with a well-placed chest shot. Then about ten levels in, they start wearing body armor and becoming more and more accurate. They can be truly ruthless, and sometimes cheap. I'd often find myself getting shot within micro-seconds of being seen, and I'd also get shot through walls, or from across the map. So, the A.I. can be a bit ridiculous, but this does make for a heavy challenge that heightens the feeling of successfully making it to the next objective. The A.I. can be so tough, that the transition over to PvP can often be an easy one. The few matches I've played against other real opponents have been fun, however I find myself going back to the cooperative gauntlet that is the survival mode. 

  The game also utilizes a "weight" system to organize what you're carrying and how you unlock new gear. You start off with a small amount of weight that can be spent like currency to determine what weapons you carry, and if you're equipped with body armor or not. You can also buy accessories like night vision goggles for darker areas, or a vest that houses more ammunition. Your weapons can also be equipped with various sights, a flashlight, and even a foregrip. All of which have obvious effects on your weapons performance and efficiency. The system is handled well, however these weapons are not something you carry from match to match. Much like Counter Strike, at the start of every match you have nearly nothing, and you must work to unlock more weight to carry more equipment. If you do well, you get more weight to spend. If you die, some game modes don't give you anything. So, it really puts the emphasis on teamwork and strategy to stay alive and conquer your objectives. In my time with Insurgency, the community has been pretty awesome. Playing with randoms can sometimes be as rewarding as coordinating a victory with friends, and again, I can't say that of many shooters out there. 

  Insurgency isn't an entirely new concept. Games like Red Orchestra have been on top of the genre for a long time, and this game won't change that. However, I was pleasantly surprised with Insurgency and the game has become something I play almost everyday. I was able to grab it on Steam for 4.99 during a sale, but even it's 14.99 full price isn't a bad deal for this underrated title. It doesn't take much to run Insurgency so even if your PC is a bit older, give this game a shot. I highly recommend it to those gamers looking for an intense, realistic take on modern first person combat.  

  

Halo 5: Guardians Beta Impressions

  

  The disastrous launch of Halo: The Master Chief Collection completely killed the momentum of the Halo multiplayer juggernaut for my friends and I. I was so excited that Halo was back, and in a huge way. I couldn't wait to relive some of the fondest memories I had while gaming as a kid. However, I and millions of other fans were met with weeks of connection issues and bugs. It was so frustrating that my friends and I still haven't given the multiplayer another shot, although, the issues have "mostly" been resolved. Given those issues, I wasn't all that excited to play the Halo 5: Guardians beta. After the over 10 gigabyte download was completed, I gave it a shot. I went into the experience with an open mind, and afterwards, put down the controller satisfied and excited for what the full game has in store.

  I said I went into the beta with an open mind, because that's the mentality you need to enjoy and adapt to the fast paced, intense combat. Halo 5 feels familiar but fresh. There are some new abilities to learn and new weapons to dominate with. It took me a couple of matches to get used to the abilities and the overall feel of combat, but once I got accustomed to all the new assets, I was having a great time. The game looks and plays great for a beta. The audio hits hard, and the new spartan chatter is a cool and helpful addition. The weapons feel powerful and I'm so happy the Assault Rifle is back to being a weapon that can stand on it's own. When I first saw gameplay of Halo 5, I was skeptical. I saw use of the new aim down sights feature which 343 is calling "Smart Link" and to be honest I was upset. However, after learning more about it and getting the chance to use it, I'm not upset in the slightest. The accuracy of your weapons doesn't change if your in Smart Link. You're just as accurate when firing from the hip, which is the essence of Halo. Not to mention if you're in Smart Link and you get hit, you get de-scoped immediately. That's a smart design choice that helps keep the fundamentals of Halo multiplayer intact. The biggest thing that stood out to me, though, was how level the playing field is. There are new abilities to master, but every player has access to them. Every player starts with the same weaponry and must find weapons in the field in order to change up their arsenal. There's also a much bigger emphasis on power weapons such as the sniper rifle, and the prophets bane. That's essentially the new name for the energy sword. These weapons will spawn into the map periodically throughout the match and that makes for some really intense gunfights and tension during gameplay. 

  The beta gives you two maps to play on and the only game mode available is team slayer. These intimate 4v4 matches are a great introduction to Halo 5's new mechanics. One of the new maps, Empire, is an interesting map with cool aesthetics, but it doesn't stand up to it's counterpart. Truth is essentially Midship 2.0 and I've had the most fun in this arena. The new visuals really bring Truth to life and the encounters are  always intense no matter where you are on this map. After seeing two arena style maps in this beta, I'm really excited to see the maps they're making for other game modes like big team slayer and capture the flag. I loved Exile in Halo 4, so if we get anything like that, I'll be happy. 

  Will you enjoy the Halo 5: Guardians beta? It really comes down to how willing you are to adapt to new mechanics. I don't fault the game for adding new features or abilities or whatever else. The game has to evolve with the times, and as long as the combat still feels like Halo at it's core, I'm on board for anything 343 wants to attempt. If you're one of the people still upset that you can sprint in Halo, this may not be for you. However, this is the most grounded, and fair Halo has been in awhile. 343's attempting to go back to the roots while also moving forward, and so far, I think they're successful. We've never had a beta for Halo this far from the games release, so even if you're not a fan of where Halo is going, give it a shot. Voice your likes and dislikes to 343, and we'll most certainly see the tweaks in the final product. If I have any concerns moving forward, it's concern for the connectivity and server stability. The first day of the beta I had no problems, but today I struggled to stay connected even for one match. These problems have already hurt MCC gravely and I hope that, since this is only a beta, these kinks will get worked out and we'll have a smooth launch. I know that nothing ever goes off without a hitch, but I can hope can't I? If you've played the beta, what're your thoughts? Let 343 Industries know so that we can have a Halo game that we all love, and that will hopefully, stand the test of time. 

Far Cry 4 Impressions

  Christmas day has come and gone, and naturally that means millions of gamers have new titles to add to their collections. Christmas brought me Far Cry 4 and Dragon Age: Inquisition. However, I wanted to take some time to discuss the former. Far Cry 3 was one of my favorite games of 2012, and few experiences have come close to it's amount of pure fun since. Far Cry 4 uses the "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" mentality and pushes it to a whole new level. If you've played Far Cry 3, you'll feel right at home in 4. The core gameplay is very similar to that of Far Cry 3, but fine tuned and enhanced to a scientific level. I haven't played many games that are as addictive as Far Cry 4. As soon as you get into the open world, the game surrounds you with quests, collectibles, loot chests, and tons of other activities to engage in. Content is something this game definitely provides and once I pick up the controller, I struggle to put it down for at least 3 hours at a time. The game leads you from activity to activity flawlessly, always putting something irresistible in front of you.

  

  I'm playing Far Cry 4 on my PS4 and this, hands down, is one of the best looking console games I've ever seen. I'd be surprised to see the PC version look any better. With the exception of better antialiasing and framerate. The game plays at a smooth 30 frames per second and 1080p on PS4, and it never hiccups. It's one of the most polished and immersive first persons shooters I've played in a long time, and my hats off to the guys at Ubisoft for this one. The Dunia Engine has been powering the franchise since Far Cry 2, but it's never looked better than in Far Cry 4.

  My 12 hours spent in Kyrat up until now has mostly been awesome, however, I do have some gripes that I feel I should share. As I mentioned earlier, the game gives you tons of things to do, and the amount of activities could quickly overwhelm gamers who aren't used to open world games of this magnitude. So if you're a gamer who's used to linear adventures, it might be a little tough to get used to the sheer amount of things to do, and the way it's presented to you. The wildlife of Kyrat is also a lot more active than that of Far Cry 3's environment. Simply put, almost every species found in the game wants to kill you. You'll constantly be attacked by dogs, wolves, hawks, leopards, tigers, and the list goes on. Even though this does help contribute to the hostile atmosphere of Kyrat, it becomes annoying when you're just trying to get to your next objective, but can't due to the frequency of animal attacks resulting in your demise. There's also new events named "Karma" events. These events are random things that happen in the world while you play. You have the option to intervene or not, and most of them are fun, but they're way too frequent. They quickly become somewhat of a chore and an unwanted distraction when you already have your sights set on something. One last issue I have with the game is the AI. Usually after a victory, your comrades in the Golden Path see it appropriate to fire their weapons skyward in celebration. Normally, I would have no problem with this, but in a world as dangerous as Kyrat, I automatically associated the yelling and gunfire with violence and erratically looked around for the conflict. Only to realize it was my rebel friends wasting precious ammunition in the name of victory.

 

These are all minor complaints, and your opinions might not reflect mine. Overall, I'm having an absolute blast playing Far Cry 4, and even though it is very similar to the last installment in the franchise, I totally believe this game is worth the 60 dollar asking price. I haven't had the chance to try the multiplayer or the co-op due to PSN issues, but I've heard good things! So far, I'm loving this new world of Kyrat and I can't wait to lose more hours to it's chaotic and unpredictable world.

What Halo Means to Me

  With Halo: The Master Chief Collection launching early next week, this overwhelming sense of nostalgia and hype has completely taken over. I've been wanting to write an article like this for over a week, but I just wasn't sure how to approach it. The thought of trying to truly convey what Halo means to me, in words that carry the same weight, is going to be next to impossible. Simply put, Halo is the reason I'm a gamer. If it wasn't for Halo, I wouldn't have realized how amazing and unique gaming can be. Maybe I take gaming a little too seriously, and I give it too much credit, but if it wasn't for Halo, I honestly don't think I'd be the person I am today. 

  It all started when I was eight years old. The year was 2001. My dad told me he had a new game to show me. Something I heard often back then, since most of my nights were spent watching him play whatever new game was out at the time. I remember him telling me, "This is one of the best games I've ever played, and I think you're really going to like it." Immediately, I was super excited. The level of excited that you could only reach as a young child. My dad didn't tell me what the game was called. Instead, he just took it out of the case, put it in the Xbox, and the game booted up. Suddenly, I was greeted with the most iconic main title theme I've ever heard in a game. Eight year old me was in awe. I'd never heard a melody as mysterious and infectious, and I was captivated. My dad chose the campaign option and I was on the edge of my seat. The games opening cinematic had me at a loss for words. I'd never seen a game that looked so real, and of course I think back on it now and laugh. However, back then, Halo: Combat Evolved looked absolutely incredible, and I still think it looks solid to this day. The first time I saw Master Chief, I was immediately attached to him. The first time I heard him speak, he was my idol. I wanted to be this guy, and I only knew him for a few short minutes. The Master Chief is a character, that right from the outset, you know he has everything under control, and nothing is too difficult for him to handle. As the mission went on, we're quickly into our first firefight with the Covenant. Once I saw my dad take out the first couple of Grunts, I knew. I knew this was a game I had to play. I immediately asked him if I could play. I remembered he looked at me and laughed, and with a smile across his face he said "Well that didn't take long at all!" He knew I'd want to play, and he was ready to teach me how. 

  Remember, that back in 2001, having a first person shooter on a console was an entirely new thing. Tons of people back then thought it wouldn't be possible, but Halo pulled it off, and set the standard for almost every shooter to follow. The dual thumbstick control was completely foreign, but something irresistible once you got the hang of it. Halo was the game that taught me how to control a first person shooter. It taught me how to use the dual thumbstick layout that became the staple of the genre. Once I finally got the controls down, I was ready to play. I started The Pillar of Autumn again and was completely sucked in by this universe. Once I got into combat, it brought about a satisfaction that I had never felt before. The feeling of power I had as the Master Chief was an addictive drug, and I couldn't stop playing. No gaming experience I've had in the past 13 years has come close to the first time I set foot on Halo. The sense of discovery, exploration, and unknown was incredible. I didn't expect this at all, and at the time, this type of wide open mission structure was not seen in first person shooters. I had a blast playing that level and I still get overly happy every time I play it. 

  Halo went on to be a game that I worshiped and played every chance I got. That following Christmas I got my own Xbox and my own copy of Halo. I played it religiously, and was completely taken by the story, characters, setting, and gameplay every time. I could sit here and type for hours, but I think I've made my point. I've loved every Halo installment since Halo: CE and I'm glad that new people get to experience it with Halo: The Master Chief Collection. In short, Halo made me love video games, and if it wasn't for video games, I don't know who I'd be right now. It may sound ridiculous, but I can assure you, it's not. If you're on the fence about Halo, and you're trying to think of reasons to give it a shot, I'm going to give you some right now. 

-Timeless gameplay that never ceases to be satisfying

-Amazing settings, characters, and narrative

-Some of the best music I've ever heard in a game

-A great suite of multiplayer modes and maps throughout all of the installments 

-Great Sandbox that allows for amazing vehicle encounters and unique moments

-4 player co-op through all 4 games thanks to the Master Chief Collection

-Devastating list of weapons at your disposal 

-Vast replayability thanks to skulls, achievements, scoring. 

  Those are just a few reasons why you should check out Halo: The Master Chief Collection, especially if you're new to Halo. Don't go in expecting something you've played before, because there is nothing quite like Halo. 

Sleeping Dogs: Definitive Edition Review (PC)

  This game was such a surprise for so many people, including myself, back in 2012 when it was launched from developer United Front Games and publisher Square Enix. This open world action game puts you in the shoes of Wei Shen, an undercover police officer tasked with infiltrating the Chinese triad in hopes of bringing their whole operation down. We've seen this concept before in movies and even other games, but no game even comes close to pulling it off the way Sleeping Dogs has. With the definitive edition having just released, I decided to delve back into the open world of Honk Kong and see if the game still holds up in a post Grand Theft Auto 5 world. My answer in short is yes, it totally does.

  There has been a lot of controversy lately surrounding games getting the definitive edition treatment. Games like Tomb Raider, The Last of Us, Grand Theft Auto 5, and of course Sleeping Dogs. A lot of gamers are unhappy that developers are treading old territory when they should be developing new and interesting games that make the purchase of a PS4 or Xbox One worth it. All of the games that are getting the remastered treatment are still great games on last gen and not to mention pretty cheap by now. The only reason I support all of these next gen versions, is simply because of the exposure. Let's face it, a lot of people traded in or sold their old consoles last year when they picked up either the Xbox One or PS4. I know I did. Having a PC let's me go back and play mostly any last gen game, but unfortunately a lot of people don't have that option, and they're looking for a reason to play their new consoles. I think these new versions are a great way for these games to get more exposure especially if they didn't receive enough when they initially released. If you're not on board with these games, then don't play them. It's as simple as that. With the fall roster of games being so huge this year, you'll have plenty of new titles to pick from.

  Sleeping Dogs is a game that looked great back in 2012, and it's held up pretty well visually. It's not astonishing in any way, but sometimes it does look downright gorgeous. Racing through the streets of Honk Kong during a storm still looks great, and the handful of graphical improvements the definitive edition brings are very welcome. The character models are detailed and crisp and the "in engine" cutscenes are animated well and excellently acted by the cast. The definitive edition adds denser traffic and pedestrians that really bring the city to life. The virtual Honk Kong you explore is even more engrossing this time around and feels oddly unique to any other open world you'll explore in games. The presentation is handled well throughout the game and I was able to run the game maxed out with AA turned down to high, and I got a smooth experience nearly all the time. I have not played the PS4 or Xbox One versions, but from what I saw, they look just as good as the PC experience I had. Sleeping Dogs is a great looking game through and through.

  The gameplay is where Sleeping Dogs shines. There are tons of things to do around Honk Kong and the definitive edition brings even more activities to keep you occupied. The combat is focused around hand to hand encounters and it's one of the best parts of the experience. The combat is fast and brutal and easy to become accustomed to. Similar to the Batman Arkham games, the fighting focuses on pulling off awesome combos while countering enemies who attack you. I think it's executed just as well as the Arkham games while bringing depth in the form of unlockable moves and even the inclusion of melee weapons such as meat cleavers and tire irons. I found myself walking around the city just so I could come face to face with a rival gang. Once they see you, they immediately attack and the carnage ensues. The developers wanted to focus on martial arts so much that I didn't even fire a gun until about 7 hours into my playthrough. The fighting works so well though, that I didn't mind the wait. When the time came for me to finally pull the trigger, I wasn't disappointed. The shooting mechanics are solid enough to hold up to other third person cover based shooters, but they're nothing spectacular. In fact, I prefer the deep hand to hand combat system over the gunplay. The exciting thing about this edition of the game is that it comes with all the DLC previously released for Sleeping Dogs including Nightmare in North Point and The Year of the Snake. Along with those two expansions, you get all the guns, cars, outfits and bonuses you could want. For someone new to Sleeping Dogs, the 60 dollar asking price is a good deal for all the content you get in return. If you've played the game before, well then it depends on how much you enjoyed it the first time around, and if you're ready to give the game another shot. 

  The aspect that surprised me the most about Sleeping Dogs was how absolutely engaging the narrative is. Going into the game for the first time I didn't think that I would be so into the characters and the events that unfold around them. The story kept me hooked from beginning to end and I loved it. Recently, I've really been reminded of how important a good story is, and that it really does make everything feel more worthwhile. Sleeping Dogs is proof of that. No, the game isn't the masterpiece Grand Theft Auto 5 is, not even by a long shot, but what it does, it does extremely well. Having said that there are some minor problems that hold the game back. Most notably the wonky camera that almost always works against you while driving or even while fighting. It works well most of the time, but gets in the way enough to create some frustrating moments. I also encountered some minor clipping and audio glitches. A good example would be when I was driving my car through a crowd, using my horn to scare away pedestrians from my path and all of a sudden I stopped using my horn but the sound effect kept blaring. Even when I got out of the car it just kept going and it was so loud that  had to run 3 blocks away to escape the terrible sound. Other than those very minor issues, Sleeping Dogs is a great video game achievement that's a must play for anyone who's a fan of open world action games. Don't go into this game expecting a Chinese GTA 5 because that's not what's delivered here. The beautiful thing about this game is that it's not GTA 5. It's another open world game that's fully capable of standing on its own and making a name for itself. This game is worth your time and your money. You're bound to find something you like within the definitive edition of Sleeping Dogs.


+Great Open World
+Solid Gameplay All Around
+Engaging Narrative

-Disobedient Camera
-Some Minor Glitches


9 out of 10