Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[PSN Tuesday: Sleeping Dogs free on PS Plus; Papo & Yo on sale]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/psn-tuesday-sleeping-dogs-free-on-ps-plus-papo-and-yo-on-sale/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/psn-tuesday-sleeping-dogs-free-on-ps-plus-papo-and-yo-on-sale/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/psn-tuesday-sleeping-dogs-free-on-ps-plus-papo-and-yo-on-sale/#comments United Front's open-world action game, Sleeping Dogs, is now available for free to PlayStation Plus members as part of Instant Game Collection.

Papo & Yo is available for $9 this week (or $12 if you want the soundtrack tossed in), while Retro City Rampage is down to $7.50. Fatal Frame 2 joins the PS2 Classics list, and a multiplayer demo for Fuse teases Insomniac's latest shooter before its launch later this month. Check the PlayStation Blog for the full list of new content.

JoystiqPSN Tuesday: Sleeping Dogs free on PS Plus; Papo & Yo on sale originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 May 2013 19:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fusepapo-and-yoplaystationplaystation-vitaps3psn-tuesdaypspretro-city-rampagesleeping-dogssonyvitaTue, 07 May 2013 19:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Sleeping Dogs yips onto PlayStation Plus May 7]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/03/sleeping-dogs-yips-onto-playstation-plus-may-7/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/03/sleeping-dogs-yips-onto-playstation-plus-may-7/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/03/sleeping-dogs-yips-onto-playstation-plus-may-7/#comments PlayStation Plus breaches the Eastern crime zone of Sleeping Dogs in North America on May 7. As revealed on this week's PlayStation Blogcast, PS Plus subscribers get express tickets for some murder on the Orient in next week's store update.

Also joining the Instant Game Collection in May are Pinball Arcade on the PS3, which comes with the Tales of the Arabian Nights, Ripley's Believe It or Not, Black Hole, and Theater of Magic tables, as well as subterranean side-scroller Knytt Underground and enhanced fighter BlazBlue: Contiuum Shift Extend.

JoystiqSleeping Dogs yips onto PlayStation Plus May 7 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 May 2013 08:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>playstationplaystation-plusplaystation-vitaps3psnrelease-datesleeping-dogssquare-enixunited-front-gamesvitaFri, 03 May 2013 08:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Square Enix notes 'weak sales of big console titles' Tomb Raider, Hitman: Absolution]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/26/square-enix-weak-sales-tomb-raider-hitman-absolution/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/26/square-enix-weak-sales-tomb-raider-hitman-absolution/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/26/square-enix-weak-sales-tomb-raider-hitman-absolution/#comments Image

Square Enix announced a massive restructuring today, which included the dismissal of president Yoichi Wada, but we really hope the company takes a long look in the mirror about its sales projections. Buried within the briefing of the consolidated results forecast, the company had a slide expressing the "weak sales" of three of its games.

These allegedly anemic sales involve three games that will have sold millions of units by the end of the company's fiscal year on March 31. It seriously raises the question: how broken is Square Enix's business if Tomb Raider's expected 3.4 million units sold (not including digital distribution) is considered "weak?"

"Despite the high critical acclaim, [the games listed] failed to meet each target," the briefing notes. "In particular, North America sales force was ineffective, ending up with 2/3 of number of units sold in Europe."

Oddly - beyond this being a clear sign Square Enix North America is being thrown under the bus - this is the second time we've had to scratch our heads about Eidos/Square Enix sales projections. In 2009, the company was disappointed by the sales of Tomb Raider: Underworld, which launched in November and sold 1.5 million copies by the end of 2008. Soon after the publisher did a round of layoffs at Tomb Raider developer Crystal Dynamics.

JoystiqSquare Enix notes 'weak sales of big console titles' Tomb Raider, Hitman: Absolution originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 26 Mar 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eidoshitman-absolutionmicrosoftpcplaystationps3sleeping-dogssquare-enixtomb-raiderxboxTue, 26 Mar 2013 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sleeping Dogs 'Year of the Snake' DLC cops out today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/12/sleeping-dogs-year-of-the-snake-dlc-cops-out-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/12/sleeping-dogs-year-of-the-snake-dlc-cops-out-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/12/sleeping-dogs-year-of-the-snake-dlc-cops-out-today/#comments

Sleeping Dogs' Year of the Snake DLC is out today, complete with a brand new trailer to replace the one that leaked back in January. Year of the Snake throws protagonist Wei Shen onto the Hong Kong police force to dismantle the Cult of the Snake. With police batons. And guns. And physics-defying leaps between moving vehicles, as the trailer demonstrates.

Year of the Snake includes three new outfits, two new weapons and two new abilities. Also out today is the Law Enforcer pack, which features police attire, vehicles and weapons. The Wheels of Fury DLC pack is also due out in Q1, but there's no sign of it launching today.

Gallery: Sleeping Dogs - Year of the Snake

JoystiqSleeping Dogs 'Year of the Snake' DLC cops out today originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Mar 2013 21:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DLCmicrosoftpcplaystationps3sleeping-dogsSquare-Enixunited-front-gamesxboxyear-of-the-snakeTue, 12 Mar 2013 21:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Square Enix holding 50% off sale on Xbox Live Marketplace]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/12/square-enix-holding-50-off-sale-on-xbox-marketplace/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/12/square-enix-holding-50-off-sale-on-xbox-marketplace/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/12/square-enix-holding-50-off-sale-on-xbox-marketplace/#comments ImageA plethora of Square Enix games and DLC for the Xbox 360 are currently available on the Xbox Marketplace for 50 percent off. Until the recent ultimate deals, The Xbox Marketplace has generally had laughable "deals." See, we couldn't even use that word without putting it in quotation marks. As of late, however, the Xbox Live Marketplace is stepping up its game and wandering into Steam-esque style sales.

There are a couple exceptions to the 50 percent discount, with Deus Ex Human Revolution at $14.99 (60% off), Kane and Lynch 2 at $9.99 (25% off) and Sleeping Dogs for $19.99 (44% off). The sale will conclude on March 18. Check out the full list of cost augmentations after the break.

Continue reading Square Enix holding 50% off sale on Xbox Live Marketplace

JoystiqSquare Enix holding 50% off sale on Xbox Live Marketplace originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Mar 2013 09:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftsleeping-dogssquare-enixxboxxbox-live-marketplacexbox-marketplaceTue, 12 Mar 2013 09:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Sleeping Dogs 'Wheels of Fury' add-on out now]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/28/sleeping-dogs-wheels-of-fury-add-on-out-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/28/sleeping-dogs-wheels-of-fury-add-on-out-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/28/sleeping-dogs-wheels-of-fury-add-on-out-now/#comments PSA Sleeping Dogs 'Wheels of Fury' out nowThe latest add-on for Square Enix's open-world action game, Sleeping Dogs, is available now for Xbox 360, PS3, and PC. "Wheels of Fury" adds five new missions and a "weaponized supercar" to Wei Shen's quest. Fully equipped, the DZS-90 boasts two roof-mounted machine guns, an electromagnetic pulse weapon, four-wheel steering and the less palpable luxury of exuded intimidation.

Wheels of Fury is available for $3.99 (or 320MSP if you're on Xbox). You can see the DZS-90 in action in the gallery below.

Gallery: Sleeping Dogs (Wheels of Fury)

Continue reading Sleeping Dogs 'Wheels of Fury' add-on out now

JoystiqSleeping Dogs 'Wheels of Fury' add-on out now originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Feb 2013 00:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>addonmicrosoftpcplaystationps3sleeping-dogssquare-enixweaponized-supercarwheels-of-furyxboxThu, 28 Feb 2013 00:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sleeping Dogs 'Year of the Snake' DLC confirmed for Q1]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/01/sleeping-dogs-year-of-the-snake-dlc-confirmed-for-q1/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/01/sleeping-dogs-year-of-the-snake-dlc-confirmed-for-q1/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/01/sleeping-dogs-year-of-the-snake-dlc-confirmed-for-q1/#comments Sleeping Dogs 'Year of the Snake' DLC confirmed for Q1The DLC train for Sleeping Dogs chugs on with Year of the Snake, a story expansion due sometime in February or March. Publisher Square Enix outlined the DLC, which had a trailer leaked earlier this week, and as suggested it sees Wei Shen hook up with the Hong Kong police to take down the Cult of the Snake. The DLC features new abilities, outfits, and weapons, including tear-gas guns and electroshock pistols.

Square Enix also confirmed two more upcoming DLC packs for its Far Eastern felony-fest, also due in Q1. The Law Enforcer pack features crime-fighting outfits, weaponry, and vehicles, while the Wheels of Fury pack features the "weaponized supercar" DZS-90. Meanwhile, this week saw the releases of the Monkey King and Movie Masters packs. If you can only say one thing for Sleeping Dogs, it's that Square Enix has absolutely kept to its promise of six months of DLC.

Gallery: Sleeping Dogs (Early 2013 DLC)

Law Enforcer PackThe Monkey King PackMovie Masters PackWheels of Fury PackYear of the Snake

Continue reading Sleeping Dogs 'Year of the Snake' DLC confirmed for Q1

JoystiqSleeping Dogs 'Year of the Snake' DLC confirmed for Q1 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 01 Feb 2013 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DLCmicrosoftpcplaystationps3PSNsleeping-dogssquare-enixunited-front-gamesXBLAXBLMxboxFri, 01 Feb 2013 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sleeping Dogs 'Year of the Snake' DLC trailer and trophies leaked]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/30/sleeping-dogs-year-of-the-snake-dlc-trailer-and-trophies-leake/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/30/sleeping-dogs-year-of-the-snake-dlc-trailer-and-trophies-leake/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/30/sleeping-dogs-year-of-the-snake-dlc-trailer-and-trophies-leake/#comments
What looks like a teaser trailer for 'Year of the Snake' DLC for Sleeping Dogs emerged online, along with a list of trophies. The trailer, which its poster says was plucked from the game's directory, doesn't show much that couldn't be ascertained from the name, but the trophy list does offer a bit more info.

The Chinese crime cabaret involves a bomb squad you'll presumably join, and a bunch of cultists you'll definitely take down. There are also Evidence Collectibles to collect and give pride of place to in your Evidence Collection.

When approached about the DLC, a Square Enix representative told us, "No comment."

JoystiqSleeping Dogs 'Year of the Snake' DLC trailer and trophies leaked originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 Jan 2013 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftpcplaystationps3sleeping-dogssquare-enixtrophiesunited-front-gamesxboxWed, 30 Jan 2013 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Sleeping Dogs, Wipeout 2048 feature in Europe's PS Plus February freebies]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/28/sleeping-dogs-wipeout-2048-feature-in-europes-ps-plus-february/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/28/sleeping-dogs-wipeout-2048-feature-in-europes-ps-plus-february/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/28/sleeping-dogs-wipeout-2048-feature-in-europes-ps-plus-february/#comments PlayStation Plus is bringing a new slew of freely available games to its European subscriber base next month. Top of the bill is the Eastern standard crime of Sleeping Dogs, which comes into the Instant Game Collection's harbor on February 6. It's joined on the same day by Airtight Games' Quantum Conundrum and Codemasters' F1 Race Stars. Following in the PS3 trio's footsteps are two Vita games, with Wipeout 2048 gliding in on February 13, and Lumines Electronic Symphony lighting things up on February 20.

If you've not yet signed up to PS Plus, Sony Europe wants to tempt you by knocking 30 percent off the 90 day membership. The subscription costs £7.99/€9.99 if bought between February 6 and 20. If you wait until then, however, you'll likely lose your chance to pick up BioShock 2, Ratchet and Clank All 4 One, and Cubixx HD, which all depart the Instant Game Collection on February 6. Jet Set Radio also skates on after February 13, while Pinball Arcade drops into the abyss on February 20.

JoystiqSleeping Dogs, Wipeout 2048 feature in Europe's PS Plus February freebies originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 28 Jan 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>europef1-race-starslumines-electronic-symphonyplaystationplaystation-plusplaystation-vitaps3quantum-conundrumsleeping-dogssonyvitawipeout-2048Mon, 28 Jan 2013 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sleeping Dogs: Zodiac Tournament add-on is skill of mortal combat, available now]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/19/sleeping-dogs-zodiac-tournament-add-on-available-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/19/sleeping-dogs-zodiac-tournament-add-on-available-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/19/sleeping-dogs-zodiac-tournament-add-on-available-now/#comments

Sleeping Dogs' "Zodiac Tournament" downloadable content is available today for $5 (400 MSP) on Xbox 360, PS3 and PC. The DLC finds protagonist Wei Shen entering the dragon of an exclusive combat tournament on the hidden Zodiac Island outside Hong Kong.

Continue reading Sleeping Dogs: Zodiac Tournament add-on is skill of mortal combat, available now

JoystiqSleeping Dogs: Zodiac Tournament add-on is skill of mortal combat, available now originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 19 Dec 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftpcplaystationps3sleeping-dogsunited-front-gamesxboxWed, 19 Dec 2012 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rage, Sleeping Dogs DLC packs firing up on PSN Dec. 18 [Update: Rage DLC also on 360/PC, details confirmed]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/14/rage-sleeping-dogs-dlc-packs-firing-up-on-psn-dec-18/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/14/rage-sleeping-dogs-dlc-packs-firing-up-on-psn-dec-18/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/14/rage-sleeping-dogs-dlc-packs-firing-up-on-psn-dec-18/#comments Rage, Sleeping Dogs DLC packs firing up on PSN Dec 18Rage and Sleeping Dogs are getting new DLC expansions on PSN via next week's North American store update. As revealed by this week's PlayStation Blogcast, December 18 sees Rage receive the long-rumored "The Scorchers" content, while Sleeping Dogs receives its second gameplay-extending DLC with the "Zodiac Tournament Pack."

Rage publisher Bethesda and developer id haven't disclosed any details on The Scorchers, although uncovered trophies suggest it brings a new job path and "Ultra Nightmare Difficulty" to the shooter. As for Zodiac Tournament Pack, publisher Square Enix revealed it introduces a new island area to Sleeping Dogs, along with two unlockable outfits and some extra fighting moves to unleash.

The podcast also revealed Karateka makes the jump to PSN on December 18, along with PS3 digital downloads of Lego Lord of the Rings and Batman: Arkham Asylum.

We've reached out to publishers Square Enix and Bethesda for more information on the Sleeping Dogs and Rage DLC packs respectively.

Update: Bethesda has officially announced The Scorchers over on its official blog, confirming the addition of an "Ultra Nightmare" difficulty level, as well as six new areas, new mini-games and a new Nailgun weapon. The DLC pack will also arrive on Xbox 360 and PC this Tuesday.

JoystiqRage, Sleeping Dogs DLC packs firing up on PSN Dec. 18 [Update: Rage DLC also on 360/PC, details confirmed] originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 14 Dec 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>batman-arkham-asylumbethesdabethesda-softworksDLCid-softwarekaratekalego-lord-of-the-ringsplaystationps3PSNragerelease-datesleeping-dogssquare-enixsquare-enix-london-studiosunited-front-gamesFri, 14 Dec 2012 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sleeping Dogs now snoozing on Xbox Live Games on Demand]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/21/sleeping-dogs-now-snoozing-on-xbox-live-games-on-demand/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/21/sleeping-dogs-now-snoozing-on-xbox-live-games-on-demand/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/21/sleeping-dogs-now-snoozing-on-xbox-live-games-on-demand/#comments Sleeping Dogs now snoozing on Xbox Live Games on DemandIn case you've not noticed it dozing on retail shelves, Sleeping Dogs is now grabbing 40 winks on Xbox Live's Games on Demand, and (Square Enix hopes) $44.99 from your wallet.

Back when Xav dissected it in August, the action-adventure's seedy underbelly didn't exactly strike him as brimming with originality. He doled out three and a half stars in his review, saying that while it's a good game, "Sleeping Dogs mostly leaves you remembering the media that inspired it and probably won't remain in your thoughts over time."

JoystiqSleeping Dogs now snoozing on Xbox Live Games on Demand originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Nov 2012 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>games-on-demandmicrosoftsleeping-dogssquare-enixunited-front-gamesXBLMxboxxbox-liveWed, 21 Nov 2012 18:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Sleeping Dogs DLC dresses you up in Square Enix costumes]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/13/sleeping-dogs-dlc-dresses-you-up-in-square-enix-costumes/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/13/sleeping-dogs-dlc-dresses-you-up-in-square-enix-costumes/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/13/sleeping-dogs-dlc-dresses-you-up-in-square-enix-costumes/#comments
Forgive us for the least cute post you'll see today with "dress up" and "dogs" in the headline. Instead of corgis in costumes, the topic of conversation is Sleeping Dogs, which offers some crossover costume DLC today, including a vaguely unsettling bald cap.

The cap is attached to the Hitman suit in the "Square Enix Character Pack" launching today, which also includes a Deus Ex-inspired outfit and a Rico Rodriguez getup from Just Cause. It'll be available tomorrow on Xbox Live and Steam worldwide, and PSN in Europe, for two bucks or its local equivalent. North American PSN users will have to wait until November 20 to make their game look like other games.

Check out the Deus Ex outfit above; you can see a vignette with the Hitman outfit after the break.

Continue reading Sleeping Dogs DLC dresses you up in Square Enix costumes

JoystiqSleeping Dogs DLC dresses you up in Square Enix costumes originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 Nov 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>deus-ex-human-revolutiondlchitmanjust-cause-2microsoftpcplaystationps3sleeping-dogsxboxTue, 13 Nov 2012 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Square Enix sales up, profits down in first half]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/06/square-enix-sales-up-profits-down-in-first-half/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/06/square-enix-sales-up-profits-down-in-first-half/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/06/square-enix-sales-up-profits-down-in-first-half/#comments After releasing its revised forecast for the first half of its fiscal year last week, Square Enix has announced the actual results (PDF). Surprise, surprise, the revised forecasts were right on the money, with the company reporting net sales of ¥61 billion ($760 million) for the six months ended September 30, an increase of ¥3.5 billion ($43.6 million) over the same period last year. As forecast, Square has posted a ¥5.4 billion ($67 million) net loss during the past six months, compared to a ¥3.7 billion net income during the same period last year.

The company's performance is laid at the feet of lower than expected console game sales, development costs for mobile games and "sluggish" arcade machine sales and revenues. Last week's forecast specifically mentioned slow sales of "a major HD game title," presumably Sleeping Dogs, which launched in August.

JoystiqSquare Enix sales up, profits down in first half originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Nov 2012 11:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>financialfinancialsfiscal-2012fiscal-year-2012sleeping-dogssquare-enixTue, 06 Nov 2012 11:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Square Enix lowers financial forecast in wake of slow sales]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/31/square-enix-lowers-financial-forecast-in-wake-of-slow-sales/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/31/square-enix-lowers-financial-forecast-in-wake-of-slow-sales/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/31/square-enix-lowers-financial-forecast-in-wake-of-slow-sales/#comments Square Enix has revised its financial forecast (PDF) for both the six month period ending September 30 and its fiscal year ending March 31, 2013. Expected sales for the six month period have been reduced from ¥76 billion ($952 million) to ¥61 billion ($763 million). Projected net income for the period has been reduced from breaking even to a ¥5.4 billion loss ($67 million).

The fiscal year forecast, meanwhile, has dropped from ¥165 billion ($2 billion) to ¥150 billion ($1.8 billion), with expected net income dropping from ¥9 billion ($112 million) to ¥3.5 billion ($43 million).

The reasons behind the revision in the six month period, according to Square Enix, were "sluggish sales" of new arcade machines and that "sales of a major HD game title have been growing at a slower pace than expected." Presumably, the game in question is Sleeping Dogs, which was released this past August to generally favorable reviews. The notice also cites the "delays of a social game service launch." Fiscal year revisions were made in light of the aforementioned issues and "uncertainties of the business environment."

Square Enix's next major release is Hitman: Absolution. Agent 47 returns on November 20.

JoystiqSquare Enix lowers financial forecast in wake of slow sales originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 31 Oct 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>financialfiscal-2012fiscal-year-2012microsoftpcplaystationps3sleeping-dogssquare-enixxboxWed, 31 Oct 2012 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Non-Halloween Sleeping Dogs DLC still involves dressing up]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/23/non-halloween-sleeping-dogs-dlc-still-involves-dressing-up/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/23/non-halloween-sleeping-dogs-dlc-still-involves-dressing-up/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/23/non-halloween-sleeping-dogs-dlc-still-involves-dressing-up/#comments If, for some reason, you want to play Sleeping Dogs DLC that doesn't involve jiangshi - even though we honestly can't imagine someone feeling that way - two more DLC packs are available today.

The Screen Legends pack, featuring "Lightning Warrior" and "Wing Chun Master outfits," and the SWAT Pack, featuring a SWAT van and uniform, are available on Steam and PS3 now; they have yet to show up on Xbox, but we expect to see them tomorrow.

JoystiqNon-Halloween Sleeping Dogs DLC still involves dressing up originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 23 Oct 2012 23:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcpcscreen-legends-packsleeping-dogssteamswat-packTue, 23 Oct 2012 23:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Buy AMD Radeon HD 7900, get Far Cry 3, Hitman: Absolution and Sleeping Dogs free]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/22/buy-amd-radeon-hd-7900-get-far-cry-3-hitman-absolution-and-sl/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/22/buy-amd-radeon-hd-7900-get-far-cry-3-hitman-absolution-and-sl/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/22/buy-amd-radeon-hd-7900-get-far-cry-3-hitman-absolution-and-sl/#comments Buy AMD Radoen HD 7900, get Far Cry 3, Hitman Absolution Sleeping Dogs freeAMD is doing something innovative with a graphics card bundle: including games we want to play. Engadget reports the company's new 'Never Settle' campaign gives away Far Cry 3, Hitman: Absolution, and Sleeping Dogs with any Radeon HD 7900 series purchase, along with 20 percent off Medal of Honor: Warfighter.

The promotion extends across Radeon HD 7770 GHz cards and up. Single 7770 GHz and 7800 purchases get Far Cry 3 and 20 percent off MoH: Warfighter, while dual purchases get Hitman: Absolution thrown in too. AMD places the 7900 bundle's value at over $170, a meaty response to Nvidia's Borderlands 2 freebie with the GeForce GTX 660 Ti.

JoystiqBuy AMD Radeon HD 7900, get Far Cry 3, Hitman: Absolution and Sleeping Dogs free originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 22 Oct 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amdamd-radeonborderlands-2far-cry-3medal-of-honor-warfighterpcsleeping-dogsMon, 22 Oct 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sleeping Dogs unearths some undead Halloween DLC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/19/sleeping-dogs-unearths-some-undead-halloween-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/19/sleeping-dogs-unearths-some-undead-halloween-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/19/sleeping-dogs-unearths-some-undead-halloween-dlc/#comments
Finally acquiescing to Game Design Statute #71, Square Enix will be adding zombies to Sleeping Dogs in its upcoming Halloween DLC. The publisher promises these are no ordinary undead, however, but are instead inspired by Chinese mythology. Entitled "Nightmare in North Point," the DLC tells the story of gangster Big Scar Wu, who was so unruly that the Grand Dragon "set out to make an example of him and had him stabbed 42 times before feeding his bleeding corpse to the grinder at the Smiley Cat food plant."

Wu hasn't taken the whole affair lying down, apparently, and "has risen from hell as Smiley Cat, bringing with him an army of Jiang Shi." So yeah, not exactly your typical zombie story. Nightmare in Northpoint is slated to arrive on Xbox, PS3 and Steam this Halloween.

Gallery: Sleeping Dogs - Nightmare in North Point

JoystiqSleeping Dogs unearths some undead Halloween DLC originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 19 Oct 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcmicrosoftpcplaystationps3sleeping-dogssquare-enixunited-front-gamesxboxFri, 19 Oct 2012 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sleeping Dogs, Payday: The Heist are cheap on Steam this weekend]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/19/sleeping-dogs-payday-the-heist-are-cheap-on-steam-this-weekend/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/19/sleeping-dogs-payday-the-heist-are-cheap-on-steam-this-weekend/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/19/sleeping-dogs-payday-the-heist-are-cheap-on-steam-this-weekend/#comments Big discounts on Sleeping Dogs and Payday on Steam this weekendSleeping Dogs and Payday: The Heist are both discounted this weekend, and one of them gets a free weekend as well. Guess which one. We'll give you a hint: It's the one with guns. OK, another hint: It tells the story of career criminals. Got it? That's right, Payday: The Sleeping-Dogs Heist.

Fine, it's Payday: The Heist that gets the free weekend, from now through Sunday at 1 p.m. PST. If you try it and want to buy, it's 75 percent off ($5) now through Monday at 10 a.m. PT. Sleeping Dogs is 50 percent off ($25) during that time.

JoystiqSleeping Dogs, Payday: The Heist are cheap on Steam this weekend originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 19 Oct 2012 01:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>discountfreefree-weekendpayday-the-heistpcsaleSleeping-DogsSOESquare-EnixSTEAMFri, 19 Oct 2012 01:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sleeping Dogs dreams up a poll for fans to choose next DLC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/18/sleeping-dogs-dreams-up-a-poll-for-fans-to-choose-next-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/18/sleeping-dogs-dreams-up-a-poll-for-fans-to-choose-next-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/18/sleeping-dogs-dreams-up-a-poll-for-fans-to-choose-next-dlc/#comments Sleeping Dogs dreams up a poll for fans to choose next DLCSquare Enix is letting Sleeping Dogs fans vote for what the game's next DLC pack will be, via a newly unveiled basset - sorry, ballot. As explained on the game's website, players can vote for one of two content packs, and then that pack gets created and released as the game's next DLC. Both packs include a new cosmetic add-on, buff, weapon, and vehicle.

The first pack is inspired by Journey to the West, the same Chinese folk tale which Enslaved is based on. It includes a Sun WuKong Monkey skin along with a one-handed staff, melee buff, and a Monkey-themed vehicle. As for the second 'Fire Fighter' pack, it includes a firefighters' outfit, unbreakable fire axe, damage resistance buff, and a fire van. Square Enix says the last item is inspired by seeing players repeatedly hijack the game's fire truck, which can't fit in the garage. And yes, the trusty fire van is the little van that can.

At the time of writing, the Sun WuKong pack has almost exactly four times as many votes as the Fire Fighter pack. There's still plenty of time to vote here and turn that around before the poll closes this Sunday, October 21. On a side note, there's been a lot of stuff recently about voting, hasn't there? There's the Pac-Man thing, then the poll for the new BioShock Infinite trailer, and now this. It's like there's some big election going on or something.

[Thanks, Gregory]

JoystiqSleeping Dogs dreams up a poll for fans to choose next DLC originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 18 Oct 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DLCmicrosoftpcplaystationps3sleeping-dogssquare-enixunited-front-gamesvotexboxThu, 18 Oct 2012 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sleeping Dogs goes digital on PSN in Europe and Australasia]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/17/sleeping-dogs-goes-digital-on-psn-in-europe-and-australasia/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/17/sleeping-dogs-goes-digital-on-psn-in-europe-and-australasia/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/17/sleeping-dogs-goes-digital-on-psn-in-europe-and-australasia/#comments Sleeping Dogs goes digital on PSN in Europe and AustralasiaSleeping Dogs is waking up and going for digital walkies on PlayStation Network in Europe and Australasia. Square Enix's action-adventure is now available to download from both continents' stores, and comes with three of the downloadable packs released to date.

There's the Retro Triad Pack, which gives you some funky 80s garb and a kiler kung fu van to trawl the streets of Hong Kong with. Also included is the Red Envelope Pack, which dispenses 20 red envelopes (funnily enough) throughout the region, each one stuffed with $50,000 HK. Finally, there's also the Street Racer pack released yesterday, which is kind of self-descriptive. Except one of the three races included is water-based, so there's that.

The digital edition is now available in Europe and Australasia, priced £47.99/€69.99/$89.95 AU. We've reached out to Square Enix to find out if we can expect something similar for the North American PlayStation Store too.

JoystiqSleeping Dogs goes digital on PSN in Europe and Australasia originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 17 Oct 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>playstationps3PSNrelease-datesleeping-dogssquare-enixunited-front-gamesWed, 17 Oct 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Three Sleeping Dogs DLC packs out today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/16/psa-three-sleeping-dogs-dlc-packs-out-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/16/psa-three-sleeping-dogs-dlc-packs-out-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/16/psa-three-sleeping-dogs-dlc-packs-out-today/#comments PSA Sleeping Dogs Street Racer, Tactical Soldier, free packs out nowThree DLC packs for Sleeping Dogs launch today for PS3, Xbox 360 and PC: The Street Racer pack runs $4 (320 MS Points), the Tactical Soldier pack is $2 (160 MS Points), and the Community Gift pack is free (otherwise it wouldn't be much of a gift).

Street Racer adds three new races on land and sea, titled Kamikaze, Cross Island Enduro and Harbor Run - the last of which is the water-based race, if that wasn't obvious. This pack includes a new Sting racing bike and a Dragon outfit.

Tactical Soldier includes the assault rifle, known as "the game's most powerful and destructive weapon," and the strongest armor of the game, the Tactical outfit. The Community Gift pack includes wardrobe items from developer United Front Games, for United Front Games: a studio t-shirt, a UFG-themed, environmentally friendly compact car and a luchador mask, which is apparently some sort of inside joke for the development team.

All three packs are available right now, so get racing, tactician-ing and wrestling, we guess.

JoystiqPSA: Three Sleeping Dogs DLC packs out today originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 16 Oct 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DLCfreemicrosoftpcplaystationps3sleeping-dogsstreet-racertactical-soldierunited-front-gamesxboxTue, 16 Oct 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[First Sleeping Dogs story DLC hits Oct. 30, is 'horror-themed']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/14/first-sleeping-dogs-story-dlc-hits-oct-30-is-horror-themed/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/14/first-sleeping-dogs-story-dlc-hits-oct-30-is-horror-themed/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/14/first-sleeping-dogs-story-dlc-hits-oct-30-is-horror-themed/#comments First Sleeping Dogs story DLC, 'Nightmare in Northpoint,' hits Oct 30"Nightmare in Northpoint," the first story-driven bit of DLC for Sleeping Dogs, is set to fight for dominance on October 30.

It will be "horror-themed," similar to Red Dead Redemption's "Undead Nightmare" DLC (it even shares a common word), United Front tells Kotaku. United Front unveiled the DLC during a panel at New York Comic Con, saying the pack will "explore other aspects of Hong Kong cinema."

Sleeping Dogs is getting heaps of DLC in the six months following its launch in August, with the "Street Racer" pack next in line on October 16.

JoystiqFirst Sleeping Dogs story DLC hits Oct. 30, is 'horror-themed' originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 14 Oct 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DLCmicrosoftnightmare-in-northpointpcplaystationps3sleeping-dogsstoryxboxSun, 14 Oct 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sleeping Dogs DLC goes street racing on October 16]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/10/sleeping-dogs-dlc-goes-street-racing-on-october-16/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/10/sleeping-dogs-dlc-goes-street-racing-on-october-16/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/10/sleeping-dogs-dlc-goes-street-racing-on-october-16/#comments Square Enix has gone on the record about several Sleeping Dogs DLC packs coming in October, and the first supplementary content pack has been dated for October 16. The 'Street Racer' DLC pack will be available for 320 MS Points on Xbox 360, $3.99 on both PlayStation 3 and PC via Steam. The DLC pack adds three new races across land and sea.

'Street Racer' also adds a new motorcycle to Wei Shen's garage and a new outfit to his closet, boosting defense against gunfire and accidents. Retailers recently slashed the price of Sleeping Dogs - it's $40 on both Xbox 360 and PS3 on Amazon and GameStop, or as a $30 PC download through GameStop.

JoystiqSleeping Dogs DLC goes street racing on October 16 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Oct 2012 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Amazon.comdlcGameStopmicrosoftpcplaystationps3Sci/Techsleeping-dogsSquare EnixSteamunited-front-gamesxboxXbox 360Wed, 10 Oct 2012 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Retailers take a bite out of Sleeping Dogs' price]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/08/retailers-take-a-bite-out-of-sleeping-dogs-price/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/08/retailers-take-a-bite-out-of-sleeping-dogs-price/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/08/retailers-take-a-bite-out-of-sleeping-dogs-price/#comments If you somehow have time to take on a new open-world game in this insane fall release season, Sleeping Dogs is nice and cheap on Amazon and GameStop right now. The PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 versions of United Front Games' Hong Kong crime game are $40 on both retailers' sites, with the PC download version available for $30.

If you picked the game up now, you'd be just in time to start in on the new DLC due this month.

JoystiqRetailers take a bite out of Sleeping Dogs' price originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Oct 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftpcplaystationps3sleeping-dogsxboxMon, 08 Oct 2012 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sleeping Dogs DLC rouses first story missions, many content packs in October]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/21/sleeping-dogs-dlc-rouses-first-story-missions-many-content-pack/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/21/sleeping-dogs-dlc-rouses-first-story-missions-many-content-pack/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/21/sleeping-dogs-dlc-rouses-first-story-missions-many-content-pack/#comments
The plan to provide six months of Sleeping Dogs DLC continues across October. Square Enix will dish out a variety of mission packs and in-game items, presumably as premium (see: you gotta buy it) DLC - like the Street Racer pack, which adds three new races, one in a car, one on a motorcycle and one steering a boat. Packed in is a new Sting motorbike, a custom helmet and a leather jacket that adds extra defense against gunfire.

The SWAT pack puts you in an armored van as you patrol the streets of Hong Kong, responding to various emergencies in your new SWAT tactical uniform that can "withstand twice as much damage." The Tactical Soldier pack puts an assault rifle with an attached grenade launcher in your hands and a tactical uniform, accessible at any time from your apartment. As far as price goes for all this stuff, Square Enix isn't talking how much - in the past these packs have typically cost a few bucks a pop.

A free community gift pack will be available sometime in October, the contents of which haven't been revealed yet. And, finally, the first DLC to extend the Sleeping Dogs story will also be available in October and is set to be revealed at New York Comic Con on October 14.

JoystiqSleeping Dogs DLC rouses first story missions, many content packs in October originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 21 Sep 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcmicrosoftpcplaystationps3sleeping-dogsunited-front-gamesxboxFri, 21 Sep 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sleeping Dogs rests atop UK charts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/17/sleeping-dogs-rests-atop-uk-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/17/sleeping-dogs-rests-atop-uk-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/17/sleeping-dogs-rests-atop-uk-charts/#comments
Just Cause 2 players get bonus threads in Sleeping Dogs
Sleeping Dogs is, once again, at the top of Chart-Track's UK all formats sales chart. This is the fourth week Square Enix's crime sandbox has rested comfortably on the throne, with its reign briefly broken a couple weeks ago by Guild Wars 2, which battles on in seventh.

Tekken Tag Tournament 2 was the only major new addition to the chart last week, debuting in second. Chart-Track notes it's been 12 years since the previous entry on PlayStation 2, back in October of 2000. The rest of the top ten shuffles to make room. Punch past the break for the UK top ten.

Continue reading Sleeping Dogs rests atop UK charts

JoystiqSleeping Dogs rests atop UK charts originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 17 Sep 2012 08:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chart-trackchart-track-weeklylego-batman-2-dc-super-heroesmicrosoftnintendopcplaystationps3sleeping-dogstekken-tag-tournament-2wiixboxMon, 17 Sep 2012 08:35:00 EST<![CDATA[NPD: Sleeping Dogs sold 172K across PS3 and Xbox 360 in August]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/10/npd-sleeping-dogs-sold-172k-across-ps3-and-xbox-360-in-august/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/10/npd-sleeping-dogs-sold-172k-across-ps3-and-xbox-360-in-august/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/10/npd-sleeping-dogs-sold-172k-across-ps3-and-xbox-360-in-august/#comments Darksiders 2 managed to come out on top in August NPD-tracked sales, selling 247,000 copies across PS3, Xbox 360 and PC, whereas Sleeping Dogs sold 172,000 across PS3 and Xbox 360, an NPD rep confirmed with Joystiq.

PC sales for Sleeping Dogs were omitted from the report because it was only available as a download - no boxed retail version for the PC is available in the US.

JoystiqNPD: Sleeping Dogs sold 172K across PS3 and Xbox 360 in August originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 10 Sep 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftnpdpcplaystationps3sleeping-dogsxboxMon, 10 Sep 2012 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sleeping Dogs bites back on UK charts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/10/sleeping-dogs-bite-back-on-uk-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/10/sleeping-dogs-bite-back-on-uk-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/10/sleeping-dogs-bite-back-on-uk-charts/#comments Sleeping Dogs returns to the top of the UK sales chart this week. This would be the third time the Square Enix sandbox crime game has held first in the month since its debut. It took last week off for Guild Wars 2, which now sits in sixth following an 84 percent sales drop.

The only new entry to the top 40 this week is the latest Sims expansion. The Sims 3: Supernatural, featuring sparkly vampires and brooding werewolves, premiered in second. It is the seventh expansion to the popular dollhouse franchise.

The rest of the top ten are a mix of newer entries like Darksiders 2 and entrenched games like Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3.

Continue reading Sleeping Dogs bites back on UK charts

JoystiqSleeping Dogs bites back on UK charts originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 10 Sep 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>britainchart-trackchart-track-weeklymicrosoftnew-super-mario-bros-2pcplaystationps3sleeping-dogsThe-Sims-3-SupernaturalukxboxMon, 10 Sep 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Guild Wars 2 tiptoes past Sleeping Dogs for UK top spot]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/03/guild-wars-2-tiptoes-past-sleeping-dogs-for-uk-top-spot/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/03/guild-wars-2-tiptoes-past-sleeping-dogs-for-uk-top-spot/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/03/guild-wars-2-tiptoes-past-sleeping-dogs-for-uk-top-spot/#comments
Failguaggan
Guild Wars 2, the MMO so popular that its developer felt obligated to stop online sales in order to maintain quality control for players, was the top selling game in the UK last week. According to Chart-Track, the game enjoyed the "second largest launch ever for a non-Warcraft MMO PC title, behind Star Wars: The Old Republic." Let us hope that Guild Wars 2 doesn't suffer the same fate as the MMO in a galaxy far, far away.

Guild Wars 2 is also the first PC-exclusive game in the UK to reach the top spot since Football Manager 2011 in November of 2010. It should be noted that Guild Wars 2 was also sold as a digitally distributed product, which would not be counted by Chart-Track.

Sleeping Dogs slides one spot into second, showing it has a longer sales tail than Darksiders 2, which had sales drop 71 percent last week to go from second to sixth. Ride past the break for the UK top ten.

Continue reading Guild Wars 2 tiptoes past Sleeping Dogs for UK top spot

JoystiqGuild Wars 2 tiptoes past Sleeping Dogs for UK top spot originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 03 Sep 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>britainchart-trackchart-track-weeklyGuild-Wars-2microsoftpcplaystationps3Sleeping-DogsukxboxMon, 03 Sep 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Death arrives on UK charts in second, Sleeping Dogs lie in first]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/28/death-arrives-on-uk-charts-in-second-sleeping-dogs-lie-in-first/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/28/death-arrives-on-uk-charts-in-second-sleeping-dogs-lie-in-first/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/28/death-arrives-on-uk-charts-in-second-sleeping-dogs-lie-in-first/#comments Sleeping Dogs rests comfortably in first place for a second week on the UK charts. Darksiders 2's debut didn't knock off the crime simulator, but the apocalyptic sequel did see 80 percent more units sold in its first week than its predecessor, according to Chart-Track.

The only other new entry to the top of the charts last week was Transformers: Fall of Cybertron, which rolled out into fifth. The holiday season is just starting and the battle for the charts is slowiy heating up. Transform this page past the break for the UK top ten.

Continue reading Death arrives on UK charts in second, Sleeping Dogs lie in first

JoystiqDeath arrives on UK charts in second, Sleeping Dogs lie in first originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 28 Aug 2012 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsBritainchart-trackchart-track-weeklydarksiders-2microsoftnew-super-mario-bros-2nintendoplaystationps3sleeping-dogsUKxboxTue, 28 Aug 2012 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Metareview: Sleeping Dogs]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/27/metareview-sleeping-dogs/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/27/metareview-sleeping-dogs/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/27/metareview-sleeping-dogs/#comments
Stiq Flicks Sleeping Dogs and Hard Boiled
Sleeping Dogs is going through the normal pains of a new sandbox franchise's first outing. The reviews are good, but not great. The tech works, but it's not as polished as others in the genre. It's hard to be top dog in the sandbox crime genre when your competition includes Grand Theft Auto and Saints Row.
  • IGN (85/100): "Sleeping Dogs did things that wowed me from the moment I started playing, and it never really stopped. A few finicky issues aside, Sleeping Dogs has proven itself worthy of joining the top class of open-world sandbox games revolutionized by the likes of Grand Theft Auto IV and currently topped by more recent additions like Saints Row: The Third. But don't be confused; Sleeping Dogs does some things better than even the cream of the crop, and its story will be what keeps you focused on playing."
  • Giant Bomb (4/5): "So perhaps Sleeping Dogs isn't one of those games you'll want to keep on playing long after you've seen its story's conclusion. But while you're engaged with that story, this is an effective open-world experience, filled with interesting characters, some exciting action, and enough unpredictability to keep you hooked. It might feel familiar, but that doesn't make it any less fun."
  • Game Informer (78/100): "Sleeping Dogs has enough entertainment value to justify Square Enix's decision to save it from cancellation, but it also displays a lack of polish that makes its troubled development evident. For fans of open world games, it comes at a good time. Gamers who purchased Saints Row: The Third most likely finished it months ago, and we still don't have a confirmed release window for Grand Theft Auto V. If you're looking to explore the criminal underbelly of a city and get in some trouble, you could do worse than Sleeping Dogs while you wait for Rockstar's top dog."
  • Eurogamer (70/100): "It's a sad irony that the gameplay format that offers the most freedom for the player is the one most likely to trap developers in a loop of repetitive, copycat design. They have the ability to conjure up large, populated, realistic worlds and traverse them in any number of ways, and yet still we end up getting the same old cops-and-robbers story."

Gallery: Sleeping Dogs (5/24/12)

JoystiqMetareview: Sleeping Dogs originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 27 Aug 2012 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftpcplaystationps3sleeping-dogsSquare-Enixunited-front-gamesxboxMon, 27 Aug 2012 09:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Fetch a Sleeping Dogs demo on Xbox and PS3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/22/fetch-a-sleeping-dogs-demo-on-xbox-and-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/22/fetch-a-sleeping-dogs-demo-on-xbox-and-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/22/fetch-a-sleeping-dogs-demo-on-xbox-and-ps3/#comments
Before you go deep undercover in Sleeping Dogs, you can go a little undercover in a segment of the giant open city of Hong Kong, by downloading the demo that was just released this week.

It's out on Xbox Live everywhere and PSN in Europe today, and arrived on PSN in North America yesterday. The demo includes a look at the "brutal martial arts combat, exhilarating free-running, and intense gunfights offered by Sleeping Dogs," a statement that would be incredibly shocking if you didn't know that was the title of a video game.

JoystiqFetch a Sleeping Dogs demo on Xbox and PS3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Aug 2012 15:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>demomicrosoftplaystationps3psnsleeping-dogsxblmxboxWed, 22 Aug 2012 15:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Three new Sleeping Dogs DLC packs rough up Steam]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/22/three-new-sleeping-dogs-dlc-packs-rough-up-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/22/three-new-sleeping-dogs-dlc-packs-rough-up-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/22/three-new-sleeping-dogs-dlc-packs-rough-up-steam/#comments New Sleeping Dogs DLC on SteamThree new DLC packs for Sleeping Dogs have landed on Steam, running $3 a pop. There's the Red Envelope Pack, which sends players on a hunt throughout Hong Kong for 20 red envelopes stuffed with $50,000 each, netting an eventual $1 million (HK dollars, that is).

Next up is the Top Dog Gold Pack, which nets players 8,250 Triad, 4,500 Cop and 4,500 extra Face Experience Points. The High Roller Pack provides $200,000 and early access to the luxury Tuono vehicle and High Roller suit, both of which can be earned otherwise by playing the game.

JoystiqThree new Sleeping Dogs DLC packs rough up Steam originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Aug 2012 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DLCpcsleeping-dogsSquare-EnixSTEAMunited-front-gamesWed, 22 Aug 2012 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sleeping Dogs and the amazing disappearing woman trick]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/21/sleeping-dogs-and-the-amazing-disappearing-woman-trick/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/21/sleeping-dogs-and-the-amazing-disappearing-woman-trick/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/21/sleeping-dogs-and-the-amazing-disappearing-woman-trick/#comments
Sleeping Dogs protagonist Wei Shen is the Vegas magician of Hong Kong. He can make women disappear by placing them in bathrooms ... the only problem is making them reappear once the trick is over. Shen likely picked up the trick visiting Saints Row 2's town of Stilwater.

Continue reading Sleeping Dogs and the amazing disappearing woman trick

JoystiqSleeping Dogs and the amazing disappearing woman trick originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 21 Aug 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gameplaymagicsaints-row-2sleeping-dogsSquare-Enixsquare-enix-london-studiosunited-front-gamesTue, 21 Aug 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sleeping Dogs conquers UK sales chart]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/20/sleeping-dogs-conquers-uk-sales-chart/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/20/sleeping-dogs-conquers-uk-sales-chart/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/20/sleeping-dogs-conquers-uk-sales-chart/#comments Sleeping Dogs review Triad and trueCrime drama Sleeping Dogs awoke to meaty sales in the UK last week, sinking its teeth into first place. Chart-Track notes the game, developed by United Front Games and published by Square Enix, has become "the sixth best selling game on first week sales in 2012."

The other major debut last week was the 3DS's New Super Mario Bros 2, which flew in at second place. Although it may seem awkward for a major Mario to launch in second, New Super Mario Bros also started its life in second place back in 2006. The game is sure to have a long (raccoon) tail.

Meanwhile, London 2012: The Official Video Game of the Olympic Games took bronze after a couple golden weeks.

Continue reading Sleeping Dogs conquers UK sales chart

JoystiqSleeping Dogs conquers UK sales chart originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 20 Aug 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>britainchart-trackchart-track-weeklylego-batman-2-dc-super-heroesmario-and-sonic-at-the-london-2012-olympic-gamesmicrosoftnew-super-mario-bros-2pcplaystationps3sleeping-dogsukxboxMon, 20 Aug 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Stiq Flicks: Sleeping Dogs and Hard Boiled]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/19/stiq-flicks-sleeping-dogs-and-hard-boiled/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/19/stiq-flicks-sleeping-dogs-and-hard-boiled/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/19/stiq-flicks-sleeping-dogs-and-hard-boiled/#commentsStiq Flicks - from film and video game industry freelance writer Kevin Kelly - examines video games and attempts to pair them with matching films. It's like wine and cheese, but with more aliens.
Stiq Flicks Sleeping Dogs and Hard Boiled
Sleeping Dogs is enjoying life this week after a near-death experience as True Crime: Hong Kong at Activision before being resurrected in its current form at Square Enix. But you can't even begin to think about Sleeping Dogs, let alone play it, without mentioning Hong Kong action cinema.

Once you've stepped into that arena, you can't go any further without discussing the films of directors Tsui Hark, Ringo Lam, and John Woo (to name a few). Then of course, you have to bring in Chow Yun-fat. While there are many other fantastic Hong Kong action actors, Chow rose quickly to the pinnacle, and became the actor most associated with the genre on North American shores.

It's hard to imagine Sleeping Dogs existing in a world where these filmmakers and their movies didn't exist. Where these directors pulled back the curtain on the seedy criminal element deep inside of Hong Kong, the game picks up and continues. While there are many terrific films that would go along nicely with this title, we're pegging Hard Boiled as the one to go with. In fact, without Hard Boiled, there would never have been Sleeping Dogs.

Continue reading Stiq Flicks: Sleeping Dogs and Hard Boiled

JoystiqStiq Flicks: Sleeping Dogs and Hard Boiled originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 19 Aug 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftpcplaystationps3sleeping-dogsSquare-EnixStiq-FlicksUnited-Front-GamesxboxSun, 19 Aug 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sleeping Dogs review: Triad true]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/14/sleeping-dogs-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/14/sleeping-dogs-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/14/sleeping-dogs-review/#comments Sleeping Dogs review Triad and trueSleeping Dogs has been through a heap of concept and name changes throughout its development, but the Vancouver-based firm United Front Games has finally unleashed its latest creation.

It's worlds apart from the developer's first game Modnation Racers, but Sleeping Dogs isn't completely unfamiliar. From its narrative to gameplay features, Sleeping Dogs is an amalgamation of other people's good ideas. It's not inspiring, it's inspired.

Gallery: Sleeping Dogs (5/24/12)

Continue reading Sleeping Dogs review: Triad true

JoystiqSleeping Dogs review: Triad true originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 Aug 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftpcplaystationps3sleeping-dogsSquare-EnixUnited-Front-GamesxboxTue, 14 Aug 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sleeping Dogs staying awake with six months of planned DLC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/13/sleeping-dogs-staying-awake-with-six-months-of-planned-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/13/sleeping-dogs-staying-awake-with-six-months-of-planned-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/13/sleeping-dogs-staying-awake-with-six-months-of-planned-dlc/#comments Square Enix says that Sleeping Dogs won't lie down for long, revealing six months of downloadable content are planned for the game following its launch tomorrow.

First on the docket will be a range of downloads available for the game's awakening at retail tomorrow, including the 80s-inspired Retro Triad Pack, featuring "a killer old school outfit with its own player buffs and funky kung-fu van."

New packs will appear in September, beginning with "a high-speed Racing Pack and an explosive SWAT Pack." Details on those two bundles are sparse, but their names give us some idea what shenanigans are to come.

For more on Sleeping Dogs, check out our recent live stream and stay tuned for the review tomorrow.

Gallery: Sleeping Dogs (5/24/12)

Continue reading Sleeping Dogs staying awake with six months of planned DLC

JoystiqSleeping Dogs staying awake with six months of planned DLC originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 13 Aug 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DLCdownloadable-contentmicrosoftpcplaystationps3sleeping-dogsSquare-EnixUnited-Front-GamesxboxMon, 13 Aug 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[JoyStream: Watch and win Sleeping Dogs [Update: Watch the replay!]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/12/joystream-watch-and-win-sleeping-dogs/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/12/joystream-watch-and-win-sleeping-dogs/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/12/joystream-watch-and-win-sleeping-dogs/#comments
Our first live stream of Sleeping Dogs was so successful, we've decided to venture through the mean streets of Hong Kong once more. This time, Joystiq is giving away multiple Steam versions of the game to viewers. Tune in for the hand-to-hand combat, action hijacking, and slow-motion bullet firing but stay for your chance to win.

For more on the development of Sleeping Dogs, make sure to watch the replay of our original live stream, which featured the game's senior producer Jeff O'Connell.

Watch the stream after the break and on Joystiq's official Twitch page.

Sleeping Dogs launches for the PC, Xbox 360, and PlayStation 3 on August 14.

Update: The live stream is over. Watch the replay above.

Gallery: Sleeping Dogs (5/24/12)

JoystiqJoyStream: Watch and win Sleeping Dogs [Update: Watch the replay!] originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 12 Aug 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>JoyStreammicrosoftpcplaystationps3sleeping-dogsSquare-EnixUnited-Front-GamesxboxSun, 12 Aug 2012 16:00:00 EST