Be the Dragon!
The first thought most will have is how much similarity Sleeping Dogs bears to GTAIV, but Rockstar is definitely outclassed by this Canadian studio's near masterpiece. The graphics, vehicle handling and generally tight controls are way over Rockstar's effort. This is a game optimized for the PC, such that even with my 4 year old system I am able to get a consistent 35-40 FPS with all settings near maxed as well as using the high res textures. The melee fighting (and there is a LOT) is very similar to the Batman series, with button combos and unlockable moves. The kung fu kicks and punches feel powerful and fluid, and every fight is dynamic and interesting using the very environment as your weapon. It isn't a cakewalk though, so be prepared to get your butt kicked in the beginning until you can gain some new moves.
The camera is generally pretty decent, although I think it could use a bit more fine tuning in tight spaces but it's still fairly easy to keep track of all the action. I wish there was an option for changing the viewpoint in vehicles, but that is just a nit-pick. Maybe a patch or two could turn this from a near masterpiece to a bona fide classic. Otherwise, vehicles handle as well as any game of this genre, and they look spectacular. One of my big gripes with GTAIV was how the game engine didn't allow FSAA- now you got it, along with all the bells and whistles of DX11.
Sleeping Dogs exudes AAA quality right from the opening credits, and draws you into its world surely and steadily as you navigate the streets of faux-Hong Kong as both an undercover cop and a rising Triad member. The mini games are generally interesting, and I was pleased to find some Steely Dan among the karaoke tunes you can sing. WIN WIN WIN! I absolutely LOVE this game. I hope it does exceptionally well for United Front Games, because we need more like this. You NEED this game. 'Nuff said. Go be the Dragon!