Grand Theft Auto clones can be a tough sell. No matter how good they are or what new experiences they bring to the table, they still tread in the shadow of GTA. While some games straight up copy the iconic Rockstar series, other open-world games simply use Grand Theft Auto as an outline and create something unique and original around it. One such game is Sleeping Dogs.

Sleeping Dogs' in-depth storyline and amazing hand-to-hand combat made the game a cut above most GTA clones. Unfortunately, the game came out in 2012, just one year before Grand Theft Auto V, causing many gamers to pass it up and wait for GTA's release. This resulted in lackluster sales, killing any hopes for a sequel. Sleeping Dogs is still severely underrated, offering way more than the average GTA copycat.

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Sleeping Dogs is more than just a GTA clone. While the game does resemble GTA's open-world style, it also separates itself by adding unique gameplay elements. Sleeping Dogs has one of the most detailed melee combat systems of any open-world crime game at that time.

The game's protagonist, Wei Shen, has an extensive martial arts background allowing him to pull off spectacular punch and kick combinations. Players can also pick up weapons or use the surrounding environment to help them take down enemies. Slamming opponents into car windows and throwing them off buildings are commonplace in Sleeping Dogs. The combat is stylistic and fast-paced, making it an extremely rewarding experience.

Sleeping Dogs offers more than great fighting mechanics. The game has a deep storyline that captivates players from start to finish. It follows undercover officer Wei Shen as he entrenches himself in Hong Kong's criminal underworld. Shen grew up in the slums of Hong Kong, so many of his childhood friends are members of the Triad gang he is assigned to take down. Playing both sides of the law takes its toll on Wei Shen as he gets deeper into the gang. He starts questioning if he should go back to his criminal roots or continue infiltrating the criminal organization.

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Wei Shen's inner struggles are perfectly displayed throughout the game. Players grow compassion for Shen as he grows more and more conflicted. Shen's childhood friends are also highly detailed, so players will grow attached to them as well. Very few games have this amount of polish when it comes to its plot, and Sleeping Dogs will sticks with you even after completing its campaign. The story is so well-written that it could easily be turned into an action movie. In fact, rumors of a film adaptation were circulating around the internet a few years ago, but nothing has come into fruition.

Although Sleeping Dogs has an excellent story and outstanding gameplay, it failed to meet sales expectations. The game only sold 1.5 million copies despite being positive reception from critics and gamers alike. Its poor sales caused Square Enix to lose millions of dollars and cancel any future sequels. While there is a definitive edition that released two years after game's original launch, Sleeping Dogs still failed to find mainstream success.

Sleeping Dogs seemed to do everything right, but it couldn't convince gamers that it wasn't just another bland GTA clone. Had it not released so close to GTA V, perhaps it could have found more success. Still, those who played the game still enjoy it nearly a decade after its release. Its stellar story and high-intensity combat make Sleeping Dogs much more than a Grand Theft Auto rip-off. It is one of the best GTA clones ever created and a must-play for any fans of the open-world games.

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