Sleeping Dogs 2 (2016 Video Game)

Sleeping Dogs 2 is a 2016 action-adventure video game developed and published by Square Enix. After United Front Games shut down, Square Enix took up the mantle and decided to make this game. Despite the low sales of the 2012 game, Sleeping Dogs scored very positive reviews. This game will be released on Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and PC on October 2, 2016. The game continues with Wei Shen, the undercover HKPD cop from the first game.

WARNING
'''This is obviously made up. I played through Sleeping Dogs  just recently (February - March 2020) and am extremely disappointed in myself for not playing the game earlier. It's a fantastic game and I wanted to share where I would have gone for a sequel. Please do not edit without my consent. My user is Hasamu Jenkins. Thank you!'''

Rating
M (Mature) for Extreme Violence, Profanity, Sexual References, & Nudity

How Long To Beat (HLTB)
Main Story: 24 hours

Main Story + Side Content: 31 hours

100% Completion: 48 hours

Gameplay & Plot Dynamics

 * Every feature from the first game is brought back.
 * The game features the return of Wei Shen, the undercover agent from the last game.
 * The story takes place just two (2) years after the events of the last game.
 * The dating feature is expanded upon this time: Wei can go on multiple dates with multiple women. Amanda returns from the last game. Like the last game, the girlfriends do not impact the main story. When going on dates, the player has the option to choose what to do. There are multiple activities to partake in this time around: karaoke, eating out, drinking out, movies, live performances, crazy driving, parkour, and once you get close enough to a girl, the player has the option to take the girl back home to sleep with.
 * The Cop Skill Tree and the Triad Skill Tree return: there are twenty (20) upgrades per skill tree this time, making the combat and shooting way more enhanced and engaging.
 * The Melee Training Skill Tree returns with twenty (20) upgrades this time, making the combat more enhanced and fun.
 * The Melee skills are earned through special combo moves and perfect fights
 * Perfect fights = not failing counters
 * All of the skills from the first game return, so all of the sixty (60) skills and upgrades in this game are completely new and unseen mechanics.
 * The map includes the return of Hong Kong, including North Point, Central, Aberdeen, and Kennedy Town. Kowloon, Kowloon City District, and Tsuen Wan are included, making it so that Hong Kong feels much larger. Square Enix hired Hong Kong experts from China to map the game and expands North Point, Central, Aberdeen, and Kennedy Town, making the game feel as accurate to real life as possible. The game's map is approximately three times (3x) bigger than the last game's map.
 * Hong Kong International Airport and the Hong Kong Children's Fair (inspired by Hong Kong Disneyland) are also included on the map.
 * Side content, such as favors, jobs, and races, return with much more side content to partake in.
 * Replayable missions return, helping you make the most out of your experience.
 * If you do not reach max Triad XP or max Cop XP by the end, random events will pop up. Triad events will be marked as red question marks and Cop events will be marked as blue question marks. You can do both of them to increase your XP. They appear throughout the game, including the endgame.
 * During the second act of the game, helicopters are made available to control.
 * With the addition of helicopters, the player can reach the rooftops of Hong Kong, making the parkour much more fun.
 * During high-level Cop events and case missions, Wei has the ability to call cops to back him up. This is not available for main story missions and cops can only be called if the player is having a hard time beating an event or getting through a case.
 * The game's tone is very dark and mature: the story deals with themes such as betrayal, violence, depression, and crime.
 * To make it so that the story is more organized, Square Enix divided the story into three (3) acts.
 * Enemies are much faster in melee combat and much more accurate in shooting combat after complaints that the last game was a too easy in difficulty.
 * There are now five enemy factions to fight in this game: Sun On Yee triads, police officers, 18k triads, Blue Dragon Union triads, and Asian Krips.
 * Martial Arts Clubs are in every single borough and district and there are now two (2) options: the regular rounds and the unlimited rounds. The regular rounds are the same from the last game and the unlimited rounds are rounds that get harder and harder each time with more enemies. The more you do of unlimited rounds, the higher chance you have at receiving new outfits, other dress accessories, money, and vehicles.

Protagonist

 * Wei Shen

Main Antagonists

 * Raymond Mak (main antagonist) - police officer and ally of Wei Shen. Him and Wei have finally settled their differences and become friends in this game. Raymond is on the field a lot more this time around. He is an ally throughout most of the story until the late stages of the second act when a disturbing revelation is revealed.
 * James Zhang (secondary antagonist) - head chairman of the 18k Triad: he is extremely violent, using a spear to torture Sun On Yee members and any others who cross the path of the 18k.
 * Henry Liu (tertiary antagonist) - head enforcer of the Blue Dragon Union Triad. He is a businessman, just like all of his triad. He is the CEO of Liu Enterprises, which specializes in selling cars around Asia. Secretly, he is also triad and has ties to sex trafficking, drug trafficking, and pornography. He profits off all of this for his business and Hong Kong basically worships him without knowing the real him.

Other Antagonists (encountered in main story)

 * Paul Fang - head chairman of the Blue Dragon Union Triad
 * Kevin Wong - an 18k soldier / brute
 * Kathy Zhao - Sun On Yee red pole who is also secretly an informer for the Blue Dragon Union
 * Benedict Zhu - a young 21-year-old 18k soldier / brute whose parents were murdered by the Blue Dragon Union Triad when he was a child
 * Joshua Yang - secretary of Henry Liu with ties to the Blue Dragon Union Triad
 * Sang Smith - tourist from Seattle who is an associate of Sun On Yee, 18k, and the Blue Dragon Union all at the same time. He pretends to be an ally of Sun On Yee, delivers drugs and weapons for 18k, and delivers girls for the Union; he is also the boyfriend of Kathy Zhao.
 * Micah Morgan - an American soldier who has been stealing civilians' identities around the Kowloon slums

Side Story Antagonists

 * Roland Ho - former member of Sun On Yee who sends out goons to steal money from Wei for revenge of Wei dropping out of the debt collection game two (2) years prior
 * Kevin Pham - an Asian Krips member from Los Angeles who goes to Hong Kong to expand Krip operations worldwide; starts a mini war with Sun On Yee
 * Jack Huynh - an Asian Krips supplier
 * Bruce Wu - dangerous serial killer based in Tsuen Wan targeting innocents
 * Parker Lee - street racer based in Kowloon City District; cheats by using guns to intimidate his opponents
 * Tina Phuong - owner of Vietnamese Karaoke Club in Kowloon; has several sexual relationships with Asian Krips and is also a gangster herself; not affiliated with any gang
 * Huang Piper - a thief who is breaking into houses all over Hong Kong and destroying them as much as possible
 * Ryan Chu - a martial arts club fighter based in Kowloon; is very bad at fighting, but is also very physically strong; brutally murders his enemies after losing a fight
 * Simon Chang - small-time 18k associate who works on convincing young men ages 18 - 25 to join the 18k and kills any young men who does not fit the needs of the 18k
 * Kyle Yin - Chief Executive of Hong Kong; ties to the Blue Dragon Union; has many drug and weapon dealings with the Union, working on taking down both 18k and Sun On Yee
 * Michael Tang - HKPD officer who also grooms young college girls in his free time

Supporting Characters

 * Jane Teng - Hong Kong inspector who returns to help Wei on cases and taking down the 18k. Her and Wei are much closer this time around.
 * Kenneth Wang - new Sun On Yee Red Pole; is very tough and thick-skinned; very close to the Water Street Boys, befriending both Wei and Conroy, the two head leaders of the Water Street Gang
 * Conroy Wu - the co-leader of the Water Street Gang
 * Broken Nose Jiang - new head chairman / Dragon Head of the Sun On Yee; keeps Wei's identity a secret from 18k and the rest of Sun On Yee (Wei does not know that she knows he is undercover)
 * Old Salty Crab - chauffeur for Jiang and member of Sun On Yee
 * Tran - the uncle of the late Jackie Ma who can give Wei car delivery missions
 * Ricky Wong - former right-hand man of Sonny Wo; now works as a Sun On Yee Red Pole
 * Vivienne Liu - wife of Ricky and renowned Hong Kong singer and actress; signs with Angela Yin's label
 * Angela Yin - label owner of the A. Yin and signed with Vivienne Liu; associate of the Sun On Yee
 * Pockmark Cheuk - Sun On Yee Red Pole who is now the main advisor for Broken Nose Jiang and assigned to spy on Wei
 * Duke - member of the Water Street Gang
 * Mrs. Chu - the retired mother of the late Winston Chu

Content

 * There are a total of sixty (60) main story missions
 * There are a total of seven (7) cases
 * There are a total of seventy-five (75) favors, including helping troubled civilians, fellow Water Street members, other Sun On Yee members, and restaurant owners from the troubling streets of Hong Kong
 * There are a total of seven (7) Martial Arts Clubs
 * There are a total of forty (40) races, ranging from Class A to Class D
 * There are a total of fifteen (15) helicopter challenges to partake in
 * There are a total of four (4) contacts to take several jobs for: Tran (car delivery), Duke (preventing 18k control of Sun On Yee territory throughout Hong Kong), Teng (using helicopter to spy on 18k and the Union and locating their main suppliers), and Old Salty Crab (using boat to sabotage 18k gambling operations offshore)
 * Tran's payouts for car deliveries increases as they go on, Duke pays very little money, but those jobs are great ways to increase Triad XP, Teng pays fair for the helicopter jobs, and Old Salty Crab has the highest payouts for jobs


 * There are a total of fifteen (15) drug busts around Hong Kong
 * There are a total of twenty (20) trafficking busts around Hong Kong
 * There are a total of twenty (20) karaoke songs in all seven (7) nightclubs around the region
 * There are a total of ten (10) side mission arcs: these arcs have several missions in them and are basically mini-stories.
 * Cock fights, dancing, poker, and blackjack are the mini activities that Wei can take part in

Plot
Two years after the death of Big Smile Lee, Wei has stayed in Hong Kong to continue his undercover work: he is both the leader of the Water Street Gang and an undercover cop. Wei still suffers from the pain that has come with losing Jackie and still blames himself every single day for the death of his close friend. Wei's conflicts arise when the 18k grow more powerful throughout Hong Kong and the rise of the Blue Dragon Union make things difficult for both Sun On Yee and the 18k. Things get heated when a three-way war ensues between the main Triad organizations and Wei's identity is put at risk every single day. Overcoming depression and betrayal, Wei must brace himself for the war and conflict that is to come.

Act 1

 * 1) Wei, Conroy, and Duke hunt down the remaining members of the Jade Gang under the orders of Broken Nose Jiang; the Jade Gang have been roaming Hong Kong for two years and can no longer be considered Sun On Yee. Wei successfully kills every single Jade Gang member around Hong Kong. Wei meets with Broken Nose Jiang and it is revealed that her relationship with Wei is a little strange: Wei knows that Jiang knows something. Jiang introduces Wei to Kenneth Wang, who is a newly appointed Red Pole for the Sun On Yee. Kenneth is from Shanghai and has had ties with Sun On Yee ever since he was a teenager.
 * 2) Wei shows Kenneth around parts of Hong Kong, including North Point, Central, and the Kowloon City District. During the drive around the region, Wei and Kenneth connect and they both share their life stories and their affiliation with Sun On Yee. After the "tour" is over, Wei goes home and has nightmares about Jackie's death, which he still blames himself for to this day.
 * 3) Wei goes to North Point only to find that Mrs. Chu is retiring and closing down the Golden Koi. Wei bids his farewell to Mrs. Chu, who cries, telling Wei that he is the closest thing she has had to a son ever since Winston's death. After Mrs. Chu leaves, Wei goes to visit Winston and Jackie's graves and pays respect to both of their graves. Wei receives an unexpected call from Inspector Teng, telling him to come to their new headquarters in Kowloon City District. Teng tells Wei that she is concerned with his long ties with Sun On Yee, but Wei convinces her it is for the best. If they want the 18k, which is currently the biggest threat to Hong Kong at the moment, to be eliminated, Wei needs to remain as a Red Pole of the Sun on Yee and the leader of the Water Street Gang. Wei meets with Raymond, who has been promoted to undercover work. Wei and Raymond are a lot closer now and it shows. Raymond can work in the field now and Raymond accompanies Wei, who receives his first case from Teng: there have been reports of identity theft of the lower-class in the slums of Kowloon. While Wei and Raymond roam Kowloon, Wei teaches Raymond a couple of fight moves. Wei and Raymond go ask around Kowloon only to find out that the identity thief is not of Chinese descent. Wei and Raymond report back to Teng.
 * 4) Wei and Raymond use the footprint and fingerprint scanner and go back to the walled slums of Kowloon. They ask around once more and eavesdrop on the civilians to find out the approximate locations of the identity thief. During the investigation and collecting several marks of the thief, the two are attacked by five 18k brutes. After the fight, Wei is cornered by the largest brute. Wei knocks the brute down and the brute reveals that he knows who Wei Shen is. Wei knocks the brute cold and Raymond expresses his concern with that 18k thug knowing who Wei actually is. Nevertheless, Wei and Raymond continue their mission and go back to the HKPD station in Central for a debriefing. Wei and Raymond decrypt the fingerprints and footprints and find out that the identity thief is Micah Morgan, an American soldier who went on vacation to Hong Kong and could not afford a trip back so he is stealing several persons' identities in Kowloon to make up for that.
 * 5)  Wei and Raymond cannot find where Micah Morgan is currently staying in Hong Kong, but Hong Kong Police has several surveillance cameras around Kowloon and Kowloon City District, as those two areas are crime-ridden with 18k activity. Through the use of surveillance, Wei finds out that Micah has had sexual affairs with half a dozen women in Kowloon. Wei and Raymond go to the latest woman that Micah has had sexual affairs with. Wei and Raymond find Micah in Old Prosperity Projects, the neighborhood in Kowloon where Wei grew up with Mimi, Winston, Jackie, and Dogeyes. Micah is extremely tough and military-trained. Raymond is knocked out, but Wei chases Micah down through the slums. While doing so, Wei has flashbacks of his childhood at Old Prosperity and losing Mimi, weakening him while he chases down Micah. Wei catches up to Micah and beats the shit out of him. Wei takes Micah under custody and to the police station in Central. Wei calls Raymond and asks him about his wellbeing; Raymond is currently at the hospital and Wei thanks Raymond for helping him on the case. Teng closes the case and thanks Wei, as the civilians of Kowloon are now in favor of him (Case 1 closed).
 * 6)  Wei receives a call from Old Salty Crab, who informs him that Ricky and Vivienne have returned from their honeymoon. Wei has not talked to either of them in at least a year, but Wei and Old Salty Crab go to the Hong Kong International Airport to pick up Ricky and Vivienne. Wei has a reunion with them and during the car ride to Club Bam Bam, Wei catches up with the three: they talk about Ricky and Vivienne's marriage, Wei finally getting adjusted into the Hong Kong life, and Kowloon. When the party arrives at Club Bam Bam, Wei meets Jiang and Pockmark, who has officially been appointed the main advisor for Jiang. The meeting consists of Wei, Jiang, Pockmark, Ricky, Vivienne, Old Salty Crab, and Kenneth. Jiang announces Ricky's new role as a Sun On Yee Red Pole and introduces Kenneth to Ricky and Vivienne. With Kenneth now as a Red Pole, Jiang also introduces the team to Kathy Zhao, a newly elected Red Pole. Wei does not like this and asks Jiang if she is just making anybody a Red Pole now. Jiang retaliates and tells Wei not to talk like that to the Dragon Head. Wei apologizes. Jiang continues to explain to the organization that the Sun On Yee now have control of North Point, Central, Aberdeen, and Kennedy Town. Kowloon, Kowloon City District, the area surrounding the HKIA, and the area surrounding the Hong Kong Children's Fair are all completely dominated by 18k. Jiang gives permission to all the Red Poles to eliminate the 18k. 18k is threatening their power and is growing stronger everyday. Jiang hopes to find out who the head chairman of the 18k is. After this discussion amongst the organization, the meeting ends.
 * 7)  After that major meeting with Jiang, Wei meets with Conroy and Duke at the Night Market. Conroy and Duke heard about Mrs. Chu's retirement and the two wonder where the Water Street Gang can base their operations off of now that the Golden Koi has shut down. Kenneth comes in, as he is now an associate of the Water Street Gang. Kenneth suggests Tsuen Wan, a bay in the city. Kenneth's house is at one of the highest points in Tsuen Wan and that place can serve as a place of operations of the Water Street Gang. Kenneth drives the gang there and on their way to the bay, they are attacked by 18k, who tailed them upon hearing that Mrs. Chu has closed down the Golden Koi. Wei attempts to shoot off the 18k and get them off their backs, but they just keep coming. Kenneth stops the car and Wei and company fight off the 18k, who have improved a lot in terms of fighting. The 18k are eventually stopped and Wei and company continue on to Tsuen Wan. When the four arrive, Kenneth shows them around their new headquarters and tells them to make themselves at home. Upon their excitement, Conroy warns Wei that 18k may be planning to do something with the former Golden Koi. Wei assures Conroy that he will check that out. Meanwhile, Conroy and Duke make themselves at home in their new home.
 * 8)  Wei goes back to the Golden Koi and finds the 18k there. Furious, Wei fights the 18k off and encounters Kevin Wong, an 18k brute who is twice Wei's size. Wei fights Kevin only to lose and escapes the Golden Koi. After Wei escapes the Golden Koi, Wei drives around North Point only to find out that the 18k is having a power struggle with the Water Street Gang around the area. Wei helps the Water Street Gang fight off the 18k in the Night Market and the other surrounding areas. Wei is met by Jiu-Lin, a Water Street member. Jiu-Lin expresses his concern about 18k taking over North Point, as their power is growing exponentially throughout Hong Kong. Wei tells Lin that he will not let that happen.
 * 9)  Wei reports to Jiang, who he reminds that 18k is all over North Point now that Mrs. Chu is retired. Jiang orders Wei to help the Water Street Boys as much as he can and reminds Wei that North Point has been the pivotal area for Sun On Yee for over fifty years. Jiang gives Wei a electronic map that maps out 18k territory and Sun On Yee territory. The map updates every time 18k or Sun On Yee makes a move. Wei brings the map over to Kenneth's penthouse and the two realize that tonight is Friday night; Friday nights are usually nights where 18k go all over Kowloon and intimidate the locals. Wei and Kenneth head to Kowloon and intimidate the 18k, eventually going to the Vietnamese Karaoke Club to confront the 18k, who has the club in lockdown. Once Wei and Kenneth successfully intimidate the 18k, Wei warns 18k to stay the fuck out of North Point, but the 18k thugs show no fear. Wei is frustrated and although being tough himself, Kenneth tries to calm down Wei. Wei goes on about how North Point is important to the Sun On Yee and Kenneth understands, but tells Wei to man up and that things like this should not get to him personally. Wei reluctantly agrees. Wei tells Kenneth that their target should be Kevin Wong; Wei explains that he is the brute that beat Wei up at the Golden Koi. Kenneth is surprised, as anyone who is a match for Wei is obviously dangerous. Wei and Kenneth escape Kowloon and return to the penthouse.
 * 10)  Wei picks up Raymond from the Central Hospital and on the car ride to Raymond's apartment in Central, Wei and Raymond talk about Kevin Wong, the so-called head brute of the 18k. After Wei drops Raymond off at his house, Wei goes to Kenneth's penthouse to talk about next steps.