True Crime in Hong Kong revealed at Spike VGA
(http://www.blogcdn.com/www.joystiq.com/media/2009/12/true-crime-tease.jpg)
The second world premiere of the VGAs was the full version of the teaser we saw a couple weeks ago -- you know, the one we initially presumed was for another installment in the True Crime series? Yeah, well, it was totally for another installment in the True Crime series, which is being developed by ModNation Racers creators United Front. Guess there's no more mystery as to what Activision's upcoming Hong Kong-set action title is, huh?
There was a trailer with this news but it's been removed, so i'll look for another.
True Crime Trailer (http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=229451)
True Crime: Hong Kong delayed
Activision has delayed open world action game True Crime: Hong Kong.
True Crime, in development at Vancouver studio United Front Games, was due out on for PC, PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 this autumn. It will now be released in 2011.
Activision delayed the game "in order to give the development team more time to deliver the high-quality entertainment experience they envision for the game".
Activision CFO Thomas Tippl said the gargantuan publisher had put additional investment into the development of the game.
If it's anything like the first 2 games it will need all the development it can get. :-\
True Crime delay 'has paid off'
Driving, shooting and fighting mechanics greatly improved, says Activision CEO
Activision CEO Eric Hirshberg has offered assurance that the August delay of True Crime: Hong Kong has "paid off".
The game was originally due for release in late 2010 but was booted back to a 2011 release, Activision saying at the time that the dev team needed "more time to deliver the high-quality entertainment experience they envision for the game."
Now it's coming along nicely, assures Hirshberg. "The additional development time invested in this game has really paid off, for gameplay mechanic the make the fighting and shooting as sophisticated as the driving, which is something that's very hard to achieve in the open-world genre," he said during an investors call today.
Activision pins True Crime: HK as one of next year's big releases alongside the next Call of Duty game, Bungie's as yet unrevealed new IP and an "exciting new kid's IP".
Square buys True Crime: Hong Kong rights
Square Enix has picked up the rights to open world action title True Crime: Hong Kong following Activision's decision to pull the plug on the game earlier this year.
As revealed by Gamasutra, no release date has been set for the resurrected game, which is still in development at Vancouver-based United Front Games. Square Enix London Studios is supervising â€" the same office that looked after Batman: Arkham Asylum and Just Cause 2.
The publisher has not purchased the rights to the brand IP so will have to rename the game before release.
"When we first saw and got our hands on the game we fell in love with it," said Square Enix London Studios general manager Lee Singleton.
"When we met the team at United Front Games it was a done deal in our eyes - we instantly recognised the huge potential in the game and the team.
"UFG is an incredibly talented team, who have individually worked on some of the biggest games in our industry, and this talent shines through from the moment you walk in the door.
"It's one of those games where you don't want to put the controller down; it's what we call 'sticky'."
Singleton also highlighted its "incredible new game engine, rich new story with deep and complex characters, and gameplay features which have simply never been seen at this level in an open world game."
Meanwhile, former custodian Activision is calling the resolution a win-win for all involved.
"Our team has worked very hard to find a solution where everybody wins," commented Acti exec Eric Hirshberg.
"Square Enix gets the benefit of the tremendous investment we've made in the game thus far. UFG gets to stay together and complete their vision. And gamers get to play a great game. We couldn't be more thrilled."
Back in February Hirshberg had this to say about the just-canned project:
"Even our most optimistic internal projections show that continued investment was not going to lead to a title at, or near, the top of the competitive open world genre.
"In an industry where only the best games in each category are flourishing, to be blunt, it just wasn't going to be good enough."
Square is in the process of re-staffing at United Front, and hopes to pick up most of the talent the developer was forced to shed when Activision ditched the title. However, a small team had apparently been beavering away at the game before Square swooped in to save the day.
"During this time, the game has continued to be developed by a core team on a slower burn, but now that we've signed, we're ready to turn up the heat and get the team up to capacity," explained Singleton.
"We see this as a fantastic opportunity to create a new and unique franchise which gamers will come to know and love for years to come.â€
Nice one, I've been watching this one and was disappointed when the axe fell. SE save the day.
Good news indeed :)
Square continue there quest to add Western games to their market strategy, i approve, now get back to FFXIII-2
Official: Sleeping Dogs is new True CrimeHong Kong gets new name, out "second half of 2012"Square Enix has officially announced Sleeping Dogs, the new name of dropped Activision open-world title, True Crime: Hong Kong.
Now being developed in conjunction with Square Enix London Studios, whose credits as collaborators include Batman: Arkham Asylum and Just Cause 2, Sleeping Dogs will release in "the second half of 2012" (although august has been reported) on PC, PS3 and Xbox 360.
The United Front Games (ModNation Racers) developed title was dropped by former publisher Activision early last year, before being picked up by Square Enix in the summer.
True Crime: Hong Kong was playable from start to finish and "virtually complete" in terms of content before Activision canned it, United Front Games told CVG in a studio visit shortly before the announcement.
Since Activision owns the rights for the True Crime name, the publisher's been forced in to a name change.
"From the moment you pick up the controller and experience the blend of driving, close combat and shooting you know you're playing something fresh and a bit special," said Lee Singleton, GM of Square Enix London Studios.
"Sleeping Dogs has one of the best melee combat systems out there - it's super brutal with devastating takedown moves, and when added to UFG's proven heritage in driving games, a first class story and the vibrant backdrop of the Hong Kong underworld we get a fiery recipe with fun written all over it."
Stephen Van Der Mescht, executive producer at United Front Games, added: "Working on Sleeping Dogs has been such a huge passion for the team at United Front Games and we're really pleased to be working with Square Enix London Studios.
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Posted on Wednesday 8-Feb-2012 2:00 PM
Official: Sleeping Dogs is new True Crime
Hong Kong gets new name, out "second half of 2012"
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Square Enix has officially announced Sleeping Dogs, the new name of dropped Activision open-world title, True Crime: Hong Kong.
Click to view larger image
Now being developed in conjunction with Square Enix London Studios, whose credits as collaborators include Batman: Arkham Asylum and Just Cause 2, Sleeping Dogs will release in "the second half of 2012" (although august has been reported) on PC, PS3 and Xbox 360.
The United Front Games (ModNation Racers) developed title was dropped by former publisher Activision early last year, before being picked up by Square Enix in the summer.
Click to view larger image
True Crime: Hong Kong was playable from start to finish and "virtually complete" in terms of content before Activision canned it, United Front Games told CVG in a studio visit shortly before the announcement.
Since Activision owns the rights for the True Crime name, the publisher's been forced in to a name change.
"From the moment you pick up the controller and experience the blend of driving, close combat and shooting you know you're playing something fresh and a bit special," said Lee Singleton, GM of Square Enix London Studios.
"Sleeping Dogs has one of the best melee combat systems out there - it's super brutal with devastating takedown moves, and when added to UFG's proven heritage in driving games, a first class story and the vibrant backdrop of the Hong Kong underworld we get a fiery recipe with fun written all over it."
Stephen Van Der Mescht, executive producer at United Front Games, added: "Working on Sleeping Dogs has been such a huge passion for the team at United Front Games and we're really pleased to be working with Square Enix London Studios.
Watch in HD No comments yet, be the first!
"The extensive experience both our studios have in creating compelling openworld gameplay and rich and rewarding combat makes for a perfect partnership. Working together we can make sure that Sleeping Dogs is the most intense and immersive experience it can be."
Quote from: GamerMan316 on February 09, 2012, 12:23:13 AM
Official: Sleeping Dogs is new True Crime
Hong Kong gets new name, out "second half of 2012"
Love all that gameplay footage... #)
All kidding aside though, I hope ths turns out to be a great game - I remember really looking forward to True Crime: Hong Kong. If anything, the setting had me sold. It'll be interesting to see if any adjustments have been made, I'm suspecting there have been some, being that the trailer there didn't show
much any gameplay footage.
I know reveal trailer!! ok so you've revealed the concept, I get it I get it!
Back on the radar this one, crazy kitchen fighting hong kong chefs!
It's like Shenmue with balls, hope it turns out good.
Quote from: Windedprism on April 05, 2012, 06:32:01 PM
It's like Shenmue with balls
That's exactly what I thought. :)
Watched the gameplay demo and I have to say I'm impressed with they way this title was rescued. In the absence of GTAV this will make a nice alternative. I can see it doing quite well sales wise, one sale here anyway, any game with Karaoke is a winner in my book :)
http://www.oxmonline.com/sleeping-dogs-open-world-hands-preview
Pre-order goodies 3 types:
Police Protection Pack
Shaolin Pack
GSP Pack
US:
Amazon.com - Shaolin Pack
Best Buy - GSP Pack
Gamestop - Police Protection Pack
Uk/Ireland:
Shopto - Limited Edition which includes GSP Pack and Police Protection Pack.
GSP Pack:
(http://www.sleepingdogs.net/data/assets/sdpr/images/graphics/p1.jpg)
Here's the breakdown of those packs:
Take the fight out of the Octagon and into the streets of Hong Kong. The George St. Pierre T-shirt, headband and shorts let you unlock the talents and strengths of this world-class fighter.
Fight the Triads with GSP's signature "Superman Punch" â€" the most efficient knockout punch the MMA has ever known. You'll be able to fight like an MMA master with increased grappling and throwing damage.
Police Protection Pack:
(http://www.sleepingdogs.net/data/assets/sdpr/images/graphics/p2.jpg)
The Police Protection Pack, which includes an exclusive mission, vehicle and weapon. The "High Speed" Mission lets you join the Hong Kong Police Department SWAT Unit in an all out street war with the Triads. Swerve through traffic, explosions and gun fire as you chase down your targets in an exclusive Swat Police Car. With The Police Protection Pack Assault Rifle you can take your enemies out with either a single shot, or a spray of bullets.
Shaolin Showdown Pack:
(http://www.sleepingdogs.net/data/assets/sdpr/images/graphics/p3.jpg)
Includes a Shaolin Showdown mission, Shaolin Warrior outfit (with increased striking damage), Bonus Triad XP points, and Wing Chun decoration for your safe house.
An interesting insight into the evolution of Sleeping Dogs:
http://www.metacafe.com/watch/8167001/sleeping_dogs_feature_with_lee_singleton/
Another interesting article pre E3
http://www.gamesradar.com/sleeping-dogs-8-reasons-it-might-be-most-awesome-game-2012/ (http://www.gamesradar.com/sleeping-dogs-8-reasons-it-might-be-most-awesome-game-2012/)
Add to that the general overlay of gameplay depth:
Roughly 20 hour main storyline
120+ side missions, most of which are repeatable
repeatable missions so you can aim for that perfect score and max out all your uprgrades
Random world events such as muggings/robberies so chase down those criminals and built cop points.
Collectible jade statues which in turn will earn you access to more moves via a martial arts teacher.
65+ vehicles (not sure if that's type or total)
Cock-fighting (of the bird kind!)
Illegal gambling dens
Karaoke
Fight Club
Street Racing (there's a mountain in there as well just for this one alone)
Night Clubs
Dates
4 districts of Hong Kong + Small Islands represented
Parkour Gameplay - more emphasis on disarming than carrying an arsenal.
Massages, food etc give you temporary buffs +5% in each relative area but can't be stacked eg once you eat a pork bun you can't eat another to gain 10% grapple strength you have to wait until it wears off.
100+ finishing styles eg putting someone's head between a car door and slamming, impalement etc etc
Tons of weapons to hand from the game world eg fire extinguisher, throw it, swing it, spray them.
Vehicle handling done by ex NFS staff.
Small Tidbits:
Wearing the tourist outfit gives a 20% increase on goods, so shops will rip you off.
The red circles under the enemies seen in some of the gameplay videos can be turned off.
Gamestop E3 Stage Show (better than IGN who seem to think Hong Kong is Japanese!!)Pay BackNight Market ChaseThe last video will most likely be the demo we get and hopefully a timed free roam in a small area :)
Achievements (http://www.xbox360achievements.org/game/sleeping-dogs/achievements/)
Nice, kill someone with a fish!
Quote from: Windedprism on July 01, 2012, 08:18:16 AM
Nice, kill someone with a fish!
Typical Wednesday night in the old Neato homestead.
Via [Kotaku (http://kotaku.com/5934206/five-hong-kong-crime-movies-you-should-watch-before-playing-sleeping-dogs)]
Here are some films the site's recommending for watching before picking up Sleeping Dogs -
Infernal Affairs:
Exiled:
PTU (Police Tactical Unit):
Mad Detective:
I'd add -
Hard Boiled:
A Better Tomorrow:
And just for kicks:
The Raid
Infernal Affairs is superb, Scorsese's excellent 'The Departed' was based on it. Exiled is also very good.
Hard Boiled and A Better Tomorrow are the best examples of the brilliant Chow Yun Fat, along with The Killer of course. :)
Watched The Raid a few months ago, brilliant action film, great fight scenes and pretty gory too, loved it. :)
Anyway, OXM Review (http://www.oxm.co.uk/44530/reviews/sleeping-dogs-xbox-360-review/).
Demo (http://marketplace.xbox.com/Product/Sleeping-Dogs-Game-Demo/66acd000-77fe-1000-9115-d80253518817?cid=SLink) now available.
Welcome to Hong Kong, a vibrant and sprawling metropolis. As undercover cop Wei Shen, you are tasked with infiltrating and taking down a Triad empire from within. Keep your cover intact and navigate between your duty to the badge and the code of honor of the triads. Download the demo now to experience a sneak peek at the brutal martial arts combat, exhilarating free-running, and intense gunfights offered by Sleeping Dogs.
Free DLC
The Community Gift Pack
(http://download.xbox.com/content/images/0e3826c9-7d4c-476e-be1f-684d29d1c2af/1033/banner.png) (http://marketplace.xbox.com/Product/The-Community-Gift-Pack/0e3826c9-7d4c-476e-be1f-684d29d1c2af?cid=SLink)
A selection of community gifts from us, to you. Get yourself an exclusive UFG tuned Bisai car with loud paintwork and an even louder engine. Complete the look with a UFG t-shirt. Also included is an authentic luchadore wrestler mask, as an extra token of our appreciation.
There goes my 100%
Update Achievements (http://www.xbox360achievements.org/game/sleeping-dogs/achievements/)
Free DLC
The Ghost Pig Pack
(http://download.xbox.com/content/images/17e4d264-8e23-4e01-8e80-15e98bbcc057/1033/banner.png) (http://marketplace.xbox.com/Product/The-Ghost-Pig-Pack/17e4d264-8e23-4e01-8e80-15e98bbcc057?cid=SLink)
Become the elusive movie star with the Ghost Pig mask. Dogeyes’ black fedora hat, an assassin’s straw hat, and a lone sheriff’s hat are also included in this free pack.
Sleeping Dogs Next Proper DLC Takes You to the Zodiac Tournament
Hot on the heels of today's Square Enix Character Pack DLC and all the pre-order content, Squeenix has followed up with an announcement for its slate of Holiday content for Sleeping Dogs, detailing the next chunk of proper "gameplay-extending" DLC.
Alongside the 'Gangland Style Pack', which brings a bunch of lovely tats and other mobster outfits, and the Drunken Fist Pack that transforms Wei Shen into a proper Drunken Master a la Jackie Chan back in the day, Sleeping Dogs is to receive the Zodiac Tournament Pack.
Boasting a story ripped straight from kung-fu classic Enter the Dragon, Wei Shen finds himself travelling to a hidden island to participate in a martial arts tournament. Will the final boss have a clawed hand and a hall of mirrors? We can only hope.
Check out the details of Sleeping Dogs' forthcoming Holiday content right here:
Drunken Fist Pack - With the Drunken Fist pack, Wei unleashes this exclusive fighting style. While in combat, filling the face meter will enable Wei to drink from a flask of potent alcohol and perform unique special moves and powerful counters unavailable to the sober man!
Rediscover a classic fighting style with this unique outfit!
Sway like a drunkard, hit like a mule…
Enter the Drunken Stance and perform special moves and counters
Gangland Style Pack - Get Wei Shen freshly inked-up in a trio of tattoo schemes in this alternate costume pack. Topple the Triads in street style with a Japanese Yakuza, Russian Mafia, or Maori Mongrel Mob tattoo, each with their own buff.
Yakuza style - Painstakingly applied with the traditional 46 needle irezumi brush, this tattoo will slow your heat rate by 50%
Russian Mob style - A complete history on your skin, increasing gun accuracy by 50%
Mongrel Tribe Style - Leave no doubt which side of the law you are on with a 40% melee damage increase
Zodiac Tournament Pack - Join Wei Shen for the fight of his life in the second gameplay-extending add-on pack. Invited to an exclusive tournament on a hidden island off the coast of Hong Kong, Wei must overcome the best-of-the-best as he takes on fighters from across Asia in a fight to the death. The Zodiac Tournament invites you to become the dragon and unleash your fists of fury!
An exclusive new island off the coast of Hong Kong, featuring multiple themed fight arenas, numerous new enemies, bosses and story- extending cutscenes
Two new unlockable outfits featuring new looks and powerful new fighting moves
There's no dates or prices in place for any of the Sleeping Dogs Holiday content listed above just yet, but there's two screenshots from the Drunken Fist Pack and Gangland Style Pack to check out below. Enjoy.
(http://www.xbox360achievements.org/images/screenshots/2238/med_9586Drunken%20Fist%20Pack.jpg)
(http://www.xbox360achievements.org/images/screenshots/2238/med_9587Gangland%20Style%20Pack%20Russian.jpg)
Sleeping Dogs DLC Dresses Wei Shen Like Deus Ex’s Adam Jensen, Hitman’s Agent 47
More downloadable content is headed to Sleeping Dogs, and the highlight of this next round of DLC is some of the costumes for Wei Shen. You can dress Wei up like Agent 47 from Hitman or Adam Jensen from Deus Ex: Human Revolution. Here’s a rundown of all the DLC coming to the game:
(http://storage.siliconera.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/sdogs_hitman_costume.jpg)
Hitman outfit: Agent 47’s suit grants reduced attention from the police and comes with a silenced Silverballer.
(http://storage.siliconera.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/sdogs_deusex_costume.jpg)
Deus Ex outfit: The Sarif Industries armor reduces gunfire damage by 33% and comes with a futuristic, fully automatic combat rifle.
(http://storage.siliconera.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/sdogs_jcause_costume.jpg)
Just Cause outfit: The Rico Rodriguez custom outfit allows you to hijack vehicles from a greater distance and comes with Rico’s signature pistol, which can fire explosive shells.
[Siliconera (http://www.siliconera.com/2012/11/13/sleeping-dogs-dlc-dresses-wei-shen-like-deus-exs-adam-jensen-hitmans-agent-47/)]
I think you can already get the Just Cause outfit if you gave a Just Cause 2 save.
Now available.
The Zodiac Tournament Pack
(http://download.xbox.com/content/images/f7683691-9137-447c-ad1e-c72603a02245/1033/banner.png) (http://marketplace.xbox.com/Product/The-Zodiac-Tournament-Pack/f7683691-9137-447c-ad1e-c72603a02245?cid=SLink)
Join Wei Shen for the fight of his life. Invited to an exclusive tournament on a hidden island, Wei must overcome the best fighters from across Asia and emerge victorious. Starring Wei Shen, the Zodiac Tournament invites you to become the dragon and unleash your fists of fury! You must use all of your best moves as well as some new ones, to defeat the island’s hidden big boss as Wei enters this deadly game of death. New fighting styles, new combatants and new collectibles are also included.
Sleeping Dogs DLC: 'Year of the Snake' seemingly outedTeaser trailer appears online along with PS3 Trophy list
Square Enix looks set to announce new Sleeping Dogs DLC called Year of the Snake.
What appears to be a teaser trailer for the unannounced content has emerged online, along with a list of PS3 Trophies (http://exophase.com/game/sleeping-dogs-ps3/trophies/) including Bomb Squad, Cult Master and Hong Kong's Finest. We've asked Square Enix for comment.
If you haven't played the game yet but subscribe to PlayStation Plus, you'll be able to download it free of charge for one month beginning on February 6.
So that'll be my 100% ruined again!!!
I've been wanting to give this game a run, but am hoping for a "Complete Edition" release at some point. 8)
Updated Achievements (http://www.xbox360achievements.org/game/sleeping-dogs/achievements/)